Caption: Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers. Photo: T&T Parliament
Summary
- Questions Blocked: Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers refused to answer six questions on the Senate Order Paper on Tuesday.
- Public Interest Cited: Sobers invoked Standing Order 26(3) for every question, stating that providing the answers would be contrary to the public interest.
- Foreign Policy Focus: The questions, posed by Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, sought clarity on Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy regarding US counter-narcotics actions, tensions in Venezuela, and adherence to the UN Charter.
By Prior Beharry
MINISTER of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers refused to answer six questions on the Senate Order Paper on Tuesday, citing a standing order to protect the public interest.
The questions, posed by Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, dealt with Trinidad and Tobago’s relationships with the United States and Venezuelan governments, as well as issues concerning the application of the United Nations Charter and the principle of non-intervention.
Starting with the first question on the agenda (No. 39), Sobers stated: “Pursuant to the questions raised, as the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, it is my belief that it is prudent to invoke Standing Order 26(3), which states, inter alia, ‘a minister may decline to answer a question if, in his opinion, the answer would be contrary to the public’s interest.’”
He used a similar response to dismiss the remaining five questions.
The six questions Senator Vieira attempted to have answered were:
- Question 39: Can the Minister advise (i) on what did the Government base its decision when it expressed support for United States actions described as targeting narco-terrorism in relation to Venezuela; and (ii) whether the Government’s support is confined to counter-narcotics and transnational crime suppression objectives?
- Question 40: Given public statements linking United States counter-narcotics action with broader energy security considerations, can the Minister state the policy position of the Government in this regard?
- Question 41: Having regard to the statements made by this country’s representative at the UN Security Council meeting held in January 2026, can the Minister advise what is the Government’s stance on the application of the UN Charter, the principle of non-intervention, and the prohibition on the use of force?
- Question 42: Given escalated socio-political pressure in Venezuela, can the Minister advise (i) whether the Government has assessed the potential implications of heightened regional tensions for regional stability, including energy security, maritime safety, and population movement; and (ii) what steps, if any, have been taken within CARICOM or other regional fora to promote consultation or coordinated regional engagement on this matter?
- Question 43: Can the Minister reaffirm (i) that the Government maintains an independent foreign policy where the interests of major powers may intersect with regional peace and economic stability; and (ii) that the Government supports diplomatic engagement and negotiated solutions as a preferred means of resolving regional tensions?
- Question 44: Will the Minister commit to laying a statement in Parliament outlining the nature and scope of Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in any actions spearheaded by the US to target narco-terrorism in relation to Venezuela?
