Ambassador Candace A. Bond arrives in Trinidad and Tobago
U.S. Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Candace A. Bond and her family arrived in Port of Spain on December 1. Ambassador-designate Bond will officially assume duties after the presentation of her Letters of Credence to President Paula-Mae Weekes.
Ambassador-designate Bond said, “It is a great honor to be in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago with my family. I look forward to presenting my credentials to President Weekes and meeting and working with the wonderful people of this country.”
President Joe Biden nominated Candace Bond as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago on March 18, 2022. The U.S. Senate confirmed her appointment on September 29 and Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office on November 14 at the Vice President’s residence in Washington, D.C.
Ambassador-designate Bond leads U.S. foreign policy goals in Trinidad and Tobago that strengthen citizen security, advance sustainable and equitable economic growth with an investor-friendly business climate, promote laws, regulations, and best practices focused on good governance and anti-corruption, and build capacity to enhance climate resiliency and a transition towards clean and renewable energy production.
Prior to her posting in Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador-designate Bond was a business owner, consultant, and social entrepreneur who specialized in helping public and private sector entities to develop innovative, effective, and scalable solutions to address the socioeconomic and environmental needs of local communities. She advised businesses and nonprofits on tangible ways to promote environmental sustainability, community development, affordable housing, quality education, health equity, and corporate governance.
She had a distinguished career as a senior executive of major media and entertainment companies and also served on several boards and in leadership positions pertaining to public education, health and wellness, housing, economic development, entrepreneurship, bioscience, and clean energy and energy sustainability.
A native of Missouri, Ambassador-designate Bond holds a bachelor’s degree in Government with honors from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. She is the recipient of numerous leadership and service awards, including Los Angeles County Woman of the Year, the Special Needs Network Woman of Distinction Award, and was also recognized as one of Los Angeles’ Women Leaders by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She is married to entertainment executive Steven McKeever and they have two children, Brent and Maddox.
Photo: Ambassador Candace A. Bond