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Ralph Gonsalves has criticised United States military strikes that have killed people aboard vessels Washington alleges are connected to drug trafficking, arguing that suspected traffickers are entitled to due process.
Gonsalves said he could not support the killing of people in Caribbean or Pacific waters based solely on accusations that they were involved in drug trafficking.
He argued that drug trafficking does not automatically carry a death sentence and said suspects should instead be arrested, taken before a court and confronted with evidence under established legal procedures.
The comments come as the United States continues military operations against vessels it alleges are connected to narcotics trafficking. The US military said four people were killed in a Caribbean strike on September 20, 2026, alleging that their vessel was involved in drug trafficking, although few additional details about the identities of those killed were publicly provided. Reuters +1
Gonsalves stressed that his criticism should not be interpreted as hostility towards the United States. He praised American innovation and economic power and said Caribbean governments must maintain practical relations with Washington because of geography, history and economic ties.
At the same time, he said that relationship should not require Caribbean leaders to remain silent when they disagree with US actions.
