Efforts will be made to preserve two large, historic Samaan trees and a nesting tree located on the property earmarked for the new US Embassy building.

This was confirmed today by US Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, who pointed to the significance of the Samaan trees in particular.

A tree housing the nest of a protected species of blue and yellow macaw will also be preserved until the chicks fledge the nest.

According to a statement from the US Embassy, work has begun at the site located at 137 Long Circular Road, Maraval.

The 11-acre property was acquired in 2023, with over US$400 million to be spent on planning, designing, and building the new embassy.

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2029.

Dr Neidhart de Ortiz said, “It is not just a physical expansion, but a powerful reflection of the robust and longstanding relationship between the people and government of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. It will improve the experience for visa applicants, and those conducting business with the U.S. government.”