Accra, 24th September 2013 – Trinidad and Tobago today commemorates the country’s 37th Republic Day.

It was the day when the country severed its final links with the British monarchy and became a republic within the Commonwealth.

To mark the day in Accra, the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Mr. Nyahuma Mentuhotep Obika, who is based in Lagos, and Mr. Hilton John Mitchell, the Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago in Ghana will engage with the media and also host a cocktail reception.

The cocktail reception will be attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of private sector organisations and Trinidad and Tobago residents in Ghana. A delegation from Republic Bank Limited, the leading Trinidad and Tobago Banking Institution that currently has shares in HFC Bank, led by its Managing Director Mr. David Dulal-Whiteway will participate in the celebration.

Trinidad and Tobago gained Independence from British colonial rule on 31st August 1962 and became a republic twelve years later on September 24, 1976.

Today the country is acclaimed to be one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the English-speaking Caribbean and is listed among the top 66 High Income countries in the world. In the Caribbean, it is one of the richest countries, with a per capita GDP of USD $18,000.0 (2013). Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as an excellent investment destination for international businesses and has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin America.

H.E. Nyahuma Mentuhotep Obika said Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago have a shared relationship and close political and cultural ties rooted in centuries old history.

Trinidad and Tobago, he said, is committed to deepening the relationship between the two countries to enable both countries to explore opportunities for economic growth and the social development of their peoples respectively.

Dr. Eric Williams the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago shared a close relationship with Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah as they each struggled for freedom for their respective countries. George Padmore who hails from Trinidad and Tobago is a well-known patriot in Ghana. He is buried in Ghana and the George Padmore library was named in his honour in Ghana in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ghana.

Highlights of the reception will include a toast to friendship and wellbeing of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. There will also be a performance by a Solo Steel Band artist who will play the steel pan instrument, a traditional Trinidad and Tobago musical instrument.

Media Contact:

Anna-Maria Garcia-Brooks (Mrs) General Manager| Group Marketing & Communications Republic Bank Limited Agarciabrooks@republictt.com

Editors Note: Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Dr. Eric Williams, a noted Caribbean historian, widely regarded as "The Father of The Nation," was the first Prime Minister. In 1976, the country severed its links with the British monarchy and became a republic within the Commonwealth