The governor’s office released the following statement on the Enterprise Florida trade mission headed by Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll to Trinidad and Tobago:

This week Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll embarked on a trade mission to Trinidad, West Indies. She was accompanied by 27 Florida businesses representing 23 industries. Hoping to expand trade, Florida businesses were able to have one-on-one “matchmaker” meetings with local Trinidad businesses. The participants stated that the trade mission exceeded all of their expectations and were very pleased to have the lieutenant governor as an advocate on this mission.

"The mission was very well organized, and I consider this mission the bridge between Trinidad and Tobago and Florida to allow trade to flourish," said Harri Moortoor of Vulcan Materials Co. of Tampa. "I was able to meet with many companies in Trinidad and learned about doing business there. This is very promising for my company."

In addition to talking with businesses participating in the matchmaker meetings, Lt. Gov. Carroll had meetings with various ministers in Trinidad’s government.  She met with acting Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Jack Warner, Minister of Trade Industry and Investments Vasant Bharath and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Dookeran. They were interested in the lieutenant governor's suggestion of policies and practices adopted in Florida that can help Trinidad combat crime, diversify the country’s economy to fit 21st century jobs, and expand trade. All ministers welcomed her input and looked forward to developing a stronger relationship that will create a win-win situation for Trinidad and Florida.

Following the trade mission, at the request of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy, Lt. Gov. Carroll gave a series of lectures on the U.S. electoral and political process, and met many science students from around the country as well. This is part of the U.S. State Department’s public diplomacy program. The week-long trade and diplomatic mission will lead to two-way trade and communication between Trinidad and Florida, and help improve the economy and create jobs for both partners.