International relations expert Dr Anthony Gonzales says the relationship between TT and Venezuela can be repaired despite recent back-and-forth between leaders of both nations. He spoke to Newsday on October 1 after the announcement of the US’s support to approve relevant licences in cross-border energy, namely the Dragon gas project in Venezuela.

“I think the Venezuelans would be a bit annoyed by what was said about giving the US a base here in the event of an attack on Guyana by Venezuela and also what was said about the use of lethal force against the drug traffickers.”

He said that despite the annoyance, those comments have not done irreparable harm.