TT's US ambassador presents citations and proclamations to PM Kamla

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Ambassador Neil Parsan and US Ambassador to TT, Beatrice Welters

As the Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States of America, I am cognizant of the fact that there are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago on every single continent of the world, with significant amounts of nationals residing in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

In the USA we have made our mark. We have contributed economically, culturally, socially, religiously, culinarily to the diversity of that country. 

We have given the USA it's first foreign congressman, Mr. Mervyn Dymally, it's first female Lt. Governor of the State of Fl. - the Hon. Jennifer Carroll, the Director of the US printing and engraving - Larry Felix, civil rights activist - Stokely Carmichael, playwright Steve Carter, basketball hall of famer Kareem Abdul Jabar, Grammy Award winner Heather Headley, Nicki Minaj, the list goes on....

The recognition of achievement of a small country with big vision and grand leadership has not gone undocumented. Hon. PM I will like to present to you over 50 proclamations and citations solicited and received by the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy, Washington DC.

These proclamations proudly recognize the strength of the bond between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States and the critical role that our nationals have played in the development of their respective cities and states. 

They also highlight our vibrant carnival that has made its way to many of the cities in the US and our indigenous foods that have also somehow found a home in major metropolitan cities. Above all, these proclamations celebrate the close friendship, based on mutual respect that exists between Trinidad and Tobago and the cities of the United States of America.

• We have received proclamations from the governors of the states of Illinois, Florida, Texas and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
• We have received proclamations from over 20 major cities across the USA including Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Houston among others
• August 31, 2012 has been declared by proclamation "Trinidad and Tobago Day" in over 25 cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Charlotte and Miami
• I am also proud to inform that the TT flag has been flying high outside city hall in Boston for the past two weeks recognizing our beloved country

Hon. PM permit me to read a short note received from His Excellency the President of the US President Barack Obama...

And finally Honorable Prime Minister, it is indeed a great honor and pleasure to stand here before you today to present these proclamations to you in recognition of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.

I will like to present to TT a signed birthday card from His Excellency the President of the USA in celebrating not just our Golden Jubilee but our 50 years of diplomatic relations.