Trinidad and Tobago and the US talk Security

Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley met with Commander, US Southern Command, Admiral Kurt Tidd, today (Monday 06 November, 2017) at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The discussions focussed on a number of areas which have been identified as important for the continued development and enhancement of the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to express his sympathy to the US in the wake of the recent attack in New York and the mass shooting in Texas and reiterated the need for both countries to continue to work together to combat acts of terror against innocent citizens.

Admiral Tidd commended Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to treat with radicalisation which he said plays a role in these types of incidents. He also addressed the issue of money laundering and spoke about its connection to terrorist and other organised criminal activity, stressing the need for collaboration to eradicate these types of crimes.

It was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago and the United States will continue to work closely together to dismantle drug smuggling networks. The provision of training in Information Communications Technology, cybercrime and specialised aircraft to assist in the fight against crime was also discussed.

The Honourable Stuart Young, Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister also attended the meeting.

Ambassador Liliana Ayalde, Political Advisor to the Commander, K Jun Bando, Special Advisor to the Commander,  John McIntyre, Charge de Affairs, US Embassy and Colonel Claudia Carrizales, Chief, Military Liaison Office, US Embassy represented the United States at the meeting.