Alicia D. Nicholls
Days after two Trinidadian nationals were believed to have been among the victims in one of the latest extrajudicial killings by US military forces in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has released a carefully worded statement condemning the build-up of military assets in the Caribbean Sea.
While not specifically mentioning the killings, the statement reiterated, inter alia, support for the “safety and livelihoods of the people of the region”. It should also be noted that the statement was released on behalf of all CARICOM Heads of Government, except Trinidad & Tobago which has “reserved its position”.
The full statement taken from the CARICOM website can be viewed here:
“Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met and discussed various issues on the regional agenda including the increased security build up in the Caribbean and the potential impacts on Member States. Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following:
They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective.
CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region. They underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.
They reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.”
Source: https://caricom.org/statement-from-the-caribbean-community-security-build-up-in-the-region/
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