Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the Commonwealth and is mere miles away from Venezuela. They have been greatly impacted by refugees and their Government has recognized the Maduro regime. The author is the International Affairs Officer of the United National Congress (Opposition party /former Government) of Trinidad and Tobago. This article explains the reason why they as a party support the free liberal world, including the UK, against Maduro.
The statement by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Saturday’s UN Security Council Meeting calling on nations to either stand with the forces of freedom or be in a league with Maduro’s mayhem, fully demonstrates why the UNC National Executive applauds and stands in full support of the position taken by the Leader of the Opposition to recognize Juan Guaidó as interim President of Venezuela.
While speaking in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament on Friday the Former Prime Minister and present Leader of the Opposition declared, “We condemn the human rights abuses, breaches of the rule of law and democratic process right on our doorsteps (Venezuela). The Opposition is prepared to join the free world in recognizing Juan Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela until fresh, free and fair elections are held”.
This is stark contrast to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago who have confirmed on numerous occasions in the past week that they still recognize the Maduro Regime.
When history looks back at this time of uncertainty it would show that we in the UNC, led by the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar chose the side of freedom. It would signify that our party and its leadership courageously denounced violations to human rights, democracy and human development.
In years to come this position would clearly show that the United National Congress supported the free world to ensure that one day all our Venezuelan brothers and sisters could enjoy life, liberty and property again, unlike the hardship & turmoil they presently face.
Many members and supporters have expressed overwhelming approval that our leader has not taken the side of “Maduro’s mayhem” nor has she decided to sit quietly as millions of Venezuelans depend on the voices of our free world to speak up for their safety, freedom and prosperity.
The dissenting voices of proclaimed experts must understand that after years of hardship faced by the Venezuelan people, our global community has now reached the point where there is need for less analysis but more humanitarian effort.
As a nation we must be concerned by the Prime Minister’s callous response to the concerns expressed by the US Ambassador, but we must find comfort that this move by the UNC Leader would serve to remind our allies and major trade partners that this nation still has visionary leaders with foresight who are willing to work with the international powers to create a better global community.