YouSaid · the spoken record

Patrick Manning

lines on the record: 42
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2009-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Let us strive for the individual empowerment of citizens in every nation; let there be opportunity and upward mobility for all; let none be marginalized on the periphery; and let the abundant talent and potential of humanity flower everywhere, serving as inspiration, guidance and example to present and future generations. Let us therefore join our strengths for the benefit of all. Let us indeed build a global community where there is increasing and intensified cooperation and communication among our nations, where no country lags behind, and where all nations and their peoples are on the international road to development.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Reform of that important organ of the United Nations, responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, must include efforts aimed at making its composition reflect more closely the global geopolitical realities since the end of the Second World War. In this new century, the United Nations must become an even more effective voice for all of mankind. We have very important work ahead of us at a very challenging time in our history. Let us never lose sight of our main purpose, which is the security and development of the people of the world. Let us renew our focus on this main objective. Let us therefore support the reign of fundamental freedoms and human rights in every country.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Trinidad and Tobago therefore looks forward to the next World Summit on Food Security, scheduled for November in Rome, with the expectation that the results will aid the international community in achieving the revised target set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to eradicate hunger by 2025. My country is committed to an international order based on peace, security and the right to development of all countries. We believe that democracy and representation are key to achieving meaningful and effective multilateralism. We therefore wish again to support efforts to reform the Security Council.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We have taken this matter on board at the level of the Caribbean Community. Indeed, we held a special regional summit in Port of Spain on chronic non-communicable diseases in 2007. I now propose that this Assembly convene a special summit meeting of the United Nations on non-communicable diseases at the earliest opportunity. 09-52586 18 The year 2015 is fast approaching, but there has been, sadly, no encouraging progress towards our Millennium Development Goal of food security for all by that date. Indeed, we have fallen behind in our schedule, with an increase in deaths from hunger and malnutrition in the developing world. A much greater sense of urgency is needed in our approach to this situation. All countries must honour their commitments made at the 2008 High-Level Conference on World Food Security.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We propose to use the opportunity to attempt to forge a consensus that would reflect the common views of the Commonwealth, comprising as it does both high greenhouse-gas emitters and some of the countries most threatened by climate change. We are determined to do all in our power to ensure agreement in Copenhagen. We are firmly of the view that non-communicable diseases demand the heightened attention of the international community at this time. It has been forecast that by 2020 non-communicable diseases will account for approximately 73 per cent of global deaths and 60 per cent of the global burden of disease. We join the call for indicators on non-communicable diseases and injuries to be integrated into the core monitoring and evaluation system of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We consider the method of absolute emissions to be a more just method of determining a country’s contribution to global warming, since it is affected not by per capita emissions, but by absolute levels. The question of population size, in this context, has nothing to do with the matter whatsoever. We also assure the Assembly that our country has already voluntarily embarked on reducing emissions through a programme that includes the pursuit of renewable sources of supply. We will also be hosting the 53 Commonwealth heads of Government at a meeting in Port of Spain in November of this year. This will be the last major summit before the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The Secretary-General must be highly commended for his commitment to dealing with this issue, which he declared as a priority at the start of his tenure. In this regard, we add our voices to those that have praised highly the United Nations Summit on Climate Change, which has just concluded. This General Assembly must promote more meaningful action directed towards an internationally acceptable formula for the reduction of carbon emissions. Trinidad and Tobago wishes to make it absolutely clear that we do not accept the per capita basis for the determination of levels of carbon emissions. It is manifestly unfair to a small, energy-producing developing country like ours with a small population.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“But the security situation has been aggravated by the deteriorating economic situation in many of our countries, weakened by the loss of preferential markets for bananas and sugar. The situation is exacerbated by the new paradigm of reciprocity in trade, and by the fact that both the tourism industry and the financial services sector, to which many have turned to supplement their economic development, have not produced the anticipated returns. The economic situation of these countries has therefore become even more critical, with severe consequences for the security and prosperity of our region, given the inextricable link between security and socio-economic development. Climate change is one of the major challenges facing our civilization today.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This activity has a corrosive effect on our small societies, fuelling, for example, trafficking in small arms and light weapons, with troubling consequences. In CARICOM, we have been pooling our resources for this fight. There is now unprecedented cooperation among the legal and security systems of our countries, but we need more resources in our struggle with this menace. We will continue to engage in the various processes of the United Nations aimed at addressing this problem. We encourage those Member States that have not been supportive of the initiative aimed at negotiating a legally binding arms trade treaty to join those States working to ensure that it becomes a reality.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Arising out of the Fifth 17 09-52586 Summit of the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago has advanced a proposal for the establishment of a hemispheric development fund for Haiti, to which all western hemisphere countries would be expected to contribute. Haiti is first and foremost a western hemisphere challenge, and we see this fund as essential to the re-establishment of proper standards of living in that country. We bring this matter before the General Assembly for its support. One of the very significant problems facing the global community is transnational organized crime of increasing strength, which includes terrorist activity as well as the illegal traffic in drugs, arms and persons. The Caribbean is particularly plagued by the illegal drug trade, which uses our region as a trans-shipment route for its pernicious cargo headed northwards.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This was highlighted in 2008 at the Third Ministerial Conference of Middle- Income Countries in Namibia, which called for enhanced levels of international development assistance and noted that the current categorization does not accurately reflect the particularities and needs of these nations. This General Assembly must take steps to advance the cause of middle-income countries in this matter. The situation in Haiti is one of grave concern. We are encouraged by the diverse United Nations-related initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in that country, but greater attention is required by the international community.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has not been spared the debilitating effects of the current global economic situation. Most CARICOM States are now experiencing economic contraction and rising levels of debt and unemployment, with their challenging social consequences. It is therefore regrettable that some middle-income countries, such as many in CARICOM, may not be eligible for funding under some of the World Bank’s facilities for international development assistance. Given their vulnerabilities, middle-income countries’ need for access to concessionary financing must not be underestimated.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We are heartened by developments and decisions among the countries of the Group of 20, but we must ensure that there is absolutely no reversal of the new approach; no dimming of the new light that the present crisis has generated; and no diminution of the acceptance that we are all in this together and that development everywhere translates into prosperity for all. Let us therefore ensure that the reform of international financial institutions does indeed take place; that we entrench greater sensitivity to the varying needs of countries at differing levels of development; that new voices, respecting and representing more of humanity, are in the decision- making process; and that resource flows for trade and investment are in fact realized and activated.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Among these are new and emerging centres of economic power and the now indispensable need to deliberately generate growth in the developing world if the global economy is to achieve resurgence and sustainability. In this extremely interconnected world, it is our collective resources, ingenuity, productivity, markets and technology that will keep all of us afloat. Let this General Assembly therefore play its part in ensuring that we leave behind the old approaches that suffocated development of the many for the benefit of the few. Let it call for greater recognition of the absolute need to bring into the global mainstream the entire productive and purchasing capacity of this planet, our collective home.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We of the smaller countries and the developing world have always been the most vulnerable and the worst affected. It is happening again. Especially in the southern hemisphere, the prospects have grown for increased poverty, unemployment and general slippage in the development process. How much longer will this acute vulnerability of so many nations persist? How many more dreams must now, once again, be deferred? The trust of the world in the totally unregulated market has been entirely misplaced. We must now capitalize on the opportunity of this crisis and, without delay, reform our international economic system. The global architecture must be transformed to take the new realities into account.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Valued opinion on this matter points to the possibility of further recessionary trends before the present green shoots produce flourishing green fields. We clearly cannot take our eye off the ball. We must not return to business as usual. We should not countenance the resurfacing of discredited patterns on financial streets and capitals. We must be wary of the level of adventurousness in leading financial institutions that contributed very significantly to driving the world to the edge of an economic precipice from which we are just starting to pull back. There is justification for concern about this situation in every country on this planet. In the globalized economy, we are all affected by policies or actions that direct the international financial system.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We convey our very best wishes to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, whom we welcomed to Port of Spain earlier this year when Trinidad and Tobago hosted the fifth Summit of the Americas. We assure him of our continuing support as he pursues his 09-52586 16 mission to ensure that the United Nations meets the new challenges of the twenty-first century. We meet at a time of very serious challenges for the world economy. We are now beginning to emerge from a global recession caused by a near collapse of the international financial system, but there is no room for complacency. Unemployment continues to grow in almost every country, credit remains contracted and consumer confidence, that most critical factor, persists at very low levels. Additionally, there is no certainty of a steady upward trajectory for the global economy.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In circumstances like these, I would normally speak for about an hour, but I would like to assure you, Sir, and the Assembly that the quality of mercy is not strained and that I will be considerably briefer than that. Today, I propose to stay within the time allotted to me. Trinidad and Tobago extends its sincerest congratulations to the President on his ascension to the stewardship of this sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly. We know that his vast experience and leadership qualities will ensure very successful deliberations. We also pay tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua, for his vision and fearless discharge of his responsibilities as President of the Assembly at its sixty-third session.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In conclusion, I wish to propose that on 24 October, 2005, United Nations Day, a special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly be held in San Francisco, where our Charter was signed, to reaffirm our commitment to the lofty ideals enunciated some 50 years ago, which are still valid today.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“As the international community continues to confront the many threats to the survival of mankind, the world’s political leadership must unequivocally reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations so that the United Nations can continue its role in fighting injustice, inequality, inequity and intolerance worldwide through resolute and speedy action, in respect of its commitment to the ideals for which it was founded. Trinidad and Tobago is of the view that the issue of United Nations reform takes on even more urgency as the institution approaches the sixtieth anniversary of its founding in 1945. We therefore look forward to discussion of the Secretary-General’s recommendations based on the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, chaired by former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We also consider the establishment of the International Criminal Court to be a major achievement, and we urge partner countries to uphold the integrity of the Rome Statute. The commission of war crimes, genocide and other such crimes against humanity has been facilitated by a global culture of impunity. The people of the world will be safe only when the perpetrators of such crimes know that punishment is inescapable. Trinidad and Tobago condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism, wherever and by whomever they are committed. We are already a party to the principal international legal instruments against terrorism, and the Government will shortly take parliamentary action to enact legislation honouring our obligations with respect to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Unanimous regional support for this CARICOM proposal would demonstrate the hemisphere’s 10 solidarity with one of its smaller members and give true meaning to the principle of the sovereign equality of all States. It would further decentralize the headquartering of major international and regional organizations and enable a small island developing State to place its resources at the service of the hemispheric community. Accordingly, we look forward to receiving the support of all our neighbours in the hemisphere. We remain pleased with the progress of certain multilateral initiatives, including the New African Partnership for Development, which I urge CARICOM and African countries to support by exploring opportunities to develop investment, trade, tourism and regular transport routes between our region and the African continent.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Belief in and respect for multilateralism led to Trinidad and Tobago’s respect for all major global and regional forums. Today, we are active participants in the creation of the free trade area of the Americas, which, when realized, will stretch from Alaska in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, creating a market of more than 800 million consumers and generating tremendous opportunity for economic and social development. Our region’s commitment to that hemispheric integration process has led Trinidad and Tobago and its partners in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to propose our capital city, Port-of-Spain, as the ideal location for the seat of the proposed permanent secretariat of the free trade area of the Americas.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I urge the wider international community and donor agencies to respond adequately and to play their part. Help is needed and needed now. The catastrophic events of the present hurricane season bring into sharper focus yet another dimension of the vulnerability of Caribbean countries. The January 2005 International Meeting in Mauritius to review the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action must seek to comprehensively address the new and emerging threats to the sustainable development of small island developing States. The international community should take note that a whole new set of security issues have now arisen in the Caribbean as a result of those developments. The answer to so many of our problems lies in multilateralism, if approached the right way.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Permit me to ask, to what extent have these obvious climate changes been influenced by incursions into space from planet Earth, or for that matter by ecological imbalances caused by industrialization? In the aftermath of the devastation visited on Grenada, CARICOM countries have been rallying to the assistance of that island, and must be applauded for their massive outpouring of humanitarian aid that continues to flow to Grenada. In that regard, permit me to recognize and applaud the most appropriate response of the Secretary-General. Trinidad and Tobago pledges its support to our beleaguered Caribbean neighbours, and we have thus committed ourselves through direct financial and other assistance. But what Grenada and Haiti require is well beyond the region’s capacity to deliver.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“CARICOM leaders were recently advised by a Grenadian representative that today Grenada has no gross domestic product. Before visiting Grenada, Hurricane Ivan — sowing varying amounts of disruption and destruction — visited Tobago and Barbados. After Grenada, it proceeded to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Bahamas and the southern United States. Everywhere there was considerable damage, but Grenada and the Cayman Islands were the hardest hit. Before Ivan, there was Charley and Frances. After Ivan came Jeanne, with death and destruction for Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A number of CARICOM countries are now saddled with the immense challenge of trying to restore normalcy.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe that those efforts by the international community will contribute significantly to the stability and urgently needed development of Haiti. At this juncture, however, Haiti needs a tremendous outpouring of international humanitarian assistance. The same holds true for Grenada and several other Caribbean States whose misfortune it was to have been visited by “Ivan, the Terrible”. On 8 September, Hurricane Ivan descended on Grenada. In less than two hours it had completely destroyed the economy and infrastructure of Grenada, ravaging that country beyond description. Ninety percent of the buildings on the island were damaged or destroyed. A primarily agricultural economy, dependent also on tourism, all of Grenada’s crops disappeared with the strong wind.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The course on which some of our European Union (EU) country partners are 9 embarked will render the achievement of our Millennium Development Goals more difficult. In speaking of those goals our attention is now drawn to Haiti, our newest CARICOM member, where over 1,000 people died from the onslaught of Hurricane Jeanne, further aggravating the tremendous problems that that nation already suffers. Trinidad and Tobago therefore welcomes the decision taken by the Security Council in its resolution 1542 (2004) of 30 April 2004 to establish the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. We also support the recent decision by the Economic and Social Council to reactivate its Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti to promote the coordination and development of a long-term programme of assistance to that country.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Trinidad and Tobago therefore stands resolute with our developing country partners in calling for what must be conceived of as the application of a social conscience within the management of globalization and its processes. As capital importing economies, the developing countries of the Caribbean are only too well aware, sometimes painfully so, of the implications of capital shortage for the generation of employment and the provision of housing, education and health care for our citizens. And perhaps I speak even for those yet unborn. It is through softer trading arrangements, increased financial flows and the consequent empowerment of our citizens that we will be able to realize the most central of all the Millennium Development Goals, the eradication of poverty. The implications are clear.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In that regard, as sanguine as we are about the future of Trinidad and Tobago, I must on this occasion take a stand in the interest of the beleaguered nations of the Caribbean. How often have small independent States preached from this very mountaintop of the need for multilateral trading arrangements that take into account the inherent vulnerabilities of small island developing States, and consequently the need to be accorded special and differential treatment? There is a notable reluctance of some partner countries to respond accordingly, and that continues to have negative consequences, especially for the small economies of the Caribbean.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Last year we provided US$ 505 million in loans to companies and Governments in the region, some of whom have difficulty in borrowing on the international market. In addition, we have recently established a new grant facility, to be based on sales of petroleum products to the region, which will be dedicated to poverty eradication within CARICOM. My country sees the development of the Caribbean, our second largest market, as integral to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. Even so, our national and regional development efforts require an international economic environment of greater sensitivity, one facilitating a more beneficial integration of developing countries into the world economy.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We therefore look forward to the operationalization of our newest Caribbean institution, the Caribbean Court of Justice, which will serve as the arbitral body for the soon-to-be-established CARICOM Single Market and Economy, as well as the region’s final appellate Court, and will be headquartered in Port of Spain. The development of Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM are intertwined. CARICOM is our second largest export market after the United States of America, absorbing close to 20 per cent of our exports. Our share of regional trade grew to 80 per cent in 2001. Since 1996, we have contributed approximately US$ 1.4 billion in assistance to Caribbean States through a variety of mechanisms including capital market activities, foreign direct investment, debt relief, and direct assistance.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is part and parcel of a pan-Caribbean agenda to which we are irrevocably and solidly committed, and which takes into consideration the fullest development of the countries of our region. Many historical and other ties bind our Caribbean nations and we understand that the fundamental basis for our development lies in being able to work more closely together to exert a greater influence on our own as well as global development, which for centuries have been dictated by others. Today, our level of functional cooperation in the region has increased over a range of areas and Trinidad and Tobago continues to play a central role at all levels.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“For example, our strategic location — less than nine miles off the South American coast and to the south of the Caribbean island chain, with excellent air and sea transport links to major North Atlantic cities — renders Trinidad and Tobago highly vulnerable to trade in illegal drugs and firearms. Combating narco-trafficking, drug-related crimes and the spread of HIV/AIDS is among our greatest challenges, but the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains resolute in its determination to eradicate those scourges. We continue to implement the measures necessary to fight them and are confident that we shall win the battle. Our development agenda is not centred solely on the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Several new production facilities are in train, among them an ethylene production complex, an aluminium smelter project, and others for expanded ammonia and methanol production as well as other downstream petrochemical products. The combination of an attractive and enabling investment climate, available and affordable energy, a 8 strategic location vis-à-vis the North, Central and South American and European markets, a population literacy level of over 90 per cent, and a sound work ethic, as well as a good communications infrastructure, continue to make Trinidad and Tobago one of the largest per-capita recipients of foreign direct investment in the hemisphere. Indeed, last year we were the second-largest recipient after Canada. Like other countries we, too, have our fair share of challenges.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We are currently supplying 80 per cent of United States liquid natural gas imports out of our three trains, and we propose to leverage that fact towards Caribbean regional development. We are also a critical supplier of energy to our Caribbean neighbours. To further facilitate this, we are exploring the feasibility of several energy-related projects, including the establishment of a natural gas pipeline through the eastern Caribbean. We have also entered into a joint venture with neighbouring Venezuela to liquefy that country’s natural gas in Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, our iron and steel production facilities are being expanded.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The steelpan is one of the most important musical instruments invented during the last century. We are proud to have created it, and equally so of its growing international recognition and popularity, which is an apt reflection of the phenomenal ingenuity of the peoples of developing countries. The same holds true in respect of achievements in our energy sector. At just over 130,000 barrels of oil per day, Trinidad and Tobago’s production is not significant by international standards. Our natural gas production, however, stands at 2.9 billion cubic feet per day, and that has propelled my country to become today the world’s largest exporter of methanol and also of ammonia.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is called Vision 2020, and its agenda includes human capital development; the evolution of a technologically driven, knowledge-based society; the development of a highly productive and globally competitive economy; and, by the year 2020, the provision for all our citizens of a standard of living comparable to that enjoyed in developed countries. Our achievements stand in indisputable testimony to what a small, independent nation such as ours can do in that regard. There is an instructive link between two of the features that today define and distinguish our country among others in the region. One is our oil and natural gas resources — the foundation and mainstay of our economy; the other, the steelpan, our creation derived from heating and tuning the top of discarded oil drums.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“That approach, together with adherence to integrity and transparency in public affairs and equality of opportunity for all, has been essential to the continued peace, stability and progress we enjoy as we propose to make Trinidad and Tobago a beacon of integrity in the world. Trinidad and Tobago has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in the face of a global environment characterized by rapid economic, social and other changes; this has mobilized us to embark on the realization of a bold new vision in the pursuit of our developmental agenda. In that respect, our Government and people are currently engaged in a highly participatory consultative process aimed at formulating a National Strategic Development Plan to guide Trinidad and Tobago towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2020 or earlier.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Our country has made significant strides in advancing the capabilities of our people through universal access to primary and secondary education. We have gone further through our State-sponsored preschool programme, which targets universal early childhood education by 2010, and by fully opening the gateway to tertiary education through support for every student, enhanced funding for deserving ones, and our recently established University of Trinidad and Tobago. Our archipelagic Republic, populated by 1.3 million people of African, Indian, European, Chinese, Middle Eastern and mixed ancestries, constitutes a veritable microcosm of the people of the world. However, we have been able to foster racial harmony and religious tolerance through the collective embrace of the diversity of our people.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Today Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating its twenty-eighth anniversary as a republic. Over our 42 years as an independent country, we have made significant strides in the development of our nation. We have maintained a strong tradition of democratic 7 governance through an increasingly inclusive and multiparty political system; by respecting fully the constitutionally entrenched and internationally recognized fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual; and by ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law. We have sought increasingly to diversify our economic base. Through consistent and sound macro- economic policies, together with prudent management and use of our resources, we have sustained more than a decade of positive economic growth, which last year was of the order of 13.2 per cent.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Mr. President, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend congratulations to Mr. Ping on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty- ninth session. We are confident that his experience and diplomatic skills will enable him to discharge fully the weighty responsibilities of his office. Permit me to convey to his predecessor, The Honourable Julian Hunte, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Lucia, our deep appreciation of his efforts towards revitalization of the General Assembly. I wish also to convey to our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, the full support of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago as he continues the global initiatives of the United Nations towards making the world better and safer for all humanity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)