Kamla: Business as usual in T&T; Venezuela chaos has nothing to do with us

“[…] What happened in Venezuela has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago. Citizens, just like myself, went about our normal business. We are not involved, so citizens have no need to be bothered.

“[…] Trinidad and Tobago does not covet Venezuelan property—we never have and we never will…”

The following is a statement from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in the wake of the United States abduction of Venezuela president Nicolàs Maduro, which plunged Trinidad and Tobago’s South American neighbour into chaos and prompted retorts from political leaders across the globe:

There is no crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, just like yesterday, was a normal day in Trinidad and Tobago.

What happened in Venezuela has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago. Citizens, just like myself, went about our normal business. We are not involved, so citizens have no need to be bothered.

Some persons may be desperate to manufacture a crisis where there is none, but to each his own.

As indicated previously, Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years and I wish them God’s guidance on their transition from oppression and dictatorship to democracy and prosperity.

I was asked by the media today about the Dragon Gas project and I indicated that Dragon gas is the property of the Venezuelan people. Whenever they choose a leader through free and fair democratic elections, that leader will make a decision on Dragon gas.

Trinidad and Tobago does not covet Venezuelan property—we never have and we never will. We will work with what we possess and endeavour to build on it.

I was also asked about the US indictment against Maduro and whether I was surprised that Caribbean politicians were implicated. I’m not surprised at all.

As the story continues to unfold, I have no doubt that many “respectable” and “celebrated” people across all sectors of society will be exposed.

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