Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has emphatically stated that “there is no crisis in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Addressing Saturday’s military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar assured the public that “what happened in Venezuela has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago.”
“Citizens, just like myself, went about our normal business. We are not involved, so citizens have no need to be bothered. Some persons may be desperate to manufacture a crisis where there is none, but to each his own.”
The Prime Minister stated that as Venezuela undergoes its transition, Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to deepening its longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela and renewing cooperation.
“I wish them God’s guidance on their transition from oppression and dictatorship to democracy and prosperity. I was asked by the media today about the Dragon Gas project and I indicated that Dragon gas is the property of the Venezuelan people. Whenever they choose a leader through free and fair democratic elections, that leader will make a decision on Dragon gas. Trinidad and Tobago does not covet Venezuelan property; we never have and we never will. We will work with what we possess and endeavour to build on it.”
The Prime Minister said she was asked about the US indictment against Mr. Maduro and whether she was surprised that Caribbean politicians were implicated.
“I’m not surprised at all. As the story continues to unfold, I have no doubt that many “respectable” and “celebrated” people across all sectors of society will be exposed.”