On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate all the people of Saint Lucia on the celebration of their 46th anniversary of independence.
Together, we are working to advance security and prosperity for the American and Saint Lucian peoples. Saint Lucia’s partnership with the United States in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative places your island nation at the forefront of many security issues with a direct effect on our regional security, including combating the flow of illegal narcotics and fighting criminal networks. I want to recognize the Saint Lucian government for the strong partnership in developing forensic laboratory capabilities in your nation, which are enhancing U.S.-Caribbean law enforcement cooperation. Our relationship will continue to deepen as we explore ways to deter illegal migration across the Hemisphere.