PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Joseph N Mondello has arrived here to take up his position, nearly two years after his predecessor left office.

“My wife and I are honoured to be here in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago. I look forward to presenting my credentials to the president and meeting and working with the wonderful people of this country,” the 80-year-old diplomat said.

The US Embassy said that Mondello, who arrived here on Monday night, officially assumes duties after the presentation of his Letters of Credence to President Paula Mae Weekes.

President Trump appointed Mondello as US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago on July 2, after the full Senate confirmed him on June 28. He replaces the Trinidadian-born Ambassador John Estrada, who ended his tour of duty on January 20, 2017. Estrada had been nominated by the Obama Administration.

The US Embassy said that before becoming ambassador, Mondello enjoyed a long and distinguished political career, serving as chairman of the Nassau County, New York Republican Committee for 30 years.

He also chaired the New York Republican State Committee from 2006 to 2009 and served as a councilman for Hempstead, New York, from 1979 through 1987, after which he was appointed Hempstead Presiding Supervisor until 1993.

“Mondello’s military record includes service in the Air National Guard from 1955 to 1956, service in the army as infantry corporal from 1956 to 1958, and service as a former deputy commander of the New York Guard, in which he holds the rank of major general,” the embassy said.