Updated with PM Carney statement
Official Canadian and Caribbean reaction to U.S. military action in Venezuela has been pretty thin. This likely reflects the need to carefully calibrate any response in a situation that is still unfolding.
Canadian Prime Minister Carney made a statement indicating that Canada stands with the Venezuelan people.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada stands by the Venezuelan people’s “right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society” after U.S. President Donald Trump announced American forces captured Venezuela’s president early Saturday morning.
“Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of [Nicolás] Maduro since it stole the 2018 election,” Carney said on social media Saturday evening. “The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.
The prime minister added that Canada has “long-supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people” and it calls on all parties to respect international law.
Source: CBC News
Canadian Foreign Minister Anand has put out a tweet on her X account. Global Affairs Canada will probably follow with a formal statement later.
CARICOM has said it is monitoring the situation and will have more to say later.
“The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM met very early on 3 January following reports of military action in Venezuela.
CARICOM is actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries. CARICOM will continue to update the people of the Region as more information is received.”
Source: CARICOM
And Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has emphasized that her country is not involved in the action.
“Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela”
Source: Trinidad Express