Speeches

It is my distinct pleasure to join you this evening to dually celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Association of Caribbean States, as well as the 31st Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Panama.

I also take this opportunity to recognise the presence of Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez and to congratulate you, Minister, on your assumption as Chair of the Ministerial Council of the ACS. Your being in Trinidad and Tobago this evening is symbolic of Panama’s commitment to the Association and an endorsement of our strong bilateral relationship.

Minister, we recognise that in August 2025, all eyes will be on Panama, not only as Chair of the Ministerial Council of the ACS, but your country will also assume the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. As you know, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has presented its candidature for a seat on the UNSC for the period 2027–2028 and the election will be held in June 2026.

Coincidentally, if elected, Trinidad and Tobago will receive the baton from Panama, to serve as one of the two representatives from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) on the Security Council.

In relation to our hemispheric solidarity, it is now thirty-one years since the formation of the ACS. While the global landscape has changed, the organisation continues to provide a dynamic platform for collaboration in areas vital to our development, such as the preservation and conservation of the Caribbean Sea. There has also been concentrated efforts to treat with the plight of Sargassum; increase transport connectivity; develop sustainable tourism initiatives; encourage digital transformation; as well as boost market access for trade and investment cooperation across borders. These are all key to unlocking a cascade of socio-economic gains in the years to come for our membership of 25 full States, 10 associate territories and 19 accredited social actors.

Trinidad and Tobago is proud to serve as the host of the ACS’s Headquarters, because we recognize that over the past 31 years, the organisation has not only provided a platform for dialogue among its members, but continues to ensure that meaningful collective progress can be achieved on issues critical to the well-being of our peoples.

To this end, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains steadfast in its support for the invaluable work of the Association, coordinated by Secretary-General Espinoza Madrid and the Secretariat in Port of Spain—our capital city, where connectivity, culture and collaboration converge, and extends far beyond our geographic positioning as a central hub for the Membership. I am confident it reflects our commitment to cooperation with the Greater Caribbean Region.

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions with Minister Martínez-Acha Vásquez and Ambassador Corales on progressing the relationship between our two countries, and I am also proud and happy to indicate that we have formalised it through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Establishment of Mechanism for Bilateral Political Consultations. The signing of this MOU represents an acknowledgement of our successful diplomatic cooperation over the past three decades and reiterates my Government’s strong commitment to actively strengthening the bilateral ties and exploring avenues for closer linkages going forward.

In closing, I must commend Ambassador Carles for the warm hospitality provided in the hosting of this joint celebration. Please join me in raising your glasses to toast the 31st Anniversaries of the ACS and the Trinidad and Tobago–Panama Diplomatic Relationship.