In a strategic move that underscores escalating tensions in the Caribbean, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, arrived in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Sunday. This deployment aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified military pressure on Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro. The USS Gravely’s presence complements the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which is also positioning closer to Venezuelan waters. Maduro has condemned these maneuvers, accusing the U.S. of orchestrating a ‘new eternal war’ against his nation. U.S. President Donald Trump has further heightened tensions by alleging, without evidence, that Maduro leads the organized crime group Tren de Aragua. The warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday, facilitating joint training exercises between the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago. These exercises aim to address shared threats such as transnational crime and enhance regional security. However, the deployment has sparked controversy locally. David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice, criticized the decision, labeling the warship’s presence an ‘abomination’ given the proximity to Venezuela and the looming threat of conflict. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has voiced support for the U.S. military presence, citing regional security concerns. The visit follows a recent U.S. Embassy warning to Americans in Trinidad and Tobago to avoid government facilities due to reported threats. Despite calls for dialogue from regional trade bloc Caricom, Persad-Bissessar has emphasized that the Caribbean is not a ‘zone of peace,’ pointing to high rates of violent crime.
US warship docks in Trinidad and Tobago, puts more pressure on Venezuela
