DR. NILES URGES READINESS

CCNTV6

Tensions continue to rise as uncertainty deepens over the future of relations between the United States and Venezuela, and the possible fallout for Trinidad and Tobago.  One International Relations analyst warns that worsening diplomatic fractures could have direct consequences for this country's energy security and economic stability.

Transcript

00:00Kira Naya, a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, says

00:06the government must urgently work on repairing its relationship with the Venezuelan government, not just its people.

00:13We need to work on rebuilding our relationship, not just with the Venezuelan people, but with the Venezuelan government.

00:21A lot of the statements from our administration have been about the Venezuelan people,

00:26but the relationship that's fractured is with its government.

00:32The concerns reach beyond diplomacy.

00:35Dr. Niles says Trinidad and Tobago's energy interests remain exposed,

00:39especially following the loss of production from major regional suppliers.

00:44We lost nutrient, which is a significant producer in the sector.

00:49Number two, after the current regime went over and negotiated the OFAC license,

00:58I don't know if you recall, that was seen as a major victory as well.

01:02Which is why, again, it brings you back to the first question, to what end?

01:06If we do all that work, spend all that money to go up to the US and negotiate the OFAC license,

01:11which by the way, the last regime did as well, why did we do that?

01:16He says TNT must now adopt a posture of readiness as shifting geopolitical dynamics could result in a range of outcomes.

01:25We need to be really clear about what we're seeing.

01:29What we're seeing is serious.

01:31However, it is also not a cause for panic.

01:34What it means is the same way that newspaper reports broke out that the military was getting themselves in a position of operational readiness,

01:49I tell households to do the same.

01:51Because we are not in control of the outcome here.

01:56Right?

01:56But there's no reason to panic.

01:57As of now, it's simply a standoff.

02:03Dr. Nileser stresses that while the situation is serious,

02:07citizens should remain calm but prepared as events continue to unfold.

02:12He maintains that TNT should have adopted a strictly neutral stance between the United States and Venezuela.

02:20Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.

02:22What we're seeing here.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended