CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT FROM ANTIGUA

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000666 DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL PGOV XL SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT FROM ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA'S PRIME MINISTER W. BALDWIN SPENCER REF: STATE 118192 ¶1. Embassy Bridgetown received a fax from Antigua and Barbuda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Note No. 328/2008),which included a letter from the Prime Minister containing a congratulatory message for President-Elect Barack Obama. The complete text of the letter follows in paragraph 2. Post will forward the hard copy of the letter when it is received. ¶2. Begin text of letter: November 5, 2008 His Excellency, Barack Obama President Elect of the United States of America Excellency, Antigua and Barbuda joins the American people, and the peoples of all nations, in celebrating your historic election as President of the United States of America. As Chairman of the Group 77 and China, and as Chairman of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, I am conscious of the promise of your presidency in shaping a new paradigm in America's relationship with the other nations of the world. Your election will not only transform America, it can transform the world. Your message of change will ignite hope and action in people of many countries who might still be passive in the face of inadequacies and injustice. Your manifest devotion to family will strengthen families around the planet. On behalf of the people and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I take this opportunity to extend our condolences on the passing of your beloved grandmother. In lasting tribute to your election, I shall take immediate measures for Antigua and Barbuda's highest mountain peak to be dedicated in your honour and renamed "Mount Obama". The people of Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean keenly anticipate your visit to our region for the Summit of the Americas, in the early months of your presidency. With assurances of my highest esteem, ¶W. Baldwin Spencer End Text. OURISMAN