Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the citizens of Barbados as you observe the 49th anniversary of your independence on November 30. As you proudly play your anthem “In Plenty and In Time of Need,” know that we celebrate alongside you.

"The United States deeply values its friendship with Barbados based on our strong ties of commerce, security cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and culture. We are pleased to work with you both bilaterally and through regional arrangements to promote prosperity, protect the safety of our populations, diversify energy infrastructure, and increase educational and professional exchanges. I am confident that, in years to come, relations between our governments and our peoples will continue to thrive.

"Congratulations once again on this special day."