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THE Catholic Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have issued a strong appeal for peace and dialogue amid growing military activity in the Southern Caribbean, warning that the escalation could threaten the region’s stability and the well-being of its people.

In a statement issued on October 25, following their annual conference, the bishops said they viewed “with grave concern the recent build-up of naval and other military assets in the Southern Caribbean waters, and the potential implications this poses for the socio-economic, political and humanitarian well-being of our region and its people.”

Their appeal comes as a US warship, the USS Gravely, docked in Port of Spain on October 26 with the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended the vessel’s presence, saying there were benefits to be derived, including technical and IT assistance as well as humanitarian efforts.