By: Tiana Cole | HGP Regional News |
The United States may soon open dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at a potential diplomatic shift even as Washington ramps up military pressure in the Caribbean.
Speaking on Monday, Trump said, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out,” offering the first indication of a possible path toward easing a rapidly escalating regional standoff.
Tensions have risen sharply in recent weeks as the U.S. military has carried out a series of deadly strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels off Venezuela’s coast and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Senior U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that high-level meetings were held at the White House to examine potential military options—including possible land-based strikes inside Venezuela.
Washington continues to accuse Maduro of links to international narcotics networks, allegations he repeatedly denies.
Trinidad and Tobago Secures Duty-Free Access for Key Agricultural Exports to U.S.
Trinidad and Tobago will now enjoy zero tariffs on critical fertilizer exports to the United States, following an executive order signed by President Trump on November 14, 2025.
The new policy reverses an earlier 15% tariff imposed in April under Executive Order 14257, which had affected nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.
The tariff rollback comes after Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar engaged in high-level talks in Washington D.C. in September, following an invitation from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move is expected to significantly benefit Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Thousands March in Brazil as COP30 Negotiations Reach Midway Point
Meanwhile in Brazil, thousands of climate protesters filled the streets of Belém in a vibrant and peaceful demonstration demanding urgent action to protect the planet.
Indigenous groups, youth activists, and civil society organizations marched together, singing and waving banners under sweltering 30°C midday heat.
The demonstration took place just blocks away from the COP30 climate summit, where negotiators have reached the halfway stage of talks aimed at converting long-standing climate pledges into concrete strategies to slow global warming and support nations most vulnerable to climate change.
