PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The United States has signed an agreement to provide Trinidad and Tobago with US$1.2 million for use in its security assistance programs.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Waterfront Complex, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
It was signed by U.S. Ambassador Beatrice W. Welters and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Roodal Moonilal.
Ambassador Welters said the agreement serves to increase cooperative opportunities between the two countries, pointing out that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is a strong partner of the United States on security matters, including the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).
She said the agreement will continue to develop programs aimed at increasing citizen security in the areas of juvenile justice, youth development, counternarcotics, military and police professionalization, drug demand reduction, and financial crimes investigations. The goal of these programs is to strengthen the capacity of Trinidad and Tobago to improve security, promote social justice, and counter the efforts of local and international crime organizations.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Roodal Moonilal expressed his government’s sincere gratitude to the U.S. government for ongoing support to Trinidad and Tobago and the region for continually strengthening law enforcement and the protective services. He said such support will better prepare countries like Trinidad and Tobago to improve its law enforcement capabilities.
U.S. Ambassador Beatrice W. Welters shake hands with Ag. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Roodal Moonilal following the signing ceremony .
The US$1.2 million is in addition to US$420,000 previously committed. In addition to direct, bilateral assistance, the United States contributes over US$200 million to the CBSI which funds regional programs that benefit Trinidad and Tobago and its Caribbean partners in many areas, including law enforcement, information sharing, and maritime cooperation.
The United States also invests heavily in HIV/AIDs prevention, military education and training, advancing economic development and trade, and promoting social inclusion for marginalized groups.
