PM meets US Secretary of Energy

7 March

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar held several bilateral meetings in Florida yesterday, including one with United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Persad-Bissessar was among the leaders invited by President Donald Trump to the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral, Florida. After Trump delivered remarks and announced the creation of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, he departed for Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for the transfer of the six US troops killed in a drone strike on a command centre in Kuwait, one day after the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran.

At the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral, Florida, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the leaders for a working lunch after Trump left for Delaware. The lunch gave Kristi Noem the chance to make her debut in her new role as a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas”.On the margins of the summit, Persad-Bissessar, with Minister Sean Sobers and Minister Barry Padarath, held several bilateral meetings.

At the Caricom meeting in St Kitts last month, after a one-on-one meeting with Rubio, Persad-Bissessar said the Secretary of State had referred Trinidad & Tobago to the US Department of Energy to hold talks regarding energy security and the reopening of the Petrotrin refinery.

The Prime Minister engaged in talks yesterday with Wright. She also held bilateral meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamie­son Greer. Trinidad and Tobago had submitted an application to join Mercosur ( Mercado Comun del Sur,“Southern Common Market”), a regional economic and trade bloc in South America created to promote free trade, economic integration, and cooperation among its member states. Sobers confirmed the application to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its capacity as Pro Tempore President of Mercosur. The Prime Minister engaged in bilateral talks with Para­guay President San­tiago Peña on this issue.

Padarath: PM a showstopper

Padarath praised the Prime Minister for elevating Trinidad & Tobago, always focused on the best interests of the country.

“As the lone female head of government, the Prime Minister was a showstopper, she definitely stood out. Heads and delegates found her very engaging, witty, charming and, most importantly, forceful in advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s interest in national security and energy matters to be specific.

“Delegates commented on the Prime Minister’s ‘stunning appearance in white’ and her willingness to ‘work the room’. It was a phenomenal experience but a very proud moment to witness how appreciated and admired the Prime Minister is among her international counterparts.”

Padarath said Trump’s introduction of Persad-Bissessar added colour and attention to the Prime Minister who had been on the move all day, moving from meeting to meeting.

“It had been a very hectic day. The PM had at least eight bilateral engagements and is currently on her way to another one. Our Prime Minister is in demand here in Doral. It signals the level of interest our foreign policy under her leadership has generated and the willingness of other nations to partner with us.”

 

 

T&T joins anti-cartel coalition

7 March

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar signed up Trinidad & Tobago to a historic hemispheric shield, led by the USA in its campaign against drug cartels and in safeguarding the Americas from external threats.

With Persad-Bissessar at his side, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation committing to the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition—focused on using force to deal with criminal cartels—at the Shield of the Americas summit at Trump National Doral golf course resort in Miami. Persad-Bissessar was the only woman leader among the invited heads, which included a dozen leaders from South and Central America. In the audience, she sat in the front row next to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

In his address, President Trump announced a “brand new military coalition” to eradicate the criminal cartels plaguing the hemisphere. Pointing out that the US has been conducting kinetic strikes on drug boats in the region, resulting in a 96% reduction in drugs coming through the waters, he said: “We’re trying to find out who the other 4% are, because I think they’re the bravest people in the world.”

Hegseth and representatives of 17 nations had formally entered this new alliance. On March 5, 2026, Hegseth hosted the inaugural Americas Counter-Cartel Conference in Doral, Florida, signing a joint security declaration with 17 leaders from the West Indies, Central America and South America. Trinidad & Tobago Defence Minister, Wayne Sturge, appealed to Hegseth to provide assets to fight criminals.

Urging leaders to work with the US to eradicate cartels and share information, Trump said, “The heart of our agreement is a commitment to using lethal military force to destroy the sinister cartels and terrorist networks once and for all. We’ll get rid of them. We need your help. You have to just tell us where they are. We have amazing weaponry, as you probably noticed over the last short period of time.”

Trump said some countries have “rough communities” that threaten the rule of law, as transnational gangs have taken over parts of the Western Hemisphere. He reiterated that the US will help deal with “bloodthirsty cartels that impose their will through murder, torture, extortion, drug trafficking, bribery and terror”.

The US has the capabilities to launch missiles into the living rooms of these cartels. Many have developed sophisticated military operations. Trump said every leader present yesterday is united in the conviction that lawlessness cannot be tolerated in this hemisphere.

“These brutal criminal organisations pose an unacceptable threat to national security. And they provide a dangerous gateway for foreign adversaries in our region. And we don’t want them near our country, either. We don’t want them to come in. They’re cancer and we don’t want it spreading. The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries. We have to use our military,” he said, urging other leaders to deploy their forces.

Some countries have “great police”, but even they are threatened and intimidated by gangs, emphasising the need for military action. Trump said that the US is adding ten battleships to the greatest military.

“We don’t want to use them. But by having them, nobody’s going to play games.”

The USA had formed a coalition to eradicate ISIS, and another coalition will target cartels in this hemisphere. Mexico is the “epicentre of cartel violence”, with drug kingpins “orchestrating much of the bloodshed and chaos in this hemisphere”.

Trump said the Mexican President had declined US help to deal with the cartels . He said the United States will not allow “hostile foreign influence” to gain a foothold, including in the Panama Canal.

“We’re not going to allow it. And together, we’ll protect our sovereignty and security and our cherished freedom and independence.”

He said the nations gathered are filled with unlimited potential. “But to fulfil that tremendous potential, we must smash the grip of the cartels and criminal gangs and horrible organisations run by, in some cases, absolute animals and truly liberate our people.”

Some people are afraid to act because gangs have gained a “foothold”, but he vowed that the US will work with them if needed.

Trump turned his focus to Venezuela, stressing zero tolerance for gang activity and committing to working with leaders to end human smuggling after ousting Nicolas Maduro, one of the biggest cartel kingpins .

“We went right into the heart to come out. And it was nasty. It was about 18 minutes of pure violence. And we took him out. We lost nobody. Not one person was lost.”

The US is working closely with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuela is making tremendous money from oil. The President disclosed the US legally recognised the Venezuelan government and recently reached a historic gold deal to facilitate the sale of Venezuelan gold and other minerals.

The US is also looking for “great change” in Cuba, “at the end of the line”.

Rubio said the 12 leaders present yesterday are not just “allies” but also “friends” who are always willing to work and cooperate with the United States. Hegseth said the War Department is implementing the “Donroe Doctrine” and looks forward to working with the countries on shared assets and intelligence to go on the offensive against cartels—whether on drug boats or on land.

 

 

AMERICAS COUNTER CARTEL CONFERENCE

JOINT SECURITY DECLARATION

(signed on March 5, 2026)

The Ministers of Defence and Security or their counterparts and the Heads of Delegation participating in the Americas Counter Cartel Conference;

1. 1. Reaffirming our strong security and defence relationships, based on a shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, and security in the Western Hemisphere;
   2. Respecting the sovereignty of each of our nations, consistent with existing bilateral agreements and the laws of our respective countries; and
   3. Recognising the strategic importance of enhancing cooperation among partners aligned with a common interest in a safe and secure Western Hemisphere; DECLARE our intent to:

• 1. Expand multilateral and bilateral cooperation to enhance security in the Western Hemisphere;
• 2. Cooperate in the following areas: whole-of-government efforts regarding border security; countering narco-terrorism and trafficking; securing critical infrastructure; and other areas as mutually determined;
• 3. Advance “Peace through Strength” to address future threats to our mutual interests; and
• 4. Join a coalition to combat narco-terrorism and other shared threats to the Western Hemisphere

 

 

 

Pride in US partnership

8 March

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday Trinidad and Tobago stood proud and committed to the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. She has been a strong supporter of US military action against narco-trafficking in the region, and when the US armada entered the region, she declared that narco-traffickers should be killed violently

At the Shield of the Americas Summit with leaders from South and Central America in the Trump National Doral golf resort in Miami on Saturday, US President Donald Trump, with Persad-Bissessar at his side, signed a proclamation committing to the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition.

“The heart of our agreement is a commitment to using lethal military force to destroy the sinister cartels and terrorist networks once and for all. We’ll get rid of them.”

Photographs from the event were shared as Persad-Bissessar extended thanks to Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.

“This marks a historic step forward as we unite across the hemisphere to confront the drug cartels head-on and restore safety to our region. For decades, Trinidad and Tobago has battled a crime crisis fuelled by narco-trafficking and the influx of illegal arms and ammunition. We welcome this strengthened alliance with the United States and our Latin American partners as we work together to make the Americas safer for all our people.”

Persad-Bissessar thanked Rubio for his cooperation and Hegseth for “leading the charge in advancing this critical security partnership”.

On March 5, before the summit, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge attended the inaugural Americas Counter-Cartel Conference in Doral, Florida, signing a joint security declaration with 17 nations from the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Sturge appealed to Hegseth to provide assets to fight criminals. Asked if Trinidad & Tobago would benefit from this coalition, he said:

“I believe it can, as we intend to target the cartels at their source as we aim to stem the inflow of drugs and guns. Using shared intel we also intend to dismantle not just local gangs but those who masquerade as legitimate businessmen whilst using their businesses as a facade for financing the inflow of drugs and guns. We have reached the crossroads and I do believe strongly that we will see results.”

Minister Sean Sobers said he and the Prime Minister held talks with Rubio on Saturday and with US officials, including Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

“We discussed a myriad of issues. Obviously, at the top of the list would have been energy security.”

Meetings with Latin American and Caribbean communities included meetings with the presidents of Paraguay, Argentina, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Bilateral talks were held with the President of Paraguay on Trinidad & Tobago’s application for associate membership of Mercosur.

Trinidad & Tobago will see fruits coming to bear quite soon because of this unfiltered, open and transparent approach by the Prime Minister.

Sobers said meetings were geared towards matters related to national security, bilateral and diplomatic matters and several fronts for cooperation. The United States legally recognised Venezuela’s government and Trinidad & Tobago would have more to share about energy cooperation in the coming days. Sobers and Padarath were with the Prime Minister engaging in talks on the international arena.

“I felt extremely humbled, but more so, proud. What I saw was a culmination of promises made and promises kept.”

He said Persad-Bissessar had said that Trinidad & Tobago remains committed to Caricom but must expand friendships.

“And that’s what she did. That talk turned into action in terms of the several different engagements with Latin American countries. The Prime Minister concretised our relationship that was shaky before when we came into office.”

 

 

 

USA removes Radar from Tobago

2026, 03/16

A UNITED STATES military aircraft landed in Tobago yesterday to transport the US-installed AN-TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Task Radar (G/ATOR) from the island to Puerto Rico.

The location in Crown Point where the towering U.S. radar was installed and seen rotating 360 degrees is empty. The U.S.-supplied military-grade ground/air task-oriented Radar was dismantled before leaving Tobago. A U.S. military aircraft will transport the US$3 million per day equipment.

On Wednesday, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the U.S. troops will be leaving Tobago “in a couple days”, and taking the radar with them. The radar arrived in Tobago in November last year, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to help tackle drug trafficking, particularly out of Venezuela.

Former Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro has been deemed the head of a drug cartel by the U.S. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces removed Maduro in a military operation in Caracas.

UNITED STATES military personnel stationed in Tobago will be leaving soon, according to Tobago House of Assembly (THA) member Keigon Denoon, in a news conference yesterday at the Hochoy Charles Administrative Complex in Calder Hall.

US troops had been in Tobago as part of security cooperation between the US and Trinidad & Tobago. Denoon confirmed that the soldiers were staying at the Grafton Beach Resort, however, he emphasised that the THA did not give any instructions to restrict local access to the property.

“There has been no national security directive or directive from the THA for there to be restriction on public use at the hotel…Certainly, I don’t see the need for any restriction when their expected departure is in a couple days.”

 

 

 

PM meets Trump

10 March 2026

While the Parliament expected Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to hold one-on-one discussions with President Donald Trump at the recently concluded Shield of the Americas Summit, the interaction was not a formal closed-door meeting but rather “an engagement” just before the official photo opportunity.

On the eve of the summit, Minister Nicholas Morris told the Lower House, “Mr Speaker, the Honourable Prime Minister will have one-on-one discussions with the United States President Donald Trump, as well as senior officials , including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trade Representative Jameson Greer, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.”

Images posted on Saturday showed bilateral meetings with Secretary Chris Wright and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

However, apart from a video showing President Donald Trump welcoming Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ahead of the official “family photo” with other invited leaders, no images or video indicated that a private meeting took place with the US President.

Minister Sean Sobers said “That would have been a private meeting with the heads at the beginning of this morning’s engagement.

“When they met, there was an individual meeting engagement, and then they moved on to have the photo session. President Trump had individual engagements with each leader, and then they went on to have the photo session.”

After his speech, President Trump left the venue around 1.30 pm.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar left around 8 pm.

While the Summit was addressed by President Trump and Secretaries Hegseth and Rubio, no other invited head of state or government brought remarks on behalf of their country.

There was no joint press briefing following announcement of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC). The coalition is designed to operationalise “hard power” to dismantle drug cartels and transnational criminal organisations across the Western Hemisphere.

Questions remain about what the agreement will mean in practice, particularly how T&T will treat suspected drug runners and whether it will fully embrace the US military’s approach.

The government, through Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, urged media and the Opposition to temper questions regarding sensitive national security matters as the government is legally empowered to refuse to answer them.

 

 

 

SOUTHCOM

PM visits US SOUTHCOM for support in T&T crime fight

2026, 03/10

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has activated the second phase of her Government’s crime suppression strategy, following high-level talks with senior officials from United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida, yesterday.

This next phase will place direct emphasis on tackling crime on the ground in Trinidad and Tobago, signalling a focus on targeted domestic enforcement measures.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister yesterday, Government is seeking deeper partnerships and technical cooperation in cybersecurity, forensic investigations and ballistic analysis to enhance the ability to dismantle criminal organisations and improve crime-fighting capacity.

“I made it clear at today’s meeting that my greatest priority was to ensure the protection of my citizens,” Persad-Bissessar said.

The meeting followed an invitation from the US government and included several senior officials within SOUTHCOM leadership. Attending were SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L Donovan; Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Evan Pettus; Ambassador Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath and Command Senior Enlisted Leader Sergeant Major Rafael Rodriguez.

Persad-Bissessar said the discussions were productive and centred on strengthening the long-standing security partnership between the two countries.

SOUTHCOM officials expressed appreciation for T&T’s leadership within the region in the fight against narcotics trafficking. General Donovan commended the Government’s approach and acknowledged that its efforts had a meaningful impact on the broader regional campaign against the illegal drug trade.

Persad-Bissessar reiterated her Government’s commitment to expanding partnerships aimed at eliminating narcotics trafficking, describing the trade as a destructive force inflicting significant harm on the country.

“My main goal is to ensure the total eradication of this plague that has brought grave destruction to Trinidad & Tobago,” the PM said.

Discussions with SOUTHCOM also explored specific initiatives that could further support T&T national security framework. Several projects were identified that could be implemented as part of ongoing cooperation between the two nations. She did not detail what those  “initiatives” were. She was encouraged by the willingness of SOUTHCOM leadership to broaden areas of collaboration to address emerging security threats across the region.

“I am heartened not only by Southern Command’s commitment to broadening the scope of work to ensure a safer region, but also by the fact that several specific projects were identified for implementation to support Trinidad & Tobago security.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Persad-Bissessar extended an invitation to General Donovan to visit T&T. The SOUTHCOM commander indicated that such a visit could be possible before the end of the year. Persad-Bissessar said the engagement forms part of her Government’s ongoing push to secure every available tool to confront criminal elements threatening the country.

“Today’s meeting was part of my unwavering fight to ensure all the tools possible are available to my Government to crush the criminal elements which threaten our citizens” .

Minister Wilfred Morris, part of the Prime Minister’s delegation with Minister Barry Padarath, reiterated that the Prime Minister’s requests were met with favour from US military officials.

“The PM continues to fight to ensure a safer Trinidad and Tobago and the international stage through this meeting. Because this meeting really was geared to extend that partnership so you could bring safer communities, safer villages and a safer country. At that boardroom,, it was a discussion on how we could make a safer Trinidad and Tobago through partnership with our longest and strongest ally.”

According to President Donald Trump, the Doral Charter signed during the Shield of the Americas Summit proclaims that the US will train and mobilise partner nation militaries to achieve the most effective fighting force necessary to dismantle cartels. The official white paper detailing what the Charter entails has not yet been released .

 

 

 

 

American Action in Venezuela Guaranteed Guyana Oil Future

Matthew Smith – February 27, 2026

Guyana has become one of the world’s wealthiest countries due to proific oil discoveries in the offshore Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil. US intervention in Venezuela removed the military threat to Guyana posed by its nemesis Nicolas Maduro over the petroliferous Essequibo region.

With production projected to exceed 1.5 million barrels per day by the end of the decade, Guyana GDP is expected to expand by 61% between 2025 and 2030, driving significant economic and infrastructure growth.

Once one of South America’s poorest countries, Guyana is now ranked among the world’s richest because of the vast petroleum wealth in its territorial waters. After ExxonMobil found a trove of major hydrocarbon deposits in the offshore Stabroek Block with partners Chevron and CNOOC, Guyana emerged as a major oil producer and exporter.

Considerable production growth ahead will boost the economy and global oil supply. U.S. intervention in Venezuela, with Nicolas Maduro seized during a daring night raid, secured the future of Guyana’s oil boom.

After decades of poor drilling results, Exxon discovered the sweet spot with the first major oil reservoir in Guyana in the Liza-1 wildcat well during May 2015 in the offshore 6.6-million-acre Stabroek Block.

Unknown to Georgetown or the Exxon-led consortium, this strike heralded the beginning of one of the world’s hottest oil booms. Liza-1 was followed by a hoard of major oil discoveries, estimated to contain at least 11 billion barrels of oil. This challenged accepted models of the Guyana-Suriname Basin geology and estimated petroleum potential.The United States Geological Survey (USGS) in a May 2001 report determined the sedimentary basin held mean undiscovered oil resources of 15.2 million barrels.

Recent oil discoveries offshore Guyana, both within and outside the Stabroek Block, coupled with updated geological data, point to the petrostate’s share of the oil basin containing far more oil than that estimated by the USGS.

Since 2020, several discoveries have been made offshore Suriname, primarily in Block 58, contiguous to the Stabroek Block. These sparked considerable interest from foreign drillers seeking the success Exxon is experiencing in the Stabroek Block. TotalEnergies and 50% partner APA Corporation made five discoveries in Block 58 offshore Suriname, where they are developing the $10.5 billion GranMorgu project targeting a 760-million-barrel reservoir.

Those events illustrate the considerable petroleum potential offshore Guyana, which has been a game-changer for the Commonwealth member of less than one million. The former British colony is now ranked by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the world’s seventh wealthiest country, ahead of Norway and behind Qatar, based on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Guyana’s oil production continues to grow. By the end of December 2025, the country was lifting 914,730 barrels of crude oil per day, all from the prolific Stabroek Block.

Hydrocarbon output will keep expanding, at least until the end of the decade.

Exxon, which is the operator of the Stabroek Block and holds a 45% share with Chevron controlling 30% and the remaining 25% held by CNOOC, is developing three additional projects. Firstly, there is the 250,000-barrel capacity Uaru facility, which will come online later this year. This will be followed by the 250,000-barrel capacity Whiptail project is expected to start up in 2027. Finally, there is the 150,000-barrel capacity Hammerhead development, which will begin lifting oil in 2029.

Combined, those three facilities will boost Guyana’s oil production by at least 650,000 barrels per day, perhaps more as operational efficiencies are identified and implemented. This means by the end of the decade Guyana will be pumping at least 1,550,000 barrels per day, overtaking Venezuela to become South America’s second largest oil producer behind Brazil. This will deliver a further economic windfall that will continue to grow as additional facilities and infrastructure are built in the Stabroek Block.

One of the Exxon-led consortium’s most ambitious projects is the Longtail development. Currently, this project is undergoing regulatory review, with Exxon expecting to make a final investment decision (FID) by the end of 2026. This will be the consortium’s eighth facility to be built in the Stabroek Block, although it differs from previous operations in that it will focus on extracting natural gas and condensate. Exxon anticipates that Longtail will start up during 2030 and lift 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 290,000 barrels of condensate per day.

The completion of the Longtail facility will lift Guyana’s overall hydrocarbon production to well over 1.8 million barrels per day once the operation reaches full capacity. These developments make the producer one of the top non-OPEC countries driving global oil supply. This notable increase in petroleum output will also further boost Guyana’s economy. The IMF estimates the one-time impoverished resource-rich country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will expand by a stunning 61% between 2025 and 2030, growing from $25 billion to $40 billion.

Georgetown is using the rising inflow of petroleum revenues to fund a nationwide infrastructure program, which will alleviate poverty and modernize the developing country. These include new community roads and highways to modernize Guyana’s transportation network and enhance internal commerce. Parika Stelling port is being transformed into a world-class international port facility through the investment of $21.5 million. The port on the west bank of the Essequibo River, is an essential piece of infrastructure required to support Guyana’s burgeoning oil boom.

While such rapid economic growth raises questions around governance and the sustainable management of such wealth, notably because of Guyana’s long-history of corruption, it will potentially contribute to greater institutional stability. For these reasons, along with Guyana’s proximity to the United States, the Caricom country will enhance regional energy security because of the close relationship which formed between Georgetown and Washington after US regional responses to Venezuelan scare tactics.

By 2023, the illegitimate leader’s saber-rattling was escalating as he massed military forces on Guyana’s border and ordered incursions into the Essequibo. Maduro threatened to annex the Essequibo, which not only comprises two-thirds of Guyana’s territory but also contains the prolific Stabroek Block. His ouster by U.S. forces on 3 January 2026 neutralized this menace and secured the future of Guyana’s oil boom.

In one fell swoop, President Donald Trump not only guaranteed the petrostate’s future but also bolstered U.S. energy security by removing a serious threat to Guyana’s growing oil production.

 

 

 

Joint statement from the leaders of: 

the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago, Croatia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Panama, North Macedonia, Nigeria, Montenegro, Albania, Marshall Islands, Chile and Moldova

on the Strait of Hormuz

19 March 2026

1. 1. We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
   2. We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict.
   3. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
   4. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
   5. The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.

Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security.

1. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
2. We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.
3. We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves.
4. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.
5. We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.

Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.

 

 

 

UK condemns Iran attack on Diego Garcia which RAF defends
,

March 21st 2026 –

Britain’s Ministry of Defence condemned on Saturday the launch of two Iranian intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Neither projectile struck the installation but the attacks are “dangerous” and represent “a threat to British interests and those of its allies” across the region, including through the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Royal Air Force aircraft and other UK military assets “continue to defend our population and personnel in the region.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, one missile failed in flight while a US warship fired an SM-3 interceptor at the second, though it remains unclear whether the interception was successful.   The missiles were launched on Friday, hours after the UK government expanded its authorization for the USA to use British bases, including Diego Garcia, for defensive operations aimed at degrading Iranian missile capabilities threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The attack marks Iran’s longest-range strike since the conflict began. Diego Garcia lies approximately 4,000 kilometres from Iranian territory — double the 2,000-kilometre range that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had cited as the limit of Tehran’s missile capability. The attempt suggests Iran’s ballistic programme possesses greater reach than publicly acknowledged.

Britain authorized the USA to use UK bases for “specific and limited defensive operations” within the current conflict. Ministers on Friday assessed the situation and agreed that authorization extends to operations targeting missile sites threatening navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of global oil supply transits.

Days before the attack, Araghchi had warned the UK that permitting use of its bases amounted to “participating in the aggression” and urged London to halt all military cooperation with Washington. He argued that the “vast majority” of British people oppose involvement in the war. President Donald Trump criticized London for its “very late” response and called NATO allies “cowards” for refusing to contribute warships to reopen the thoroughfare

 

 

 

Iran attack on Qatar LNG hub damaged Shell Pearl GTL plant

Bloomberg March 19, 2026

Shell Plc said its Pearl gas-to-liquids plant sustained damage in Iran’s attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar on Wednesday .A fire at the site has been extinguished and the facility is in a “safe state,” Shell said.   All essential staff are safe and accounted for and the extent of the damage is being assessed. Shell’s Pearl GTL plant refines as much as 1.6 billion cubic feet of wellhead gas from offshore wells into as much as 140,000 barrels a day of fuel, including gasoil, kerosene and base oil, along with petrochemical feedstock.

The attacks on Pearl GTL caused “extensive damage,” QatarEnergy said in a separate statement. There were also missile attacks on several of the company’s liquefied natural gas facilities that caused “sizable fires and extensive further damage.”

Attacks on energy infrastructure escalated over the past two days, as Iran targeted some of the Middle East’s most important energy facilities in retaliation for Israel’s strike on its South Pars gas field. Ras Laffan was one of several locations that Iran targeted Wednesday after its South Pars gas field and related assets were attacked.

Saudi Arabia said it was assessing damage at its Samref refinery.

 

 

 

Colombia envoy talk energy with Ministry

24 March

Minister in the Ministry of Energy Ernesto Kesar hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Colombia led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Colombia to T&T William Sidney Bush Howard. Present were Christopher Thomas, political advisor, and Faith Wong, business advisor at the Colombia Embassy, acting permanent secretary Karinsa Tulsie and energy international relations advisor Sheena Gosine at the ministry.

The Energy Ministry stated, “The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing bilateral relationship between The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and The Republic of Colombia, particularly in the energy sector.  Colombia currently purchases liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation in energy trade and regional energy security.

Discussions focused on several key areas of collaboration, including strengthening and accelerating existing bilateral energy agreements; expanding opportunities for deeper trade and investment between both countries; and enhancing capacity-building efforts, including the introduction of a Spanish language training programme for ministry staff to facilitate closer engagement.”

Kesar highlighted T&T’s strategic direction within the energy sector, including plans to explore deepwater acreage and ongoing efforts to reposition the country as the energy hub of the region.

“Minister Kesar emphasised that partnerships with key regional stakeholders such as the Republic of Colombia will be critical in achieving these objectives. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to continue engagement on priority areas to deliver tangible outcomes for both nations.”

 

 

 

Resumption of Operations at U.S. Embassy Caracas

March 30, 2026

Since March 2019, U.S. diplomatic engagement with Venezuela has been through the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), the interim diplomatic office of the U.S. Government to Venezuela, located at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

Today, we are formally resuming operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela.

In January, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas to lead U.S. government’s efforts on the ground in Venezuela as Charge d’Affaires. Ambassador Dogu’s team is restoring the chancery building at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas to prepare for the full return of personnel as soon as possible and the eventual resumption of consular services.

The resumption of operations at U.S. Embassy Caracas is a key milestone in implementing the President’s three‑phase plan for Venezuela and will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society and the private sector.

 

 

 

Venezuela diplomatic delegation to formalize relations with US

 March 25th 2026

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced on Tuesday that a delegation of Venezuelan diplomats will travel to Washington this week to advance the normalization of bilateral relations with the United States, severed since 2019.

“This week, the delegation of diplomats who will begin this new stage of diplomatic and political relations and dialog between our governments will depart for Washington,” Rodríguez said during a meeting with investors.

The group of officials appointed by the Foreign Ministry, aims to establish Venezuela’s diplomatic representation in the US capital, reactivate passport and document services and restore consular assistance to the Venezuelan community in the United States. The designated head of mission in Washington is Félix Plasencia, according to the Venezuelan government, following a meeting held on March 19 at Miraflores Palace with a delegation from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The trip coincides with the entry into force of General License 53, issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The measure authorizes US banks and service providers to offer services to Venezuelan diplomatic missions, including opening accounts, processing transfers and covering operational expenses for the embassy and consulates. The license excludes real estate transactions.

Venezuela and the United States formally agreed to restore diplomatic ties on March 5, a shift that followed the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a US military operation in Caracas on January 3. Maduro faces four charges in a New York court, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and weapons possession, with a hearing scheduled for March 26. Flores faces related charges.

During the meeting with investors, Rodríguez reiterated her request that Washington lift economic sanctions on Venezuela. “We have asked President Trump, for investors, not just for Venezuela, that there be no sanctions against Venezuela, against its economy,” she said. The Venezuelan leader also urged attending business representatives to invest in the country, assuring them of “guarantees, legal certainty and stability.”

The rapprochement is taking place in a complex context: human rights organizations report that the Venezuelan government still holds over 500 political prisoners, despite amnesty measures announced in recent weeks.

 

 

 

IDB Projects Region to Grow 2.1% in 2026

Amid Global Uncertainty and Persistent Challenges

March 03, 2026 WASHINGTON —

Latin American and Caribbean economies are projected to grow by an average of 2.1% in 2026, broadly in line with its long-run average, according to the Inter-American Development Bank‘s new macroeconomic report. The analysis underscores the resilience of the region’s economies and finds that accelerating inclusive growth will demand sound macroeconomic frameworks and bold structural reforms, alongside efforts to harness opportunities in technology and commodities, amid growing global risks.

The projection reflects a gradual slowdown compared to the region’s 2.2% growth in 2025.

According to “Resilience and Growth Prospects in a Shifting Global Economy,” labor markets in the region have sustained low unemployment, inflation has been largely contained, and investor confidence has improved, as reflected in historically low borrowing costs, with the median sovereign spread falling to 209 basis points at the end of 2025, down from 268 in 2019.

Despite these gains, growth remains insufficient to close income gaps, public-debt levels are high, and higher interest payments are placing increasing pressure on public finances and external accounts.

“Latin America and the Caribbean navigated global uncertainty with resilience, supported by fiscal and monetary frameworks that have helped contain inflation and sustain macroeconomic stability,” said Laura Alfaro Maykall, IDB chief economist and economic counselor. “Looking ahead, countries have to accelerate productivity-led growth, strengthen public finances, and seize new opportunities from digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the energy to raise living standards and build more resilient and inclusive economies.”

Opportunities in critical minerals

The region is uniquely positioned to turn rapid technological advances and global energy needs into engines of growth, the report underscores. Both trends rely heavily on critical minerals, which the region holds in abundance. A striking example is lithium; global demand is projected to rise between 470% and 800% by 2050.

With roughly half of global lithium resources, about 35% of global copper reserves, and more than 20% of rare-earth reserves, the region is well positioned to become a strategic supplier in the value chains of the future.

The report cautions, however, that natural wealth does not guarantee lasting development. Capturing the opportunity in critical minerals will require stronger institutions, predictable rules, diverse and reliable energy, robust environmental governance, and disciplined fiscal frameworks.

Improvement in labor market conditions

Labor-market conditions improved markedly in 2025, with unemployment rates falling in most countries between June 2024 and June 2025, and joblessness nearing its lowest levels in recent years.

While women’s participation in the labor force has surged, growth remains constrained by modest productivity gains and demographic shifts that are slowing the expansion of the working-age population.

As a result, sustaining growth will increasingly depend on productivity gains and upgrading skills. Expanding access to digital training and supporting workers’ transitions into higher-productivity occupations will be essential as labor markets evolve.

The report highlights skills related to artificial intelligence as the fastest-growing in the region, with job postings referencing AI rising sharply by mid-2025, to 7% of total vacancies.

Fiscal policy is entering a challenging phase, requiring urgent strengthening of fundamentals. Public debt remains above pre-2020 benchmarks, interest payments are rising, and fiscal consolidation has weakened.

Average public debt in the region stands at 59% of GDP, with projections ranging between 57% and 66% of GDP by 2028 under baseline and stress scenarios. Among policy actions, the report highlights the potential of digitalization to boost tax collection when paired with credible enforcement strategies.

While inflation has largely returned to target across much of the region, higher global interest rates, shifting expectations, and the growing use of digital and foreign-currency assets are reshaping the monetary-policy landscape. The report emphasizes the importance of reaching a neutral monetary stance — neither stimulating nor restraining economic activity — while developing flexible tools to absorb external shocks.

The report concludes that policies promoting stronger competition, improved skills formation, deeper regional integration, and the development of more sophisticated regional value chains can significantly boost productivity — and should remain at the center of Latin America and the Caribbean’s policy agendas.

About the IDB: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. https://www.iadb.org/en.

Cavelier,Andres acavelier@iadb.org

ECO- Curbing population growth is the solution as criminality stymies prosperity

 

 

CARICOM CONUNDRUM 

economic consequences of war

2026, 03/22 Mariano Browne, Chief Executive Officer, UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business

US and Israeli military action against Iran is now in its fourth week. The economic impact is clear. This is a war of choice, as it is evident Iran posed no imminent threat to the US.

Like Iraq, Iran has no weapons of mass destruction, though Israel and the US have nuclear weapons. The consequences are being felt by Iran and the countries hosting US bases. The destruction of upstream energy capabilities and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are having global repercussions.

Head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, a Turkish economist and energy expert, warned that the conflict caused “the greatest energy security threat in history.”

He added that it could take six months or longer to fully restore oil and gas flows from the region. The region accounts for 20 per cent of the global oil and gas supply, 30 per cent of global agricultural inputs and a host of other derivative products used in key industries, including semiconductors, now used in every economic activity.

Whilst most of the region’s energy output goes to Asia, a supply shock of this scale triggers global displacement as companies seek alternative supply sources, thus driving up costs.

Nominal Brent and WTI prices,, don’t reveal the full impact. The Telegraph Business Editor remarked , “the Russia shock in 2022 was a picnic compared to what is now happening. The world will hit a brick wall within two months.”

The regional outlook deteriorated since Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, which expands the scope of targets to upstream gas and oil infrastructure on both sides of the Gulf.

To illustrate these regional displacement effects and their wider impact, he noted, “Actual barrels of Dubai basket and Oman’s Murban are near $170 each as Asian refiners scramble to buy whatever they can. Jet fuel deliveries reached $210 in Rotterdam and $240 in Singapore.”

In the US, gasoline pump prices now average US$4 a gallon compared to US$2.98 on February 27.

Trump publicly chided Israel for escalating the conflict by attacking Iran’s South Pars gas field. The resulting economic impact led the President to lift sanctions on Russian and Iranian energy supplies for the next 30 days.

This aims to prevent energy shortages that could disrupt the global economy and burden American consumers. The underlying bet is that tensions in the Gulf will subside within this period; otherwise, further actions will be needed. What will this military escalation look like, and what will be the additional consequences for the rest of the world?

Israel’s unilateral action reveals that the US and Israeli objectives are divergent.

While a fractured Middle East may strengthen Israel, it also fuels global uncertainty. So is systematically assassinating Iranian leaders, ensuring that hardliners will emerge to prolong the hostilities, complicating the conditions for peace.

The US, though self-sufficient in oil, gas and food, remains vulnerable due to its reliance on foreign industrial inputs—undermining its hegemonic ambitions. Americans feel the inflationary effects of such instability acutely, as does the rest of the world.

The current impasse in the Persian Gulf clearly shows the limits of American military power in the region, particularly when relying solely on air power. Although Iran’s navy and air force have been destroyed, Iran remains capable of military retaliation, especially if it could launch missiles at Diego Garcia, 4000 kilometres away.

Furthermore, the exchange ratio—the cost of the drones and hypersonic missiles which Iran produces, versus the cost of US defensive missiles—gives Iran an advantage. As a result, it is truly remarkable that the US, the country with the most powerful navy in the world, is unable to guarantee safe passage through the Hormuz Strait and maintains its fleet a safe distance away while calling on allies for assistance.

It is unclear how or when the war in Iran will end. More countries now back reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump called for NATO involvement. While this is not NATO’s fight, as several NATO members have told President Trump, Iran’s control of the Strait impacts the world economy and OECD nations’ financial interests.

Energy prices in the Caribbean Basin have yet to rise, but increases are inevitable. Governments lack the fiscal capacity to cushion this impact. At the same time, rising bond yields, driven partly by the war, are increasing borrowing costs for these already highly indebted countries.

Many territories rely on tourism and imported food, making them susceptible to fluctuations from externally generated inflation and the negative impact on the cost of living and income distribution. When airfares and hotel prices rise due to higher fuel costs or inflation reduces the disposable incomes of potential visitors, tourism declines.

Similarly, the planting season cannot be delayed due to climate constraints; rising fertiliser costs drive up food prices, local and imported. A prolonged war in Iran will devastate developing and middle-income countries everywhere, causing persistent economic damage that will last well after the conflict ends.

The longer the war, the worse the adjustment process.

 

 

[   ECO -FOOD IS KEY Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture pioneered food crops in The West Indies but power-mad local politicians neglected production for 7 decades since 1956 and began anti-US protests to grab US Naval Base in Trinidad.

Progeny of indentured Indian farmers were marginalised as the state acquired 51 % of Caroni from Tate & Lyle in 1970 and sought troops from US to quell black power riots. In 1969 the state acquired 50.1 % of BP with US operator Tesoro taking 49.9 per cent and providing management until the state bought its share in 1985.

Following losses, the sugar industry was nationalised in 1975. Oilfield strikes led to the state acquiring the refinery and producing assets of Texaco Trinidad.

As public services became bloated, few workers chose agriculture, at existential risk from larceny, robbery and poor services. Water buffalo in Trinidad swamps and goats in Tobago highlands can provide cheese. Caroni Plain is ideal for maize and slopes can support cocoa and fruit trees.  ]