In the wake of yesterday’s United States military strikes in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified that Trinidad and Tobago is not participating in any military operations.

“Earlier (yesterday) morning...the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,” Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.

In a follow-up statement later yesterday, she added: “Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years. May God guide and protect them as they transition away from years of oppression and dictatorship onto a new pathway towards democracy, justice, and prosperity.”