The government of Trinidad and Tobago has given formal permission for the U.S. to use two airports on the islands for “logistical activities.” According to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs issued a statement that: “In keeping with established bilateral cooperation, the Ministry has granted approvals for United States military aircraft to transit Trinidad and Tobago’s airports in the coming weeks. The United States has advised that these movements are logistical in nature, facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations.”
“The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs maintains close engagement with the United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago,” it added, without providing any further information about U.S. military plans for T&T. “The Honourable Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has affirmed the Government’s commitment to cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. We welcome the continued support of the United States.”
Government officials, including Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers, did not respond to Trinidad and Tobago Guardian inquiries seeking more information about the expected U.S. deployment. Persad-Bissessar claimed only that this was a “routine cooperation between the U.S. military and our national security agencies.”
