Brooklyn, NY — Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement in connection with his visit to Barbados:

“Our bipartisan Congressional delegation to Barbados completed a successful and informative visit. Throughout our time in country, we reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Barbados and engaged with government leaders on issues of mutual concern.

WATCH: LEADER JEFFRIES REMARKS AT INDEPENDENCE AND REPUBLIC DAY PARADE 

Our trip to Barbados coincided with the 58th anniversary of its independence and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Shirley Chisholm, a proud Bajan who spent some of her childhood years on the island. To commemorate these two important milestones, our delegation participated in the national parade and celebration at Kensington Oval at the invitation of Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Our group also visited and was briefed by Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, the Executive Director of the Regional Security System. RSS is a multinational partnership at the forefront of fighting transnational crimes, narcotics interdiction, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. 

This trip built upon critical efforts to further strengthen our relationships in the region led by the Biden-Harris administration and members of the delegation. The Western Hemisphere is stronger because of our partnership. We will continue strengthening the important relationship between the U.S. and Barbados during this moment of opportunity and challenge for both countries.”

Additional photos may be viewed here.

The Members of the delegation were:

• Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
• Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Vice-Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Member, Natural Resources Committee; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
• Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05), Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Committee on Appropriations; Member, Committee on the Budget; Co-Chair, Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
• Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Committee on Ways and Means; Member, Armed Services Committee
• Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; Member, Committee on Homeland Security
• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

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