On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on your 51st anniversary of independence on August 31.

The friendly ties between our peoples reach back more than 200 years. With the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, we seek to promote mutual respect for democracy, human rights, and diversity. Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, we work together to protect these interests and the security of all of our citizens.

As the steel pans across your nation ring out in celebration, I wish the people of Trinidad and Tobago a safe and joyous Independence Day.