AMCHAM Welcomes Nomination of Next US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) has welcomed the nomination of Trinidad-born Jennifer Johnson-Carroll to serve as the United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

President Donald Trump made the announcement on Tuesday and if she is confirmed by the US Senate, will replace Candace A.  Bond, whose tenure ended on January 20, 2025.

This will be the second occasion within a decade that a Trinidad and Tobago national has been nominated to be the US ambassador to the twin island republic.

In July 2013, President Barack Obama nominated John Estrada, who was born in Laventille to be the next United States ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. The Senate did not act upon the nomination and Obama renominated Estrada on January 6, 2014. Estrada was approved for the position on February 12, 2016 and became the ambassador on March 17, 2016.

AMCHAM said that the nomination “marks an important step in the appointment process and reflects the continued importance of the longstanding relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States”.

It  said Johnson-Caroll’s nomination is particularly noteworthy and if confirmed, she would become the first Trinidad and Tobago-born woman to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago “ a historic milestone that highlights the significant contributions of members of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora on the international stage.

“Johnson-Carroll brings an accomplished record of public service and leadership. She previously served as the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Florida, where she made history as the first woman elected to the office and the first Caribbean-born person elected to statewide office in Florida. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in government, public policy, community engagement, and advocacy, earning recognition for her commitment to public service and civic leadership.”

AMCHAM said that it is looking “forward to the successful completion of that process and to welcoming a new United States Ambassador in the near future.

“The United States remains one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most important strategic partners, with deep and enduring ties spanning trade, investment, energy, security, education, technology, and people-to-people connections. The relationship between our two countries continues to play a vital role in supporting economic growth, democratic values, and regional cooperation.

“AMCHAM T&T remains committed to advancing and strengthening the strong commercial and bilateral relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. We look forward to working with the next U.S. Ambassador to further enhance opportunities for collaboration, investment, innovation, and mutual prosperity between our nations,”  it  added.