Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the United Kingdom is an important partner for T&T, representing the second highest source of foreign direct investment, primarily in the energy sector. She also said the UK represented this country's fourth largest export market. She was speaking at a luncheon which she hosted for Prince and Princess Edward, Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's yesterday. She said: "We look forward to deepening our partnership also in the context of UK-Caribbean relations, particularly in the area of tourism, and on issues being addressed by the European Union that impact states such as ourselves. "As we move forward in this ongoing collaboration and continue to reap important benefits for our citizens, we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whose contribution to strengthening these ties has been significant. "The visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex is a clear indication that these linkages will not falter." Prince Edward raised a toast to T&T and praised the country for being active in the Commonwealth.
The royal couple paid a courtesy call on the PM at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's before attending a lavish luncheon at the dining hall. The guests were entertained by singer Neval Chatelal who performed George Frideric Handel's Where'er You Walk, along with a duet by fellow singer Pranava Maharaj–Ganges Meets the Nile with chants from Jahaaji Bhai. Ray Holman played the national anthems of the United Kingdom and T&T on the steelpan. Extempo maestro Black Sage excited guests with his presentation–Evolution of Carnival which featured a a mini parade of traditional mas characters such as a Dame Lorraine, Midnight Robber, Fancy Sailor, Blue devil and two female masqueraders in beads, bikinis and feathers. Among those in attendance were Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Cabinet ministers, House Speaker Wade Mark, members of the diplomatic corps, Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs, chairman of Caribbean Airlines Ltd George Nicholas III, members of the business sector, designer Peter Elias, photographer Calvin French, hairdresser Bally, Miss Universe 1977 Janelle Penny Commissiong-Chow; Miss World 1986 Giselle La Ronde-West; and Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam. Today the couple is expected to visit the T&T Defence Force and Princess Elizabeth Centre in Woodbrook among other planned activities.