Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has declared that Barbados is facing immediate and severe consequences from the United States' military intervention in Venezuela, with widespread flight cancellations, stranded passengers, and significant strain on the island's tourism and transport infrastructure. The overnight action has plunged the region into a state of operational uncertainty, forcing the government to activate emergency protocols.

Uncharted Territory and Immediate Fallout

Describing the situation as "uncharted territory" for the modern Caribbean, Mottley detailed the cascading effects that began with regional airspace disruptions. The Caribbean's reliance on a few key air traffic control centers meant that closures or restrictions, such as in Curaçao, had immediate knock-on effects across the Eastern Caribbean. This led to the cancellation of 13 inbound flights to Barbados, including services from major US carriers like JetBlue, Delta, and United, as well as KLM.

"We always said that small states really can only survive in an international rules-based order," Mottley stated. "We also said that conflict would have consequences. Many of you asked what would those consequences be . . . well, we’re living them out today."

Tourism and Humanitarian Strain

The crisis has hit Barbados's vital tourism sector hard. With four cruise ships currently in port and a fifth expected, berthing capacity is under severe pressure. Approximately 2,000 cruise passengers have been affected by cancelled flights linked to home-porting operations. At Grantley Adams International Airport, 73 passengers bound for Caracas on Conviasa were left stranded after services were suspended.

The government has mobilized the Ministry of Tourism and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association to find accommodation for stranded travelers, noting that some individuals may lack the financial means to make alternative arrangements. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Barbados Defence Force are also involved in the response.

Regional Coordination and National Security

Mottley revealed that emergency consultations among Caribbean leaders began in the early hours of the morning, with an urgent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting convened shortly after 5 a.m. Domestically, the National Security Council met in the afternoon, receiving briefings from aviation, tourism, port, and law enforcement officials to manage both the geopolitical risks and domestic implications.

The Prime Minister reassured the public that Barbados's diplomatic mission in Venezuela remains operational and that there are no reports of injured Barbadians in the country. However, she cautioned that the situation remains "exceedingly fluid" and a "moving target," with both the airport and seaport remaining on high alert.