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  • 4 weeks ago
Despite the anticipation surrounding the arrival of the Second U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit and planned joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Minister Roger Alexander says there's no reason for panic.

Speaking at his constituency office, Alexander dismissed fears of regional escalation, saying Trinidad and Tobago remains focused on peace, security, and stability.
Transcript
00:00No, no, I'm not concerned. Tell the public that they must go about their lawful business
00:06unless otherwise directed. And that's how the system works. You see?
00:11Alexander was asked about escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela
00:16and what that could possibly mean for this country.
00:20We don't expect escalation in our country. There's nothing to escalate.
00:24Modern love and harmony, look at what we're having here today.
00:27Is this an escalation of persons coming to screen for cancer?
00:32That's what we're looking to do. That escalation is here.
00:36And now there's another escalation seems to want to happen because school children want to go
00:40and see the boat and the ship and what is coming here and all of that.
00:43So it does an escalation of our life. I would enjoy that type of escalation.
00:48Minister Alexander confirmed that the U.S. had previously participated in trade winds exercises
00:54in April and May, and he encouraged citizens to continue their normal routines.
01:00He also dismissed critics who said the prime minister has yet to address the public on the issue.
01:06If you're hearing from ministers who live directly with the prime minister,
01:10I'm trying to be like, it's her speaking to her ministers, so I cannot see that being an issue, really.
01:17Later in the day, the prime minister did issue a release in which she welcomed the U.S. presence,
01:23saying their visit augurs well for our nation and that it represents a continued partnership
01:29in strengthening our national security, enhancing operational readiness,
01:34and improving protective capabilities.
01:38Minister Alexander also addressed concerns regarding the state of emergency
01:42and whether it will be extended next week.
01:45Again, you know, strategy continues to be our thing.
01:49You heard me say that in parliament, right? Strategy, strategy, strategy, right?
01:52So if strategy continues to be our thing, and if we have the opinion that we have achieved our goal,
02:01if not, then we'll see what we go forward from there.
02:03He revealed that over the coming hours, he would meet with several members of government
02:07and law enforcement to determine what would be the next step.
02:12I must go in caucus with a number of persons and different agencies to see how we go forward.
02:18Any idea when you'll plan to meet to discuss it?
02:21It might be today, it might be midnight, it might be 2 in the morning.
02:25It depends on what time it's available to us.
02:27Alexander Brussel, TV6 News.
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