T&T’s Ambassador in Washington, retired Brigadier Anthony Phillips- Spencer will represent T&T at tomorrow’s inauguration of the 45th President of the US, Donald Trump.
But some other T&T nationals in the US will be protesting the occasion.
Ambassador Phillips-Spencer’s attendence at the event was confirmed by the T&T’s High Commission in Wasinghton yesterday. T&T Guardian was told that the Ambassador alone will be attending the inauguration.
Trump, 70, will take the oath of office at Capitol Hill, Washington at a noon function. He leaves his Trump Towers home in New York today to relocate to Washington.
Trump, however, enters office with the highest unpopularity rating among the last seven elected US presidents and has generated controversy within the US and outside with various recent statements.
Up to yesterday, 50 US Democrat representatives confirmed they would boycott tomorrow’s event.
A high number of protestors is also expected between tomorrow and Saturday in Washington, including women’s groups — involving some showbiz personalities — and anti-war lobbyists.
Protests are also planned for various locations across the US. However, demonstrations in support of Trump are also being planned for the inauguration, US media reported.
T&T’s attendence at the inauguration is in sync with Caricom’s recently expressed hope of forming “closer ties” with the US during Trump’s term.
Last week’s Caricom council of Ministers meeting agreed Caricom leaders, will likely be “acting on a recommendation to push to strengthen US ties.”
However, among various T&T nationals in the US who have distanced themselves from the inauguration, New York-based Kyle Jeremiah will be among those participating in New York protests against the event.
Jeremiah had participated in protests outside Trump Towers, soon after Trump won last November’s US Presidential election. But later Jeremiah said he was willing to give Trump a “chance” and would see how the situation went.
Yesterday, Jeremiah said from what he’s seen, he isn’t convinced about Trump: “What’s he saying has given me doubts. He’s continuously reacts to things via social media and it doesn’t seem his personality is prepared for presidency,” Jeremiah added.
“Many friends will be participating in NY protests, but several of my T&T friends particularly are so dismissive of the inauguration that one guy said he didn’t want to be anywhere near Washington or see (the event) anywhere. Others don’t even want to see it on TV.”
Jeremiah’s concerns were also coloured by a recent negative personal encounter with a Trump supporter.
“At a furniture store which I visited, the man in charge, an elderly Vietnam veteran was loudly expressing his support for Trump. When he heard my accent, he asked where I’m from and pointedly asked if I was an undocumented immigrant — which I’m not. “
“He then proceeded to go off on ‘that was why Trump needed to run for President, to deal with undocumented immigrants.’ He was very emotional. I’d hardly be returning to (that store).”
“People here are worrying about immigration, health care and economic fairplay, particularly some friends who are undocumented. New York’s mayor Bill Bill de Blasio, however, has said he’s not complying with any deportation order. But over 20 million people will be at risk when Trump repeals (President Barack) Obama’s healthcare system. So there is fear.”