Wayne Lumbasi
Venezuela has suspended its gas and energy accord with Trinidad and Tobago after a United States warship docked in the island nation’s capital, Port of Spain. President Nicolás Maduro announced the decision, accusing Trinidad and Tobago of allowing the U.S. guided missile destroyer USS Gravely to visit its ports in what he described as a “provocation” against Venezuela.
The suspension immediately halts joint energy projects, including the long delayed Dragon gas field venture, which was expected to boost Trinidad’s declining gas supplies.
In a televised address, Maduro condemned the U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean and accused Washington of using Trinidad as a “platform for aggression” against Venezuela.
Vice President and Hydrocarbons Minister Delcy Rodríguez said the suspension was necessary to protect national sovereignty, calling Trinidad’s cooperation with the U.S. a “hostile act.” Caracas also accused both countries of conducting intelligence operations near its maritime border, claims that Port of Spain strongly denied.
The USS Gravely arrived in Trinidad on October 26, 2025, for joint security exercises with local defense forces. U.S. officials said the visit was part of regional efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen maritime security, not to threaten Venezuela.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar rejected Maduro’s accusations, calling them “unfounded and inflammatory.” She said Trinidad would not yield to “blackmail” and emphasized that her government is pursuing new energy partnerships to secure the country’s gas sector.
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