In the wake of a devastating US military strike in the Caribbean, a grieving fishing village in Trinidad is demanding justice for two of its sons, Chad "Charpo" Joseph and Rishi Samaroo. The men, along with four others, were allegedly killed in a US airstrike on a boat suspected of transporting drugs from Venezuela. The tragedy has sparked outrage and a sense of betrayal among the community, with many questioning the Trump administration's actions and its impact on the region's sovereignty.
The Trump administration has labeled the deceased as "narcoterrorists," citing intelligence confirming the vessel's involvement in narcotics trafficking. However, relatives and friends of the victims are insistent that due process was denied, and they feel abandoned by their own government. La Toya, Joseph's cousin, expressed her anguish, stating, "Everybody has a right to due process, and it wasn't given. It feels like we're no longer under our government's protection in these waters."
The village of Las Cuevas, known for its fishing community, is now in turmoil. Family members and neighbors have gathered to mourn and support one another, feeling betrayed by the lack of communication and support from the Trinidad government. Joseph's uncle, known only as "Dollars," passionately voiced his frustration, "Donald Trump is killing poor people, and it's all because he's after our gas and oil."
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate family. With no body to bury, the community is planning a memorial mass, a testament to the deep bonds of friendship and family in this close-knit village. The village is also grappling with the fear of being caught in the crossfire of Trump's "war on drugs," as local fishers now avoid their usual routes and stay closer to the coast.
The situation has sparked a broader regional concern. Activist David Abdulah, representing the Assembly of Caribbean People, called for the Caribbean to remain a "zone of peace." He warned of an imminent threat to the region's sovereignty and peace, alluding to Washington's history of interference in the region. Juanita Goebertus Estrada, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, echoed these sentiments, stating that the attacks violated international human rights law and amounted to extrajudicial executions.
As the Caribbean grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the question of sovereignty and the balance between national security and human rights remains at the forefront of the discussion. The community's grief and anger serve as a powerful reminder of the complex challenges faced by nations in the face of global power dynamics.
