Government met today with officials from Venezuela via video conference, to discuss border security concerns.

The main participants were National Security Minister Stuart Young and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne and their Venezuelan counterparts, Minister of Defence Admiral Carmen Meléndez and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Jorge Alberto Arreaza Montserrat.

The meeting focused on strengthening the bilateral mechanisms for maritime security cooperation between both countries. Discussions further outlined a framework for joint efforts to combat human and narcotics trafficking, migrant smuggling and other forms of transnational organized crime.

Minister Young noted that border security was a critical element in Government’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago and reaffirmed his commitment to working with all local and international stakeholders in this regard. 

Both delegations expressed their commitment to continued collaboration on security matters of mutual interest and promoting the maintenance of law and order.

Also present at the meeting were Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez Silva; Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Mr. Gary Joseph; Chief of Defence Staff Air Commodore Darryl Daniel; Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Captain Don Polo; Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews; and Deputy Director, International Affairs Unit, Ministry of National Security Major (Ret’d) Richard Lynch.