Today, August 31, 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Trinidad and Tobago. World leaders, including President Barack Obama, have sent greetings to President George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. on the occasion of today’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
President Obama wrote in a letter dated August 27:
“Dear Mr President, On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate you on the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence on August 31.”
“The United States and Trinidad and Tobago share a dedication to democracy and rule of law that define both our countries. We are committed to working closely together to improve the safety and security of all our citizens. I extend my best wishes to you and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate this special Independence Day,” Obama said.
Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said,“It is my great pleasure to extend to you and to the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the National Holiday.”
He continued, “This is an opportunity to celebrate the proud culture and history of your country. It is also a chance to reflect on the role Trinidad and Tobago is playing in our interconnected world. I appreciate your engagement at the United Nations, which is helping to forge shared solutions to our common challenges.”
“I welcome the contribution, commitment and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago in our quest to usher in a more just, peaceful and prosperous future for all people. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the UN Secretary-General said.
David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, said, “On behalf of all Canadians, it gives me great pleasure to extend congratulations to you and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate the 50th anniversary of your nation’s independence.”
Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, said, “On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese people and in my own name, warm congratulations and best wishes to you, and through you, to the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. May the friendship between the peoples of China and Trinidad and Tobago last forever.”
Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, also sent greetings to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
“On the historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, I have great pleasure in conveying felicitations to you and the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
“During the 50 years of our diplomatic relations, our two countries have built upon historical relations to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.”
“Our relations received a fresh impetus with your State visit to India in January 2012. I look forward to continue working with you to further develop and consolidate our ties, both bilaterally and through multilateral processes such as the India-Caricom dialogue. I take this opportunity to extend best wishes for your continued good health and the well-being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
His Holiness the Pope, also sent congratulations earlier in the week.
