Maduro calls on T&T to unite for peace

[CNC3NEWS] – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called on Trinidad and Tobago citizens to prevent the United States from “starting a war in the Caribbean.”

“The message has been received. We have sent the people of Trinidad and Tobago the message that we are brothers. Let us unite for peace; do not allow the Americans to start a war in the Caribbean,” Maduro said during a televised community event in the Cara Al Río Commune, in the Brisas de Petare sector of Miranda state.

His statement comes amid rising tensions and a powerful US military presence in the Gulf of Paria, which is perceived as an attempt by US President Donald Trump to force regime change in Caracas.

With the arrival of the US warship the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, Maduro warned that “a tremendous power of dignity has emerged; massive nighttime marches have been organised in towns and municipalities across the country, from Delta Amacuro, through Sucre, Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta … the people are on their feet.”

He added: “The streets of Margarita and Cumaná are filled with one voice: We want peace!”

With the T&T Government currently supporting the US military buildup on the basis that it is not focused on regime change but rather eliminating drug cartels, the Venezuelan President insisted that unity is necessary for the development and prosperity of both T&T and Venezuela.

However, he blamed America for sowing “discord, intrigue, hatred and xenophobia” to put neighbouring people, who have lived together peacefully all their lives, into unnecessary conflict.

Earlier in the day and over the last few days, other Venezuelan leaders, including the Mayor of Caracas Carmen Meléndez, as well as other leaders of Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party, held rallies where they condemned T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for allegedly causing friction in the region.

The Trinidadian leader has also been declared persona non grata by the authorities in Caracas.