Your Excellency Ambassador H.E. Jules Bijl and Sina Bulle;
The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie and Mrs. Archie,
The Honourable Bridgid Annisette George, Speaker of the House of Representatives
Distinguished Members of Parliament;
Your Excellencies, Heads of Mission and other Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Members of Staff of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
Distinguished Guests;
Colleague Members of Cabinet;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good evening. It is my distinct pleasure to be with you this evening and, on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend to the Government and People of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, warm congratulations and best wishes on King’s Day – the 49TH birthday of His Majesty King Willem – Alexander of the Netherlands.
The Monarchy it may be said, is a symbol of the time-tested cohesiveness of Dutch society and coherence of governance in the Kingdom. The King’s milestone therefore brings an opportunity for the Dutch to reflect on the virtues of their nation and on its achievements.
Yet, importantly, it is also gives occasion for countries such as Trinidad and Tobago to reflect on the vibrant partnership and indeed, friendship which it has with the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Trinidad and Tobago share strong diplomatic ties, dating officially from October 1962. However, the Netherlands has been engaged with our islands since the 18th century. The strength of our relations is owed to shared values, areas of commonality of perspective and in some way to our respective histories.
Blessed by geography, the Netherlands provides a gateway of sorts for Europe to the world. Accordingly, it has one of the world’s busiest seaports, the Port of Rotterdam, which plays a pivotal role in Western Europe. The country’s economic strength, industrial prowess and work ethic have been highlighted as ideal features to complement its natural attributes and assure it of resilience and continued prosperity even in challenging times.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral relationship with the Netherlands is multifaceted, involving exchange in a variety of areas, including trade and economic cooperation, and meaningful collaboration in the fields of security, energy, education, sport, culture and technical assistance amongst others. It is my expectation that this collaboration will only continue to deepen and expand.
At the regional level, Trinidad and Tobago and the Netherlands continue to engage meaningfully within the ambit of the CARIFORUM- European Union context and the EU-CELAC construct.
On a wider global plane, Trinidad and Tobago has been appreciative of the Netherlands’ invaluable support on matters pertaining, for example, to the International Criminal Court and The Arms Trade Treaty. We take account of your country’s demonstrated commitment to global peace and security.
On the multilateral front also, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago commends the efforts of the Netherlands in cooperating with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to find solutions to the challenges of climate change. In this regard, it was of valuable importance to hold high level discussions on this ongoing issue last November in Malta, in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. We noted the signature by the Netherlands of the Paris Climate Change Agenda in New York, which was a watershed moment for humanity today and for generations to come.
Your Excellency, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has a transatlantic span, lying partly in Europe and partly in the Caribbean. Therefore, you share a keen understanding of the issues of vulnerability and the effects of climate change, as it affects Small Island Developing States.
Evidently, this synergy of interest and potential for regional collaboration underpin the approach made by St Maarten and Curacao for closer interaction with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
I have noted with interest the wider emphasis placed on the environment and the recent bans on single use and light weight plastic bags, which sees the Netherlands joining other nations in this heightened appreciation of environmental awareness.
On another note, I am pleased that the open-minded and free-spirited Dutch pursue some of the activities that are dearest to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I am told that the Dutch Police Steelband is one of the very best in Europe and a joy to listen to when the opportunity arises. It has adopted the instrument wholeheartedly and participated with distinction in past editions of the European Steelpan Festival. The Orchestra also shone brightly at the Fourth International Steelband Festival held in Utrecht, The Netherlands in June 2015. At this Festival, another five (5) Dutch Steelbands also entertained audiences.
These six Dutch Steel orchestras, their members and fans, along with some determined souls who are incurably infected by our national instrument, continue to play a vital role in popularising steelpan on the European continent.
This year, 2016, marks the tenth anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s historic appearance in the FIFA World Cup Finals, held in Germany. We never tire of noting the role of a famous Dutchman in this most significant international sporting achievement by our country. In 2006, Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker shepherded Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, the Soca Warriors to this glorious and unrivalled landmark in our sporting and indeed national development.
Trinidad and Tobago holds in high esteem the friendship that it has developed with the Kingdom of The Netherlands and remains fully committed to this ongoing engagement. And so it is for this reason that we are very pleased to share your special day, Kings Day, as we look toward an even brighter future for the Netherlands.
May I now invite you all to raise your glasses and join with me in offering a toast, as we celebrate the life of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, and as we collectively wish success and prosperity to both the Monarch and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the continuation of a fruitful bilateral relationship between our countries.
VROLIJK KONINGSDAG (Happy King’s Day)
I THANK YOU
