On July 20, 2009, Her Excellency Gillian M. S. Bristol presented her Letter of Credence to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack H. Obama, at a ceremony held at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D. C. Ambassador Bristol expressed the Government of Grenada’s desire to deepen the longstanding bonds of friendship and the ties of co-operation between the United States and Grenada in areas of mutual concern for the benefit of the citizens of both nations. Ambassador Bristol also conveyed the Government of Grenada’s appreciation for President Obama’s outreach to Grenada and all members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding sustainable development, climate change, energy efficiency, trade and transnational organized crime. In welcoming the Ambassador, President Obama stated that the United States of America and Grenada “enjoy a strong and productive partnership and share significant interests”. The President underscored that his Administration is seeking a renewed engagement with the nations of the Caribbean and expressed the intention to partner with Grenada and all its neighbours in important areas of common interest such as democracy, respect for human rights, combating terrorism and narcotics-trafficking, expanding the benefits of economic integration and free-market prosperity, improving public safety and environmental protection. Ambassador Bristol was accompanied by her son, Mr. Dominic Bristol–Samson and her parents Mr. and Mrs. Carol Bristol.