Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has drawn criticism across the region after remarks seen as singling out fellow Caribbean Community leaders over relations with the United States.
Persad-Bissessar warned Trinidad and Tobago nationals against “bad-talking” Washington, noting that thousands hold U.S. visas and maintain close ties with the United States “because people like to go and visit the U.S.” She framed the issue as one of security, asking who would defend Trinidad and Tobago if it were attacked.
In comments that reverberated across the region, she cautioned: “Careful you don’t end up like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica… bad-mouthing the U.S. and guess what happened… all their visas rescinded now.”
The remarks triggered swift backlash, with critics accusing her of undermining regional solidarity. Former prime minister Stuart Young described the comments as “disturbing” and “quite frankly sad,” saying they had damaged CARICOM and disrespected long-standing bilateral relationships. “Diplomacy is an art form,” Young wrote in a social media post, arguing that positions can be taken without harming others or compromising sovereignty.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne responded without naming Persad-Bissessar but said a fellow regional leader had publicly accused Antigua and Barbuda of “cursing the U.S. administration.” He challenged the claim to be supported with facts.
Browne also warned that internal divisions continue to weaken the bloc. “The inertia and insularity within CARICOM continue to undermine the effectiveness of our integration movement,” he said, while adding that he remains hopeful for a stronger regional union.
The exchange has exposed fresh tensions within CARICOM, raising questions about diplomacy and unity at a time of heightened external pressure.
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MERRY NEW YEAR. HAPPY XMASS, and A BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS EASTER compliments of the Roman Fascist. Do as I say and not as I do.
Caricom will be hard to complete knowing how each nation thinks they are better than the other.
I believe is not she alone thinks like that but she was bold enough to show where she stand.She and any other will throw anyone under the bus to save themselves.
At least she brave enough to say whats on her mind and not tell everyone expect those who it is about.
Well said PRIME MINISTER KAMALA PERSAD BISSESSAR,you are PRAGMATIC keep it that way in moving the people of TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO forward.Have a HAPPY XMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2026
Don’t blow up the bridges that you’ve crossed!!! You never know when….!
Caricom should be one family. Heads of state are not owners of the state they serve! This is the time to get together and work together for the good of the region. America is here to kill, steal and destroy… nothing else!
She making sure she stands close to Uncle Sam…..Gaston and the rest of the Caribbean can lean on the Communist if they want because Europeans aint gonna do much it’s either Uncle Sam, or Mr. Ping in China pick your poison…..
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago said the right moral and legal things here. ABLP PM Gaston Browne can continue standing up for tyranny, slavery, abuse, and inhumanity with Cuba, Venezuela, and the devil. As it seems that is of utmost importance to him.
@this world is a messed up place
It’s not really a choice to choose between them but in general china have been more beneficial for the Caribbean as a whole with cheap goods and the bell and road initiative that brings modern infrastructure and facilities to nations. What uncle Sam brought the table other than the IMF?
I’ve honestly been thinking about that, there is a lot of things that can be said about Gaston browne but badmouthing the US is not on that list as far as I know
Old hen. She dont even understand what caribbean unity is about
The thing about it is that America political climate will change in the future. Trump has about 3 years. Kamla just got in office and has about 5 years.
No matter what, Venezuela will now view Trinidad differently negatively. And America will not be there to help you all the time.
But we will see how it goes. Caricom should always stand together for it’s own sake.
She is not Brave to utter those words, she is more foolish!! She seriouly believe she would get any help from Trump? Its people who think like her are the reason why there is still disunity in the region. Such a dumb comment!
The point remains, Antigua’s PM wants to be the ‘mangy mongrel’ for the Caribbean, and knowing that the Pit Bull, Trump is his match!
Just kool out! You have nothing to prove to the Caribbean. You have a twin island of loyal citizens that need urgent attention.
On a different note, All Saints Rd. and numerous other roads need your attention!
People is saying Caricom should stand together even when there is dictatorship, greed, tyranny, and stupidity? How ignorant can anyone be to say never speak up to tell incompetent leaders never defend tyranny, inhumane treatment and corruption. Why on earth does the United Islands of Antigua and Barbuda need to stand up for how Cuba and Venezuela and the devil treat people, especially their own people?
These are not country you stand up for in the manner idiots are stupidly doing it. It is like they are encouraging Cuba to continue to keep its people in poverty, without due process and human rights. Again, why stand up for a government that takes away the right to vote and select leaders your leaders?
Are we so dumb? Do we not know what to prioritize? None of the countries are perfect but which one gives the most rights, protect and due process to its people? Commonsense is so lacking