Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a sharp rebuke of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar following comments widely interpreted as urging silence and deference toward the United States in exchange for protection and visa access.
Speaking at a recent Christmas event, Persad Bissessar criticized what she described as selective outrage against the United States by individuals who benefit from access to that country. She warned that public criticism could carry serious consequences.
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Her remarks, which quickly spread across the region, referenced newly announced United States travel restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.
“They badmouthed the United States and look what happened. Their visas are now restricted. They have cut their visas,” Persad Bissessar said. “Which Trinidadian wants their visa cut. So behave yourself. Understand where our help comes from. Understand who can protect and defend Trinidad and Tobago. Right now there is only one country in the world that can do it.”
The comments sparked widespread backlash and prompted Browne to respond publicly in a Facebook post, accusing a fellow Caricom leader of undermining regional unity and spreading misinformation.
Browne said Caricom had already been informed that the issue involving the travel restrictions had been resolved, making any further public statements unnecessary. He added that the regional response had been slow and lacked urgency.
He later said he was informed that a regional leader had publicly accused Antigua and Barbuda of verbally attacking the United States administration, an allegation he firmly denied.
“I challenge that leader to provide facts to support that claim,” Browne said.
He warned that the controversy highlighted deeper systemic weaknesses within Caricom itself.
“The inertia and insularity within Caricom continue to undermine the effectiveness of our integration movement,” Browne said. “Still, as a committed integrationist and an eternal optimist, I remain hopeful for a stronger and more effective Caricom.”
The fallout has also fueled intense domestic criticism in Trinidad and Tobago. Former prime minister Stuart Young accused Persad Bissessar of recklessly damaging both regional and bilateral relationships.
“She has quickly and flippantly harmed Caricom as an important institution,” Young said. Referring to Browne’s response, he added that the prime minister had disrespected and damaged relations with neighboring states.
Young warned that the rhetoric reflected a poor understanding of diplomacy.
“Diplomacy is an art that allows nations to defend their interests without humiliating allies or surrendering long term sovereignty,” he said. “That art appears to be lost on the UNC government, which continues to worsen Trinidad and Tobago’s position each day.”
Former United Nations ambassador and former Naparima member of parliament Rodney Charles also cautioned that the government’s stance could weaken Caricom and deepen regional isolation.
While the Prime Minister has insisted that Trinidad and Tobago played no role in the recent United States blockade of sanctioned oil vessels, and that cooperation with Washington is focused on combating narcotics trafficking, gun smuggling, and human trafficking, critics remain unconvinced.
Speaking with the Sunday Guardian, Charles warned that increasing isolation could harm key sectors, including tourism.
He questioned whether the country was receiving tangible benefits in return for its alignment with United States interests.
“Trump is pressuring the International Criminal Court to grant him immunity when he leaves office,” Charles said. “Should we not, as co founders of that institution, be seeking similar protections. On many fronts, our foreign policy is working against our medium and long term interests. If we are sacrificing so much for the United States, should we not receive concrete rewards, such as the forty billion dollars Argentina secured for doing far less.”
