Serving as United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago has been the greatest honor of my life. Apart from its great weather and amazing beauty, Trinidad and Tobago has some of the nicest and most sincere people I’ve ever met.
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It shows our resolve to display the true essence of who we are as Americans. We know that our democracy has been tested in the past, and it will be tested in the future. Nevertheless, we should not be defined by these moments. Instead, we should be defined by how we bounce back
Read More» We continue to work with Trinidad and Tobago to help mitigate the consequences of this crisis, and we look forward to the day when Venezuelans feel safe and secure enough to return home and rebuild their country rather than seek refuge elsewhere.
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The United States Government donated two Sport Utility Jeeps, 18 Samsung Galaxy Tablets, and 195 Hand Crank Radios valued at $255,000 USD to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).
Read More» Ambassador Joseph Mondello confirmed increased funding will be provided to Trinidad and Tobago under the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INL) program in the sum of U.S. $700,000.
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Ambassador Joseph Mondello today handed over US$22,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Minister of National Security, Stuart Young to assist in managing the spread of COVID-19.
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Independence Day looks a bit different this year! 🇺🇸 As we celebrate at home with family and friends, Ambassador Joseph Mondello and our T&T partners send warm greetings. Take a look!
Read More» The United States remains committed to boosting local efforts to assist displaced Venezuelans and refugees, and the gracious Trinbagonian communities that host them. In fact, we have spent seven million U.S. dollars over the last three fiscal years to help efforts right here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Read More» Our hearts are with the American people as we mourn the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I know the grief from this loss weighs heavily on our U.S. Mission, our nation, and our friends.
Read More» Since the government has spoken publicly about my May 6 conversation with Minister Young, though, I wish to affirm that I expressed concern to the Minister in that conversation about the consistency of Delcy Rodriguez’s visit to Port of Spain with Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations as a party to the Rio Treaty.
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Port of Spain, January 08, 2020: U.S. Embassy Port of Spain joined forces with Wheeling Forward of New York and local NGOS to hold a roundtable discussion on disability rights. Wheeling Forward shared post-holiday cheer by bringing five wheelchairs, which were donated to individuals on both islands. Ambassador Mondello welcomed participants and acknowledged their work …
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Port of Spain, September 26, 2019: Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), together with the United States Embassy in Port of Spain, officially launched the Community Resilience Initiative, a program that supports communities in Trinidad and Tobago to become more resilient while hosting Venezuelan migrants. “Trinidad and Tobago faces a new …
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Expected to be completed by April 2020, the renovated building will be used as a crime scene simulation house.
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Port of Spain, August 16, 2019: The U.S. Embassy is pleased to play a role in enhancing the ability of the Prison Service not only to respond to emergencies, but also to track the criminal networks that attempt to continue their activities from behind prison walls. Today, Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello handed over a U.S. …
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The U.S. government has learned over decades of providing security assistance around the globe that we must engage with the corrections services in order to have a true impact on a country’s criminal justice system.
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Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello extended congratulations to the U.S. Embassy’s 2019 Fulbright Scholarship Awardees on their accomplishments and encouraged them to enjoy their study abroad experience.
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It is my absolute honor to announce and recognize the approval of supplemental funds and assistance by the U.S. government to continue to support the Trinidad and Tobago national HIV response.
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The United States, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), continues to partner with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to combat HIV and AIDS, with US$2.5 million in funding for fiscal 2019.
Read More» What I am saying here, folks, is that we have worked hard to be a tried and true friend. We don’t agree on everything…no two countries do. The important thing is that our partnership, and our friendship, runs deep and is mutually beneficial.
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May 24, 2019: Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello, a military veteran, today led the staff of the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain in observing a moment of silence and laid a wreath to commemorate Memorial Day, observed in the United States on the last Monday in May. Ambassador Mondello said the day symbolized much more to …
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Ambassador Mondello reminded the debate team members neither success nor failure are permanent, and encouraged them to continue along the positive path they have now chosen for themselves and not give up hope.
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Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello January 25, 2019 Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido and the democratically elected National Assembly have the full recognition and resolute support of the United States of America and the majority of democracies in the Western Hemisphere. I find the official statements from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognizing the undemocratic and …
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This project was selected because people care about you students and your success. The United States is rooting for you, the people you see around you are rooting for you, and know that there are others in the country that are watching and rooting for you.
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The message to take from my comments is that the United States is committed to joining this fight against crime with you, as a trusted partner and friend, for the safety of citizens both here and in the United States.
Read More» Through CBSI, the U.S. government aims to strengthen the safety and security of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, including its young people.
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As we have seen time after time throughout the world, state-owned enterprises invest abroad in ways that are clearly not transparent, clearly not market-driven, and clearly not designed to benefit the people of the countries in which they invest.
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Joseph N. Mondello, Ambassador-designate of the United States of America to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented his credentials to Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes on Monday October 22nd. Ambassador Mondello was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Linda Mondello and Mr John McIntyre, Deputy Chief of Mission.
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The United States of America continues to stand in solidarity with Trinidad and Tobago in the aftermath of the unprecedented rainfall and resulting floods which affected several areas of the country through the weekend of October 19, 2018.
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Ambassador Joseph Mondello and Mrs. Mondello yesterday afternoon (Oct 16, 2018) met, greeted and chatted with Embassy staff at a Town Hall.
Read More» U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Joseph N. Mondello and his family arrived in Port of Spain last evening. Ambassador Mondello officially assumes duties after the presentation of his Letters of Credence to President Paula Mae Weekes. On his arrival Ambassador Mondello said, “My wife and I are honored to be here …
Read More» The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Joseph Mondello as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Please check our Twitter and Facebook accounts for future updates.
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January 20, 2017 is the final day of Ambassador John L Estrada’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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Just 10 months after you welcomed this Son of the Soil home, look what we’ve accomplished together.
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Ambassador Estrada will be in Washington DC this week for his final consultations with the State Department, Treasury, and Congress, as well as attending a White House Reception with President Barack Obama.
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On behalf of the U.S. Embassy as well as my family, I wish all of Trinidad and Tobago a Happy New Year.
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The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of Justice, are committed to working with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, most specifically the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of National Security to track, charge, and convict those who are financial sponsors of terrorism. As the U.S. Ambassador, I have made …
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For Ambassador Estrada, one of his fondest memories of living in Trinidad as a child, was the time he spent with his grandfather in the village of Toco. He took some time early this week to go back in time to visit Toco, talk with some of the villagers who remembered both him and his …
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Showcasing his musical genius and that of his band (all hailing from the United States), Charles thrilled the children and special guests, including representatives from the government, corporate sponsors, and U.S. Ambassador John Estrada to a performance at the Princess Elizabeth Center on Thursday morning.
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United States immigration law and regulations have not changed following our recent elections. Non-U.S. citizens convicted of crimes in the U.S. can be deported to their country of origin. This happens in Trinidad and Tobago, as all over the world. The vast majority of Trinidad and Tobago citizens with U.S. visas follow the laws while …
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Students of the Goodwill Industries and their teachers warmly welcomed Ambassador John L. Estrada to their school in Port of Spain on November 14. After hearing the Ambassador’s story of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago and migrating to the U.S., the students asked questions and proudly showed off the work they have been doing. …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada recently visited the Princess Elizabeth Special School meeting with members of the Board, teachers and students.
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Continuing to spread his message of Leadership, Accountability and Empowerment, Ambassador John Estrada visited the Success Laventille Secondary School on November 2.
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Ambassador John Estrada visited Petrotrin on Wednesday, October 26. Petrotrin’s Chairman, Professor Andrew Jupiter and President Fitzroy Harewood shared some insights with the Ambassador into the role the Company plays in national development and the magnitude of its operations. In photo left to right are Chairman of Petrotrin Professor Andrew Jupiter, President of Petrotrin Fitzroy Harewood …
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Shiva Boys’ Hindu College, Penal on October 31 welcomed Ambassador John Estrada to their school. Ambassador Estrada spoke about moral courage and education among other topics and took questions from the students on FATCA, the U.S. Presidential elections and U.S. and T&T relations.
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Ambassador John Estrada continued his school outreach visit to ASJA Girls’ College, Barrackpore on October 31. The Ambassador met with the staff and gave motivational talk to students.
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Ambassador John Estrada on October 28 continued his school outreach visit to the Woodbrook Secondary School. He spoke to staff and students.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada on October 26 paid a visit to the National Center for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) where he met with Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beverly Beckles and NCPD Board members, staff and students.
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Ambassador John Estrada was interviewed on local radio station Sky 99.5FM earlier today. He spoke about bilateral relations with Trinidad and Tobago, security, crime, terrorism and shared his personal views on issues. Listen here .
Read More» “I wanted to take a brief moment to provide another update on FATCA. Let me start by saying we strongly recommend that Trinidad and Tobago pass legislation no later than February 2017, in order to carry out the commitments undertaken when the FATCA agreement was signed by our two countries, and in line with the …
Read More» I am in Washington D.C. for meetings with the Department of State, Congress, and the White House. I am bringing positive reports about our strong and expanding ties with the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. Over the last few months we have finalized a number of important mutual assistance programs. And I am …
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But. . . if every Dad feels as shy about giving the “sex talk” to their daughter as I do. . . I guarantee that it’s being avoided, that it’s not always happening, that it’s not happening as candidly as it could and that some parents simply aren’t prepared to give it.
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Today the United States and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA). U.S. Ambassador John L. Estrada and Finance Minister Colm Imbert represented their respective governments. The CMAA is an important part of the strong cooperative relationship between our two countries. It will allow our governments to cooperate more …
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Minister the Honorable retired Brigadier General Dillon, Minister of National Security; Brigadier General Rodney Smart, Chief of Defense Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force; Cheryl Robinson, Director of the Civilian Conservation Corps; other distinguished guest; ladies and gentlemen….good morning. Allow me to begin my remarks this morning by thanking general smart for allowing me the …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada addressed the assembly of the Queen’s Royal College (QRC) on Monday. Ambassador Estrada met with Principal David Simon and teachers and spoke to the students about leadership, empowerment and the need for continuous education.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada last Friday visited Sangre Grande. He visited the SWAHA Hindu College, Northeastern College, the COSTAATT campus and met with Chairman Terry Rondon and Councillors of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.
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The U.S. Embassy, Port of Spain has introduced a new initiative to improve customer service and readiness in the visa process for the holiday season, with the implementation of the Paperless Gate Entry List system (PGEL). PGEL is an electronic check-in process that facilitates smoother entry of applicants to the waiting room for interviews. U.S. …
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The local premiere of the movie Bazodee took place at Digicel’s IMAX theater, One Woodbrook Place, Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago’s soca artiste Machel Montano is the lead actor alongside Natalie Perera. Ambassador John L. Estrada attended the event.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada visited St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain on Monday where he had the pleasure of addressing the entire student body. Ambassador Estrada spoke about leadership, empowering others and the need for continuous education. He also emphasized the importance of the students seeing themselves as future leaders of Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada on Monday paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Representatives Bridgid Annisette-George and President of the Senate Christine Kangaloo. The meeting took place at the Office of the Parliament, Tower D, International Waterfront Center, Port of Spain.
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On the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, we honor the dead and comfort the families of those left behind. We also recognize how that event affected not only the United States, but the entire world. Of course, the attack happened on American soil, and most of the nearly 3,000 who died were …
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Ambassador John Estrada engaged with at-risk youths when he addressed the first cohort in the ‘This is ME’ program of Caribbean InTransit as well as met with the actors in the Art Connect documentary. Listening to their stories and sharing inspirational messages the Ambassador urged the youths to rise above their circumstances by believing in …
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The eight Trinidad and Tobago Youth Ambassadors who spent three weeks in the United States – Washington, Seattle, Florida and South Dakota – have returned home with a greater appreciation for American culture and a keen sense of volunteerism. They were able to build relations with their regional counterparts as well as got a reality check …
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Trinidad and Tobago celebrated its 54th Anniversary of Independence on August 31. Ambassador John L. Estrada attended the military parade at the Queen’s Park Savannah and the President’s Toast to the nation at Queen’s Hall, offering Happy Independence to the Government and people.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada met with Major Lawrence Wilson, whose son US-based soldier PFC Le Ron Wilson died in Iraq in 2007.
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U.S. Visiting Speaker Anne Doyle met with Ambassador John L. Estrada. She is in Trinidad and Tobago holding workshops with local NGOs focusing on sharing of resources, recognizing and celebrating differences and the creation of productive networks. Its a collaborative project with our partners Shauna Narine and Terry Ince. Photo: Terry Ince, Ambassador John L. Estrada, …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada visited Tobago August 15-18 for the primary purpose of partnering with the Lily Foundation on Gender Based Violence programs. The Foundation facilitates positive human development and works in Tobago to educate and counsel abused women and girls. Ambassador Estrada also met with Secretary of Community Development and Culture, Dr. Denise Tsoi-a-fatt-Angus and …
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“This is a huge step in the right direction. We appreciate the partnership and cooperation from the Trinidad and Tobago government on moving forward on this important issue.” – Ambassador John Estrada with Minister of Finance Colm Imbert and Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dennis Moses at the signing ceremony of the Agreement …
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The construction of this Emergency Operations Center is just one example of numerous initiatives by United States Southern Command as they work with US Embassies like ours to assist our regional partners in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief response.
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Good Morning! It’s great to be here again at UWI; this is my third visit. On Monday I had my courtesy call with the Principal and was very impressed by his vision for the University. During our conversation two things stood out to me that are essential for the university that is going to help …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada visited the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community Arima meeting President and Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez, Queen Jennifer Cassar, Shaman Cristo Adonis and other community elders. The Ambassador toured the small museum and viewed a video about the First Peoples.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada received a courtesy call from Mtima Solwazi of the Cascadoo Spoken Word Festival and visiting Spoken Word Artists Hawa Rahman and Amir Sulaiman.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Chief Staff Officer Col. Peter Sealy visited the Blanchisseuse Government Primary school where Military Engineers from the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force and the Delaware National Guard carried out renovation works. The project is funded by the United States Government, through the Humanitarian and Civil Assistance Program under …
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Members of the visiting Delaware National Guard paid a courtesy call on Ambassador John L. Estrada on August 8. A delegation of approximately 30 Soldiers and Airmen from the Delaware National Guard arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on August 7, 2016 for a week long partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) on multiple joint …
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Ambassador John L. Estrada paid his first visit to the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad where he met with newly installed Principal Professor Brian Copeland, senior staff members and students.
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Ambassador retired Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer was recognized in a small ceremony by members of the United States Military Liaison Office, US Embassy. Colonel Claudia Carrizales, Chief Military Liaison Officer thanked the Ambassador for his leadership and contributions in support of mutual US -TT objectives. Ambassador Phillips-Spencer served as the Vice Chief of Defense Staff, Trinidad and …
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Members of the Department of State Alumni met with Ambassador John L. Estrada to discuss fund raising opportunities for their special projects. Also in attendance was Acting PAO Andrea Corey.
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The Nubian Gents & Feminine Fire, a 16-member U.S. based youth group paid a courtesy call on Ambassador John L. Estrada. The group is in Trinidad partnering with “We Say Y.E.S.” Organization and other youth groups in East Port of Spain and San Juan.
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I join President Obama in condemning in the strongest terms the attack in Nice, France yesterday.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada hosted the Embassy’s Fourth of July reception on July 1, 2016 at Estate 101, Saddle Road, Maraval. Read his remarks .
Read More» That you are here tonight means you are involved in the efforts of making the United States of America and Trinidad and Tobago more safe, prosperous and just.
Read More» The United States of America is a nation of immigrants, and I am deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to serve my country
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Ambassador John L. Estrada hosts the Embassy’s annual Iftar Dinner in observance of Ramadan at the Chief of Mission Residence.
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Through their service in the Military, women have demonstrated that change—even change that was unimaginable a few years earlier—is not just possible, but the right thing to do.
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That people could be targeted for mass murder because of their sexual preference is unconscionable–as it would be if they were targeted for their race, religion, or gender.
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Ambassador designate to the United States, Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer, today paid a courtesy call to Ambassador John L. Estrada at the Embassy. Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer has long been a close friend of the U.S. Embassy and we wish him all the best!
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Ambassador John L. Estrada stopped by the National Cricket Center in Couva to learn more about the game of Cricket and met with members of the T&T Cricket Board.
Read More» Ambassador John L. Estrada’s courtesy call on San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein at the San Fernando City Hall.
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Ambassador John L. Estrada last week visited the Diego Martin Central Secondary school. He observed students participate in a mock trial under the Resistance and Prevention Program – (RAPP) funded by the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) through the #CaribbeanBasinSecurityInitiative . The program is implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation – Trinidad and Tobago . Ambassador Estrada also delivered a motivational message to students about choices. Ambassador Estrada attended …
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In times of uneasiness, of uncertainty or change, a natural social response is turning inward, closing off to others, protecting what you have.
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Here in Trinidad and Tobago, press freedom is enshrined in the law and valued by society. But with freedom comes responsibilities.
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AS PREPARED Remarks by Ambassador John L. Estrada at Credentialing Ceremony, President’s Office Tuesday April 19, 2016 10:00 His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago… Her Excellency Reema Carmona, First Lady of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago… Ms. Margaret B. Diop, …
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Port of Spain March 23, 2016: Hello, I am John Learie Estrada. I am honored to be the next United States Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I was born in Trinidad. As a young child I lived, played and went to primary schools in the communities of Laventille, Diego Martin and Toco. My fondest …
Read More» The U.S. Senate today confirmed the nomination of John Estrada as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Please check our Twitter and Facebook accounts for future updates.
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