Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has drawn criticism across the region after remarks seen as singling out fellow Caribbean Community leaders over relations with the United States.

Persad-Bissessar warned Trinidad and Tobago nationals against “bad-talking” Washington, noting that thousands hold U.S. visas and maintain close ties with the United States “because people like to go and visit the U.S.” She framed the issue as one of security, asking who would defend Trinidad and Tobago if it were attacked.

In comments that reverberated across the region, she cautioned: “Careful you don’t end up like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica… bad-mouthing the U.S. and guess what happened… all their visas rescinded now.”

The remarks triggered swift backlash, with critics accusing her of undermining regional solidarity. Former prime minister Stuart Young described the comments as “disturbing” and “quite frankly sad,” saying they had damaged CARICOM and disrespected long-standing bilateral relationships. “Diplomacy is an art form,” Young wrote in a social media post, arguing that positions can be taken without harming others or compromising sovereignty.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne responded without naming Persad-Bissessar but said a fellow regional leader had publicly accused Antigua and Barbuda of “cursing the U.S. administration.” He challenged the claim to be supported with facts.

Browne also warned that internal divisions continue to weaken the bloc. “The inertia and insularity within CARICOM continue to undermine the effectiveness of our integration movement,” he said, while adding that he remains hopeful for a stronger regional union.

The exchange has exposed fresh tensions within CARICOM, raising questions about diplomacy and unity at a time of heightened external pressure.