Rodney Charles Urges Trinidad and Tobago to Distance Itself From Trump Following Democratic Victories<\/p>\n
Former government minister Rodney Charles has issued a warning about Trinidad and Tobago's foreign policy direction, calling on the Government to distance itself diplomatically from what he describes as \u201cTrumpism\u201d following the Democratic Party's victories in the United States midterm elections.<\/p>\n
In a strongly worded statement, Charles argued that Trinidad and Tobago risks becoming increasingly isolated internationally because of decisions he believes demonstrate excessive alignment with US President Donald Trump's administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must disengage from Trumpism \u2013 diplomatically and immediately. The sooner the better,\u201d Charles declared.<\/p>\n
His comments come after the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, changing the balance of power in Washington.<\/p>\n
Charles believes the political shift should prompt Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's administration to reassess its diplomatic relationships and begin discreet engagement with Democratic leaders.<\/p>\n
He identified several foreign policy decisions that he considers troubling, including Trinidad and Tobago's position on the United States embargo against Cuba, its recent abstention on a United Nations resolution concerning the International Criminal Court (ICC), disagreements within CARICOM and the country's relationship with the Trump administration.<\/p>\n
On October 28, Trinidad and Tobago joined 16 other countries in voting against a UN resolution calling for an end to the longstanding US embargo against Cuba. The resolution was nevertheless adopted with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining.<\/p>\n
Days later, on November 2, Trinidad and Tobago abstained from a UN resolution concerning the annual report of the International Criminal Court. That resolution received 93 votes in favour, 13 against and 36 abstentions.<\/p>\n
Charles questioned the country's departure from its longstanding support for the ICC, particularly given the historic role played by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Arthur N.R. Robinson in advancing the establishment of a permanent international criminal court.<\/p>\n
He also referenced Trinidad and Tobago-born ICC judge Althea Alexis-Windsor, suggesting that the country's latest diplomatic position could raise questions about its commitment to the institution.<\/p>\n
Beyond the UN votes, Charles raised concerns about the Government's approach towards Venezuela, Israel, the Caribbean Sea as a Zone of Peace, the proposed hosting of US military radar facilities and reported plans involving large-scale artificial intelligence data centres.<\/p>\n
He also questioned whether Trinidad and Tobago could face scrutiny over alleged extrajudicial killings in Caribbean waters and possible involvement in developments surrounding the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro.<\/p>\n
These were concerns and allegations advanced by Charles, rather than established findings of wrongdoing by Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>\n
Charles warned that future investigations by the newly elected US Congress could create diplomatic difficulties, including renewed examination of American operations in the Caribbean and any role played by regional governments.<\/p>\n
He further suggested that legal advice should be sought regarding potential International Criminal Court implications, recommending former President Anthony Carmona, who previously served as an international criminal judge, as someone qualified to provide guidance.<\/p>\n
Charles also called for public relations advice and diplomatic initiatives to rebuild relationships with Democrats in Washington.<\/p>\n
His proposed approach includes establishing a group of local and international professionals, with participation from institutions such as The University of the West Indies, to help develop comprehensive foreign policy proposals.<\/p>\n
He suggested that these proposals could form the basis of Green Papers and wider discussions involving Parliament and the public.<\/p>\n
Charles also argued that citizens deserve clearer explanations for major foreign policy decisions, rather than learning about significant international commitments without adequate public discussion.<\/p>\n
The former minister's intervention adds to an expanding debate over Trinidad and Tobago's relationship with Washington and whether its recent diplomatic decisions adequately protect the country's long-term national interests.<\/p>\n
While governments retain the authority to establish their own foreign policy priorities, Charles maintains that Trinidad and Tobago must avoid becoming too closely identified with one American political movement.<\/p>\n
His central message is that the country should maintain constructive relationships across the American political divide while protecting its own diplomatic independence.<\/p>\n
\u201cLastly, disengage from Trumpism immediately and diplomatically. The sooner the better,\u201d Charles concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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