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Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has responded to the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) and concerned citizens who have asked for clarification on Government’s position regarding recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister’s statement comes a day after the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs announced that a U.S. Navy warship, the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will visit Trinidad and Tobago next week, mooring in Port of Spain.

The Gravely is one of at least three vessels of its class (including the USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson) deployed as part of the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean since September 2. These ships have been used for counter-narcotics patrols, maritime surveillance, and escort missions. Each Arleigh Burke-class destroyer carries advanced radar and missile systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of over 1,000 miles.