2005 Speeches

The United States Influence in the Caribbean

April 21, 2005

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
Opening Greetings at the Conference of
the History Teachers Association of Trinidad and Tobago

SALUTANTS

The Minister of Education, The Honorable Mrs. Hazel Manning,
Dean Ian Robertson of the Faculty of Humanities and Education,
Chairman of the Conference, Professor Brinsley Samaroo,
Chairman of the History Teachers Association, Mr. Dane Morton-Gittens,
Esteemed presenters and participants,

It is with great pleasure that I join all of you here this morning. In fact, standing in front of this group today makes me feel as if I have returned to my lifelong profession as a professor at Penn State University. Nothing makes a career teacher feel better than standing in front of a group of eager students who are in a classroom because they have chosen to be there. As teachers yourselves, I know you are all aware of the sense of well-being and pride that comes from being in your classroom lecturing on your subject. But, I will resist the temptation to give a Criminology lecture here today and save it for perhaps another time. I know that history is the matter at hand, and the U.S. Embassy is proud to be playing a role in what I understand is the first conference on U.S. History and U.S. influence in the Caribbean specifically organized for the history teachers of Trinidad and Tobago.

Conferences such as this play an important role in bridging the gaps in understanding that sometimes exist between countries and peoples in the region. While there are, and will certainly continue to be, disagreements over the role the U.S. has played in the region, it is important that honest exchanges of ideas take place to explore this issue. The United States considers the nations of the Caribbean to be important partners, and while the term “third border” is often used to indicate the physical proximity of the U.S. to the Caribbean, I prefer to use “maritime neighbors” to describe our relationship. Like all neighbors, we have our occasional disagreements and brief squabbles. However, in the end, we all recognize the importance of working together to solve problems that may occur in our neighborhood. This is how the U.S. continues to work with its “maritime neighbors” today, whether it be providing relief to nations like Grenada, that were so horribly stricken by last year’s hurricane season, or coming together with all of the nations of the Organization of American States to discuss the struggle against terrorism, as we did in Port of Spain this February.

Working together to tackle issues makes our region stronger and more stable. Coming together to discuss our common pasts helps us embark on our future together. For that reason, I would like to first thank the History Teachers Association of Trinidad and Tobago and its president, Mr. Dane Morton-Gittens, for taking the idea for this conference and making it happen. I know the amount of work that goes into a project like this, and without the effort put forward by Mr. Morton-Gittens we would not be together today.

I would also like to thank Professor Samaroo and all of the participants and speakers from UWI. I know that you are dedicated professionals and will have a lot to offer over the next couple of days.

Of course, we are very happy to have Professors Rabe and Sedgwick joining the conference from the U.S. I thank both of you for your patience, as I know the final answer on sponsorship from the State Department came a bit too close for comfort. I know of both of your outstanding reputations, and while I regret not being able to attend your speaking sessions, I look forward to hearing about them. I can not neglect to mention Professor Mount from Canada, who is not only a maritime neighbor, but a terra firma neighbor as well. I thank him for joining in this event.

And, of course, as is becoming increasingly common these days, I must thank the Ministry of Education and Minister Manning. We work on numerous projects with the Ministry and it is always a pleasure to see Mrs. Manning on the list of speakers. I know the Ministry is committed to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago and I always welcome the chance to partner with the Minister in supporting events such as this one.

And finally, I thank all of you. With your presence you demonstrate the desire and commitment of educators the world over and represent all that is good about teaching. You are here to continue learning yourselves, so that you can better prepare the youth of Trinidad and Tobago, who, after all, are your country’s future.

I am sure this will be a valuable two days for all of you, presenters and participants alike. So, before I can no longer resist the temptation to lecture, I will pass the lectern.

It has been an honor to welcome you this morning; enjoy the exchange of the next two days.