U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended congratulations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Day, celebrated on August 31.
The message, published on the U.S. Department of State’s official website, underscored what Rubio described as the “deep ties and shared goals” between both countries.
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“On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate 63 years of independence,” Rubio wrote. He highlighted ongoing collaboration in advancing regional security and prosperity, pointing to joint efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, disrupt narco-trafficking networks, and strengthen regional energy security.
“These efforts,” Rubio noted, “underscore the value of our partnership and its impact throughout the Caribbean.” He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to continued cooperation under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, with an emphasis on security, economic growth, and long-term stability.
Rubio’s Independence Day statement followed earlier remarks on August 26 during a White House Cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. At that briefing, he referenced Trinidad and Tobago as part of a broader U.S.-led coalition of Caribbean and Latin American nations working to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. The strategy, he explained, includes deploying naval assets to the southern Caribbean to counter Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles,” which U.S. authorities have accused of directing large volumes of narcotics into North America.
Rubio praised what he described as “incredible international economic cooperation,” noting the involvement of countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Guyana. “We’re going to stop drugs coming in,” he said. “But another thing is to have an international coalition against this scourge on the global stage.”
Asked about Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the alliance, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar confirmed her government’s engagement, stressing that her priority is public safety. “We will work with anyone to fight the scourge of drugs, arms, and human trafficking. I will accept any help that is available to make our community safe again,” she told reporters via WhatsApp.
