In a troubling tug-of-war between global powers, the livelihoods and safety of fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago are hanging by a thread.
As tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela, the impact is reverberating through the tranquil Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, just a stone's throw away from Venezuela. On a recent calm afternoon, Kenrick Modie found himself finishing the painstaking task of separating his fishing net in his serene village. As he settled into a hammock at his home that offers a picturesque view of the ocean, unease gnawed at him. He was burdened by a heavy concern that a sudden U.S. military action might annihilate both his way of life and his very existence.
Modie describes the precarious situation, emphasizing how his home country, dubbed a tiny speck in the grand geopolitical landscape, is precariously positioned amidst rising United States military operations. "President Trump appears to be giving directives to engage in lethal actions," Modie reflected, referring to the U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug shipment vessels recently. "What options do we have in small little Trinidad and Tobago? We’re just here trying to make a living."
The United States has executed a series of military strikes—at least four—against alleged narcotics-trafficking boats operating in the waters near Venezuela. Notably, two of these vessels are suspected to have originated from Venezuela. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally identified the fourth operation and claimed that four alleged "narco-terrorists" were neutralized in what has been termed an escalation in the U.S. military presence in the region. Yet, details about these individuals remain vague, raising questions about accountability and due process.
In an alarming message to Congress, President Trump characterized the U.S.’s recent military exploits as an "armed conflict" against drug cartels, asserting that these groups pose a real threat of delivering "deadly poison" to the shores of America. On the flip side, the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has lobbed accusations at the U.S., indicating that such military maneuvers represent a clear act of aggression. Maduro has escalated military readiness among both soldiers and civilians, fostering a tense environment.
Caught at the epicenter of this geopolitical showdown is Trinidad and Tobago, which boasts a vibrant fishing economy that supports countless local families dependent on the sea for their daily meals and businesses.
Survival amidst chaos
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has voiced her perspective that drug cartels bring significant suffering to her nation, going so far as to urge U.S. forces to engage in drastic actions against them. In a controversial call to action, she even expressed her willingness to provide U.S. access to Trinidad and Tobago if such actions were necessary to protect Guyana from any perceived Venezuelan threats. This stance has not gone unnoticed—Maduro responded vehemently, indicating that such an offer amounts to a declaration of war against Venezuela while simultaneously advocating for rekindled friendships with Trinidad and Tobago.
As political leaders swap barbs and military leaders flex their muscles, fishermen gripped by dread are questioning their future amidst growing apprehensions about safety. Many feel increasingly vulnerable due to the U.S. military operations and the volatile situation with Venezuela. "If we die, we die—that’s just part of life, I guess," Modie remarked, summing up the grim reality facing countless fishermen.
A particular concern for Modie stems from the possibility of misidentification. While out fishing, he worries that his small boat could be mistaken for a drug smuggling operation, leading to tragedy. He pointed out that, despite headlines claiming the neutralization of drug traffickers, real evidence confirming their illicit activities remains scarce, casting doubt on the validity of these operations. “What’s to stop them from labeling innocent fishermen as narco-terrorists?” he pondered, highlighting the grim truth that the deceased men cannot contest or clear their names.
Fearing the water
With only seven miles separating Trinidad from Venezuela at its nearest point, the proximity has made everyday fishing a nerve-wracking endeavor. On clear days, one can spot Venezuela from Icacos, a village nestled at Trinidad's southwestern tip. The local economy thrives on fishing, a fact made evident by the many boats lining the shores of Icacos and its neighboring Cedros village.
Local fishermen are not only wary of pirates who traditionally threaten their safety at sea; now, the shadow of heightened military presence exacerbates their anxiety. Kamal Bikeran, a fisherman based in Cedros, noted that his crew now fishes in shallower waters, avoiding deeper expanses due to the fretful military posturing involving multiple nations. "With the U.S. military out there and the Venezuelan forces saying they’re increasing their presence, we have to be cautious at all times," Bikeran expressed. "One day could be your last."
As fishermen are forced to confine themselves to shallower waters, reports indicate that the reduction in their fishing yields is becoming unmistakable. This uptick in military activities adds another layer of complexity to their already challenging jobs. Following an initial U.S. military strike that reportedly claimed the lives of eleven suspected narco-terrorists, President Trump further fueled the flames of anxiety among fishermen. He proclaimed that overall boat traffic had significantly diminished, hinting that even those who fish might be hesitant to venture into the waters—he appeared to imply they might avoid their livelihood out of fear.
During a recent event commemorating 250 years of the U.S. Navy, Trump reiterated that fear had kept boats from setting sail, which added to the growing apprehension among local fishermen about their trade and safety. Caribbean leaders spoke in unison at the United Nations gathering, labeling the region a "zone of peace" and urging for returns to tranquility. They underscored the need for open dialogues to circumvent potential conflicts between the U.S. and Venezuela. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, raised alarms about the militarization of the adjacent waters, characterizing the situation as "exceedingly troubling."
The essence of their existence hangs in the balance, as evidenced by Shyam Hajarie, an experienced fisherman with over four decades at sea. His daily catches serve as the lifeblood for his family.
"We just pray that this situation with Venezuela and the U.S. finds resolution. We want peace, not war, for the sake of our families and our homeland."
Related Topics: Venezuela, Caribbean, Drug Cartels, Donald Trump
