By Tiana cole | HGP Nightly news
VENEZUELA – MADURO SIGNS NEW SECURITY DECREE
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has signed a decree granting him sweeping new security powers to respond in the event of a military incursion. The decree empowers the armed forces to mobilize nationwide and gives the military authority over public services and the oil industry. The powers, valid for 90 days and renewable for another 90, come as the United States deploys warships in the Caribbean, claiming its operations target drug trafficking. Caracas, however, accuses Washington of plotting regime change. Recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan vessels allegedly carrying drugs have left several dead, sparking legal concerns.
GRENADA – CHANGES TO CUBAN WORKERS PROGRAM
The Government of Grenada has announced major reforms to the Cuban Workers Program after U.S. pressure for stronger oversight. Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall and Health Minister Philip Telesford led talks with Cuban officials earlier this month, resulting in an agreement that Cuban professionals in Grenada will now work under the same conditions as their Grenadian counterparts. The program has long provided crucial healthcare support, but the U.S. has accused Cuba of “renting out” medical professionals for profit, imposing visa restrictions on officials from Grenada, Cuba, and Africa linked to the scheme.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – U.S. BACKS DRAGON GAS PROJECT
In Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Keith Rowley has received firm assurances from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington will continue to support the Dragon Gas Project. The U.S. pledged to ensure the deal aligns with sanctions regulations while limiting financial benefits to Venezuela’s Maduro administration. Both leaders emphasized energy security, economic stability, and regional cooperation. Secretary Rubio also praised Port of Spain’s efforts to counter narcotics trafficking and criminal networks, stressing that deeper U.S.-Trinidad ties are vital to regional security.
