Naparima MP Rodney Charles is calling on the Government to adopt a realistic and principled foreign policy in the wake of decisions being made by the US Government.

In a statement, Mr Charles says T&T is neither a global superpower nor an obedient pawn, and must be prepared to assert its sovereignty and defend the national interest.

He suggests actively promoting regional responses, with CARICOM, the UN’s Group of Latin America and Caribbean states, the Commonwealth, and subsequently the EU, India, and Africa.

The MP also warned against placing blind faith in the US, since he believes “it is a nation that will always prioritize its own interests.”

The US has spoken recently of  possible consequences for officials of countries that use Cuban export labours, as well as  an end to oil and gas deals with Venezuela made under the Biden administration.