Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar arrives at the Shield of the Americas Summit
Summary
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says closer ties with the United States will benefit Trinidad and Tobago and the wider CARICOM region.
- She made the remarks while addressing about 300 members of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora in Lauderhill, Florida.
- Persad-Bissessar met US President Donald Trump at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral on Saturday.
- She praised Trump’s leadership and stressed that safety and security must be the top priority for countries across the region.
- The prime minister also highlighted the importance of strong US–Caribbean partnerships and education as a pathway out of poverty.
By Prior Beharry in Lauderhill, Florida
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her support for the United States will benefit both Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM.
She made the comment while speaking to members of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora at Joy’s Roti Delight in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday evening.
The prime minister is in Florida after meeting US President Donald Trump at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral on Saturday.
At that summit, Trump promised to give Latin American countries missile strikes to fight drug cartel that operate in the region.
Speaking to about 300 Trinidadians living in the United States, Persad-Bissessar said her government had adopted a different foreign policy approach since taking office last year.
“Let me acknowledge the great USA. Since forming the government last year, we have taken a different stance, a different policy direction, in the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and in the best interest of the entire CARICOM, the whole region,” she said.
Also present were Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris. She said Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers had to leave for London on urgent business.
Persad-Bissessar said she had the “distinct honour” of meeting Trump on Saturday.
“He’s a very brave man, a very courageous man, because he is doing what needs to be done not only for the USA but for the world,” she said.
“You must have a vision, and he has it. Then you must have a mission to carry out that vision and make it a reality.”
Persad-Bissessar said the ultimate goal for people everywhere is safety and security.
“What is it that we all want, no matter where we are from, as one humanity? We want safety and security first. Because if you are dead, the best healthcare, the best roads, the best food, the best everything means nothing,” she said.
“So priority one in my country, priority one here and in all nations, is safety and security.”
She said Trinidad and Tobago has always maintained a strong partnership with the United States.
“They are one of our oldest trading partners. We have a very healthy balance of trade and, of course, a large diaspora spread throughout the United States, including here in Florida and New York,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar added that Caribbean countries are increasingly threatened by criminal elements.
@azpnews.com Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is greeted at Joy’s Roti Delight in Lauderhill, Florida with a dance from owner Sheila Sawh. Video: Prior Beharry @pmkamlapersadbissessar @uncandproud @uncusasupporters #kamlapersadbissessar #joysrotidelight #florida #music #dancing
“In all of our nations we are now beset by evil people — criminals who now wield power. We are elected freely in fair elections, but criminals use corruption and influence officials wherever they may be, sometimes through fear and sometimes through money,” she said.
She also stressed that maintaining order begins with addressing smaller offences.
“It starts with the little crimes like littering, and then it develops into hardcore criminality. If these things are not checked, no person in this world will be safe,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also emphasised the importance of education.
“What do you want for your children? A very good education. Education, I always say, is your passport out of poverty.”
She also said she wanted to made education for special needs children free and called for Trinidadian to return home to help the country.
Mayor of Lauderhill Denise Grant who was also present made a proclamation that that International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026 be designated Kamla Persad Bissessar day.
@azpnews.com Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her support for the USA will help both T&T and CARCIOM. She was speaking at Joy’s Roti Delight in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday evening. Video: Prior Beharry @pmkamlapersadbissessar @uncandproud @uncusasupporters @denisegrantformayor #kamlapersadbissessar #joysrotidelight #florida #lauderhill #unitedstates
