Calming the Troubled Waters

A Message of Peace, Truth, and Hope in the Southern Caribbean

In light of the recent press release by the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) regarding the military build-up in the Southern Caribbean, I write with a message of hope and pastoral guidance.

The AEC’s statement is not merely a public declaration—it is a guide for our actions as Church here in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, just miles off the coast of Venezuela.

We are living in uncertain times. The heightened military activity in our waters stirs fear and confusion. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to overcome anxiety and remain steadfast in faith.

Scripture reminds us: “Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). Our hope rests not in worldly security but in the peace that only Christ can give.

The Church’s mission is clear—bringing the gospel to all strata of society especially the poor, the vulnerable, and those displaced by violence or poverty, especially migrants and refugees.

Pope Francis reminds us, “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children of God, bearers of hope” (Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2014).

To strengthen this mission, the Archdiocese will deepen its outreach to migrant families, ensuring our parishes are places of welcome, protection, promotion, and integration.

We are called to open our hearts and homes, following Christ’s example of hospitality. In the coming weeks, we will also host a webinar on trauma to assist families, teachers, ministers in accompanying our young and old who suffer silently because of the turbulent waters around us.

I encourage all Catholics to be vigilant against misinformation. The flood of speculation and rumour can easily stir fear and division. Let us be discerning in what we share, remembering always that truth is a form of love.

The Church must act according to conscience—guided not by political expediency but by the Gospel of peace. We must resist any logic that normalises conflict or weaponises fear. The Christian response is not to mirror aggression but to cultivate reconciliation wherever we are.

As communities of faith, let us pray together for peace in our region, organise moments of prayer, family rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration in parishes, praying especially for the people of Venezuela, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and those affected by Melissa.

This Jubilee Year invites us to live as true pilgrims of hope. We will respond through words—statements, articles, and education—and through actions—service to the poor, support for migrants, and training in trauma care and peace-building. In doing so, we show that love is stronger than fear and hope more enduring than conflict.

At this time, we also stand in deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters devastated by the ravages of Hurricane Melissa. Their suffering reminds us of our shared vulnerability and shared humanity. May our compassion be expressed through prayer, material aid, and renewed commitment to care for one another and for our common home.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace, calm the storms within and among us. May the Lord, our refuge and strength, bless our region with peace. And may we, as Church, become ever more a sign of hope, solidarity, and love.

With gratitude and prayer,

† CHARLES JASON GORDON

Archbishop of Port of Spain