[UPDATED] US Embassy to relocate from Queen's Park Savannah

THE US Embassy will be relocating to a yet to be disclosed location in Port of Spain, the US Embassy said on Wednesday, without confirming or denying that it will be to Maraval, at the site of the Trinidad Country Club.

In a media release on Wednesday morning the embassy said it is in discussions on relocating from Marli Street, Queen’s Park West.

“Once a decision is concluded on a site, the embassy will issue a statement. This important and exciting project will benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago in many ways.”

An updated release at 3.25 pm said “The US Department of State is in discussions to relocate the US Embassy in Port of Spain. Once a decision is concluded on a site, the embassy will issue a statement. We do not have any further details to share at this time.”

The embassy added in its statement: “The US Government’s commitment to the construction of a new embassy is a powerful indicator of the long-standing, robust relationship between the people and government of the US and the people and government of TT.”

The new embassy, when constructed, will reportedly provide scores of jobs and will showcase state-of-the-art and eco-friendly designs and materials.

“It will also allow us to better serve our constituents, improve the experience for visa applicants, and provide new and improved facilities and services for those conducting business with the US Government.”

Discussions about the embassy's relocation are not new. In June 2019, deputy chief of mission John McInty posted on Facebook that he met with State Department real estate officials to discuss  relocation.

"T and T, I hope ya’ll ready for a new US embassy. We are! This project will not only provide much needed jobs (and yes, we employ local construction firms and employees, just sayin!), but also be a powerful symbol of the T and T and USA relationship," he posted.

The embassy has been at its current site since 1962. It was formerly a consulate.

The US had an army base in Chaguaramas, displacing local residents,  after the British leased the land to the US for 99 years during World War II. On April 22, 1960, then chief minister Dr Eric Williams led what is known as the “March in the Rain” from Woodford Square to what was then the US consulate, demanding the land be returned to the people of TT.

The release comes amidst talk that the Trinidad Country Club at Champs Elysées, Maraval, has been sold to the embassy.

According to the club’s website, in 1932 the Queen's Park Hotel Company Ltd, owned by the Fernandes family, bought the property for the use of its guests and the Trinidad Country Club was born. It was formerly the Champs Elysées Estate, owned by the de Gannes and then the de Boissière families.

The Trinidad Country Club was criticised for racially discriminating against two African-American couples in the late 1960s. The stigma of racial discriminating followed the club for decades afterwards.

In 2015 a planned rally at the club by the United National Congress saw public outcry, forcing it to reschedule. The club is known for parties and tennis events and the building regarded as a heritage site.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THE US Embassy will be relocating, but has not confirmed or denied whether it will be to Maraval, at the site of the Trinidad Country Club.

In a media release on Wednesday the embassy said it is in discussions on relocating from Marli Street, Queen's Park West, Port of Spain.

“Once a decision is concluded on a site, the embassy will issue a statement. This important and exciting project will benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago in many ways.”

The release comes amidst talk that the Trinidad Country Club at Champs Elysées, Maraval, has been sold to the embassy.

According to the club’s website, in 1932 the Queen's Park Hotel Company Limited bought the property for the use of its hotel guests and the Trinidad Country Club was born. It was formerly the home of Champs Elysées Estate, owned by the de Gannes and then the de Boissière families.

The embassy added “The US Government’s commitment to the construction of a new embassy is a powerful indicator of the long-standing, robust relationship between the people and government of the US and the people and government of TT.”

The new embassy, when constructed, will have provided scores of jobs and will showcase state-of-the-art and eco-friendly designs and materials.

“It will also allow us to better serve our constituents, improve the experience for visa applicants, and provide new and improved facilities and services for those conducting business with the US Government.”

Discussions about the embassy's relocation are not new. In June 2019, deputy chief of mission John McInty posted on Facebook that he met with State Department real estate official to discuss the relocation.

"T and T, I hope ya’ll ready for a new US embassy. We are! This project will not only provide much needed jobs (and yes, we employ local construction firms and employees, just sayin!), but also be a powerful symbol of the T and T and USA relationship," he posted.