BASSETERRE – St. Kitts and Nevis finds itself at the center of regional diplomacy following US military strikes on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, serving as CARICOM Chairman, convened an emergency meeting of Caribbean Heads of Government hours after the operation. CARICOM expressed “grave concern” about the situation and its “possible implications for neighbouring countries,” pledging to actively monitor developments.
Opposition Leader Hon. Mark Brantley spoke with Prime Minister Drew Saturday morning, seeking clarity on the nation’s official position. In a statement, Brantley noted that both Venezuela and the US “have been longstanding friends of St. Kitts and Nevis,” expressing hope that “hostilities will cease immediately and that diplomacy will be given a chance.” He pledged support to the Prime Minister’s efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
The operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” began around 2:00 a.m. with strikes targeting military installations across Caracas. President Trump announced that America will temporarily “run the country” until a safe transition can be arranged. Maduro and his wife were apprehended by Delta Force soldiers and transported to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the action “a dangerous precedent,” while France stated it violates international law. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s immediate release, and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez vowed Venezuela “will not negotiate; we will not give up.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified her nation was “NOT a participant” in the military operations, while Argentine President Javier Milei celebrated the fall of what he termed a “narcoterrorist dictatorship.”