The Caribbean waters are becoming the stage for a brewing geopolitical conflict involving the United States, Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago. The heart of the matter revolves around oil exploration, maritime security, and strategic influence. With the involvement of ExxonMobil, one of the largest U.S.-based energy companies, the situation raises questions: is America here to fight drug trafficking, safeguard corporate oil interests, or secure regional allies?
In this WeUpdates exclusive, we break down the layers of this high-stakes conflict.
1. Why America Wants Venezuela’s President Out
The United States has long viewed President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela as a threat to democratic governance and regional stability. The American government argues that his leadership undermines human rights, suppresses democracy, and fuels instability.
- Advantages for the U.S.: Removing Maduro could open Venezuela’s vast oil reserves to American companies and stabilize the energy market.
- Disadvantages for the U.S.: Aggressive interference risks international backlash, accusations of neo-colonialism, and strained relations with Latin American and CARICOM states.
- Advantages for Venezuela: If sanctions ease under new leadership, Venezuela could re-enter global oil markets and rebuild its economy.
- Disadvantages for Venezuela: Regime change backed by foreign powers may trigger civil unrest, weaken sovereignty, and deepen mistrust of foreign intervention.
2. Are U.S. Marines in the Caribbean Fighting Drugs or Protecting Exxon?
Officially, the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is tied to drug interdiction and maritime security. However, with ExxonMobil’s multibillion-dollar investments in Guyana and now Trinidad & Tobago, critics argue that the real motive is oil protection, not anti-narcotics operations.
- Guyana Deal: Exxon’s Stabroek block in Guyana is one of the world’s most promising oil discoveries.
- Trinidad & Tobago Deal: Exxon has committed to deepwater exploration worth up to $21.7 billion, with drilling expected to begin within months.
This raises the question: is America’s show of military power truly about combating crime, or is it a strategic shield for U.S. energy dominance in the Caribbean?
3. Guyana vs Venezuela: A Dispute Over Oil Territory
The Essequibo region has been at the center of a long-standing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Venezuela claims the resource-rich area, while Guyana insists on sovereignty backed by international arbitration.
With Exxon drilling in Guyana’s contested waters, the dispute has intensified. Venezuelan officials accuse Guyana of “selling out” to foreign interests, while Guyana insists it is exercising its legal right to develop resources within its territory.
4. Exxon’s Deepwater Deal with Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago, once the Caribbean’s energy powerhouse, is seeking to reclaim its position through a groundbreaking deal with ExxonMobil.
- Investment Scale: Up to $21.7 billion, one of the largest commitments in the region.
- Exploration Zone: The area is the size of seven offshore blocks, northwest of the Stabroek block in Guyana.
- First Steps: Exxon plans to drill two wells within six months, beginning with an initial $42 million investment.
- National Benefits: The deal promises revenue inflows, foreign exchange stability, and high-value job creation.
This move could redefine Trinidad & Tobago as a regional energy hub, but also draw it deeper into the U.S.–Venezuela geopolitical tug-of-war.
5. Safeguarding Oil or Fueling Regional Tension?
The strategic question arises: is the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean protecting Exxon’s energy empire in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, or simply escalating regional conflict?
CARICOM neighbors may interpret this as American militarization of the southern Caribbean, leading to mistrust and divisions in the region.
6 & 7. Should Trinidad & Tobago Grant the U.S. Access to Its Waters?
Reports suggest that Trinidad & Tobago has granted American forces access to its waters if Venezuela launches an attack on Guyana.
- Potential Benefits:
- Security assurance for Trinidad & Tobago.
- Protection of oil assets and energy investments.
- Strengthened diplomatic ties with the U.S.
- Potential Risks:
- Heightened military tension with Venezuela.
- Civilian unease over becoming a frontline state.
- Possibility of economic retaliation or disruption of trade with Venezuela, a neighboring country.
The key question: is this decision truly safeguarding citizens’ daily lives, or simply protecting a corporate oil agenda?
8. A Deal or a Trap for the Southern Caribbean?
Critics warn that Trinidad & Tobago’s move to host U.S. troops could be less about defending citizens and more about securing Exxon’s multibillion-dollar oil ventures. This risks painting the country as a proxy player in America’s global strategy, potentially straining regional unity within CARICOM.
9. Is the U.S. Breaking International Law? Caribbean Citizens ask?
Many analysts argue that the United States has no legal mandate to send troops into Venezuela or dictate regional security. Questions arise:
- Who gave America authority to police the Caribbean?
- Is the intervention about democracy, or oil dominance?
- Is Venezuela being destabilized because of its massive oil reserves?
For Venezuela, America’s actions are seen as global bullying, undermining sovereignty, and threatening regional peace.
Caribbean Region at the Crossroads
The Caribbean conflict between the USA and Venezuela is not just about borders or politics—it’s about oil, power, and influence. As Exxon expands its reach in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, the stakes for sovereignty, security, and regional stability grow higher.
For Trinidad & Tobago and CARICOM, the challenge lies in balancing economic opportunity with national security and regional solidarity. Will the region unite for peace, or become another battleground in the great game of energy geopolitics?