Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley.

The full text is as follows:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I would like to congratulate you and your party, the People’s National Movement, on your victory at the polls yesterday in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

It is my pleasure, both in my capacity as Prime Minister of Barbados and as Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, to welcome you among the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago share a close bilateral relationship and Barbados considers Trinidad and Tobago a strategic partner in the Caribbean region.

My Government is confident that we can further strengthen the bonds of friendship and partnership that we share. We look forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration to enhance the socio-economic development and prosperity of our two nations and the region as a whole in these challenging times.

I anticipate that the schedule of events at the international level in the coming months will afford us the opportunity to engage in an initial dialogue on a range of matters of mutual interest. I extend my very best wishes to you and your Government and I trust that you will have a rewarding and successful term in office.”