AS PREPARED
Remarks by Ambassador Candace Bond
Iftar, Chief of Mission Residence
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Assalamu alaikum.
Good evening. It is my pleasure to welcome you to this Iftar at my home on behalf of the U.S. Embassy.
This is my very first Iftar as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and I am honored and delighted to be spending it with all of you esteemed guests.
I would like to wish Ramadan Kareem to all the Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago and the more than two billion Muslims around the world.
During this month of Ramadan, I join President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary of State Blinken, and ambassadors around the world in opening my residence so that we can break bread together and celebrate Ramadan.
Ramadan is a season of fasting, renewal, charity, worship, growth, and community.
In President Biden’s Ramadan greetings this year, he reminded us that during this sacred time of reflection, the United States also reaffirms our support to Muslim communities suffering hardships and devastation.
The American people continue to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria –countries that have lost many loved ones during the recent devastating earthquakes – and with the people of Pakistan, who are rebuilding their lives following last summer’s floods.
Today we especially remember the universal human right to practice, pray, and preach our faiths peacefully and openly.
Together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression, including the Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, the Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world.
Closer to home, right here in Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Embassy has joined with many of you and the community organizations which you represent to educate, to encourage, to engage, and to improve the lives of others.
With our partnership and cooperation, I am reminded of the teaching in the Holy Qur’an that “whoever does even an atom’s weight of good will see its results.”
We come together this evening to practice reflection and spiritual growth. We note the practice of forgiveness and resilience, celebrate compassion and generosity of spirit, of giving to those in need, and celebration of the many blessings of life with our loved ones, and also with you, our partners and colleagues.
With other embassies and consulates around the world, the United States is committed to strong relationships and partnerships with Muslim leaders and communities. That is why we are so grateful for your presence tonight.
We look forward to another year of warm relations dedicated to peace and prosperity for our two great countries, the United States of America, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
May God bless you all. Thank you for coming this evening and honoring us with your presence. Now, let us break bread together and enjoy the blessings of the table.
I wish you and your families Eid Mubarak.