By| Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
Persad-Bissessar Backs Trump’s “Lethal Force” Policy at Miami Summit
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has solidified her nation’s role in the newly formed Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. Speaking at the “Shield of the Americas” Summit hosted by President Donald Trump, the Prime Minister joined a group of roughly twelve South and Central American leaders to endorse a radical shift in regional security.
- A “Lethal” Mandate: President Trump declared that the heart of the agreement is a commitment to using “lethal military force” to destroy cartels and terrorist networks.
- Historic Support: Persad-Bissessar, the only female leader invited to the summit, has been a vocal proponent of this aggressive stance. Following the deployment of a U.S. armada to the region, she previously stated that narco-traffickers should be met with extreme violence.
- National Security Impact: In a post on X, the PM thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating the alliance is critical for T&T, which has long battled a crime crisis fueled by the influx of illegal arms and ammunition.
Chevron Knocks on T&T’s Door Following Energy Talks in Miami
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD — Less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar met with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, global energy giant Chevron has reportedly reached out to the Trinidad and Tobago government.
- The Meeting: Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal confirmed that Chevron expressed immediate interest in energy sector cooperation, including oil storage facilities.
- A Regional Hub: Moonilal noted that discussions are centered on potentially using Trinidad and Tobago as a strategic hub for oil shipments coming out of Venezuela, a move that follows the Minister’s recent discussions with the Chevron chairman during a visit to Guyana.
- Police Incident: In an unrelated but concerning report from the capital, officers discovered a man with bound hands and feet and a gag in his mouth near a car park; an investigation into that kidnapping/assault is ongoing.
Oil Prices Surge 10% as Mideast War Disrupts Global Supply
GLOBAL MARKETS — Crude oil prices spiked by 10% on Monday, reaching levels not seen in four years, as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to rattle global energy markets.
- Price Peak: Brent futures surged over $9.00 to settle around $102.29 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped to $100.11. Earlier in the session, Brent touched a staggering high of $119.50.
- The “Iran Effect”: Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, Brent has surged by approximately 65%.
- Supply Cuts: The price hike is being exacerbated by Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members, who have moved to cut supplies in response to maritime disruptions and regional instability caused by the expanding war.
