As the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrates its Sixty-Third Anniversary of Independence on 31 August 2025, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has recognised the twin-island nation’s role as “an exponent of the rich Caribbean musical and literary culture” which has been “a source of pride for all CARICOM countries”.
In a congratulatory message to the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, Prime Minister, to mark the occasion, the Secretary-General also highlighted the “notable achievements in the energy and manufacturing sectors”.
The country’s involvement in CARICOM activities and decision-making and its contributions in Energy and Security, for which it has responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, were also recognised by Dr. Barnett.
The full Message can be read below:
Begins:
“Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I congratulate the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on your country’s Sixty-Third Anniversary of Independence.
Trinidad and Tobago has much to celebrate. Yours is a nation blessed with spectacular natural beauty, abundant natural resources and impressive cultural diversity, as well as talent and ingenuity. Trinidad and Tobago’s role as an exponent of the rich Caribbean musical and literary culture has been a source of pride for all CARICOM countries, complementing notable achievements in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
CARICOM’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago, a Founding Member of the Caribbean Community, remains strong. We recognise Trinidad and Tobago’s enduring commitment to regional integration, through its contributions to CARICOM activities and decision making, and especially through leadership in the fields of Energy and Security for which Trinidad and Tobago bears responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.
CARICOM was particularly pleased to support the democratic process through the deployment of a CARICOM Election Observation Mission to the General Elections in April this year.
I extend best wishes to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago for continued success, peace and prosperity, as you celebrate yet another year as a sovereign and independent nation.”
