Trinidad and Tobago is set to see continued US military engagement through joint training, capacity-building exercises, maritime interdiction coordination and disaster response preparedness as part of a strengthened defence partnership with the United States.
The move follows the activation of the United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), which will coordinate US military operations with trusted Caribbean and Latin American partners, including Trinidad and Tobago, to counter transnational criminal networks and strengthen regional security.
The new task force is expected to enhance maritime security cooperation, support rapid responses to humanitarian crises and improve coordination among regional partners in addressing complex security threats.
A statement from the US Embassy in Port of Spain said the activation of JTF-WHEM, along with Trinidad and Tobago’s continued participation in the 18-nation Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), reflects a shared commitment to defending sovereignty, strengthening regional security and confronting narco-terrorist networks.
US Embassy Port of Spain Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern said Trinidad and Tobago remains a key partner in efforts to address challenges threatening regional stability.
“Trinidad and Tobago remains a vital regional partner in confronting complex security challenges that threaten our shared stability. Through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and SOUTHCOM’s new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, we are deepening our cooperation to disrupt criminal networks, safeguard critical maritime routes, and ensure a safer, more prosperous Caribbean.”
The US Embassy said the defence partnership will continue through collaboration between US military personnel and Trinidad and Tobago counterparts in areas including training exercises, maritime security operations and disaster preparedness.