MANHATTAN, New York -- AS the threat of conflict looms in the region following U.S. strikes on vessels from Venezuela, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is calling for greater collaboration among CARICOM member states to safeguard the Caribbean’s standing as a “zone of peace.”
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on yesterday (Sept. 27), Dr. Drew underscored that peace is not just a slogan but “a practical prerequisite for prosperity.”
“It must be defended by concrete measures: better public health frameworks, stronger interdiction of illicit weapons, greater cooperation on maritime security, investment in community safety and youth employment programmes, and international support for capacity building in policing and justice systems.”
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated in recent weeks. The Trump administration in Washington, D.C., has authorized strikes on vessels departing Venezuela, alleging they were trafficking drugs to the U.S. Despite not providing public evidence, Washington’s actions have left several dead, while Caracas responded with a military flyover, intensifying regional concerns.
The Caribbean, while widely regarded as a zone of peace, has long been used as a transshipment hub for narcotics bound for the U.S. and Europe. Small island states, along with Guyana, remain hotspots for drug smuggling, while the influx of illicit weapons has fueled gun violence across the region. St. Kitts and Nevis itself has intercepted several large cocaine shipments in recent years.
Dr. Drew acknowledged the serious threats posed by transnational crime but stressed that solutions must come through cooperation, not unilateral military actions.
“We recognise the serious threats posed by drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. These scourges must be addressed through cooperation, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and the full respect for the principles of international law," he said. "Therefore, we continue to call for measures that encourage peace, stability and mutual respect.These are the only foundations on which lasting security and sustainable development can be built and maintained in our Hemisphere.,”
His comments reflect growing unease among regional leaders, who worry the U.S. may be circumventing international law and undermining sovereignty by attacking ships in Caribbean waters without consultation.
“Historically, in our region, disputes have been resolved through dialogue," Dr Drew reminded. "As such, we encourage dialogue between our two friends — the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the United States of America — to ensure that our region remains a zone of peace. We are not asking for pity or imposition. We are asking for partnership — for tools to block the flow of guns and the flow of funds that fuel violence; for initiatives that create opportunities so that young men and women find purpose in productive work rather than perilous pursuits. Partnership, not pity; prevention, not punishment,”
Still, not all CARICOM leaders share Drew’s position. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister has publicly supported Washington’s actions, highlighting a potential split within the regional bloc.
Dr. Drew also used his UN platform to call for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing it must better reflect the realities of today’s world.
"The Security Council — the very body charged with maintaining international peace and security — cannot be credible if it excludes representation from the region's most vulnerable to the threats of our time: Africa, Latin America and Small Island Developing States — such as those in our Caribbean. To secure a world of peace, those who suffer the sharpest edges of insecurity must have a seat at the table where peace is forged."
Turning to the Middle East, the Prime Minister condemned what he described as “genocide” in Gaza and urged immediate global action.
"We urge for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, for the protection of civilians, for the release of hostages, and for the restoration of basic necessities and humanitarian access," Dr Drew said. "International law, conscience and human decency demand no less. Further, the path to lasting peace between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, one that guarantees human rights, dignity, and security for all, lies in the implementation of a two-state solution."
The UN General Assembly’s general debate concludes on Tuesday.
