The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) is calling on Roman Catholics across the region to observe Thursday as a Caribbean Day of Prayer, as tensions continue to rise in the wider Caribbean basin.
In its appeal, the AEC urged the faithful to dedicate the day to prayer, “entrusting our region to the mercy, justice and guiding light of Jesus Christ.” The conference brings together 19 dioceses and two independent missions across 13 independent countries, three French overseas departments, six islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and six British overseas territories.
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In a two page statement, AEC President and Archbishop of Port of Spain, Jason Gordon, called on governments with influence in the Caribbean, including the United States and Venezuela, as well as the 15 member Caribbean Community and hemispheric partners, to choose dialogue over force, diplomacy over intimidation and cooperation over unilateral action.
Archbishop Gordon said he strongly supports calls for CARICOM to meet urgently to address the growing number of divisive geopolitical disputes that are placing strain on regional unity. He urged Caribbean leaders to speak with one voice on behalf of their peoples and to refrain from publicly criticising one another, warning that such actions deepen fragmentation at a time when unity is essential.
He noted that as Christians celebrate the Advent of Christ, the Prince of Peace, the faithful are being asked to pray fervently for peace in Caribbean waters and for all those affected by the current instability. This includes families mourning loved ones lost at sea, migrants fleeing hardship, workers in aviation, shipping and tourism, and particularly the poor, who he said would suffer most from instability and rising costs.
Archbishop Gordon recalled that since the AEC issued a statement in October last year on the growing military presence in the southern Caribbean, the geopolitical landscape of the region has changed at an alarming pace. What was then a troubling build up, he said, has now intensified into active military operations, including tanker seizures, the expansion of naval assets and airspace restrictions that affect the daily lives of Caribbean people.
“As bishops of the Caribbean flock, we cannot remain silent when developments threaten human dignity, regional stability and the long held vision of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace,” he said.
The United States has assembled a significant military presence in international waters near Venezuela and has carried out attacks on vessels it claims are involved in the illegal drugs trade. These operations have reportedly resulted in nearly 100 deaths.
In August, CARICOM issued a statement expressing concern about the increased security build up in the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states. The regional body reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and emphasised the importance of dialogue and engagement in resolving disputes.
However, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has publicly rejected that position, voicing support for Washington’s war on drugs in the region. Political observers have argued that the United States’ actions are aimed primarily at regime change in Venezuela.
Archbishop Gordon said the AEC has expressed deep concern that the Caribbean Sea, which is home to fisherfolk, seafarers, coastal families and migrants, has become a theatre for confrontation not of the region’s making. He warned that recent lethal maritime incidents, the blockade of oil tankers and increased surveillance activity have elevated risks to innocent lives and worsened humanitarian suffering, particularly in Venezuela.
He added that these actions are also placing pressure on maritime commerce, tourism and the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on safe and open seas.
While acknowledging the responsibility of states to address transnational crime and uphold international law, the AEC president said the bishops remain convinced that militarisation is not the path to lasting security. Heightened operations, whether by global powers or regional actors, he said, entrench mistrust, disrupt economies and endanger the most vulnerable.
“War, or the threat of war, is always a defeat for humanity,” he said.
Archbishop Gordon also expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela at what he described as a critical moment in their nation’s history. Guided by testimonies from Venezuelan bishops and conversations with regional church leaders, he said the AEC recognises the overwhelming desire of the Venezuelan people for democratic renewal and leadership that restores justice, peace and integrity to national institutions.
He added that their quest for a nation built on these foundations deserves the attention, respect and solidarity of the Caribbean Community.
