In Brief
- Global Call to Action: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the UN General Assembly, warning that transnational organized crime and illicit firearms pose severe threats to Small Island Developing States.
- US-Caribbean Security Partnership: T&T has officially joined the US-led Shield of the Americas coalition, designating 24 criminal gangs as terrorist entities to cut off their financing and resources.
- Security Council Priorities: Ahead of its historic 2027-2028 term on the UN Security Council, T&T will focus on combating illicit arms trafficking, protecting women and children, and addressing the dual-use threats of emerging technologies like ‘Superintelligence’ (AI).
- Stance on Haiti: The Prime Minister reaffirmed T&T’s commitment to restoring stability in Haiti, emphasizing that any political resolution must be Haitian-led.
By Prior Beharry
NEW YORK — Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has positioned Trinidad and Tobago’s battle against transnational organized crime on the global stage.
She used her address at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to call for robust international cooperation.
During her address, the Prime Minister warned that sophisticated criminal networks moving weapons, narcotics, people, and illicit finance pose an “asymmetric challenge” that directly endangers the citizens, institutions, and development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“Although the region does not manufacture these weapons, their availability fuels gang violence, organised crime, drug trafficking, and loss of life across our societies,” Persad-Bissessar told the Assembly.
Strengthening US-Caribbean security ties
A central pillar of the Persad-Bissessar ‘s address was a public expression of gratitude to United States President Donald Trump for his administration’s regional security initiatives. Earlier this year, Trump invited Trinidad and Tobago to join the newly formed Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition.
Following a coalition meeting hosted by the United States yesterday—which featured addresses by President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Persad-Bissessar announced that T&T has officially joined fellow coalition members in designating 24 criminal gangs and organisations as terrorist entities. The move is designed to restrict these groups’ ability to operate, cutting off territory, financing, and resources, while boosting economic, energy, and national security cooperation with the US.
A Historic UN Security Council term
Persad-Bissessar outlined how T&T intends to leverage its upcoming 2027-2028 term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Elected with an overwhelming 181 votes, it will be the country’s second time on the council, and the first in over four decades.
Trinidad and Tobago plans to bring the unique perspective of the Caribbean to the council through several key priorities. Among these is combating illicit firearms by advocating for stronger tracing mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and maritime cooperation among source, transit, and destination countries.
The Prime Minister noted the importance of women, children, and peace, stressing the need to ensure that vulnerable demographics are protected in global security frameworks.
Addressing emerging technologies, Persad-Bissessar noted the dual-use nature of artificial intelligence, notably agreeing with President Trump’s call to rename practical AI to “Superintelligence” (SI). She also warned of threats like cyberattacks and deepfakes, while also acknowledging SI’s potential for conflict prevention.
Solidarity with Haiti
Addressing broader regional stability, the Prime Minister stressed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to working with CARICOM and international partners to restore security in Haiti. However, she maintained that while security assistance is necessary, the country’s political future must remain “Haitian-led and Haitian-owned.”
She said, “Since being elected to office in 2025, my government has pursued a people-centred agenda.”
