By Prior Beharry
AS US Ambassador Candace Bond bids farewell to Trinidad and Tobago, she quoted from David Rudder’s Trini to D Bone.
She said, “As we celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Trinidad and Tobago, I can’t help but recall the lyrics from the popular song by David Rudder, ‘Trini to de Bone,’ which captures the essence of this vibrant culture. ‘Sweet, sweet T&T, oh how I love up de country… from Toco to Caroni, Maraval to Sans Souci, from Scarborough to Coco Reef, profiling on Frederick Street.’
“These words echo the pride and spirit of the people, and they remind us of all the rich heritage and diversity that make Trinidad and Tobago truly special.”
Bond was speaking at the Country Club in Maraval at a farewell function hosted by AMCHAM on Friday evening. Also speaking at the ceremony chaired by AMCHAM chief executive officer Nirad Tewarie were Minster of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne and AMCHAM’s president Stuart Franco.
The ambassador said she fell in love with Trinidad and Tobago when she arrived here two years ago.
Bond said, “What a gift it has been to wake up to the cacophony of parrots every morning on Flagstaff Hill, right before grabbing my morning doubles.
“The constant wafting of music throughout the hillside and the bustle of Trinis getting their fitness on, along the Savannah. I will miss the miracle of the amazing leatherback turtles making their annual pilgrimage, and the amazing variety of birds from the tiniest hummingbird to the majestic scarlet ibis.
“I’ll also miss the many roadside and track star goats of Tobago. The dolphins following our boat as we go DDI (down the islands).
“All breathtaking. But whenever anyone asks me what’s the best part of Trinidad and Tobago, I always say… it’s the people.”
She also recalled the rich culture of T&T.
Bond said, “I will miss the sound of music everywhere–soca, parang, calypso.
“I’m truly going to miss the limes–cooler limes, jungle limes, limes of any sort. Carnival season, all the fetes, Jouvert, Camboulay and Carnival itself.
“I’ll miss playing mas and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of T&T. Donning rich silks for Diwali, throwing powder during Holi, wearing my African pride prints on Emancipation Day, or feeling the peace and serenity of the Eid at Iftar celebrations.”
She said she will continue to advocate for T&T.
Bond said, “As I prepare to conclude my time with you as your ambassador, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Know that when I return to the U.S., I will continue to be a strong advocate for your country. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your extraordinary journey.”
She noted that the US embassy bought the Country Club and will break it down to facilitate a new embassy where citizens would go for the application process for their American Visa.
Franco said AMCHAM has a strong relationship with the US embassy.
He said, “Over the past year, under the Ambassador’s leadership, our collaborations have led to some remarkable benefits for our members, including a high-level meeting with the Chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, Reta Jo Lewis, following the US$500 million MoU signed between the Exim Bank and our country. This partnership is designed to stimulate economic growth, improve national security, and create a more vibrant business climate.
“In collaboration with the US Embassy, we hosted a reception for members with a high-level Congressional Delegation in 2023. This delegation was led by the Democratic Leader in the US Congress Rep. Hakim Jefferies.
“I also want to highlight a recent meeting facilitated by Ambassador Bond with the U.S. Ambassadors to Guyana, Barbados, and Suriname. This event provided our members with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one informal discussions with diplomats from the U.S. attached to these countries, fostering stronger trade and investment ties.”
