US congressman lauds visit to Trinidad and Tobago

NEW YORK: US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has described as “productive and informational” his visit last week to Trinidad and Tobago for talks with Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders.

Jeffries led a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Port of Spain and in a statement on Sunday, said the delegation discussed “pressing economic and geopolitical issues in the Caribbean and reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and our neighbours.”

Jeffries, who represents the largely Caribbean 8th Congressional District in New York, said the delegation also joined US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “build on the historic partnership reignited by the Biden-Harris administration.”

He said the delegation participated in the Caricom conference – held in Port of Spain – which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the regional integration movement.

He said during a meeting with the regional leaders chaired by Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, they discussed “several issues of mutual concern, including the rise of gun trafficking, the climate crisis, access to banking institutions and economic development.

“Our delegation also had productive bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of TT Dr Keith Rowley and the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley,” Jeffries said.

He said during a meeting with the American/TT Chamber of Commerce (AmchamTT), the delegation “echoed our commitment to strengthening our bilateral ties and supporting economic growth.

“The US and the Caribbean are deeply intertwined, anchored in our geographic proximity, security concerns and economic interests. The Western Hemisphere is stronger because of the relationships that bind it together.

“We will continue building and strengthening the bond between the US and our Caribbean neighbours,” he added. (CANA)