PM defends radar removal in Tobago

2026-03-19 - 02:23

Akash Samaroo Lead Editor-Politics akash.samaroo@cnc3.co.tt Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the removal of the United States-installed radar in Tobago should not come as a surprise, maintaining that the high-tech, military-grade equipment was always intended to be temporary. Breaking her silence following Monday’s removal, Persad-Bissessar told Guardian Media the move had been arranged well in advance. “The departure of the radar was pre-planned months in advance. As I said last year, it was a temporary installation at my request,” she said in a WhatsApp message to Guardian Media yesterday. The Prime Minister has maintained that she had requested the system from the US Embassy as a temporary solution, noting that the country’s existing radar surveillance had been functioning sporadically and had been compromised. She added that the radar was only intended to remain in place until the government could acquire and install a permanent, upgraded replacement of its own. However, just one month ago, the Defence Minister said in a post-Cabinet news briefing that the radar would remain for the “foreseeable future,” citing the significant value it provides to the country’s national security. On February 19, Minister Wayne Sturge said, “We would have the use of the radar for the foreseeable future. I can’t give a definitive timeline. “And the reason why we need it, we already have a radar centre, but all radar systems are somewhat limited. The radar systems provided by the US, they work with drone technology, satellite communications and so on, so that it offers a lot more than what we have.” He added, “And that is needed at this point in time to achieve certain objectives, because, as you would appreciate, the fleet, the Coast Guard’s fleet, is not what it should be, so that we need the assistance in terms of detection, which would help us with the limited fleet we have. It would help us to respond in a timely manner and intercept.” Guardian Media contacted Minister Sturge to determine whether, at the time of his statement a month ago, he was aware the radar would be removed, or whether Trinidad and Tobago’s national security assets are now capable of assuming its role. However, all queries went unanswered up to press time. At a prelude to the Shield of the Americas Summit (also referred to as the Americas Counter Cartel Conference) held at the Trump National Doral in Miami earlier this month, Sturge made a direct appeal to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for increased military support. Sturge argued that for T&T to effectively serve as the “security anchor” in the Southern Caribbean and disrupt cartel transshipment corridors, the country requires significantly more advanced assets. He did not disclose what those assets were, citing that they were sensitive national security details. Meanwhile, Guardian Media asked the Prime Minister what will replace the Tobago radar; however, she said, “I don’t think it’s sensible to publicly disclose our national security surveillance capabilities.” On February 27, speaking outside the Red House, the Prime Minister revealed that the radar cost US $3 million-per-day. She said the United States, not the T&T Government, was footing the bill. “You know they are paying US$3 million a day for that radar? Not us. They are paying that,” she said. She explained that because the US was investing such a high amount into the operation, which reportedly included salaries, accommodation and maintenance, they kept their own military personnel on-site to ensure the equipment’s security and prevent sabotage. Guardian Media asked the Prime Minister yesterday if the country had to pay for the use of the radar or if the US was paying T&T to use its space, but she only responded, “No.” ============Timeline======================== November 26, 2025: When first questioned by the media outside the Red House about US aircraft and personnel in Tobago, the Prime Minister initially omitted mention of a radar, stating instead that US Marines were assisting with a roadway and runway at the ANR Robinson International Airport. November 27, 2025: Speaking at a laptop distribution function at Penal Secondary School, the PM admitted a radar system was being installed. She clarified that after “further inquiries,” she confirmed Marines were working on a “runway and a radar” to improve surveillance against narco-traffickers. November 29, 2025: She defended her previous day’s silence, calling it an “intentional omission” for national security reasons. She argued that broadcasting the installation would have alerted criminal networks. She also famously stated that THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine was not informed because he is “not a member of the National Security Council (NSC).” December 1, 2025: Persad-Bissessar clarified that she was the one who requested the radar from the US Embassy months prior as a temporary solution for “poor surveillance capabilities.” She explicitly denied that T&T was being used as a base for attacks on Venezuela. December 3, 2025: In a press release, she challenged the PNM Opposition to explain how long they knew the previous radar system had been “compromised,” asserting that the new system provided a “superior layer of protection.” December 11, 2025: At a CXC awards ceremony, she credited the radar with helping police seize $171 million worth of marijuana in the Caroni Swamp, citing this as proof of its effectiveness. December 20, 2025: During a strong defence of the US partnership, she told critics to “leave the Americans alone,” warning that bad-mouthing the US could risk citizens’ visas. She famously quipped to the public: “While you are worrying about the radar, I want you to know that every one of you is on my radar!” February 28, 2026: The Prime Minister revealed that the radar cost US$3 million a day to operate, though she emphasised that the United States, not Trinidad and Tobago, was covering this cost. March 9, 2026: She visited US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Florida to meet with General Francis L Donovan, discussing ongoing “collaborative efforts to combat narco-terrorism,” which signalled the continued high-level military partnership. March 16–17, 2026: Following the sudden dismantling and removal of the radar by US forces, reports indicate the Prime Minister had previously assured the public the arrangement was temporary.