The United States embassy in Trinidad and Tobago unveiled a commemorative plaque on May 27, honoring the shared military history between the two nations. The plaque recognizes over 130,000 U.S. military personnel and more than 10,000 Trinbagonians who served in Trinidad and Tobago from the 1940s through the 1970s. These individuals were instrumental in protecting Allied supply lines during World War II and maintaining essential communication routes to the Panama Canal.
Commissioned by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the plaque is a permanent tribute to the friendship, sacrifice, and cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. It acknowledges their contributions to global peace and security during a critical period in history.
A small ceremony was held at the U.S. embassy's Queen’s Park West building for the unveiling of the plaque, which will remain in the embassy’s garden. Attendees included Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, U.S. Senior Defense Official Commander Richard Reyes, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, and members of Port of Spain's diplomatic corps.
Dr. Neidhart de Ortiz remarked that "the installation of this marker reflects a key chapter in U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago relations," emphasizing collaboration on military bases' construction and transatlantic shipping route protection as vital to safeguarding democracy.
She also noted its connection with Memorial Day on May 26: "Memorial Day is when we formally honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country." She expressed that "the U.S. embassy is pleased to have a new permanent marker to serve as a lasting monument to courage, cooperation, and shared values."
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Neidhart de Ortiz joined Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge for the unveiling at the U.S. embassy.