Trinidad’s National Security Minister Meets With Venezuelan Counterpart On Border Security Matters

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (Tuesday, December 8, 2020) — Minister of National Security, Stuart R. Young; and Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator Dr. Amery Browne, met last Friday, with their Venezuelan counterparts, Minister of Defence, Admiral Carmen Meléndez, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jorge Alberto Arreaza Montserrat, via video conference.

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 the 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 Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago, Carlos Amador Perez Silva; Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, 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, Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews; and Deputy Director, International Affairs Unit, Ministry of National Security,  Major (Ret’d) Richard Lynch.