Port of Spain and Caracas have found themselves at odds after the Venezuelan regime made claims that ‘criminals and terrorists’ of Trinidadian origin have been at work trying to undermine their state.

This diplomatic dispute began with comments made by Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello, both of whom have asserted that individuals from Trinidad had entered their country with ‘criminal intent’ and committed ‘terrorist activities’.

In response, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the recently elected Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, vigorously denounced Venezuela’s claims on June 5th, stating that there was “no evidence to validate” such talk. She also took the opportunity to declare to both the Venezuelan government and smugglers that the twin-island Republic’s maritime borders were off limits, and that any unidentified vessels in their waters were to be met with deadly force by the Trinidadian coastguard.

Trinidad is separated from Venezuela through several narrow straits, with the island and the South American continent being only 16km apart at their closest point. The main body of water between both nations, the Gulf of Paria, is a hotbed for banditry, with Venezuelan pirates reportedly having attacked Trinidadian luxury yachts in the area.

Venezuelan smugglers have also come to Trinidad, taking goods to sell as contraband back in their economically impoverished home country. This illegal trade has been given as one of the main reasons for Trinidad’s growing crime problem. The sea routes used to transport contraband have also served as a path for those from the South American country to escape their homeland and become refugees.

Following Persad-Bissessar’s statement, the Venezuelan government issued a Communique on June 6, expressing “profound surprise at the irate and unjustified reaction” by the Trinidadian government. Diosdado Cabello took things even further, declaring that the Venezuelan authorities had captured Trinidadian nationals serving as mercenaries aiming to overthrow their government, with those detained having confessed their intentions.

The Maduro regime has repeatedly claimed that outside elements have been at work trying to subvert their hold on power, accusing Western-aligned states, in particular the United States, of supporting such actions. From 2019-2023, popular opposition leader Juan Guaidó claimed to be interim president, being recognised by the USA, Canada, and the European Union. Trinidad maintained their recognition of Maduro, but this has not prevented tensions from rising between the two countries.

Cabello has since revealed that the identity of the Trinidadian they have detained is named ‘Gis Kendel Jheron’, but Trinidadian police state that they have no such man in their records. Nevertheless, Maduro’s justice minister has continued sabre rattling, declaring that no expenses were to be spared in the crackdowns against and elimination of potential threats.

“We are going after the gangs, wherever they are,” he declared. “Together, we will guarantee peace in this country.”