Thank you, Anna and Nirad; thank you to the outgoing board and incoming board, for AmCham's continued leadership in strengthening U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago commercial ties – and friendships.
I cannot think of the theme of today's forum – “Now to Next" – without a grateful look back as well. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence this year, we're reminded that the spirit of innovation, enterprise, and partnership that built our nation continues to drive us forward. For 250 years, American businesses have looked outward—seeking partners, creating opportunities, and building prosperity together. And for 160 of those years, we've been doing exactly that right here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana in March, signed on to the Shield of the Americas countries, recognizing your strategic importance to hemispheric security and prosperity. This isn't just a title—it's a reflection of the vital role you play in our shared future.
Trinidad and Tobago's vast experience in the energy sector is helping Guyana launch its own energy industry. Many AMCHAM companies are growing in Guyana, and I expect many of you are making plans for Suriname as well.
Trinidad and Tobago is shaping up as a centerpiece of a southern Caribbean energy corridor—connecting nations, creating opportunities, and driving regional integration.
Speaking of the region, speaking of “now and next” – now there is Venezuela.
Since the DEA arrested Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd to face drug conspiracy and other charges in a New York court, Venezuela has a renewed chance to return to a market economy and to better governance after 27 years of systematic oppression.
I am eager—personally eager—for a return to something better than what the Venezuelan people have suffered for decades. As a boy, I lived in Venezuela when my father was Management Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
I loved the country, the beaches, climbing Mount Avila – and the warm, amazing people.
As I grew up, I remembered the Venezuela of my childhood, and was saddened to learn over the years about the shattered dreams of our Venezuelan friends and neighbors. Indeed, chavismo would lead a quarter of Venezuelans to flee that beautiful country.
I am excited to see what Venezuela will become again, with its huge potential, and all of us here, each in our own way, helping to rebuild.
Be it Guyana, Suriname, or Venezuela – or our own companies in Texas or Florida or New York -- The U.S. Embassy is encouraging deals to happen here in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region. I want to particularly thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister Jerlean John, and many others in this administration for their leadership in bringing about renewed interest in new partnerships between American and Trinbagonian companies.
We believe in Trinidad and Tobago.
The U.S. Government is investing over half a billion U.S. dollars on a large new embassy campus. Many of you were with me and our team at our last official function at the shuttered Country Club in January 2025.
Our new embassy is a symbol of our commitment—not just to diplomacy, but to partnership, prosperity, and the decades ahead.
So as we move from "Now to Next," let's do it together.
Let's build that southern Caribbean energy corridor.
Let's support Venezuela's return to democracy and prosperity.
Let's deepen the ties between American and Trinbagonian businesses that have served us so well for 160 years.
And as America enters its next 250 years, let's continue to prove that when the United States and Trinidad and Tobago work together, there's no limit to what we can achieve.
Thank you, and I look forward to the discussions ahead.