GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 31, CMC – The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque has lauded Trinidad and Tobago’s contribution to the regional integration movement and the United States has praised Port of Spain’s role in seeking to find a “peaceful solution” to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela.
In separate messages marking Trinidad and Tobago’s 57th anniversary of political independence from Britain, CARICOM and Washington said they were looking to continue working with the oil-rich twin island republic in ensuring the further development of the region.
In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the CARICOM Secretary-General said the significant role the country continues to play in the Community was exemplified by its “very successful” hosting of region’s premier cultural showcase, CARIFESTA (XIV) from 16-25 August 2019.
“The country continues to play a significant role in the advancement of a strengthened, integrated and resilient Community, not only through its leadership on regional security and energy issues but also through its contributions in the areas of culture, sports, academia and diplomacy,” LaRocque said.
He commended its progress as “impressive,” buoyed by the “creativity and ingenuity of its people”,
United States Secretary of State, Richard Pompeo, in a congratulatory message said Washington regards Trinidad and Tobago as ‘a key partner in advancing the security and prosperity of the Caribbean region. “The United States particularly thanks the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for helping to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela as we continue to support multilateral efforts to achieve a peaceful restoration of democracy there”.
Washington is at the forefront of seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office in Caracas and have him replaced with Opposition leader Juan Guaido, accusing him of human rights abuses among other allegations. “We look forward to working with Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen regional law enforcement capabilities, as well as disaster response readiness under the auspices of the U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership,’ Pompeo said.
