Caption: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. Photo: T&T Parliament
By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) is maintaining its firm commitment to all countries maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace including Trinidad and Tobago.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles in a statement on Saturday following the US attacks on Venezuela cautioned against actions that may further destabilise the region and endanger civilian lives.
While some information regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro remains unclear and unconfirmed, any such development in the immediate geographic space should be a matter of serious concern for Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM, and the wider Caribbean, she said.
Beckles said, “We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint, respect international law, and pursue dialogue and diplomatic solutions. The protection and preservation of human life must remain paramount.”
She also noted the brief statement from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the matter as at 9.30 am on Saturday morning. Persad-Bissessar’s statement was issued before 6 am and nothing further have been communicated to the public.
Beckles mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago has an embassy with staff in Caracas and the PNM was concerned for safety and welfare of the staff and all T&T nationals in Venezuela.
“At this critical time we pray for peace to be restored, for calm to prevail, and for the safety and well-being of all those affected,” she said.
