Several members of the Government have come out in full support of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar following her remarks at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis, on Tuesday.
Among them was Acting Prime Minister Jearlean John, who declared her full support and endorsement of the positions articulated in the Prime Minister’s address, saying that rather than burying her head in the sand, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar chose to confront issues that are too often left unspoken in regional forums.
“The Prime Minister’s address was notable for its clarity and forthright engagement with matters affecting the region. Her remarks did not shy away from difficult observations regarding the current functioning of regional mechanisms, while at the same time emphasising the shared responsibility of member states to strengthen cooperation, responsiveness, and accountability within CARICOM.
Also giving his full support was Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, who praised the Prime Minister for “her frank, constructive and unapologetically honest address” on crime, illegal migration, and regional leadership, affirming that she spoke the “truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
“The Prime Minister made it clear that Trinidad and Tobago will no longer bind its foreign and security policies to external political ideologies where such alignment compromises our sovereignty or national interest. That statement was neither reckless nor isolationist. It was responsible. It was necessary. And it was long overdue. Sovereignty is not symbolic. It is practical. It means protecting our borders, defending our citizens, and crafting policies that reflect the lived realities of our people. Our Prime Minister courageously addressed the issue that many prefer to soften, the regional crime crisis fueled by narco trafficking, illegal firearms and gang networks.”
On crime and national security, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge said the Prime Minister was right to pursue decisive measures to protect both our citizens and our sovereignty. Like the Prime Minister, he noted CARICOM’s silence while Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana faced threats from Venezuela, and supported her stance to work with the United States to advance national security interests.
“The Prime Minister is correct in her stance to pursue initiatives which serve to protect our citizens and our sovereignty from those narco terror entities which have brought nearly three decades of violence and decay to our country, as to do otherwise would result in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago being rivalled by narco terrorists as is being witnessed in Mexico in recent days. The Ministry of Defence stands committed to work with the Government of the United States of America as we pursue such initiatives, which are necessary to protect our shared interests and values, and as we work in partnership to ensure that democracy and the rule of law prevails in our hemisphere.”
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that he “firmly and unequivocally” supported “the powerful and principled statement” delivered by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, adding that he was proud to serve in her Government and to work under her leadership in advancing the best interests of the nation.
“It sent a clear message that her administration will always place national interest, democracy, and the rule of law first. In challenging regional and global circumstances, she has once again shown that Trinidad and Tobago is guided by principled leadership, sound judgment, and a deep respect for democratic values and the rule of law. Her voice at CARICOM was not only firm, but fearless and visionary.”
Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj also offered strong praise for the Prime Minister, stating that she spoke with clarity and unwavering resolve on issues that directly impact the safety and future of Trinidad and Tobago.
“At a time when our nation faces serious challenges – including gang violence, illegal firearms, narcotics trafficking, and illegal migration – she made it clear that protecting our citizens remains the Government’s highest priority. The 42% reduction in murders this year, representing 257 fewer lives lost, is clear evidence that decisive leadership and strong policy direction are producing meaningful results. These are not just statistics; they represent lives saved and communities given renewed hope. Through firm action and strategic cooperation, the Government has demonstrated that when national security is treated with urgency and seriousness, progress is possible.”
And Minister of Land and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Saddam Hosein described the PM’s address as “courageous and deeply human”, noting that she spoke candidly about the real-world struggles confronting Trinidad and Tobago, from the scourge of gang violence to the complexities of illegal migration.
“What we saw today wasn’t just a politician at a podium; it was a leader speaking from the heart about the safety of her people. The Prime Minister was firm: while we are a proud part of the Caribbean family, our first duty is to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Her honesty about the 42% drop in murders, saving 257 lives through decisive action, shows that she prioritises results over rhetoric.”
Minister Hosein said the Prime Minister delivered a masterstroke with her announcement to open the UWI South Campus and the Couva Children’s Hospital to all CARICOM nationals, describing the move as a bold step towards deeper regional integration and shared progress.
“She has effectively ended the era of ‘No Action, Talk Only’. By offering our world-class healthcare and education to our neighbours, she is building a stronger Caribbean through deeds, not just speeches.”