I congratulate the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 35 years of independence on October 27.

The United States shares a close bond with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We partner with your government on everything from HIV/AIDS prevention to the promotion of human rights and the environment. Working together we can broaden and deepen our relationship to benefit all our people.

On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish you the best during your national day celebrations.