Trinidad adn Tobago installs US radar to Counter Sanctions Evasion and trafficking
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has announced the installation of a US-supplied radar system aimed at bolstering the countryS security and combating illicit activities. The radar, installed at a new airport, is intended to detect the movement of sanctioned Venezuelan oil and disrupt drug and human trafficking operations.
The installation follows the arrival of the US warship USS Gravely in late October as part of a larger US naval deployment to the Caribbean focused on counter-narcotics efforts. Venezuela, facing pressure from the United States, has dismissed thes maneuvers as a provocation.
Persad-Bissessar, a strong supporter of former US President Donald Trump, confirmed the radar installation during a November 27th television appearance. She stated the system will aid in identifying attempts to evade sanctions on Venezuelan crude oil, as well as intercept the flow of narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and migrants entering Trinidad and Tobago from Venezuela.
“The latest equipment enhances our surveillance capabilities and adds a higher layer of protection that was previously unavailable,” Persad-Bissessar explained.
The US imposed an oil embargo on Venezuela in 2019, and sanctions remain in place under the current administration.
The new radar has sparked criticism from the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM). The Prime Minister accused the PNM of downplaying the illegal trafficking originating in Venezuela and suggested thier inquiries about the radar are an attempt to obtain sensitive security information to assist criminal networks.
Opposition leader Pennelope Beckles has urged the Prime Minister to present any evidence of wrongdoing to law enforcement.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Persad-Bissessar of collaborating with the US in efforts to overthrow his government. However,the Prime Minister maintains that Washington has not requested to use trinidad and Tobago as a launchpad for any attacks against Venezuela.
Recent US military activity in the region includes the destruction of 20 vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, resulting in 83 fatalities.
