00:00Former UNC Government Minister Vasant Bharath is dismissing the Prime Minister's self-description as a CARICOM child,
00:07arguing that her approach to regional issues contradicts that claim.
00:11He says disagreements among member states should be handled privately,
00:15and cautions that distancing Trinidad and Tobago from established regional policies could carry diplomatic consequences.
00:24Those are two pillars on which CARICOM is based.
00:29Foreign policy cooperation, where as a grouping we are able to go to the world and have one collective voice.
00:38And I must remind everyone as I'm talking about foreign policy that in 2027-2028,
00:43Trinidad and Tobago's candidacy comes up for a seat, a non-permanent seat,
00:49on the United Nations Security Council.
00:54And it requires, as it has always required, the unambiguous support of CARICOM.
01:01Meanwhile, political analyst Dr. Indira Rampasad rejects the view that the Prime Minister's statements are divisive.
01:07She says the Prime Minister's focus appears to be one of economic stability and national survival,
01:12while still being a member of the CARICOM community.
01:15Dr. Rampasad applauds the efforts of the Prime Minister and is hopeful,
01:19following talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
01:23Yes, I think these are tremendous strides.
01:26They speak a lot for the country.
01:28Once you have foreign investment coming in, you have business booming,
01:31you're going to have the construction industry back up, the infrastructure being developed.
01:36People are getting jobs.
01:38Most importantly, we want people to get jobs so they can have food on the table.
01:41So, over to us, the United States, you know, what is really compromising?
01:47All this talk about sovereignty is very academic, Marlon.
01:51Ultimately, what it comes down to is the capacity, survivability, sustainability and survivability.
02:00That is what it comes down to.
02:01The discussion comes as regional leaders conclude deliberations at the CARICOM summit.
02:06Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
02:08Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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