Bissessar, as tension rises between the United States and Venezuela over the deployment of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea allegedly to combat narco-trafficking. US Department of State deputy spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, said that Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke with Persad-Bissessar on Monday “to reaffirm the strength of the US-Trinidad and Tobago partnership. “The deputy secretary commended Trinidad and Tobago as a strong US partner in the Caribbean,” said Piggott in a statement. “He acknowledged Prime Minister Persad Bissessar’s public support for US military operations in the South Caribbean Sea and both our governments’ commitment to curbing illegal narcotics and firearms trafficking. “The deputy secretary also emphasized the importance of establishing a UN Support Office for Haiti, with both leaders underscoring the need for further support to address insecurity and violence in Haiti,” Piggott added. Last week, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar applauded Trump’s military build-up in the Caribbean Sea off Venezuela, as the US military struck an alleged drug boat, killing “11 terrorists”. (Jamaica Gleaner)