I congratulate the people of Antigua and Barbuda on your Independence Day on November 1.

For 33 years since your independence, the United States has been a close partner to Antigua and Barbuda.

Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, we work together on maritime capacity building, military training and exercises, and counternarcotics operations.

The United States also engages with Antigua and Barbuda through the Caribbean Community and Common Market, and the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative, which allows trade to flow between our two countries.

On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish all Antiguans and Barbudans peace and prosperity in the year to come.