AMCHAM T&T Extends Gratitude to Outgoing U.S. Ambassador
LINKAGE Q1 (2025) - ACCELERATE ACTION
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he American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) recently hosted its annual Ambassador’s Reception to honour the outgoing U.S. Ambassador, Candace A. Bond.
The event was held on January 10th, 2025, at the future site of the U.S. Embassy on Long Circular Road, where a distinguished audience celebrated Ambassador Bond’s contributions to strengthening U.S.-T&T relations, including Government Ministers, Opposition MPs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and over 300 AMCHAM T&T members.
In his opening remarks, AMCHAM T&T President Stuart Franco praised the Ambassador’s efforts in deepening the collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and AMCHAM T&T. He stated that “Under Ambassador Bond’s expert leadership, this relationship has flourished. Indeed, I think it is as strong today as it has ever been.”
Franco highlighted several key initiatives made possible through their partnership, including:
· A high-level meeting with Reta Jo Lewis, Chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, following the signing of a US$500 million MOU between the Exim Bank and Trinidad and Tobago.
· A reception with a high-level Congressional Delegation in 2023, led by U.S. Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
· Engagements between AMCHAM T&T members and U.S. Ambassadors to Guyana, Barbados, and Suriname.
· B2B meetings for eleven U.S. companies, resulting in approximately 75 meetings with local businesses and government entities in Trinidad and Tobago.
AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie also expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Bond’s open-door policy and steadfast support. “Your hard work has strengthened our connections, fostered greater collaborations, and brought immense benefits to many of us,” he remarked.
In her address, Ambassador Bond reflected on her tenure with warmth and gratitude. “As I stand before you today, I am filled with immense gratitude and warmth as I reflect on the incredible journey I have had over the past two years as the United States Ambassador to this beautiful nation. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in a country that is rich in culture, beauty, history, and resilience,” she said.
Ambassador Bond also expressed her deep appreciation for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, saying, “Whenever anyone asks me what’s the best part of Trinidad and Tobago, I always say… it’s the people.” She reminisced about her experiences, from enjoying local cuisine to participating in cultural festivities, highlighting the warmth and hospitality she received.
The reception concluded with the presentation of a portrait to Ambassador Bond, capturing a moment from one of her keynote speeches at an AMCHAM T&T event. This token served as a memento of her impactful service and the enduring friendship between the U.S. Embassy and AMCHAM T&T.
AMCHAM T&T extends its sincere thanks to all members for their continued support and to the staff at the U.S. Embassy for their dedication to strengthening the ties between both organisations.
Ambassador Bond was presented with a special portrait by AMCHAM T&T's Vice Presidents Giselle Thompson (VP- Corporate Operations | bpTT) and Anna Henderson (CEO | Amaranth Business Solutions) as she prepares to demit office following her two-year term as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.