Trinidad and Tobago Teams Up with the U.S.: A Bold Step for National Security Amid Venezuela’s Chaos

 The recent agreement signed between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago has sparked intense debate within the geopolitical context of Hispanic America.

At a time when Venezuela is undergoing a complex political transition, the renewal of bilateral security and defense agreements between the two island nations raises questions about Washington’s role in the region and the potential consequences for the South American country.

Key Agreements and Their Regional Impact 

On December 10, 2024, U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) and the government of Trinidad and Tobago signed a series of agreements, including the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

These agreements allow for the deployment of U.S. troops on Trinidadian soil in the event of natural disasters or regional conflicts, including those in Venezuela. Additionally, they expand collaborations in energy, cybersecurity, and human rights, according to the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

The SOFA, in place since 2007 and renewed several times, now includes new provisions that facilitate interoperability between the armed forces of both nations and eliminates expiration dates, solidifying indefinite cooperation between the two countries.

Venezuela in the Crosshairs: Prelude to an Intervention? The geographical proximity of Trinidad and Tobago to the Venezuelan coast—just 11 kilometers—makes the small Caribbean nation a strategic point for monitoring and responding to the crisis in Venezuela.

Washington has made its stance against the Nicolás Maduro regime clear, increasing sanctions and diplomatically pressuring the Venezuelan government following recent episodes of repression and the rejection of the July 2024 election results.

Analysts suggest that these agreements could be interpreted as preparations for a potential conflict in Venezuela, particularly considering tensions over the disputed Essequibo territory between Venezuela and Guyana.

The U.S. has also signed similar agreements with Guyana, consolidating its presence in an area of growing strategic importance. 

A Region Under Pressure: Energy and Cybersecurity

In addition to the military realm, the agreements with Trinidad and Tobago include collaborations in energy and cybersecurity.

The Caribbean region is vital for the supply of gas and oil, and Venezuela’s instability has prompted the United States to strengthen alliances with neighboring countries to ensure energy security. Trinidad and Tobago, one of the region’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), plays a crucial role in this strategy.

Regarding cybersecurity, the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and the spread of misinformation have led both countries to prioritize this area as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. This reflects a global trend in which digital defense is becoming an essential component of international relations.

 

Despite the potential benefits, the agreements have also sparked controversy. Opposition groups and civil society organizations in Trinidad and Tobago have expressed concerns about national sovereignty and the risk of the country being dragged into a regional conflict. Prime Minister Keith Rowley has defended the agreements as a means to strengthen security and stability, but criticisms persist.

In Venezuela, the Maduro government has labeled the agreements as a direct threat and an example of U.S. «imperialist interference» in the region. 

Caracas has ramped up its military exercises in border areas and sought to strengthen ties with allies like Russia and China to counterbalance U.S. influence.

 

The renewal of these agreements marks a turning point in regional security and defense policy.

While the collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago has the potential to strengthen stability in the Caribbean, it also presents significant risks. The possibility of an undeclared intervention in Venezuela increases tensions and polarizes the involved actors.