TT and U.S. Strengthen Cooperation Against Venezuelan Gang Threat

Prime Minister Stuart Young and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on March 26 to enhance TT-US cooperation on energy and security, discussing the Venezuelan gang threat and mutual interests. Rubio expressed appreciation for TT’s efforts and urged regional unity against malign influences. Tariffs on Venezuelan oil imports were announced, impacting energy agreements, particularly the Dragon project between TT and Venezuela.

On March 26, Prime Minister Stuart Young and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened in Jamaica to discuss enhancing cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and the United States on energy, national security, and other mutual interests. The discussions lasted one hour and culminated in a statement from the U.S. State Department that highlighted the importance of TT’s contributions to energy security and national security partnerships.

During the meeting, Rubio expressed gratitude for TT’s collaboration in promoting energy security and emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to align with regional partners against the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The U.S. encouraged Young to support measures limiting destabilizing influences in the Caribbean.

U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, recognized TT’s historical energy leadership and acknowledged the necessity for modernization of its natural gas sector amid challenges such as those posed by Venezuela. He conveyed the U.S. commitment to assist Trinidad and Tobago in revitalizing its energy opportunities to ensure ongoing economic progress.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that the bilateral discussions addressed critical issues including trade and energy security, with both leaders affirming the significance of their nations’ relationship. Young’s recent trip concluded with plans to discuss the outcomes at a post-Cabinet news conference on March 27.

In related developments, President Trump announced a secondary tariff on Venezuela, affecting countries that import oil and gas from the nation. This 25 percent tariff is set to take effect from April 2, 2023. Young mentioned that assessments were being made to facilitate cross-border energy deals with Venezuela, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to negotiations concerning these arrangements.

Rubio, in a social media post, indicated that he was acting on presidential directives to discontinue oil and gas licenses granted during the Biden administration that supported the Maduro regime in Venezuela. His comments follow a recent announcement that revoked a license for Chevron to collaborate with Venezuela’s oil sector, sparking concerns about the fate of the Dragon gas project between TT and Venezuela.

Concerns about the Dragon project were initially raised following U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela in 2019, which left the US$1 billion agreement in a state of uncertainty. Previous undertakings to engage in talks regarding extending the license for the Dragon project were noted during a recent meeting of government officials, during which TT’s leadership reaffirmed their intent to pursue significant projects for regional energy security.

The discussions between Prime Minister Stuart Young and Secretary of State Marco Rubio signify a crucial effort to strengthen ties between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. Addressing the challenges posed by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and regional security cooperation are paramount, as are the ongoing negotiations regarding energy projects, particularly the Dragon gas deal. Furthermore, the impending tariff on Venezuelan oil and gas imports underscores the significance of firm strategies in regional governance and energy security arrangements.

Original Source: newsday.co.tt