Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you here.
We last met at the Summit of the Americas a year ago, and I’m delighted to see you again.
Your visit reminds us that our two countries have had a strong diplomatic relationship for over 50 years.
Indeed, Canada was one of the first countries to recognize Trinidad and Tobago after it gained independence from Great Britain in 1962.
In that regard, we appreciate the warm hospitality that was shown to His Excellency, the Governor General David Johnston, during his state visit last year when he joined you for your country’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
I too have my own pleasant recollections of visiting Port of Spain twice, both times during 2009, for the Summit of the Americas, and later that year, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
I know you also are no stranger to Canada, but I do hope that you will find the time that you spend here with us now to be as congenial as the time I spent in your own beautiful country.
Canada and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago share close connections, our Commonwealth heritage of language and institutions, and of course, ties of friendship and family.
I’m told that more than 60,000 sons and daughters of Trinidad and Tobago now make their home in Canada. No doubt, they’re trying to escape the harsh Caribbean winter.
Anyway, these ties have enriched the fabric of life in our country.
They’ve also built the strong foundation, a strong and growing foundation of economic relationships.
I enjoyed reading some of their stories in the commemorative book that your High Commission published for the 5th anniversary of your independence.
Since independence, Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean’s largest, most diversified and industrialized economy has also become Canada’s second largest trading partner in the Caribbean region.
I should therefore like to take the opportunity to express our appreciation for your government’s leadership as we work towards closer trade ties between Canada and the community.
And I know we discussed today, that will be one of your priorities as you take over the chairmanship of CARICOM.
In discussions earlier today, we affirmed, reaffirmed our mutual commitment to increased trade and investment as the most effective responses to hemispheric economic challenges.
I’m therefore pleased to announce that we’ve just taken steps to increase cooperation between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago in the areas of commerce, security, and academia.
Canada will share expertise on public-private partnerships with Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.
And a few moments ago, we witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement on national security between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
To assist Trinidad and Tobago in taking on a greater role in regional security, we’ve also signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes its participation in Canada’s military training cooperation program.
Finally, it’s widely recognized that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are among the most well educated in the Caribbean.
I know that you, yourself, Prime Minister, hold two degrees, legal qualifications and an MBA, so I’m sure that you will share my satisfaction at the agreement that was also just signed to expand cooperation between Brock University and the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister, I look forward to joining you later today in Toronto as we meet with Canadian citizens and business leaders whose heritage is that of your beautiful islands.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish you a very enjoyable visit.
Once again, Prime Minister, welcome.
