Venezuela Cuts Gas Ties With Trinidad & Tobago After U.S. Oil Tanker Seizure

The recent seizure of an oil tanker by United States military forces has had swift repercussions on Trinidad & Tobago, accused by Venezuela of collaborating with the U.S. in an act of piracy.  In a communique shared on Monday by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela announced the decision to “immediately terminate any contract, agreement, or negotiation for the supply of natural gas” to Trinidad & Tobago.  The announcement blames Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for pursuing “a hostile agenda against Venezuela since her arrival in government.” In pursuit of this agenda, Ms. Persad-Bisessar has “turned the territory of Trinidad and Tobago into a U.S. aircraft carrier,” Venezuela alleges, calling the country's hosting of U.S. troops and equipment “an unequivocal act of vassalage.” Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reportedly responded via WhatsApp message to Trinidadian journalists, dismissing Venezuela's allegations. She reportedly placed full responsibility for the o...