Tragedy at Sea: Trinidadians Caught in US Military Crossfire
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — In a shocking turn of events, two Trinidad and Tobago nationals were among six individuals killed in a recent US military airstrike targeting a small vessel in international waters near Venezuela. This incident has sent ripples of fear through the local fishing community and raised serious questions about the implications of foreign military actions in Caribbean waters.
Gary Aboud, secretary of the non-governmental organization Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Richie Samaroo and Chad “Charpo” Joseph. “We would like to offer our condolences to the families, friends, children, wives of the deceased. Very, very sorry that they were murdered like this,” he said during a radio broadcast. His words echoed the sentiments of many who are grappling with the harsh reality of this tragedy.
Fear on the High Seas
The airstrike has left local fisherfolk terrified. Aboud noted that many are now hesitant to venture far from shore. “People are terrified at the risk of being killed at sea,” he lamented. He urged fishermen to stay close to the coastline, warning that the waters have become perilous. “It is very dangerous to be offshore as you can be killed at any time,” he cautioned.
Government Silence Amidst Outcry
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Trinidad and Tobago Government and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have yet to issue an official statement regarding the deaths. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has, however, voiced her support for the US’s war on narcotics in the Caribbean. “I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them all violently,” she stated, reflecting a controversial stance that has not gone unnoticed.
Escalating Military Presence
The US military has ramped up its presence in the Caribbean, with President Donald Trump ordering an amphibious squadron to the region. This move is part of a broader strategy to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. Recent operations have resulted in multiple airstrikes, with the latest targeting a vessel allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking. In total, 27 people have lost their lives in these operations, raising concerns about the methods employed in the fight against drug trafficking.
Voices of the Victims
Relatives of the deceased Trinidadians have condemned the airstrike, labeling it “inhumane” and “unjustified.” Lenore Burnley, Joseph’s mother, emphasized that her son was not involved in drugs, describing his death as “wrong and cruel.” She pointed out that maritime law dictates that vessels should be intercepted rather than destroyed. Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, shared that he had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another attack while trying to return home.
Calls for Accountability
Aboud has gone so far as to suggest that Prime Minister Persad Bissessar should be held accountable at the International Criminal Court for the actions taking place. His passionate plea reflects a growing frustration among citizens who feel that their safety is being compromised in the name of foreign military objectives.
As the community mourns and grapples with the implications of this tragedy, one must wonder: How far should nations go in their fight against crime, and at what cost? The waters of the Caribbean, once a source of livelihood and joy, have now become a battleground, leaving many to question the future of their safety and sovereignty.