In a release yesterday, the United States Embassy in T&T said the security cooperation reflects a shared commitment to defend sovereignty, strengthen regional security and confront narco-terrorist networks. However, Neptune-Figaro cautioned that regional security cooperation alone would not solve the country’s organised crime problem. It signals a major step toward joint partnership for regional security,” he said. Criminologist Dr Daurius Figueira, however, argued that the proposal represents a fundamental shift in T&T’s security posture, saying strategic planning and operational command would ultimately remain with the United States. The Government has not publicly outlined the scope of T&T’s reported role in the initiative or responded in detail to questions about its participation.