[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                INDEPENDENCE DAY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, August 31st marks the 43rd anniversary of 
the independence of Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean nation gained 
independence from Great Britain in 1962, and has since gone on to 
become prosperous and influential member of our hemisphere, and a loyal 
ally to the United States.
  Trinidad is a country of immense ethnic diversity. People of African, 
East Indian, European, Chinese, and even Middle Eastern descent coexist 
peacefully on this island of over 1.3 million. Many of Trinidad's 
citizens have migrated to the United States over the years, and have 
established sizable communities in many cities around the country, 
especially in the New York City area. This community has given much to 
our Nation by their presence.
  Trinidad has also given much to the United States in other ways. The 
country hosted thousands of U.S. servicemen during World War II, and 
the immediate post-war years. Several U.S. bases were stationed on the 
island, and the U.S. presence left a deep imprint on the culture and 
character of Trinidad, which is still evident today. The era also 
exposed a generation of Americans to the beautiful island nation and 
its wonderful Calypso music. This exposure spurred an influx of 
American tourists to the island over the next half century. Today, 
Trinidad is major U.S. tourist destination, as are many other locales 
in the Caribbean.
  In addition, Trinidad and Tobago has positioned itself as a 
significant component of America's energy supply over the last few 
years. Already an important regional exporter of crude oil, Trinidad is 
now the leading exporter of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) in the Western 
Hemisphere. After 9-11, the U.S. sought to find energy sources beyond 
the Middle East and Persian Gulf. Additionally, rising gas prices, and 
increasing domestic shortages increased U.S. demand for LNG.
  Trinidad has impressively stepped in to fill that demand. In 1999, 
Trinidad exported about 50 billion cubic feet of LNG to the U.S., 
accounting for only 31 percent of total U.S. LNG imports.
  By 2003, Trinidad was the leading exporter of Liquid Natural Gas to 
the United States, totaling nearly 400 billion cubic feet, or 75 
percent of all U.S. LNG imports. These numbers are projected to further 
increase over the next decade.
  More than anything, however, the most important factor in the U.S./
Trinidad relationship will be the genuine respect and admiration we 
hold for one another. As for Trinidad itself, the future looks bright. 
During his 1962 Independence Day Speech to the nation, Dr. Eric 
Williams, the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, asserted 
that the ``strength of the Nation depends on the strength of its 
citizens''. Based on that criteria Trinidad is a strong nation indeed, 
and I wish a Happy Independence Day to her and her citizens.

                          ____________________