Senior Reporter
kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
While many Trinidadians appear unbothered by the rising tension between the United States and Venezuela, some in South Trinidad are quietly preparing for the worst, stocking up on groceries and essential supplies in the event war breaks out and T&T is caught in the crossfire.
At JTA Supermarket in C3 Centre, Ste Madeleine, staff reported a weekend spike in sales of toilet paper, bottled water, and canned goods. Lane attendants hurried to restock peas, tuna, Vienna sausages, and rice, as shelves ran low on corned beef, salmon, mackerel, and flour. The end-of-month rush was expected later in the week, but shopping activity began earlier than usual.
The sudden buying spree coincided with the arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer that docked in Port-of-Spain on Sunday. The visit forms part of joint military exercises between the US Marines and the Defence Force, which continue until October 30.
However, the warship’s presence has stirred heated debate over regional stability and sovereignty. Venezuela condemned the visit, accusing T&T of “hostile provocation” and warning of a “false flag” operation. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged diplomacy, expressing concern about the growing US military footprint in the region.
The Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Government defended Gravely’s arrival as part of a long-standing security partnership focused on anti-narcotics and maritime surveillance. She dismissed panic as politically driven and accused the Opposition of undermining national security.
The Opposition, meanwhile, described the Government’s handling as “reckless” and “hypocritical.”
Still, some citizens are taking precautions. Shopper Maria Garcia, who was accompanied by her children, filled her trolley with extra non-perishables and baby supplies.
“With the fear that is taking place right now, I want to make sure that my family is taken care of in case there is anything shutting down. I did go over the board this month by shopping to make sure I am safe in case anything takes place,” Garcia said.
Garcia said the military escalation between the US and Venezuela has changed her shopping habits. She spent $1,500 to $1,700 more this month on water, toiletries, medical supplies, and children’s essentials.
“You feel scared. You feel uncertain. You feel unsure about what will take place, and it brings a sort of uncertainty as to what tomorrow will bring.”
San Fernando mother Mafalda Fabian also admitted that she has considered stocking up but has yet to act.
“As it stands, I think it is necessary, but I will still hold for a little bit until my children and I decide to do it together,” Fabian said.
She added that most Trinidadians lack a contingency plan and urged the authorities to do more to reassure citizens. Asking people not to panic, she said, “is not enough” when there are so many conflicting reports.
Couple Ezra and Nizam Ali differed slightly in their views. Ezra said she was concerned as she picked up extra staples like rice, flour, oil, and curry.
“We have to organise ourselves and get our groceries. I mean, how much can we buy? It might be a limited amount; they might be rationing stuff eventually if war breaks out,” Ezra said.
Nizam, leaning on the trolley, remained steadfast in his faith.
“I am not worried. I’ve been praying for my country all the while, so I am not scared,” Nizam said.
Princes Town mother Anita Ramnarine shopped as usual, unfazed by the geopolitical tensions.
“I am not scared. For me, I think that is their business. It does not concern us. I think my Government is smart enough to protect its people, so I am not worried,” Ramnarine said.
In Point Fortin, business appeared normal. A Massy Stores employee said customers were largely unaffected, with most sales driven by the company’s flash sale.
“Things are moving as normal. On Sunday, there are a lot of buses coming down, people stop in from church, vendors buy things to drink, and go back out. Nobody was buying extra pertaining to this thing between the US and Venezuela,” the worker said.
Supermarket Association president Biondi Bachew said shoppers’ calmness was reassuring.
“It is reassuring to see that shoppers have remained calm and are not engaging in panic buying despite regional movements at this time,” Bachew said.
He added that supermarkets remain well-stocked and prepared to meet any surge in demand.
“The supply chain into supermarkets remains resilient, with stocks in both our warehouses and suppliers’ warehouses. Should there be an increase in purchasing due to natural disasters or external events, supermarkets remain committed to serving the public.”
