Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Government, and beloved people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you to the members of AmCham TT for hosting this incredible gathering this evening.  Thanks to you all for coming.

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 honor and a privilege to serve in a country that is rich in culture, beauty, history, and resilience. 

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for the kindness, hospitality, and collaboration that I have experienced during my time here. Together, we have accomplished remarkable things for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago. From enhancing our economic ties to enhancing our security cooperation, to fostering educational and cultural exchanges, we have strengthened our bilateral relationship in ways that I hope will have lasting impacts. 

In the spirit of unity and progress, I am reminded of the words of Eric Williams, the founder of this great nation. He envisioned a strong and independent Trinidad and Tobago, a vision that resonates deeply today as you continue to work hard towards a brighter future. His dedication to the principles of democracy and self-determination has inspired not only the people of this nation, but also those of us who have had the privilege to serve alongside you. 

As we celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Trinidad and Tobago, I can't help but recall the lyrics from the popular song by David Rudder, “Trini to de Bone,” which captures the essence of this vibrant culture.  “Sweet, sweet T&T, oh how I love up de country…..from Toco to Caroni, Maraval to Sans Souci, from Scarborough to Coco Reef, profiling on Frederick Street.”
These words echo the pride and spirit of the people, and they remind us of all the rich heritage and diversity that make Trinidad and Tobago truly special. 

I fell immediately in love with sweet T&T when I arrived two years and two months ago.  What a gift it has been to wake up to the cacophony of parrots every morning on Flagstaff Hill, right before grabbing my morning doubles. The constant wafting of music throughout the hillside and the bustle of Trinis getting their fitness on, along the Savannah. I will miss the miracle of the amazing leatherback turtles making their annual pilgrimage, and the amazing variety of birds from the tiniest hummingbird to the majestic scarlet ibis.  I’ll also miss the many roadside and track star goats of Tobago. The dolphins following our boat as we go DDI.  All breathtaking.  But whenever anyone asks me what’s the best part of Trinidad and Tobago, I always say…. it’s the people.

You have embraced me and welcomed me like a member of the family.  From the very day we arrived in Port of Spain--to the sight of a double rainbow out of my airplane window, remember? I expressed my hopes then to be Trini to de bone before my term was over, not realizing how quickly the time would pass.  From the embassy staff who first greeted me, to members of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, our embassy partners, to the children, members of the public--Trinbagonians and all of you have opened your hearts to me and my family, deeply, sincerely, taking us in in a way that deeply humbles me.  

I want to express my deepest appreciation for the friendships I have formed and the experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. My family and I will always cherish the memories we have created here. Trinidad and Tobago: you will always have a special place in our hearts, a place filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging. 

I will miss the sound of music everywhere--soca, parang, calypso. I’m truly going to miss the limes--cooler limes, jungle limes, limes of any sort.  Carnival season, all the fetes, j’ouvert, Camboulay and Carnival itself.  I’ll miss playing mas and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of T&T.  Donning rich silks for Diwali, throwing powder during Holi, wearing my African pride prints on Emancipation Day, or feeling the peace and serenity of the Eid at Iftar celebrations. The richness of your diversity, your deep sense of national pride shine among the beautiful mosaic of faces.  All, forever burned into my conscious.

I’m also going to miss my colleagues in the diplomatic community.  To my diplomat peers here this evening, I thank you for your collaborative work on issues of common interest to us all.

I hope that my tenure here will be remembered for the incredible work we achieved side by side with our Trinbagonian counterparts in government and civil society, with like-minded diplomats, and members of business, industry, academia and the arts.  I hope that the efforts to strengthen citizen security, increase economic prosperity, and to reinforce the democratic values that we share will continue to have a lasting impact.  My team is committed to continuing its strong work with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in enforcing cyber security, protecting intellectual property, bolstering citizen security, promoting economic development, and ensuring the protection of human rights.

I know my team looks forward to a near future when all our work is going to bloom from this spot, right here--this site of our future embassy home.  We are going to have a large-scale, beautiful campus right here.  It will offer a much-improved experience for those who have business to conduct with us, for visa applicants, and for diplomats and staff who will work from this new space.

The design, planning and construction of the campus is going to create plenty of jobs for local people and will have a positive economic impact.  I cannot be prouder that we laid the path for putting our roots down right here.  And the work will continue with my outstanding staff at the U.S. Embassy after my departure.  To my team: you have my unwavering faith in your talents, intelligence, and abilities; and you have my deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication to the cause of advancing our diplomatic mission and continuing to strengthen the bond with the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

As I prepare to conclude my time with you as your ambassador, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Know that when I return to the U.S., I will continue to be a strong advocate for your country. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your extraordinary journey. I look forward to the continued friendship and collaboration between our nations.  Thank you, Trinidad and Tobago, for everything.  You will always be near and dear to me and my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you--and I’ll see you on d’ road.