Trump ambassador nominee pledges stronger security partnership with Trinidad and Tobago

Jennifer Johnson-Carroll, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, told a U.S. Senate committee that she would prioritize strengthening security, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries if confirmed.

During her confirmation hearing, Johnson-Carroll described Trinidad and Tobago as a key U.S. economic, diplomatic and security partner in the Caribbean. She praised the country’s cooperation through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and its role in combating transnational organised crime, narcotics trafficking and illegal migration.

She also said she would work to promote American investment, energy security and stronger bilateral ties while supporting efforts to improve border security and regional cooperation.

Asked about the stability of Trinidad and Tobago’s government, Johnson-Carroll said she could not make an assessment before taking up the post. However, she noted that the country’s repeated States of Emergency “don’t bode well” regarding longstanding criminal activity and said she hoped to gather more information on the ground before reporting back to U.S. officials.

The hearing also touched on concerns raised by senators about violent extremism and Trinidad and Tobago’s history of ISIS recruitment. Johnson-Carroll agreed that radicalisation is a problem and said she looked forward to working with Congress, the U.S. State Department and the President to address the issue through existing security partnerships.

Overall, the hearing focused on expanding cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in areas including security, energy, trade and regional stability, rather than criticizing the country or its government.

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