In random interactions by this writer, Vishnu Bisram, with dozens of traditional supporters of both UNC and PNM, a snapshot of opinion, the public is almost unanimously behind the gritty, sharp response uttered by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Party Whip Barry Padarath to the provocative remarks last week by Venezuelan officials that mercenaries entered Venezuela from the territory of Trinidad and Tobago with “weapons of war” with the goal of destabilizing the Maduro regime. Diplomatic tension has escalated since the change in administration just over a month ago. The Venezuelan regime threatened to pursue the individuals in territory of Trinidad and Tobago. Both the PM and the parliamentary leader resolutely stated that the T&T government will defend the sovereignty of the nation. The public feel Venezuela should be dealt with strongly. The public largely view the responses of both Kamla and Padarath as fitting, measured, resilient, and justified.
Many describe the PM’s response to Venezuela threat as brilliant. They say she stands and defends her ground. They said the PM spoke with a self-assured, controlled, cool, straight, steady, level head. Her response is analytical. She understands the geo-politics of the region with some respondents commenting that she was smartly ‘gallerying’ to the USA. She was speaking to America to understand the new government’s position on Venezuela. She wants T&T to be a close partner with America and the USA has responded in kind with remarks out of Washington on Kamla’s victory in the April 28 election.
It has been pointed out that Venezuela has been a troublesome neighbor. Fishermen of T&T were known to be arrested, beaten, and robbed. And the new government want to solidify its relationship with USA on handling Venezuela. The USA will not allow Venezuela to threaten American interests in T&T.
Padarath’s remarks also show his deep understanding of regional geopolitics on which power controls the hemisphere. The US is dead set against Maduro and his authoritarian rule. Venezuela has been threatening neighbors and according to Washington has been flooding countries with gang members doing terrible things. The public of T&T is of the view that USA will come to the assistance of the country should any threat arise on sovereignty.
Responses from the public suggest that Padarath has emerged as among the most articulate supporter of the government and of Kamla. He and a few others from the government side have been garnering attention of the general public. He does not mince words, especially against the opposition, and he has come across as an unapologetic realist on Venezuelan matter playing up to American geopolitical strategy.
So far, the public feel that Padarath has made a most impressionable performance as Leader of the Government side. His strategy has been very aggressive. His fearless remarks against the opposition are playing well to the UNC base and his response against Venezuela is also welcomed by both government and opposition supporters. It is felt by party supporters that he answers critics and the opposition with sound, impactful responses. He has made bold, unafraid statements and has not shied away from challenging narratives from the other side capturing the public’s attention.
