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Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with the United States was “significantly damaged” under the tenure of former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley, says Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to Caricom Ralph Maraj.

“Our relationship with the United States is particularly important. This is the world’s superpower, our most powerful ally, largest trading partner, and main source of foreign direct investment. We must preserve and strengthen that relationship which was significantly damaged during the Dr Keith Rowley administration,” Maraj said in a statement to the media yesterday.

He added, “One recalls Rowley going on the excessive offensive, thundering in Parliament ‘I take umbrage. I take umbrage at the United States Ambassador making a public statement criticising the actions of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. And as far as taking instructions from the US Embassy on Marli Street, leave the PNM out of that!’, supported by PNM MPs jeering, ‘What Trump could do we?!’ Rhetoric and reaction for a political rally at Piggott’s Corner, not the diplomatic arena!”