THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated its Member State, Trinidad and Tobago, on attaining fifty-five years of Independence, praising both its progress at the national level, and its significant contribution to promoting regional integration.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in his congratulatory message to Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, said the people’s creativity and resilience has ensured that the country maintains a dynamism that has secured for it a place of prominence in many fields, including culture, sports, academia and diplomacy.

At the same time, he credits Trinidad and Tobago, as a founding Member of the Community with providing significant promotion of regional integration, particularly in the areas of Energy and Security, for which it plays a lead role on the Quasi-Cabinet, which was established by CARICOM Heads of Government.

Full text of the message reads:
“Prime Minister Rowley, it is my distinct honour, on behalf of the Caribbean Community, to convey congratulations to you, the Government and the People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on attaining the milestone of fifty-five years of Independence.

Prime Minister, at the national level, your country has enjoyed great economic progress over the years, which has contributed to the social and economic development of the Region, as a whole. The creativity and resilience of its people has ensured that the country maintains a dynamism that has secured for Trinidad and Tobago a place of prominence in many fields including culture, sports, academia and diplomacy. As a founding member of the Community, Trinidad and Tobago continues to make significant contributions to the promotion of regional integration, which has been demonstrated by its active role within CARICOM, particularly in the areas of Energy and Security.

Further, the Community places great significance in Trinidad and Tobago’s dedication towards the advancement of its objectives and stands ready to assist the country in its thrust towards continued development. Once again, please accept, Honourable Prime Minister, sincere congratulations on this significant day of celebration.”