Minister of Communications Stuart Young is denouncing what he says is an attempt by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to cause panic, with regard to this country's relations with the United States.
This follows the difference in views towards Venezuela, between US Ambassador Joseph Mondello and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
"The Government is compelled to reassure citizens that the attempt to cause panic by the United National Congress (UNC), and in particular, the Leader of the Opposition Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissesar, by creating fear about a change in relations between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America (USA) is unfounded and a naked attempt to cover up the most recent overwhelming criticism of the Opposition," Young said in a statement today.
He added: "We remind that CARICOM, and many other countries, took an identical position of non-interference and non-intervention with respect to Venezuela. CARICOM has sent a delegation, including Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley to the United Nations to have discussions surrounding the Venezuelan issue and its potential threat to regional security, social and economic disruption. Notwithstanding efforts by the UNC to undermine Trinidad and Tobago's position, particularly at this time of sensitive negotiations, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its principle positions and counts the USA among its treasured partners in observing and protecting these principles."
Persad-Bissessar told Parliament on Friday that the Opposition was supporting Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela.
Dr Rowley and the CARICOM teams are meeting with UN officials in New York and Washington this week.