On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the passing of their first president and last governor general, Sir Ellis Clarke.
Sir Ellis was a towering figure on the Trinidad and Tobago landscape. He helped lead the country to independence. His passing will be felt not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but around the world. He was an Ambassador, a humble public servant and the consummate statesman. Sir Ellis embodied the values that we should all strive to uphold. Today my thoughts and prayers are with his son, Peter, his daughter, Margaret-Ann, and his entire family.
