Caption: Kamla Persad-Bissessar
By Alicia Chamely
US President Donald Trump is not considering strikes against Venezuela.
But, reporting from a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) story circulating on Friday that the Trump Administration has made the decision to attack military installations inside Venezuela and the strikes could come at any moment went viral in Trinidad and Tobago and led to panic buying, schools closing early and lines at gas stations across the country.
Then there were reports that active-duty soldiers were being ordered to duty as part of a “heightened state of preparedness and ongoing regional preparedness.” This was confirmed by several sources within the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and intelligence agencies.
Sources stated a circular was sent to all TTDF staff on Friday morning ordering soldiers to report to all four military bases at Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas and Long Circular.
Likewise, Coast Guard officers were ordered to bases at Staubles Bay, Galeota Point and the Cedros Security Complex.
The order, sources confirmed, was termed “State One Posture,” which indicates the highest threat level and was meant to ensure the TTDF was prepared for any developments in the regional security environment.
A message forwarded to AZP News stated all members were required to report at their bases at 1800 (6pm) with a general muster to be held at 1830.
The message read, “This is not a drill, all members are to acknowledge, by guided accordingly.”
Sources could not say whether the order was related to the Trump Administrations alleged decision to attack military installations inside Venezuela, as reported by both the Miami Herald and the Wall Street Journal.
Trump, later Friday, denied he ordered any internal attacks on Venezuela, but did not rule out the possibility. He was being questioned by reporters on Air Force One.
The US Embassy in Port of Spain even posted the clip of Trump on its X account.
Reports of the heightened state of preparedness were met with great public concern. Many schools chose to close early on Friday.
https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984315180415676535
In Parliament during Urgent Questions, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales directed the following question to Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge:
“Can the Minister confirm whether Defence Force Officers have been instructed to return to the base with immediate effect?”
Sturge replied, “In keeping with the tenants of 27 (1) (g) , I respectfully decline giving an answer.”
Meanwhile outside of the Red House, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told members of the media she had no information regarding the TTDF members being called to duty.
She said, “I have no information or knowledge about that, I’ll find out.”
“I have seen nothing of that sort,” she added.
Persad-Bissessar said he had not received any report indicating the US government had plans to strike Venezuela, saying, “We have been receiving intelligence reports and thus far I have none that there is an imminent strike in the region.”
Giving the population reassurance, said, “Be calm, there is nothing to fear at this time. I cannot predict the future, but on my cards, on my books, there is nothing to fear.”
Persad-Bissessar added, “Quite frankly, at this point in time, we have no cause for concern. If and when that happens, I will share it with you as soon as it comes to me.”
Asked if the government had a plan should tensions between the US and Venezuela escalate into active warfare, she said, “All seriousness, I don’t think it is appropriate to share whatever the plan may be or whatever the plan is.
“These are national security matters, they are exceedingly sensitive matters, and I do not think for me to be at liberty to share National Security plans at this point in time.”
