Chief Sec in dark about US troops in Tobago

CHIEF SECRETARY Farley Augustine said he is unaware of US troops being in Tobago other than a US Air Force aircraft stopping at the ANR Robinson International Airport to refuel.

The aircraft took off around 5.53 am on November 26 from the Crown Point airport, stirring many Tobagonians living in the Crown Point area from their slumber.

A Tobagonian, speaking on condition anonymity, told Newsday he got up for an early-morning workout and heard a loud noise which he initially thought was rain. He said when he looked outside there was no rainfall. He said he immediately wondered whether it was a big commercial aircraft but noted those do not usually arrive or leave the island around that time."

In an interview with TV6 on November 26, Augustine said, "I am currently looking into it. I only learnt of it from online postings and WhatsApp groups. I wasn't aware of it. I am currently investigating to see what transpired, why they were in the space.

"I know they were in TT airspace for a while given the collaboration between Central Government and the US government, but I'm trying to get some more details. Thus far, I know they did refuel in Tobago, but I’m trying to get some details on why and what transpired."

Speaking to the media outside Parliament on November 26, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said there are no US military forces or assets in TT, and her government has not been asked, nor is it preparing – to support or host – any military action against Venezuela.

Her remarks came amid speculation over the US Air Force aircraft in Tobago, which followed recent joint training exercises with US troops, which were supposed to have ended November 21.

Speaking outside Parliament on November 26, Persad-Bissessar held a bouquet of flowers gifted moments earlier by Venezuelan activist Yesenia González, who gathered outside the Red House with five compatriots in support of her.

Persad-Bissessar reiterated that her administration has given no commitment to any military campaign.

“I made that very clear. Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any war against Venezuela.”

Asked about her November 25 meeting with the chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, Persad-Bissessar referred reporters to the official media release issued after the meeting.

She said the discussion focused on anti-trafficking co-operation, combating drug and gun running, and human trafficking. She insisted that Venezuela was not part of the agenda nor was it discussed.

Addressing the presence of the US Air Force aircraft in Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said, “They are helping us with something to do with the Tobago airport… helping us with a little bit of roadway.”

On questions regarding the 250 US Marines who were scheduled to be in TT from November 16-21 for a joint training exercise, she said, “I think they were supposed to leave yesterday, if I’m not mistaken.”

Pressed on whether US troops remain in the country, she said, “To my knowledge, no.”

On alleged US military vessels in TT waters, Persad-Bissessar said, “To the best of my knowledge, they are in international waters.”

A November 14 release posted on the US embassy website said the presence of the United States Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in TT was to support regional stability, counter transnational threats, and strengthen disaster-response capacity, adding the exercises prioritise partnership, safety, and cultural respect.

Persad-Bissessar was also asked about speculation that foreign diplomats were being withdrawn from Caracas. She said Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers was currently in the UAE on an investment mission.

“I do believe our diplomat is still in Caracas. I have not given any instructions to pull anyone out.”

Regarding the US government’s recent designation of the Nicolás Maduro Venezuela administration as a terrorist organisation, she said her government had not taken a similar stance. Asked if her government recognises Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president, she said only, “We stand with the people of Venezuela.”

Turning her attention to González, who had been standing at her side for the duration of the impromptu media briefing, Persad-Bissessar thanked her for the bouquet, saying she had known the activist before entering politics and loved gardening.

Returning to earlier questions on Caine’s visit and possible tensions in Venezuela, the PM said, “There are some people just bent on fear-mongering. There is nothing to be afraid of at this time. When there may be things to be concerned about, I will let you all know.”

She ended the briefing recounting Caine speaking of a friend in TT who told him he needed to do two things when visiting here: "lime" and eat doubles.

“Yesterday we were able to give him the doubles, but he had to leave. So I told him the next time he comes, maybe he will lime…”

Asked for her comments to Venezuelans living in TT who may feel uneasy, Persad-Bissessar directed the question to González.

González said, “She (Kamla) is protected. She’s being guarded by the right people… America will protect Trinidad. They will never allow anything bad to happen here.”