Moonilal: U.S. military chief’s visit a good sign for Trinidad

Moonilal: U.S. military chief’s visit a good sign for Trinidad and Tobago

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal says the recent visit by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, should be seen as a positive development for Trinidad and Tobago. His comments came in response to Opposition criticism regarding the timing and lack of public details surrounding the visit, which occurred amid heightened tensions with Venezuela.

Moonilal explained that he preferred not to delve deeply into the issue because matters of national security fall under the Prime Minister and the ministers responsible for law enforcement. However, he emphasized that discussions with such a senior U.S. military official reflect well on the country.

He noted that the visit focused on regional security concerns, including threats posed by drug cartels, narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal networks across the Caribbean.

Calling the move encouraging, Moonilal stressed that the specific details were outside his remit and he would not comment further.

Moonilal also brushed aside the Opposition’s complaints regarding remarks made in Parliament by Attorney General John Jeremie and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, which the Opposition suggested could lead to a privileges motion.

Drawing on his experience as a former leader of government business, Moonilal described the concerns as “trivial” and “frivolous,” saying parliamentary banter is common and not worth the attention being given.

He added that far more significant issues face the country than what he termed “irrelevant and useless escapades.”

The People’s National Movement recently criticised Jeremie for comments captured during a “hot mic” moment in the Lower House on November 21. Persad-Bissessar also faced backlash after telling Opposition MP Colm Imbert that she would “cuff” him down for pointing at her during last Friday’s sitting.