PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – The United States  (US) Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Friday said it has commenced work on the multi-million US dollar embassy on the outskirts of Trinidad’s capital that is “a powerful reflection of the robust and longstanding relationship” between the two countries.

Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, said Washington is investing more than US$400 million to plan, design, and build the new embassy on an 11-acre property that was acquired in 2023.

“Hundreds of Trinidad and Tobago nationals will be employed on the project, which will showcase state-of-the-art designs and materials,” she said.

She said that the construction will take into consideration the existing environment, adding “we are delighted that the two large, historic Samaan trees on the property are to be preserved in the final landscape plan.”

“I know how dear these trees are to our Trinbagonian neighbours,” she said, adding that the nest of a protected species of blue and yellow macaws nesting in a tree on the site will also be preserved until the macaw chicks fledge the nest.

She said the new US embassy is expected to be completed in 2029.

“It is not just a physical expansion, but a powerful reflection of the robust and longstanding relationship between the people and government of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. It will improve the experience for visa applicants, and those conducting business with the US government,” the diplomat added.