Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America Thomas Smitham says the Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa) does not authorise the creation of permanent or temporary bases in T&T.
He said he had seen references in the press to possible US military bases here.
The Sofa was ratified on May 22 during the visit of US vice president Joe Biden.
In a letter to the editor, Thomas said, “We co-operate with the Government here to ensure that our joint efforts are as effective as possible.
“For years we have held training exercises with the military to enhance readiness of the forces here.
“We recently updated a Status of Forces Agreement to ensure that US military personnel can, if permitted by the Government here, temporarily operate in Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said the US was currently party to more than 100 similar agreements.
He said the agreement will facilitate participation by US military personnel in joint exercises and training activities, ship visits by the US Navy, and other co-operative activities with our defense and security partners in T&T.
“It demonstrates that the Caribbean is an area of great importance for the US in the areas of economics and security.”
Smitham said the US and T&T were partners in helping to improve security and reduce narco-trafficking in this strategically important region.
He also thanked the citizenry for the warm welcome extended to Biden.