PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The outgoing United States ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace Bond, leaves here on Monday, becoming the first head of a foreign mission to have been given a Trinidad and Tobago national award.
Outgoing US Ambassador Candance Bond, being bestowed with the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) by President Christine Kangaloo (Photo courtesy Office of the President)Bond was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) at a ceremony at President’s House and according to the citation Bond was engaged in a wide range of matters of significance to Trinidad and Tobago.
“Ambassador Bond has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and commitment to advancing mutual interests to diverse areas,” the citation said.
President Christine Kangaloo presented the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) in the sphere of Bilateral and Diplomatic Relations to Bond at the special national awards ceremony. She was accompanied by her husband, Steve McKeever, daughter, Maddox McKeever and guest Debra Coryat-Patton.
“When I came here two years and two months ago, I fell in love with Trinidad and Tobago, just the rich culture, the heritage, the resiliency, and I was determined to ensure that we had a strong bilateral relationship. But I was also determined that by the time I left, I was gonna be a ‘Trini to the bone’,” the outgoing diplomat said.
“When I’m asked what my favourite part of the country is, I always tell everyone it’s the people. I have to thank all of you for welcoming me so warmly and so kindly, and I’ve been able to travel not only throughout this island, but also in Tobago, and I’ll always carry you with me in my heart. And this is not the last time I’ll be here. I’ll be back for Carnival,” she said.
The diplomat said that she was proud of the US government’s interactions with Port of Spain, particularly in the areas of energy security and national security, as well as promoting regional stability through facilitating dialogue on combating transnational crime, strengthening maritime security and promoting peace and stability in the Caribbean region.