Media Release from MP for Oropouche West Dr. Lackram Bodoe - DR. LACKRAM BODOE COMMENDS PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR SC ON BOLD AND PRINCIPLED ADDRESS AT CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING | 25.02.2026

[UNITED VOICE]

Good day all,

Please see the attached statement for immediate release on behalf of the MP for Oropouche West, Dr. Lackram Bodoe.

To: All Editors

From: Member of Parliament for Oropouche West, Dr. Lackram Bodoe

Date: 25th February 2026.

DR. LACKRAM BODOE COMMENDS PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR SC ON BOLD AND PRINCIPLED ADDRESS AT CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING

Member of Parliament for Oropouche West Dr. Lackram Bodoe, has commended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC for what he described as a “courageous, clear-eyed and patriotic address” delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on February 24, 2026.

Dr. Bodoe stated that the Prime Minister’s address demonstrated strong leadership rooted in sovereignty, accountability, and national interest, while reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s continued commitment to regional cooperation.

“The Prime Minister spoke with conviction and clarity,” Dr. Bodoe said. “She reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to CARICOM while making it abundantly clear that Trinidad and Tobago will always put its citizens first. That balance between regional partnership and national responsibility is the mark of principled leadership.”

Dr. Bodoe noted that the Prime Minister’s address raised important concerns regarding governance, transparency, and accountability within regional institutions. He emphasized that constructive engagement is necessary to strengthen CARICOM and ensure it remains a body that represents all Caribbean people fairly and equitably.

He further commended the Prime Minister’s firm stance on national security and sovereignty, particularly her position that Trinidad and Tobago will craft its foreign and security policies independently to safeguard the nation’s interests.

Dr. Bodoe also praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, accountability, and transparency, describing these values as fundamental to the stability and prosperity of both Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.

“Her message was not one of division, but of realism and responsibility,” Dr. Bodoe added. “Regional cooperation must be built on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared democratic values. Trinidad and Tobago will continue to engage meaningfully wherever our policies align, but we will never compromise our independence or the wellbeing of our citizens.”

Dr. Bodoe concluded by expressing full support for the Prime Minister’s vision of a CARICOM that moves beyond rhetoric toward practical, results-driven action that benefits the people of the Caribbean.

“As representatives of the people, we have a duty to defend our sovereignty, protect our citizens, and strengthen our democracy. The Prime Minister has done just that.”

END.

Kind regards,

Oropouche West Constituency Office

Dr. Lackram Bodoe, MP

Member of Parliament – Oropouche West