WATCH: PM Browne Withholds Comment on US-Venezuela Developments, Raises Concerns for Small Island States
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he will not offer an opinion on the justification for the recent kidnapping of the Venezuelan president, Nicholas Maduro, instead indicating he will wait to see how the matter unfolds through the judicial process.
His comments come amid dramatic developments following confirmation by Donald Trump that the United States launched strikes on Venezuela and captured its president, Maduro.
Browne stated on his radio station Saturday that his main concern is the impact this conflict could have on Small Island Developing States.
According to U.S. officials, Maduro and his wife were transported to Stewart Air National Guard Base, before being flown by helicopter to the Drug Enforcement Administration office in Manhattan. They were later transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
President Trump earlier posted an image showing Maduro blindfolded aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a move that quickly drew international attention and intensified global debate over the operation.
Trump has since stated that the United States intends to effectively “run” Venezuela, at least temporarily, until what he described as a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can be achieved.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/04/watch-pm-browne-withholds-comment-on-us-venezuela-developments-raises-concerns-for-small-island-states. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (9)
Tapper January 4, 2026, 9:20 AM
Anonymous January 4, 2026, 9:41 AM
Reign January 4, 2026, 11:58 AM
Kizzy January 4, 2026, 12:03 PM
Juju Bee January 4, 2026, 3:32 PM
Dark Chocolate January 4, 2026, 11:54 PM
Jehan M January 5, 2026, 12:55 PM
PM Browne is right to focus on Small Island States. Big-power conflicts always spill over onto small economies first. January 5, 2026, 10:52 PM
Tina January 6, 2026, 7:23 AM