On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as you celebrate 33 years of independence this October 27. The United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a long and close friendship based on shared values and ties of kinship.

Our shared support for democracy, rule of law, and universal human rights remain as strong as ever. We continue to work together to ensure our region's security and economic stability and our citizens’ health and prosperity through such programs as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. As you gather with friends and family across your “Land of the Blessed” to celebrate this special day, we wish you all a peaceful Independence Day and a successful year ahead.