Trinidadian Fishermen Caught in Crosshairs of U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
ICACOS, Trinidad and Tobago – Fishermen in the Trinidadian villages of Icacos and Cedros are facing mounting fears for their safety and livelihoods as a heightened military presence in the caribbean Sea accompanies a standoff between the United States and Venezuela. The communities, heavily reliant on fishing, are already grappling with threats from pirates, and the increased naval activity adds another layer of risk.
The escalating tensions stem from U.S. efforts to counter drug trafficking, culminating in the first U.S. military strike on September 2, which the Trump administration claimed killed 11 suspected narco-terrorists. president Trump subsequently stated that boat traffic had “substantially” decreased, even among fishermen, adding, “Nobody wants to go into the water anymore.”
Fishermen report altering their routines in response. kamal Bikeran,unloading his catch at the Cedros Fishing Complex,said his crew now fishes in shallower waters and avoids venturing as far out to sea. “The U.S. has come there, and the Venezuelan military is saying they are more present, so you have to watch out,” Bikeran said. “At any point in time,outside there,you could be taken out.”
The shift to shallower waters is impacting catches, threatening the economic stability of families dependent on daily hauls. shyam Hajarie, a fisherman of over 40 years, expressed his anxieties, stating, “Just praying that everything works out with this situation with Venezuela and the U.S.That they make peace and not war.”
Caribbean leaders have voiced concerns over the militarization of the region. At the United Nations General assembly in late September, Barbados Prime minister Mia Mottley called for dialog to prevent conflict, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves described the foreign military buildup as “exceedingly troubling.”
Icacos, located on Trinidad’s southwestern tip, is so close to Venezuela that the South American nation is visible on clear days. The communities’ dependence on fishing is evident in the numerous boats lining the shoreline.
