By Prior Beharry
MUSIC breaks down barriers.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the comment as he visited a steelpan yard in Woodbrook in Trinidad on Wednesday evening.
He was in Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CARICOM and to speak with its leaders at the 45th Heads of Government Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
Speaking at the Hadco Phase II Pan Groove pan yard in Woodbrook, he said, “One of the things I’ve learned travelling around the world – every corner – is that nothing, nothing brings us together more than music.”
Blinken said, “And it breaks down barriers, brings people together. It helps each of us share in our common humanity.
“And so for the music that you’re providing – and the Caribbean has provided so much; the soundtrack, the rhythms of our lives not just in the United States but all around the world – you do more than anyone to bring people together.
“And we need that more than ever. So thank you, thank you, for the music, for the rhythm, for the joy that you bring to our lives.”
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Blinken was accompanied by Congressional Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, US Ambassador to T&T Candace Bond and was greeted by the cofounders of the Hadco distribution company John, Robert and Joseph Hadad.
He was entertained by local Carnival characters, tassa drumming and a rendition of Phase II’s 2023 tune We Come out to Party by its leader Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.
AZP News Photo Editor Azlan Mohammed was also on hand and captured the following photos:
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