PM Briceño Reaffirms Support for Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Tensions

Prime Minister John Briceño has reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a “zone of peace”, echoing the unified stance of CARICOM Heads of Government amid concerns over increased U.S. militarisation near Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Of course, we have said it over and over and over that the Caribbean is – we look at the Caribbean as a zone of peace, and we need to do everything to keep it as that,” Briceño stated. He emphasised regional unity, adding, “Venezuela has been a partner, and Trinidad and Tobago is a member of CARICOM.” 

His comments come in response to heightened tensions following the arrival of U.S. warships in the region and reports of strikes on suspected drug vessels. Briceño addressed concerns about attacks on fishing boats, saying, “In some instances, maybe there may be drugs in there. We don’t know, but it is something that we have condemned already.”

On October 18, 2025, CARICOM leaders, except for Trinidad and Tobago, released a statement backing the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. The statement called for dialogue and peaceful engagement to resolve disputes and emphasised continued cooperation against narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons within international law.