Wakanda News Details

Hummingbird Gold for Bond – US Ambassador recognised for contribution in Trinidad and Tobago - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

US Ambassador to TT Candace Bond has been bestowed with the Hummingbird Gold Medal by President Christine Kangaloo for her work in bilateral and diplomatic relations in a ceremony at President's House, St Ann's, Port of Spain, on January 17.

This is the first time a foreign ambassador has been given a national award. The Hummingbird Medal may be awarded to any person, citizen as well as non-citizen who has rendered loyal and devoted service beneficial to TT in any field of human endeavour or for gallantry or other humane action.

The award recognises her service in facilitating high-level engagement between the TT government and the US congress on matters of critical interest to TT and the wider region. Those include security co-operation, energy security, access to financing and correspondent banking, climate resilience and regional stability.

The Office of the President said Bond's work resulted in increased trade, economic collaboration and a deeper commitment to addressing regional issues such as climate change, energy security, public health, transnational crime and maritime security.

She was also recognised for her support in securing the granting of a licence for the development of the Dragon Field until October 2025.

The deal, which was originally signed between TT and Venezuela in August 2018, was left in limbo after the US imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2019.

After almost four years of lobbying, the sanctions were lifted and the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) offered an extension of the licence it issued to TT to access natural gas from the Dragon gas field.

After the official documents were signed, Bond said the securing of a 30-year licence to explore, produce and export natural gas from Venezuela's Dragon field was a major economic achievement for the US and TT.

She was confident the licence would go a long way towards fostering greater energy security and regional stability and said progress had been made on other matters such as trade.

On Januray 17, after receiving the award, Bond spoke to media expressing her gratitude.

[caption id="attachment_1133415" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Outgoing US Ambassador Candace Bond, centre, celebrates with, from left, Energy Ministery Stuart Young, Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne, her daughter Maddox Bond Mc Keever, husband Brent Mc Keever, and after receiving the Hummingbird Gold medal from President Christine Kangaloo at President's House, St Ann's, Port of Spain.[/caption]

“Today is a great celebration of our bilateral relationship and the relationship I’ve been able to build with the people of TT.

"When I'm asked what is 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, so kindly. I’ve been able to travel throughout this island (Trinidad) and Tobago and I will always carry you in my heart.

“And this is not the last time I’ll be here. I’ll be back for Carnival.

"I've particip

You may also like

More from Home - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Education Facts

Politics Facts

Lifestyle Facts