Guests at the luncheon included cabinet ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps, including the British High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago.
In a brief address Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year and noted that in 2012 Trinidad & Tobago is celebrating 50 years of independence from Great Britain.
And she reiterated Trinidad and Tobago commitment to the Commonwealth. "Our nation’s dedication to upholding the values of the Organization – such as democracy, good governance, development, gender equality, access to health and education – is reflected in our active engagement on various issues," the Prime Minister said.
Trinidad and Tobago now chairs the Commonwealth Connects Steering Committee (CCSC) dealing with information and communication technology, a pivotal element underpinning our individual and collective development in this interconnected global society.
The country also continues to sit on the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), supporting all efforts to ensure its effectiveness in responding swiftly to contemporary challenges.
The Prime Minister spoke of her tenure as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth. "It was an honour to advance the Commonwealth theme of “Women as Agents of Change” at the regional, hemispheric and international levels," she said.
"My Government firmly believes that the blueprint for the future progress of all nations involves priority attention to matters affecting women, the youth and children," she added.
Persad-Bissessar noted that the Commonwealth remains particularly relevant as issues pertinent to the future growth of small island developing states like Trinidad and Tobago remain high on the agenda.
"Her Majesty the Queen has had a distinguished tenure at the helm of this very important institution. At the start of her reign, she declared that it would be “a more powerful influence for good in the world”. Her Majesty would later say, in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009, that the Commonwealth “can be proud of the fact that in each of its six decades, it has shaped the international response to emerging global challenges”.
"Her commitment has been steadfast, espousing the fundamental tenets guiding the Commonwealth of Nations, thereby earning the profound respect of leaders and people across the globe. Hence, it is only fitting that all 54 countries join in the celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee," Persad-Bissessar said.
She also talked about relations between Port of Spain and London. "At all levels, the ties between our nations remain strong. The UK is an important partner for Trinidad and Tobago representing our 4th largest export market and the 2nd highest source of Foreign Direct Investment, primarily in the energy sector.
"Mutually beneficial trade, educational and cultural programmes and technical cooperation initiatives in areas such as health, security and the environment maintain these strong linkages.
"We look forward to deepening our partnership also in the context of UK-Caribbean relations, particularly in the area of tourism, and on issues being addressed by the European Union that impact states such as ourselves.
"As we move forward in this ongoing collaboration and continue to reap important benefits for our citizens, we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whose contribution to strengthening these ties has been significant. The visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex is a clear indication that these linkages will not falter.
"I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf, best wishes and warmest congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne and as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations."
Persad-Bissessar noted that the Commonwealth remains particularly relevant as issues pertinent to the future growth of small island developing states like Trinidad and Tobago remain high on the agenda.
"Her Majesty the Queen has had a distinguished tenure at the helm of this very important institution. At the start of her reign, she declared that it would be “a more powerful influence for good in the world”. Her Majesty would later say, in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009, that the Commonwealth “can be proud of the fact that in each of its six decades, it has shaped the international response to emerging global challenges”.
"Her commitment has been steadfast, espousing the fundamental tenets guiding the Commonwealth of Nations, thereby earning the profound respect of leaders and people across the globe. Hence, it is only fitting that all 54 countries join in the celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee," Persad-Bissessar said.
She also talked about relations between Port of Spain and London. "At all levels, the ties between our nations remain strong. The UK is an important partner for Trinidad and Tobago representing our 4th largest export market and the 2nd highest source of Foreign Direct Investment, primarily in the energy sector.
"Mutually beneficial trade, educational and cultural programmes and technical cooperation initiatives in areas such as health, security and the environment maintain these strong linkages.
"We look forward to deepening our partnership also in the context of UK-Caribbean relations, particularly in the area of tourism, and on issues being addressed by the European Union that impact states such as ourselves.
"As we move forward in this ongoing collaboration and continue to reap important benefits for our citizens, we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whose contribution to strengthening these ties has been significant. The visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex is a clear indication that these linkages will not falter.
"I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf, best wishes and warmest congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne and as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations."
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