A Grenadian journalist’s on-the-spot question to Venezuela’s interim president has drawn attention in Trinidad and Tobago, asking Delcy Rodriguez why she chose Grenada as her international visit before she pivots to ask, why not Trinidad and Tobago.
In the brief clip posted on WPG 10's Facebook page, journalist and talk show host Calistra Farrier walks alongside Rodriguez and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
She asks, "Of all the countries in the Caribbean you chose Grenada first, why?"
To which Rodriguez responds in English, "It's a neighbour, very close to us."
She had barely finished her sentence before Farrier shot back, "Trinidad is close to you!"
Rodriguez replies, "Yea but we have relations with Grenada."
Farrier then asks if there were any other countries Rodriguez planned to visit but she said not at this time.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell famously turned down a United States request for a radar installation on the island.
Rodríguez’s visit to Grenada was described by the Grenadian government as her first official trip abroad since assuming office.
According to an official communiqué, discussions with Mitchell focused on bilateral cooperation, including energy, economic development, climate-smart agriculture, education and cultural exchange.
The visit took place in what was described as a “cordial and constructive atmosphere”, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
After nearly a year of evading the question Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has confirmed that the Government now recognises Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s interim president.
For over six years Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was openly critical of Rodríguez and Venezuela’s leadership, at one point calling for sanctions to be placed on Trinidad and Tobago when Rodriguez visited Trinidad and Tobago during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Now in government and with Nicolas Maduro out of government and with Rodriguez having the backing of the US, Persad-Bissessar has announced that a diplomatic delegation will soon travel to Venezuela to pursue energy interests, including cross-border oil and gas resources.
“Shortly, a diplomatic delegation will depart Trinidad and Tobago to go to Venezuela to ensure we get our just share of the oil and gas,” the PM had revealed at a fire tender handover ceremony in Penal.
