Governor Jane Owen has told Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan that the UK is “vigilant” amid US targeting of Venezuelan ships alleged to be involved in drug smuggling and a naval blockade on sanctioned oil tankers.
Owen wrote to Kenneth Bryan after he asked her for reassurance that steps had been taken to protect Caymanian seafarers who might become caught up in US military action against Venezuelan shipping.
Owen told him, “We remain vigilant regarding the safety of Caymanian vessels and mariners as they traverse the wider region.”
She added that the UK worked with Caribbean governments on security and to prevent crime, including the flow of “illicit money, drugs and irregular migration”.
Owen was speaking after US President Donald Trump in mid-December ramped up the pressure on Venezuela with a naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country’s ports.
Boats fired on
The US navy has stationed warships in striking distance of the South American country and dozens of people have been killed in attacks on boats alleged to have been carrying drugs.
US forces have also seized two tankers off the Venezuelan coast.
Owen said, “We are actively following the targeted actions taken by the United States against Venezuelan boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking and illicit oil shipments.
“Our deep and broad relationship with the United States enables close dialogue, including of matters of security in the Caribbean region.
“We endorse the need to keep trade routes open and safely managed.”
She told Bryan, “We appreciate your engagement on this matter and we will provide a further update should circumstances change.”
Bryan ‘comforted’
Bryan wrote to Owen on 22 Dec. to air “serious concerns” of constituents about rising tension in the region.
He said, “The current military posture of the Trump administration, including naval blockades and active operations in nearby waters, has created significant public anxiety.”
Bryan asked Owen to provide details of trade route protection measures to ensure the safety of shipping and what had been done to safeguard Cayman fishermen and boaters operating in “international or regional waters during this period of heightened naval activity”.
He also asked Owen to issue “a formal public statement” if it had been decided the “regional tensions pose no immediate risks to the Cayman Islands”.
Bryan said, “Many residents have expressed a deep concern and a clear message of assurance from your offices would go a long way in maintaining public calm and confidence.”
Bryan said after receiving the response that he was disappointed there had been no direct answer to questions on whether the UK had “immediate concerns” about the situation.
But he added, “I take comfort in the confirmation that they are in constant communication with the US authorities.”
Bryan said, “I do appreciate her responding to me on behalf of constituents and people across the country.”
He added, “I just wanted to ensure it’s on their radar and they’re actively speaking to the US to ensure Caymanian interests are not being negatively impacted by what his happening with other countries.”
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Do we really have exposure for our fishermen in Venezuelan waters?. I suggest our politicians concern themselves with more immediate concerns, for example, the hundreds of motorists who exceed the speed limits daily on our roads , apparently because they know they can get away with it.