“The truth sometimes hurts,” was the response of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar after facing criticism for remarks she made during the opening ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in St Kitts and Nevis on February 24.

In her speech, Persad-Bissessar signalled a significant foreign policy shift for Trinidad and Tobago, saying the country will no longer bind its foreign and security policies solely with CARICOM, citing what she described as unreliable support from the regional bloc in the face of threats from Venezuela and other geopolitical challenges.

The Prime Minister highlighted that some regional leaders chose to support the government of Nicolas Maduro, and she also criticised instances of CARICOM governments involving themselves in the domestic political affairs of fellow member states — comments that some at home and in the region have labelled divisive and inappropriate.

Speaking with reporters after her bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 25, Persad-Bissessar said there was no intention to disrespect or divide.

“I was very honest in what I was saying. I think sometimes we put our heads in the sand, bury our heads to what is the reality of the region at this time… I don’t mean it dismissively, but we have to do what we see best for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar added that her first duty is to her country, but she also reaffirmed her government’s support for CARICOM and cooperation among member states.

“That is my first duty, and of course to work and cooperate with the region. There was no intention to divide anyone,” she said, noting that longstanding issues within the regional agenda weren’t being confronted.

She also responded directly to critics at home, including Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and the People’s National Movement, who called her comments “shameless.” 

Persad-Bissessar said she has a mandate to lead and protect the interests of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I’m not surprised with their comments. Let them do what they think best. But I have the mandate to run the country and I intend to do so bravely, courageously. And sometimes, as I told you, the truth sometimes hurts. So there will be some people upset,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar also noted that Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness made similar points in his address but did not receive the same reaction.