It's no secret that many Venezuelans believe that Trinidad and Tobago is giving away its natural-gas reserves. President Chavez may also be unhappy with Trinidad and Tobago's model of energy development.

When a balance between Trinidad and island interests is being served, and the Caribbean is again speaking with one voice, T&T must decisively seek the support of Brazil and Mexico, with the region's assistance, in delicately balancing our position between our revolutionary neighbour only seven miles away and our commercial and social ties with North America and Europe.