PORT OF SPAIN: 22ND DECEMBER, 2022
Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, extended warmest congratulations to Her Excellency Candace A. Bond, newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America and a heartfelt welcome to Trinidad and Tobago. These sentiments were expressed during a welcome reception hosted by the Embassy of the United States of America in honour of the arrival of Ambassador Bond, on 14th December, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency.
In his remarks at the reception, Minister Browne noted that he closely followed the bright career of Ambassador Candace Bond, and that the arrival in Trinidad and Tobago of Her Excellency is extra special. He further noted that the Ambassador’s strong background in business management and culture give her the brightest possible prospects for extraordinary success during her tenure in our twin island Republic. The Minister indicated that he was confident that under the stewardship of Ambassador Bond, and with joint commitment, the collaboration and partnership between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America will be taken to new heights and new opportunities will be uncovered to strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two countries.
Minister Browne also stated that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago views its relationship with the United States of America as a strong priority. Trinidad and Tobago has benefitted from increased, regular engagement with the current US Administration on many critical issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, security cooperation, commercial ties and, at the regional level we have had robust discussion with high-level US representatives on a range of issues impacting the CARICOM region. Additionally, the Minister highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s instrumental role
in mobilizing a strong contingent of CARICOM Representation at the Heads level at this year’s Summit of the Americas, which took place in Los Angeles, USA. He stressed that Trinidad and Tobago’s decision was to deploy diplomacy and influence to ensure that the Summit would be a credit to the United States as hosts, and to ensure that our Region’s leaders would not be denied an important strategic opportunity to leverage collective interests toward the benefit of the people of the region.
Moreover, the Minister pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago’s extremely close relationship with the United States is not a threat to relations with its other important partners, highlighting this country’s responsibility to exercise autonomy and national sovereignty in nourishing fruitful relations with other international partners.
In closing, the Minister reiterated his sincerest gratitude for the significant and valuable contributions and collaboration undertaken by the United States Embassy during his tenure in office and his eagerness to continue the fruitful work between the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs through a new friendship with Ambassador Bond.
In her remarks at the event, Ambassador Candace Bond expressed her intent to strengthen and grow the unique Trinidad and Tobago-United States of America relationship through win-win initiatives that work for both sides. Her Excellency stated that the United States recognizes the strategic importance of Trinidad and Tobago as a regional leader and acknowledges this country’s geopolitical situation in the Caribbean region. She further noted that she looks forward to implementing the PAC2030 initiative to strengthen energy security and climate resilience and to improve access to financing. The Ambassador highlighted that she will use her previous experience to support the development and growth of small and medium enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as promote the arts, which she underlined as an important tool in diplomacy.
