Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has acknowledged that facilities used to support United States military operations exist in Trinidad and Tobago, following public concern over images showing what appeared to be a US military installation in Tobago.
Her comments came in response to a Guardian Media exclusive drone photograph that captured a restricted site near the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point. The images showed several trucks and utility vehicles, along with temporary structures, a tent, and portable toilets positioned close to radar equipment, suggesting an operational presence.
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Responding to questions via WhatsApp on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar did not describe the site as a military base. Instead, she said the image showed support offices linked to the operation of a radar system on the island.
She accused Guardian Media and the opposition People’s National Movement of being fixated on removing the radar system and US involvement from the country, arguing that such an outcome would only benefit drug traffickers. She added that when people reveal who they are, others should believe them.
When asked again whether the site constituted a military base, the Prime Minister dismissed the question and accused the media house of aiding the opposition in its campaign ahead of the Tobago House of Assembly elections. She declined further comment, stating that she would only respond to what she described as sensible issues in the future.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles called on the Government to provide clear and consistent information about the nature of the facility and the extent of US military involvement in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking at the PNM Children’s Christmas Party in Port of Spain, Beckles said transparency was critical to maintaining public confidence.
She said the Opposition would continue to address the matter responsibly until the Government definitively confirmed or denied whether the facility was a military base. Beckles noted that conflicting explanations from the authorities had created confusion and uncertainty.
According to Beckles, concerns among residents and visitors in Tobago had intensified following the radar installation, with some people reportedly canceling trips to the island out of fear of potential conflict. She said the Government needed to address those anxieties directly.
Retired Coast Guard lieutenant commander and National Transformation Alliance leader Norman Dindial said he was not surprised by the presence of US personnel, noting that technical support would likely be required to maintain and repair the radar system. However, he warned that the US military footprint in Trinidad and Tobago could expand over time.
Dindial expressed concern that an increased military presence could place the country at risk of becoming a target during any regional conflict. He said the Government might eventually justify the establishment of a full US base by citing security threats, particularly from Venezuela.
He added that expanded military exercises and long term stationing of US forces could follow unless there was a significant de escalation in regional tensions. Drawing comparisons to the historical US presence in Chaguaramas, Dindial warned that Trinidad and Tobago could become collateral damage in the event of conflict.
Former national security minister Gary Griffith also urged the Government to adopt a more transparent communication strategy. He said a lack of clear messaging could fuel public anxiety and allow individuals with ulterior motives to undermine regional security efforts.
Griffith disagreed with claims that a US presence would endanger Trinidad and Tobago, arguing instead that it would act as a deterrent. He referenced previous statements by Venezuelan officials accusing Trinidad and Tobago of cooperating with US forces, noting that such rhetoric underscored the need for strong security partnerships.
He said that without US support, Trinidad and Tobago could be vulnerable to hostile actions, adding that the presence of US forces could also provide economic benefits through increased foreign exchange.
Attempts to contact Minister of Defense Wayne Sturge for comment were unsuccessful up to press time.
