Venezuela” as the United States continues its military buildup as part of its fight against alleged drug traffickers coming out of the South American country. “I would advise Bahamians to stay out of go-fast boats leaving Venezuela. We’re not going to be doing what the Americans are doing, but you would be well to stay out of their way,” Munroe told reporters. Last Saturday, the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said that regional leaders had met last week to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states. It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of the twin-island republic.

The meeting follows a series of deadly strikes by the Donald Trump administration targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast, the latest of which reportedly claimed the lives of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals. “Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, heads agreed on the following: They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. (Jamaica Gleaner)