By Prior Beharry
THE United States Embassy in Port of Spain completes its purchase of the 11-acres property formerly known as the Trinidad Country Club.
A release from the embassy dated Wednesday stated that the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations announced the acquisition of property located at 137 Long Circular Road, Maraval, as the new United States Embassy site in Port of Spain.
It stated that the deed was signed on Wednesday by US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Candace Bond along with a representative of the seller of the property, Champs Elysees Limited, Joseph E Fernandes and Realty Specialist from the US Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Christin Martinelli.
At a signing ceremony on Wednesday, Bond said this was an important and exciting project which will benefit the people of T&T in many ways.
Bond said, “The US Government’s commitment to the construction of a new embassy is a powerful indicator of the longstanding, robust relationship between the people and government of the United States and the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago.”
She said, “The US government will invest more than US$400 million to plan, design, and build the new US Embassy.
“In addition to providing scores of jobs during the new embassy’s construction, the project will showcase state-of-the-art and eco-friendly designs and materials.
“It will also allow the US Embassy 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.”
Click here for more articles on AZP News – All the News You Need from A to Z and Then Some
The property was acquired by rum magnate JB Fernandes in 1953 and was an exclusive getaway by was criticised for favouring the upper class and whites. But it sought to change that image in recent ties by hosting different events.
The purchase was hindered by a court matter when in March last year a claim was filed by Fernandes’ sibling – Luisa Fernandes and three companies, namely Domus Trust, AM Investments and Poui Investments. Both are the children of JB Fernandes whose brand has been purchased by Angostura.
Court documents noted that the sale of the property was for US$316 million.
Sources told AZP News that the matter has been settled and thus the purchase could have been finalised.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Well, that’s great news! I’m glad that the United States Embassy is getting a new site in Port of Spain. This will help to improve communication and make life easier for the people of the country.
This is a welcome move by the US State Department and it’s Embassy in Port of Spain. This move is long overdue.
Congratulations to all parties