US Marines Currently Where?
In a surprising turnaround, Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister has reversed earlier statements and confirmed that U.S. Marines are still operating on the islands. The shift comes as the United States under President Donald Trump continues expanding anti-drug and national-security efforts across the Caribbean—an area increasingly viewed as a major front in the fight against narcotics trafficking and regional instability.
Prime Minister Admits U.S. Marines Are Active on Tobago
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar acknowledged that American Marines remain at the Tobago airport, where they are working on radar systems, runway infrastructure, and surrounding access roads. This admission came only days after she had told reporters that the Marines had left the country.
Persad-Bissessar said U.S. personnel are boosting surveillance and intelligence capabilities to counter the surge in narco-trafficking around the islands. She did not offer details on how long the mission will continue.
Requests for comment from the nation’s attorney general and the ministers of defense and homeland security went unanswered.
Strategic Radar Installations Raise Questions
It remains unclear whether the United States plans to use the upgraded radar system for broader regional monitoring, or whether the team is installing brand-new equipment. With the Caribbean becoming a high-traffic route for drug smugglers, improved radar coverage is seen as a critical tool for stopping illegal shipments before they reach American shores.
Meeting With Trump’s Joint Chiefs Chairman Signals Growing U.S. Partnership
The prime minister’s reversal came shortly after she met with Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Trump’s top military adviser. Caine traveled to Trinidad and Tobago for direct security talks—an indication that Washington views the country as a valuable partner in stabilizing the region.
Following the meeting, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago has not been asked to host or support any military action against Venezuela. She added that Venezuela was not a topic of discussion with U.S. officials, despite ongoing concerns about the Maduro regime’s role in fueling regional instability.
Increased U.S. Activity Across the Caribbean
Local officials confirmed that a U.S. military aircraft recently landed in Tobago for refueling, further signaling increased American presence in the region.
Earlier this year, Washington approached Grenada about installing a temporary radar at its main international airport. Grenadian officials have not yet said whether they will approve the request, but analysts note that the island—like Trinidad—is strategically positioned close to Venezuela, where dictator Nicolás Maduro remains under intense international pressure.
Experts say the current U.S. military activity represents one of the largest American buildups in the Caribbean in decades, aimed at countering drug cartels, protecting maritime routes, and limiting the influence of hostile regimes.
Dominican Republic Expands Access for U.S. Operations
The Dominican Republic has already taken a strong stance in support of U.S. efforts. President Luis Abinader announced that he will allow American forces temporary access to restricted zones at an air base and at the nation’s main international airport. He made the announcement alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscoring the growing cooperation between the two countries.
U.S. Counter-Drug Strikes Intensify
U.S.-led strikes that began in early September have resulted in the deaths of at least 83 suspected cartel operatives, reflecting the Trump administration’s broader push to dismantle drug-trafficking networks before they reach American communities.
For many observers, the strong U.S. presence across the Caribbean signals a renewed commitment to border security, national defense, and regional stability—issues that resonate deeply with older Americans concerned about the rise of cartel violence and the growing influence of anti-U.S. regimes in the hemisphere.
