Collaboration Between Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. Deepens Amid…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on energy security and national security issues, particularly concerning the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. This agreement, articulated during their meeting in Jamaica, aligns with recent U.S. tariff actions against Venezuela’s oil trade. Young remains focused on continuing cross-border energy projects critical for regional stability.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young have reached an agreement to enhance collaboration on energy, national security, and other matters of shared interest. Their discussions took place during a one-hour bilateral meeting in Jamaica on March 26, as noted in a statement from the U.S. State Department.

During the meeting, Rubio expressed gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts in promoting energy security, enhancing security partnerships, and improving coordination on the deportation of illegal aliens. He also emphasized the necessity for regional allies to counteract the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.

US Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s critical role as an energy leader while discussing revitalization efforts for its natural gas sector amidst challenges posed by Venezuela. He pointed out that there is a concerted effort to identify new opportunities as older fields become less viable.

The discussions also touched upon U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose secondary tariffs on Venezuela, specifically targeting oil and gas purchase transactions. The proposed tariffs will impose a 25 percent charge on countries doing trade with the U.S. that engage with Venezuela’s oil and gas sector, set to take effect on April 2.

Prime Minister Young has reaffirmed ongoing efforts to finalize cross-border energy deals with Venezuela and indicated that he would soon provide more context regarding these discussions. Concurrently, Rubio has been vocal about terminating recent oil and gas licenses that have financially supported the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

The licensing implications for the Dragon gas project, a joint initiative between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, are complex, especially after the U.S. announced sanctions against Venezuela since 2019. Previous agreements concerning the development and export of natural gas from the Dragon field have faced uncertainties following these sanctions.

Young has reiterated the importance of energy projects like the Dragon and Manakin-Cocuina initiatives, recognizing their vital role not only for Trinidad and Tobago but also for broader regional energy security. Recent meetings have aimed at discussing the extension and importance of these projects in light of the changing political dynamics with the U.S.

The discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young represent a significant step towards strengthening local and regional security amid threats from Venezuelan criminal organizations. The impending tariffs on Venezuelan oil and gas trade highlight the urgent need for Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. collaboration on energy projects to ensure economic stability. Both nations are committed to enhancing their bilateral relationship, focusing on energy security and older energy projects that remain crucial for the region.

Original Source: newsday.co.tt