Prime Minister of Triniada and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Photo: Trinidad Express

He accused her of “mortgaging” Trinidad and Tobago’s seas and territory, stating further that he believed she would fare badly as a result.

Maduro, who has in the past criticised Persad-Bissessar for her welcoming of US forces and lethal boat strikes that have killed at least 82 thus far, was speaking on a TV programme on Monday night when he was asked about the recently announced US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s military.

In response yesterday, the Prime Minister told TV6: “Maduro needs to speak to (US President Donald) Trump. Those are Trump’s warships in international waters. I have already made clear Trinidad and ­Tobago’s position as it relates to Vene­zuela.”

Last Saturday, Maduro said the exercises were intended to threaten Venezuela, upon which the US has mounted pressure as part of what it claims is an effort to counter the trafficking of drugs to its shores.

As he spoke on Monday, Maduro said he was monitoring local media reports on the joint exercises and that the people of Trinidad and Tobago were completely against them.

Citing reports that Defence Force officials had not been briefed on the exercises on Sunday, Maduro claimed the Prime Minister had “handed over” T&T territory.

“I don’t know what the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago says—whether a Prime Minister can so freely concede her country’s territory and seas to threaten a neighbouring country, a very beloved one like Venezuela, with which we share centuries of common history.

“This has never been seen before. Truly, never seen. And I think the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is going to fare very badly for these false steps she is taking against the peace of her country and the region,” Maduro said.

In August, the Prime Minister had issued a statement in which she said her Government would offer US forces unflinching access to T&T territory in the event of an attack against Guyana on the part of Venezuela.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sean Sobers last Friday insisted the US’ joint exercise had nothing to do with Venezuela, and that the country would not be used as a launching pad for any attack against the neighbouring South American country.