The United States says it is committed to making the Caribbean safe and more prosperous as it congratulated St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the celebration of its 41st anniversary of political independence from Britain on Tuesday.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that will be observing their independence in the coming days. The others being Antigua and Barbuda on November 1, followed by Dominica on November 3.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in his congratulatory message to Kingstown said “the United States is committed to helping make the Caribbean safer and more prosperous, while upholding democratic values and human rights.
“The US-Caribbean Resilience Partnership strengthens our preparedness for hurricanes and other natural disasters. Through the USAID Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Early Learners Programme, more than 7,000 young Vincentian students have learned valuable skills,” Pompeo said.
He said that the joint law enforcement efforts between Washington and Caribbean countries “have intercepted drug traffickers and disrupted their operations, and we have worked together to combat COVID-19 for the health and well-being of our citizens.
“The United States values the relationship between our two countries,” he added.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will hold general elections on November 5 with the ruling Unity Labour Party of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, which is seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive term in office, facing a challenge from the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) headed by Dr. Godwin Friday.
CMC
