LinkageQ1-2024/USEmbassyToLayDownStrongRootsInTT | AMCHAM T&T

U.S. Embassy To Lay Down Strong Roots in T&T

Ambassador Commits to Increased Support for Shared Priorities on Citizen Security, Climate Crisis, and Economic Partnership

By AMCHAM T&T Staff Writer

LINKAGE Q1 (2024) - TRENDS

C andace A. Bond, U.S. Ambassador, reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to doing the work to strengthen the ties between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Speaking at AMCHAM T&T’s Annual Ambassador’s Reception on January 11th, 2024, atop Flagstaff Hill, Ambassador Bond spoke about the tangible symbols of the strong relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Speaking about moving the embassy to the historic country club location on Long Circular Road, Bond said, “Last year, we concluded negotiations for the property that will one day be our new embassy home. There is no more visible sign of the United States’ commitment to Trinidad and Tobago than our embassy, and consolidating four facilities scattered throughout Port of Spain into one location will better reflect that commitment.”

“We are putting down roots in a world-class, state-of-the-art, green facility that will so much better serve those who have business to conduct with the United States government in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Bond also confirmed support for a strong bilateral relationship in the U.S. Congress between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago which, she reiterated, was “a top concern for many of our legislators.”

Looking toward 2024, Bond said her efforts will further advance key regional and global goals of the Biden-Harris administration, such as supporting the rule of law, increased trade and economic engagement. She also mentioned addressing the climate crisis through the U.S.-Caribbean partnership (pacc2030), with a view to accelerating regional efforts at mitigating and building resilience to the effects of climate change.

Trinidad and Tobago Country Club

RULE OF LAW
Bond said addressing the rule of law is one of the main shared objectives between our two countries, since it not only has an impact on safe communities and controlling borders but also sets the conditions for easier yet secure trade and a more competitive investment climate. “Those conditions benefit foreign companies and investors, but also ensure that local companies thrive and local innovators and entrepreneurs are able to make economic contributions.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Bond also complimented Trinidad and Tobago’s drive toward digital transformation, which she says promises greater efficiency, transparency, and more reliable access to public services. “Those benefits equate to cost savings and economic growth in the establishment of new industries. But we have also seen throughout the world, and throughout Trinidad and Tobago, that technology’s transformative potential requires robust measures to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and protect systems and data.”

CLIMATE CHANGE
The U.S. Ambassador said another area of focus that encompasses multiple themes between our nations is the challenge and opportunity of addressing global climate change. “I can assure everyone here today that the U.S. government recognises and welcomes Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership on these critical issues, and that we remain your trusted partner in accelerating an energy transition that mitigates the worst impacts of climate change and provides opportunities for our citizens.”

Bond says she sees in Trinidad and Tobago a microcosm for the complexities of the climate crisis. “On one hand, there is the opportunity for economic diversification through harnessing historic experience and sophisticated knowledge as an established global energy producer.” However, she acknowledged many of those opportunities are constrained by inadequate or non-existent regulatory frameworks that discourage the investment needed.

“Full approval of the drafted renewable feed-in tariff, for example, would help create the conditions to benefit from the diversification and economic growth potential in renewable energy generation.”

Bond says the only way we make progress on any of these objectives is by joining forces with our partners. “That means that more than ever, we look to our strongest Private sector allies, all of you, to be creative and agile in support of peace, stability, and prosperity for the citizens of both of our nations.”

LINKAGE Q1 (2024) - TRENDS

C andace A. Bond, U.S. Ambassador, reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to doing the work to strengthen the ties between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Speaking at AMCHAM T&T’s Annual Ambassador’s Reception on January 11th, 2024, atop Flagstaff Hill, Ambassador Bond spoke about the tangible symbols of the strong relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Speaking about moving the embassy to the historic country club location on Long Circular Road, Bond said, “Last year, we concluded negotiations for the property that will one day be our new embassy home. There is no more visible sign of the United States’ commitment to Trinidad and Tobago than our embassy, and consolidating four facilities scattered throughout Port of Spain into one location will better reflect that commitment.”

“We are putting down roots in a world-class, state-of-the-art, green facility that will so much better serve those who have business to conduct with the United States government in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Bond also confirmed support for a strong bilateral relationship in the U.S. Congress between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago which, she reiterated, was “a top concern for many of our legislators.”

Looking toward 2024, Bond said her efforts will further advance key regional and global goals of the Biden-Harris administration, such as supporting the rule of law, increased trade and economic engagement. She also mentioned addressing the climate crisis through the U.S.-Caribbean partnership (pacc2030), with a view to accelerating regional efforts at mitigating and building resilience to the effects of climate change.

Trinidad and Tobago Country Club

RULE OF LAW
Bond said addressing the rule of law is one of the main shared objectives between our two countries, since it not only has an impact on safe communities and controlling borders but also sets the conditions for easier yet secure trade and a more competitive investment climate. “Those conditions benefit foreign companies and investors, but also ensure that local companies thrive and local innovators and entrepreneurs are able to make economic contributions.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Bond also complimented Trinidad and Tobago’s drive toward digital transformation, which she says promises greater efficiency, transparency, and more reliable access to public services. “Those benefits equate to cost savings and economic growth in the establishment of new industries. But we have also seen throughout the world, and throughout Trinidad and Tobago, that technology’s transformative potential requires robust measures to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and protect systems and data.”

CLIMATE CHANGE
The U.S. Ambassador said another area of focus that encompasses multiple themes between our nations is the challenge and opportunity of addressing global climate change. “I can assure everyone here today that the U.S. government recognises and welcomes Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership on these critical issues, and that we remain your trusted partner in accelerating an energy transition that mitigates the worst impacts of climate change and provides opportunities for our citizens.”

Bond says she sees in Trinidad and Tobago a microcosm for the complexities of the climate crisis. “On one hand, there is the opportunity for economic diversification through harnessing historic experience and sophisticated knowledge as an established global energy producer.” However, she acknowledged many of those opportunities are constrained by inadequate or non-existent regulatory frameworks that discourage the investment needed.

“Full approval of the drafted renewable feed-in tariff, for example, would help create the conditions to benefit from the diversification and economic growth potential in renewable energy generation.”

Bond says the only way we make progress on any of these objectives is by joining forces with our partners. “That means that more than ever, we look to our strongest Private sector allies, all of you, to be creative and agile in support of peace, stability, and prosperity for the citizens of both of our nations.”