regional countries following the decision of the United States to increase its military presence near the South American country.

Gil, who was accompanied by the Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Raul Li Causi, also held talks with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Last week, the United States ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.

 A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers, and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command, as part of the mission. Venezuela has since responded to what it termed the threat posed by the United States, and has itself marshalled its troops along its borders.

The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), at an extraordinary summit last week, voiced support for Venezuela. Antigua and Barbuda is among several Caribbean countries affiliated to ALBA. “On behalf of President Nicolás Maduro, we had the honour of visiting Antigua and Barbuda, where we held a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Gastón Browne. During our meeting, we discussed in depth the current geopolitical situation in the region and the various threats that jeopardise the peace and security of our peoples,” the Venezuelan foreign affairs minister said. (Jamaica Gleaner)