By: Staff Writer
October 3, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has given Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar US backing for the Venezuelan Dragon gas proposal.
In a state visit to Washington DC this past week, Persad-Bissessar met with Rubio to discuss the controversial Dragon gas proposal and other partnership opportunities between both countries.
Rubio acknowledged the importance of energy security to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic prosperity and regional stability. He outlined U.S. support for the government’s Dragon gas proposal and steps to ensure it will not provide significant benefit to the Maduro regime. The Secretary emphasized that deepening U.S.–Trinidad and Tobago cooperation will be critical to disrupting narcotrafficking networks, strengthening regional security, and safeguarding our region.
In a video released after the meeting, Persad-Bissessar said, “We had some very important discussions for bilateral interest.” She added, “More will be disclosed later; we have some good news and we will share with you later.” She gave no further details.
In a video on September 29, Persad-Bissessar identified national security and energy issues as two matters that were on the table for discussions with Rubio.
In its statement, the OPM said after the meeting, government was informed that Rubio “supports the approval of the relevant Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licences to begin discussions toward developing its cross-border hydrocarbons.” OFAC falls under the US Treasury Department.
The Dragon field is a significant offshore natural gas field in Venezuelan territorial waters, near the maritime border with Trinidad and Tobago, with a US license for development until October 2025. Jointly operated by Shell, Trinidad’s National Gas Company, and Venezuela’s state-run PDVSA, the project aims to pipeline gas to Trinidad to supplement its domestic reserves and help revive its Atlantic LNG Terminal. Despite US sanctions on Venezuela, development momentum has grown, with Shell planning to begin production and export by 2026.
Rubio also commended Trinidad and Tobago’s steps to counter Transnational Criminal Organizations and curb illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking. The leaders also discussed efforts to restore stability in Haiti, including through support for the UN security council resolution authorizing a UN Support Office for Haiti and Gang Suppression Force.