Venezuela Cuts Energy Ties with Trinidad Amid Tensions

Tensions are mounting in the Caribbean after Venezuela announced it was suspending all energy cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing its neighbour of taking “hostile” actions by allowing a US warship to dock in its territory.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made the announcement Monday night during his weekly television program, calling Trinidad “the aircraft carrier of the US empire.” He said his government had no choice but to withdraw from energy agreements signed with Port of Spain a decade ago.

The move came just a day after the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely arrived in Trinidad’s capital for joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The ship is expected to remain in port until Thursday. Officials from both the US and Trinidad said the drills are part of ongoing security cooperation, but Venezuela views them as a threat to its sovereignty.