HIGH COMMISSIONER SAYS

Farewell
TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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This is my last newsletter to you as High Commissioner of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago. As my wife and I prepare to retire in August, I have taken some time to reflect on the
unique and memorable moments I will always remember.
You will find in these pages a record of some of the achievements, activities and initiatives
I have undertaken during my tenure as High Commissioner, which began in January
2013.
It has been a remarkable time to serve in Trinidad and Tobago, with the many developments we have experienced throughout society, and the political and economic changes
that we have seen.
The one constant has always been the enduring and ever-growing relationship between
Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, built upon strong people to people ties going back several decades. These ties are present at every level family, friends, culture, education, employment, business and government. I have seen time and again how these links touch
virtually everyone I meet.
I would like to thank the people of this great country of Trinidad and Tobago for their
warmest of welcomes and their hospitality.
I am also grateful to the people I have worked with in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and to my fellow Heads of Mission for their active collaboration and support.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all staff at the High Commission of
Canada, who have worked as a cohesive team to build the Canada-Trinidad and Tobago
relationship and to advance Canadas priorities in this country.

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Canada supported many initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago which fall under the banner of Good Governance

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Canada has and continues to support the efforts of the

Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute

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Under the pillar of Good Governance, Canada supported the

Police Complaints authority in the area of training, provision of
equipment and technical expertise

In the area of Security Cooperation, Canada provided funding for a Bio

Containment lab for CARPHA and technical expertise for Counterdrug Intelligence Training for members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Force
through the OAS and CARICOM IMPACS
In the Area of Good Governance, Canada provided support for
an Elections Campaign Finance Reform Conference with the
Trinidad and Tobago Elections and Boundary Commission

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In the area of Security Cooperation,

we welcomed the visit of HMCS Shawinigan

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In the area of Development, Canada supports the TT

Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and CARILED

und:
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Carib
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anada t Project, f
unded

Francophonie celebrations were held annually in conjunction

with the Embassy of France and Consulate of Lebanon

The Trade Commissioners section of the

High Commission was always busy with visiting delegations
and signature events which promoted Canada

Ryerson Alumni Receptionan annual event on the

calendar of the Trade Commissioners Department

Nova Scotia Trade visit one of many missions organized to

showcase Canadian expertise and enable networking in
Trinidad and Tobago

Canadian Expertise on showcase at a Public-Private Partnership

workshop with the Tobago House of Assembly

Annual Education Fairshowcasing educational opportunities for

local students to pursue tertiary education in Canada

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The L mestic vio
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provid GO work
in
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safe s g with at r
is
pace
for ho k youth in
mewo
th
rk stu e Laventil
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dy an
d lear e Area,
ning

Canada Fund for Local Intiatives funded many worthwhile projects by NGOs in Trinidad and Tobago, striving to make their communities a better place

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NGO w l education f

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Insti

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iolent Com
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municatio t a workshop
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victims o
to assist
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pport Fo ith and overcom
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rime cop
Prod
violent c
risk youth with the uctionsNGO changing the lives
ir Transformation
of
through Theatre pr at
ogram