US President Donald Trump has nominated Jennifer Johnson-Carroll to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

The nomination was formally submitted to the US Senate on June 2 and must be confirmed before Johnson-Carroll can assume the diplomatic post.

Born in Arouca, Trinidad, Johnson-Carroll would bring a unique personal connection to the role. If confirmed, she would become the first Trinidad and Tobago-born woman to serve as US ambassador to the twin-island republic.

She succeeds Ambassador Candice Bond, who served as the US’ top diplomat in T&T from December 8, 2022 – January 20, 2025.

Bond was awarded Hummingbird Medal Gold by the Trinidadian goverment shortly before she left the island for her contributions to strengthening US-Trinidad and Tobago relations, including advancements in security, energy, trade, and regional stability.

Johnson-Carroll served as Florida’s Lieutenant Governor from 2011 to 2013, becoming the first woman and first person of African ancestry elected to the office.

She also made history as the first Black person elected to statewide office in Florida and the first Caribbean-born person elected to statewide office in the state.

Prior to that, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010.
A US Navy veteran, Johnson-Carroll served for 20 years before entering politics.

She is also the mother of three children, including former NFL cornerback Nolan Carroll.

In a statement, Amercian Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM TT) welcomed the nomination, describing it as an important step that reflects the enduring relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

The organisation said it looks forward to working with the next US ambassador to further strengthen opportunities for collaboration, investment, innovation and economic growth between the two countries.

The nomination will now be reviewed by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee before proceeding to the full Senate for confirmation.