WASHINGTON, DC — AS debate continues over the legality of recent United States strikes on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is emphasizing the need to keep the region a zone of peace.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a fourth strike involving a Venezuelan vessel, which reportedly killed four individuals — bringing the total death toll from the strikes to more than 20.
Regional leaders have voiced concern that the attacks could destabilize the Caribbean, which has long remained peaceful. However, U.S. officials have defended the strikes, claiming they targeted vessels allegedly carrying drugs destined for the U.S. mainland.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday (Oct. 7) during his RoundTable, Dr. Drew acknowledged the importance of drug interdiction efforts but stressed the need to preserve regional stability.
"We believe that action should be taken against those who would want to transship drugs and guns across the region. Our position is that we want to maintain our region as a zone of peace,” Dr Drew said.
The issue has reignited concerns about mounting tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The Venezuelan leader remains under heavy U.S. sanctions and is the subject of an arrest warrant. Washington has linked him to the Tren de Aragua gang, which U.S. authorities allege plays a role in drug trafficking operations into the country.
The Caribbean has long been considered a transshipment route for narcotics entering the United States — a concern that continues to prompt U.S. action in regional waters.
Dr. Drew reminded that while Caribbean societies face challenges such as crime and violence, the region has not experienced war. “But what we don't have in the region is any declared war. We don't know in the Caribbean what war is.”
"Believe me, there’s a big difference between having gang violence and war. Big difference between both. And so there has not been any declared war in the region for maybe 200 years,” he added.
CARICOM leaders — with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago — have been outspoken in their opposition to the U.S. strikes, warning that such actions could escalate into open conflict as Venezuelan aircraft reportedly flew over U.S. naval vessels.
Dr. Drew reiterated that Caribbean governments are committed to tackling the drug trade through cooperation, without allowing it to spiral into military confrontation.
“It's a small region. How would you survive? This is a matter of survival for us," DR Drew emphasized.
Meanwhile, Secretary Hegseth maintains that the U.S. actions are justified and fall within the country’s right to protect its borders and interests.
