________________________________________________________________________ 

TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTS SERIES 20-101 

DEFENSE 

Status of Forces 

Agreement Between the 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

and TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 

Extending the Agreement of February 20 and May 22, 

2013, as Extended 

Effected by Exchange of Notes at Port of Spain 

December 17, 2019 and January 30, 2020 

Entered into force January 1, 2020 
 

 

NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966 

(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)— 

“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued 

under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent 

evidence . . . of the treaties, international agreements other than 

treaties, and proclamations by the President of such treaties and 

international agreements other than treaties, as the case may be, 

therein contained, in all the courts of law and equity and of maritime 

jurisdiction, and in all the tribunals and public offices of the 

United States, and of the several States, without any further proof 

or authentication thereof.” 
No. 2019 - 359: 

The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to 

the Ministry of Foreign and CARI COM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago and has the honor to confirm our request to renew the Status of Forces 

Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of the United States of America and 

the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for an additional two 

years following from its expiration date of December 31, 2019, on the same terms 

as the current SOFA. If accepted, this new agreement would be in force from 

January 1, 2020 (or upon the date·ofthe affirmative reply of the Ministry of 

Foreign and CARICOM Affairs), through December 31, 2021. 

If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government of the Republic of 

Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy proposes that this note, together with the 

Ministry's reply to that effect, shall constitute an agreement between the two 

governments, which shall enter into force on January 1, 2020, or upon the date 

of the Ministry's reply. 

DIPLOMATIC NOTE 
- 2 -

The point of contact for this matter is Colonel Claudia Carrizales, who can 

be contacted either via email at claudia.j.carrizales.mil@mail.mil or via telephone 

at 822-5943. 

The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this 

opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the 

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago the assurances of its highest consideration. 

Embassy of the United States of America, 

Port of Spain, December 17, 2019. 
Note· No: rso 

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of 

Trinidad and Tobago presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States 

of America and has the honour to refer to the Ministry's Diplomatic Note No. 

2253 dated December 30, 2019, regarding the renewal of the Status of Forces 

Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago and the Government of the United States of America. 

The Ministry notes that the previous SOFA was renewed unaltered via 

Diplomatic Note No. 2017-366 dated December 28, 2017 and which had expired 

on December 31, 2019. 

In this regard, the Ministry wishes to advise that Diplomatic Note No. 2253 

dated December 30, 2019 is hereby recalled and submits this Diplomatic Note No. 

150 dated January 30, 2019 as its replacement. The Ministry hereby outlines the 

said Agreement between the parties in the following terms: 

'The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and has the honor 

to refer to recent discussions between representatives of our two governments 

regarding issues related to United States military and civilian personnel ( defined as 

members of the United States armed forces and civilian employees of the United States 

Department of Defense, respectively, hereafter referred to collectively as United States 

personnel) and United States contractors ( defined as non-Trinidad and Tobago legal 

entities and persons under contract to the United States Department of Defense, and 

their employees who are not nationals of Trinidad and Tobago), who may be 
. Jemporarily . __ pres,en.t in Trinidad,.and Tobago in connection with mutually,·agreed· 

activities (defined as such activities for which the Government of the Republic of 

Trinidad and Tobago shall transmit its approval in writing through diplomatic channels 

to United States authorities) from the date this Agreement enters into force through 

December 31, 2021. 

The Embassy proposes that United States personnel may enter and exit Trinidad 

and Tobago with United States identification and with collective movement or 

individual travel orders; that Trinidad and Tobago shall accept as valid all professional 

licenses issued by the United States, states thereof, or their political subdivisions to 

United States personnel for the provision of services to authorized personnel; and that 

Trjnidad and Tobago authorities shall accept as valid, without a driving test or fee, 

driving licenses or permits issued by the appropriate United States authorities to United 

States personnel for the operation of vehicles. 

The Embassy further proposes that United States personnel be authorized to 

wear uniforms while performing official duties and to carry arms while on duty if 

authorized to do so by their orders. 

The Embassy further proposes that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago 

shall designate the United States of America as a "designated State'' in accordance with 

section 4 of the Visiting Forces Act, Chapter 14:04 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago 

(the "Visiting Forces Act"), and such designation shall not expire before December 31, 

2021. 

The Embassy proposes that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognize 

the particular importance of United States armed forces maintaining discipline over 

United States personnel. 

The Embassy further proposes that, in the exercise of its sovereignty~ the 

Government of Trinidad and Tobago waive its rjght to exercise crimina] and civil 

jurisdiction over United States personnel for any actions, when the United States 
deter.mines, that SY.Ch actions were taken in the course of official duties. Where a case . 

is of particular importance to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, any differences 

concerning whether an action was taken in the course of official duties shall be the 

subject of consultations between the Parties with a view to arriving at a mutually 

satisfactory resolution. During such consultations, the Government of Trinidad and 

Tobago shall not exercise jurisdiction. 

The Embassy further proposes that, in the exercise of its sovereignty~ the 

Government of Trinidad and Tobago waive its right to exercise criminal jurisdiction 

over United States personnel for actions taken outside the course of their official duties 

except in cases of particular importance to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. If the 

Government of Trinidad and Tobago determines that a case is of particular importance, 

it shall communicate such determination to the United States authorities within twentyone (21) calendar days of the discovery by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago of 

the alleged offense giving rise to such a case. If the Government of Trinidad and 

Tobago does not communicate this determination to United States authorities within 

twenty-one (21) calendar days of the discovery of the alleged offense giving rise to 

such a case, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago shall be deemed to have waived 

its right to exercise criminal jurisdiction over United States personnel for the alleged 

offense. If the Government of Trinidad and Tobago waives jurisdiction in relation to 

actions taken by United States personnel outside the course of official duties, the United 

States armed forces may exercise jurisdiction over its personnel for such actions. 

The Embassy further proposes that the Government of Trinidad Tobago also 

confirm that pursuant to Section 7 of the Visiting Forces Act, the United States armed 

forces may exercise jurisdiction in relation to actions taken by United States personnel 

in the course of official duties. 

The Embassy further proposes that the United States Department of Defense and 

United States personnel shall not be liable to pay any tax or similar charge assessed in 
connection ~ith activities under this.Agreement within Trinidad and Tobago, andth'at· 

the United States Department of Defense and United States personnel may import into, 

export out of, and use in Trinidad and Tobago any personal property, equipment, 

supplies, materiel, technology, training, and services in connection with activities 

under this Agreement. Such importation, exportation, and use shall be exempt from 

any inspection, license, other restrictions, customs duties, taxes, or any other charges 

assessed within Trinidad and Tobago. The United States Government certifies that the 

aforementioned items imported by United States personnel shall be for purposes 

connected to activities under this Agreement. The Parties shall cooperate to take such 

measures as may be necessary to ensure the security and protection of United States 

personnet property, equipment, records, and official information in Trinidad and 

Tobago. 

The Embassy further proposes that vessels and vehicles operated by or, at the 

time, exclusively for the United States Department of Defense may enter, exit, and 

move freely within the territory of Trinidad and Tobago except for those areas where 

access may be restricted, and that s.nch vehicles (whether self-propelled or towed) shall 

not be subject to the payment of overland transit tolls. Vessels and aircraft owned or 

operated by or, at the time, exclusively for the United States Department of Defense 

shall not be subject to the payment of landing, parking, or port fees, pilotage charges, 

lighterage, or harbor dues at facilities owned and operated by the Government of 

Trinidad and Tobago. Aircraft owned and operated by or, at the time, exclusively for 

the United States Department of Defense shall not be subject to payment of navigation, 

overflight, terminal, or similar charges when in the territory of Trinidad and Tobago. 

The United States Department of Defense shall pay reasonable charges for services 

requested and received at rates no less favorable than those paid by the armed forces 

of Trinidad Tobago less taxes and similar charges. Aircraft and vessels of the United 

States Government shall be free from boarding and inspection. 
The . .limbassy also proposes that the United States Department of Defense may 

contract for any materiel, supplies, equipment, and services (including construction) to 

be furnished or undertaken in Trinidad and Tobago without restriction as to choice of 

contractor, supplier, or person who provides such materiel, supplies, equipment, or 

services. Such contracts shall be solicited, awarded, and administered in accordance 

with the laws and regulations of the United States Government. Acquisition of articles 

and services in Trinidad and Tobago by or on behalf of the United States Department 

of Defense in connection with activities under this Agreement shall not be subject to 

any taxes or similar charges in Trinidad and Tobago. 

The Embassy further proposes that United States contractors shall not be liable 

to pay any tax or similar charge assessed within Trinidad and Tobago in connection 

with activities under this Agreement and that such contractors may import into, export 

out of, and use in Trinidad and Tobago any personal property, equipment, supplies, 

materiel, technology, training, or services in fulfillment of contracts with the United 

States Department of Defense in connection with activities under this Agreement. Such 

importation, exportation, and use shall be exempt from any license, other restrictions, 

customs duties, taxes, or any other charges assessed within Trinidad and Tobago. 

The Embassy further proposes that United States contractors shall be granted the 

same treatment as United States personnel with respect to professional and drivers' 

licenses. 

The Embassy further proposes that United States personnel may enter and exit, 

and except in those areas where access may be restricted. move freely ~ithin the 

territory of Trinidad and Tobago, and have access to and use of mutually agreed 

transportation, storage, training, and other facilities required in connection with 

activities under this Agreement. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago shall, as far 

as practicable, provide the United States with advance notification of any restricted 

areas. 
. Jhe..Ernbassy proposes that the Government of Trinidad Tobago recognize that· 

it may be necessary for the United States armed forces to use the radio spectrum. The 

United States Department of Defense shall be allowed to operate its own 

telecommunication systems (as telecommunication is defined in the 1992 Constitution 

and Convention of the International Telecommunication Union). This shall include the 

right to utilize such means and services as required to ensure full ability to operate 

telecommunication systems, and the right to use the radio spectrum assigned by the 

relevant Trinidad and Tobago authority for this purpose. The United States shall respect 

frequencies in use by or reserved for local operators. Use of the radio spectrum shall 

be free of cost to the United States Government. 

The Embassy further proposes that the Parties waive any and all claims ( other 

than contractual claims) against each other for damage to, loss, or destruction of the 

other's property or injury or death to personnel of either Party's armed forces or their 

civilian personnel arising out of the performance of their official duties in connection 

with activities under this Agreement. Claims by third parties for damages or loss caused 

by United States personnel shall be resolved by the United States Government in 

accordance with United States laws and regulations. 

The Embassy further proposes that any disputes between the Parties shall be 

resolved through consultation between the Parties. Disputes and other matters subject 

to consultation under this Agreement shall not be subject to adjudication or decision 

by any court or third party unless otherwise mutually agreed. 

The Embassy further proposes that the Parties undertake to enter into 

negotiations for the renewal of this Agreement six (6) months prior to its expiration. 

Finally, the Embassy proposes that our two governments, or their designated 

representatives, may enter into implementing arrangements to carry out the provisions 

of this Agreement. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago shall issue advance 

notifications, and the United States authorities shall provide information as requested, 
• ,iG: order .to.JulfilUhe administrative requirements in force in Trinidad and Tobagb to 

ensure the operation of the terms of this Agreement. Such notifications shall be made 

at the same time as the Government of Trinidad and Tobago transmits its approval, in 

writing through diplomatic channels to United States authorities, for mutually agreed 

activities. 

If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the 

Embassy proposes that this Note, together with the Ministry's reply to that effect, shall 

constitute an Agreement between the two governments, which shall enter into force on 

the date of the Ministry's reply. 

The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this opportunity to 

renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago the 

assurances of its highest consideration.' 

The Ministry has the honour to confirm that the Republic of Trinidad and 

Tobago accepts the proposal as conveyed in the Embassy's Note No. 2019-359 

dated December 17, 2019 for the renewal of the Status of Forces Agreement 

(SOFA) between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and 

the Government of the United States of America for an additional two years 

which, together with this affirmative reply, shall constitute an Agreement 

between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the 

Government of the United States of America, which shall enter into force on 

January 1, 2020 and expire on December 31, 2021 . 
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of 

Trinidad and Tobago avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Embassy of 

the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. 

PORT-OF-SPAIN-January 30, 2020