GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, has praised the cultural, economic and regional contributions of Trinidad and Tobago, as the nation marks its 63rd anniversary of independence Sunday.

In a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Dr Barnett described the twin-island republic as “a nation blessed with spectacular natural beauty, abundant natural resources and impressive cultural diversity, as well as talent and ingenuity.”

She noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural leadership has brought pride to the wider region.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s role as an exponent of the rich Caribbean musical and literary culture has been a source of pride for all Caricom countries, complementing notable achievements in the energy and manufacturing sectors,” the secretary-general said.

Dr Barnett also commended the country’s longstanding involvement in Caricom, particularly its leadership roles in energy and security under the Community’s Quasi-Cabinet arrangement. “Caricom’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago, a founding member of the Caribbean Community, remains strong. We recognise Trinidad and Tobago’s enduring commitment to regional integration, through its contributions to Caricom activities and decision making, and especially through leadership in the fields of energy and security,” she affirmed.

Highlighting the country’s democratic traditions, the secretary-general recalled Caricom’s role in monitoring the general elections earlier this year. “Caricon was particularly pleased to support the democratic process through the deployment of a Caricom Election Observation Mission to the General Elections in April this year,” she wrote.

Dr Barnett concluded her message by extending warm wishes to the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I extend best wishes to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago for continued success, peace and prosperity, as you celebrate yet another year as a sovereign and independent nation.”

The celebrations Sunday mark over six decades of independence since Trinidad and Tobago became a sovereign nation in 1962.