Earth Day 2008
To commemorate Earth Day 2008, U.S. Embassy Economic Officer Stephanie Hutchison and Public Affairs Officer Michelle Jones visited Newtown Girls’ R.C. School to talk with SEA students. “How can I help save the environment?” was the topic of discussion with over sixty students. The Embassy Represntatives also presented a collection of books on the oceans, the environment, weather, and pollution to the school. (complete text)

International Women's Day:  International Women of Courage Award
U.S. Ambassador Dr. Roy L. Austin honored Dr. Rhoda Reddock of UWI’s Centre for Gender and Development on March 10, presenting her a U.S. Department of State "International Women of Courage Award." The ceremony was held by the U.S. Embassy to commemorate International Women's Day. Dr. Reddock was honored for her important contributions to gender studies, activism, teaching, and research. (complete text)

Trinidad and Tobago’s Criminal Deportees:  The Continuing Saga
In recent weeks, the print media have published several articles about criminal deportees.  Unlike many earlier discussions of this subject, most today are primarily cordial in tone and show admirable curiosity rather than unquestioning acceptance.  I am particularly impressed by the Guardian editorial of February 25^th which commented on the likelihood that the “grandfathers and retirees” who peopled the Vision on Mission deportee help-center would remain involved in serious criminality.  This editorial also mentioned the need for professionals to guide rehabilitation programs; and the attendant high financial cost. (complete text)

Fifth Summit of the Americas
We live in a hemisphere characterized by dynamic, positive change.  Democracy, free markets, and economic integration have unleashed powerful popular forces.  The elected governments of the Americas are working to translate these forces into tangible benefits for the peoples of the Americas - such as expanding economic opportunity and reducing poverty; connecting national infrastructures, integrating electricity grids and energy markets; and collaborating on alternative energy sources. (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Announces Virtual Presence Post Tobago Launch

On February 19 at Lowlands Mall, Tobago, representatives from Tobago House of Assembly, the U.S. Embassy, and the Empowerment Foundation of Tobago formally launched Virtual Presence Post Tobago. The ceremony included a performance by American Music Abroad jazz group, the Kelley Johnson Quartet; a donation of a computer system to Charlotteville Public Library by U.S. Consul General Armando Armendariz; a gift of Black History Month biographies by VPP Principal Officer Stephanie Hutchison to American Corner Tobago; and a U.S. Embassy Open House. Tobago House of Assembly officials, American citizens living in Tobago, students, and members of Tobago’s business, education, religious, and artistic communities attended the ceremony. (click here)

A Virtual Presence Post is a website directed at a Tobago audience, and includes a program of outreach and events specifically tailored for Tobago. Visit http://tobago.usvpp.gov/ for more information.

Singing and Rapping to Avert Disaster:  The 2008 Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest Finals.
On January 29, the height of Carnival season, Embassy Port of Spain held the finals of the Ambassador’s Song and Verse Contest at Queen’s Park Savannah before an audience of diplomats, dignitaries, and hundreds of schoolchildren from every district in the country. Hosted in cooperation with the TT Ministry of Education and Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the competition’s theme was “Disaster Preparedness Begins with You. Get Ready – Better Be Ready Than Sorry!” Finalists from T&T’s sang, rapped, and performed skits and calypsos and were later treated to a performance by soca star Maximus Dan. ((complete text)

U.S. Visa Fee Changes:  Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas
The U.S. Embassy advises the public that effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for a U.S. non-immigrant and immigrant visas will increase.  The application fee for a U.S. non-immigrant visa will increase from US$100 to US$131, while the application fee for the immigrant visa will increase from US$335 to US$355.  All non-immigrant visa fees must still be paid via off-site fee collection at TT Post Offices, whereas immigrant visa fees are paid at the Embassy at the time of the interview. (complete text)

Ambassador Austin Launches Workshops for T&T HIV/AIDS Civil Society Organizations
Many of you know me as an American; and Americans have shown our concern for people beset by various problems, including those suffering from the ravages of HIV/AIDS.  However, I am also a son of the Caribbean; and the knowledge that the effect of HIV and AIDS on this region of my birth is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa tears at my heart-strings.  Just last year, an estimated 37,000 people were newly infected, and AIDS is the leading regional cause of death among young adults.  Here in Trinidad and Tobago, young women are especially affected, with girls in their late teens six times as likely to be infected with HIV as their male counterparts. (complete text) 

U.S. Donates Fifty Bulletproof Vests to Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Roy L. Austin, U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, presented Minister for National Security Martin Joseph with 50 bulletproof vests in a November 30 ceremony at the Ministry's offices. (complete text)

U.S. Military Donates Military Vests to Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force
On October 31, the U.S. Embassy and United States Southern Command donated military protective vests to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.  These military vests are a part of the initial shipment of military equipment ordered for the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force - Special Forces, Coast Guard and Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force Regiment. Over the next few months, the United States will donate military equipment valued at approximately $900,000TT to help build working relationships and to ensure the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has the most modern equipment available to carry out its work. (click here)

College Fair 2007 - Another Great Success
The United States Embassy hosted College Fair 2007 from September 29-30 in the gymnasium of the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) and a mini-fair on October 1 at the Gulf City Lowlands Mall in Tobago. The program was a resounding success and an excellent outreach tool, running 9 a.m. to noon and 3-6 p.m. on both days in Trinidad, and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:00 p.m. in Tobago.  It attracted the usual large crowd of over 2,000 visitors in Trinidad and over 400 in Tobago. (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Advises Visitors to the Consular Section on Security Procedures and Waiting Times
The U.S. Embassy advises that, in order to assure the safety of our applicants and to streamline the entry process, visa applicants may not bring any electronic devices, including cellular phones, into the Embassy. In addition, no weapons of any kind, backpacks, suitcases or glass containers are permitted. We strongly recommend that these items be left at home or with a trusted individual since the U.S. Embassy cannot be held accountable for lost or stolen items. The U.S. Embassy is not associated with, and does not endorse any specific vendor, who might seek to store such items. We also recommend that applicants bring in only documents relevant to the visa and/or passport application. (complete text)

New Redress System for Travelers to the United States
Travelers to the United States who experience difficulties during airport and train station screenings or at border crossings now can make inquiries or seek resolution at an easy-to-use Internet site. (complete text)