Media Release - AMCHAM T&T Extends Gratitude To Outgoing US Ambassador

MEDIA RELEASE
11/01/2025

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) expressed its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace A. Bond, at its annual Ambassador’s Reception, held at the U.S. Embassy’s future site on Long Circular Road, on January 10th, 2025.

Stuart Franco, President of AMCHAM T&T, delivered the welcome remarks to a distinguished audience that included Government Ministers, Opposition MPs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and over 300 members of AMCHAM T&T. In his address, Franco praised the strong relationship that Ambassador Bond has cultivated between the U.S. Embassy and AMCHAM T&T. “Under Ambassador Bond’s expert leadership, this relationship has flourished. Indeed, I think it is as strong today as it has ever been,” Franco said. “On behalf of my board and myself, Ambassador, I hope you know just how much this means to us. We are incredibly grateful for your leadership and the hard work of your team at the U.S. Embassy.”

Franco highlighted several key initiatives made possible through this collaboration, including a high-level meeting with Ms. Reta Jo Lewis, Chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, following the signing of the US$500 million MoU between the Exim Bank and T&T; a reception for members with a high-level Congressional Delegation in 2023 led by the Democratic Leader in the U.S. Congress Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; engagements between AMCHAM T&T members and U.S. Ambassadors to Guyana, Barbados, and Suriname; and B2B meetings for eleven U.S. companies over the past three years which resulted in approximately 75 meetings with local companies and government entities in Trinidad and Tobago. Franco says these initiatives have provided significant opportunities for AMCHAM T&T members and align perfectly with the goal of expanding trade between U.S. businesses and T&T.

Meanwhile, Nirad Tewarie, CEO of AMCHAM T&T, reflected fondly on the close relationship the organization has shared with Ambassador Bond since her arrival. “Thank you for always keeping your door open to AMCHAM T&T and for the tremendous support and dedication you have shown over the past two years,” Tewarie said. “Your hard work has strengthened our connections, fostered greater collaborations, and brought immense benefits to many of us. We are deeply grateful for your outstanding service and commitment to AMCHAM T&T and the private sector. We deeply appreciate your role in strengthening the bilateral ties between our nations.”

In her remarks, Ambassador Bond reflected on the shared accomplishments and expressed her gratitude for the warm partnership with AMCHAM T&T, the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago, members of civil society, like-minded diplomats, and members of business, industry, academia, and the arts.  

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ambassador Bond was presented with a portrait taken during one of her keynote speeches at an AMCHAM T&T event. This portrait was given as a special memento of her time in Trinidad and Tobago, recognizing her exceptional service and dedication to strengthening the diplomatic ties between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

AMCHAM T&T extends its sincere thanks to all of its members for their continued support and to the staff at the U.S. Embassy for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the strong relationship between both organizations.


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.


For further questions or comments please contact: Nirad Tewarie, CEO AMCHAM T&T at niradtewarie@amchamtt.com.

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