NO REQUESTS FROM US FOR RADAR INSTALLATION IN A&B – BRIGADIER TELBERT BENJAMIN

There has been no direct request from the United States for installation of radar systems in Antigua and Barbuda.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with ABS News, following talks with the head of the US Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey.

Questions and concerns arose after the United States made a request to the Government of Grenada to consider temporarily installing a radar system at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne had earlier made it clear Antigua and Barbuda will not host any form of military assets or installations from any country.

He made the comments ahead of a meeting with Admiral Holsey.

The developments come as the US increases pressure on the government of Nicolas Maduro Moros in Venezuela.

Some observers say with Grenada’s strategic location – just 100 miles from Venezuela – it could be key to Washington’s regional security planning.