Gary Aboud Questions Whether Government Responsible For Revoking His U.S. Visa — Prime Minister RESPONDS

“I have taken note of a Press Release issued by Mr. Gary Aboud [Corporate Secretary of Fishermen & Friends of the Sea (FFOS)], announcing that his United States Visa was revoked. In doing so, he raised several questions and made a number of incendiary statements that must be responsibly and firmly addressed.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, in response to, amongst other issues, Aboud questioning “whether foreign powers and our own Government are attempting to intimidate or punish civil society voices that speak out.”

In a statement issued on her X account this evening (Friday 21st November, 2025), the Prime Minister said, “First and foremost, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has absolutely no involvement in the decisions or actions taken by the Government of the United States or the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago regarding their Visa or immigration policies. These matters fall solely within the jurisdiction of the United States Government. Any concerns or requests for clarification or redress must be directed to the appropriate U.S. authorities. We are blessed to live in a strong and vibrant democracy where freedom of speech and the right to expression are fully protected and have never been interfered with. Contrary to Mr. Aboud’s assertions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are not being silenced. Such an inflammatory allegation is reckless, misleading, and risks causing unnecessary fear.”

Mrs. Persad-Bissessar continued, “I categorically state that there has never been — and will never be — any attempt by my Government to intimidate, punish, or suppress the voices of civil society. In fact, when a former Prime Minister recently called a Press Conference at his ‘office’ and made a host of unfounded claims, I made it clear that he is free to speak. That is how democracy works, and my Government will always uphold that principle. Let me be clear: the true enemies of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region are the narco-traffickers, human traffickers, gun runners, and the transnational criminal cartels responsible for unprecedented levels of bloodshed, violence, and suffering in our country.”

She added, “I stand by my position that these dangerous criminals must be confronted decisively. My Government firmly supports the United States and our international partners in their mission to combat transnational trafficking and dismantle criminal networks that prey on our citizens. The former administration left our borders dangerously exposed — allowing unchecked entry of illegal immigrants, members of violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua, and an influx of guns, drugs, and trafficked persons. For the first time in many years, the presence of the U.S. Marines and military assets in our region has contributed significantly to reducing the flow of illicit weapons and drugs into Trinidad and Tobago. Their partnership is welcomed, and their results are evident.”

The Prime Minister’s statement concluded by saying, “My Government remains committed to strengthening regional security, protecting our citizens, and working alongside international partners — including the United States — to ensure that peace, safety, and the rule of law prevail in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Below is the full Press Release issued by Gary Aboud:

For 28 years, Fishermen & Friends of the Sea (FFOS) has championed equity, justice, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable grassroots and coastal communities. Today, however, we face an alarming reality: NGOs are being silenced. The recent revocation of my U.S. Visa raises serious concerns about whether foreign powers and our own Government are attempting to intimidate or punish civil society voices that speak out. NGOs are not enemies of the State; we are a critical pillar of any functioning democracy. Without an independent civil society holding power to account, there can be no transparency, no oversight, and no protection against abuses of authority.

FFOS has long supported strong and decisive action against the drug trade. We fully support the Prime Minister's stated commitment to stopping drugs and guns from entering TT. Drugs have destroyed families, fuelled violence, and inflicted generational damage on our society. For too long, no administration has taken a firm, unyielding stance against this scourge. However, we cannot and will never support extra-judicial killings as a means of achieving this goal. The end does not justify these unlawful and violent murders. The fight against narcotics must be rooted in the rule of law, due process, and respect for human rights.

Around the world, respected institutions are condemning recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan vessels as lethal attacks carried out under the claim of counter-narcotics operations but executed in ways that violate international law.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called the strikes “unacceptable” and demanded an independent investigation. Human Rights Watch has deemed them “extrajudicial killings.” International bodies warn that these actions breach the UN Charter and set a dangerous global precedent. No nation worldwide has supported the U.S. in these extrajudicial killings.

Yet here at home, our Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, publicly declared to “kill them all violently” and has yet to condemn the deaths of two (2) Trinidadians killed in these strikes. If the global community recognizes these killings as unlawful, why does our own leader support them? If the United States has intelligence tracking these alleged “narco-terrorists,” then present that intelligence before a Court, not fire deadly missiles in international waters.

At the same time, TT hosts U.S. warships and helicopters, yet our Coast Guard remains severely under-equipped. If the United States genuinely wishes to help secure our borders, why not provide fast interceptor vessels, modern radar systems, or a functioning helicopter? Our Southern maritime border from Cedros across the Gulf of Paria remains a free passage for human trafficking, guns, drugs, livestock, illegal immigrants, and contraband. Where is the permanent joint base that should be monitoring and defending this vulnerable frontier?

Meanwhile, a far deadlier war continues on land. Our citizens face daily murders, rapes, kidnappings, home invasions, robberies, and pervasive fear. If the United States wishes to assist TT meaningfully, why not support efforts to dismantle the gangs and criminal networks that are terrorizing our nation every single day?

Amid all this, the prudential revocation of my U.S. Visa is deeply concerning. A Visa is an invitation, not a right, and if the U.S. does not wish to receive me, I respect and will abide by their decision. But when civil society leaders who condemn extra-judicial killings suddenly face punitive measures, it forces us to ask, is dissent being punished? Is our Government facilitating this silence?

FFOS will always support our PM Kamla Persad Bissessar in a strong, lawful, and effective fight against the drug and arms trade. We will never condone unlawful killings or abandon the principles of justice and due process that protect us all, and will continue to stand in defence of Our Seas, Our People, and Our Democracy.

More on this as it becomes available.

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