The United States has extended congratulations to St. Lucia and Guyana on their respective independence anniversary celebrations.
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of St. Lucia on the 36th anniversary of your independence,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. “The United States and Saint Lucia are united in our shared democratic values and cultural and linguistic diversity.”
Kerry said Washington and Castries “cooperate on a wide range of issues – including at the Organization of American States, whose Permanent Council was chaired by St. Lucia last summer.”
Most recently, he noted that the Obama Administration welcomed Prime Minister Kenny Anthony to the U.S. Department of State for the Caribbean Energy Security Summit.
“We discussed the importance of attracting energy investments to move us down the path of energy independence,” Kerry said. “By working together, we can create a more stable, prosperous, and environmentally friendly region for both our peoples.”
On Guyana’s 45 years of independence, Kerry noted that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-state will hold national elections this year.
“I am confident that it will serve as an example of the peaceful exercise of the right to vote,” he said. “Your actions will strengthen the entire region’s commitment to democratic institutions.”
The U.S. Secretary of State said Guyana “participates positively in the region” through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, CARICOM and the Union of South American Nations.
“The United States stands with you as a partner and friend in the Inter-American System and in continuing to strengthen and revitalize the Organization of American States,” he said. “We will continue to work together to achieve energy and environmental sustainability, as agreed upon during the recent Caribbean Energy Security Summit.”
