Press Releases 2003
June 18-20, 2003
Ambassador's Trip to the Darien
Panama- U.S. Ambassador Linda Watt paid her first visit to the Darien on June 18 through 20, 2003 as part of her planned effort to visit every province in the Republic in order to better understand Panama, her people, her strengths and her problems. The Ambassador emphasized that her role is not only to represent the Government of the United States, but also to represent the people of the United States.
Beginning with visits to Paya, Boca de Cupe, Yaviza and other Darien villages, the Ambassador's trip focused on issues of security, economic development and provided her with a first hand look at two of the US Embassy's most important projects: COPEG and the USAID led program to strengthen Darien Communities.
Ambassador Watt met with COPEG officials, regional directors and several of the Panamanian specialists responsible for this highly successful operation. COPEG is the largest US Government investment in Panama. The program, whose goal is to maintain the Panamanian barrier against Foot and Mouth Disease and to eradicate screwworm, represents a $10 million annual investment. Work will also begin shortly on a $40 million sterile fly rearing plant in Pacura.
In addition, Ambassador Watt paid a special visit to Fundacion Pro-Ninos del Darien - the grass roots non-profit organization that has been chosen by USAID to partner in their $6 million, 3 year program to strengthen selected Darien communities. Specific benefits to the selected Darien communities would include small infrastructure such as potable water, latrines, footbridges and appropriate waste disposal. The funding would assist communities and locally elected officials to better organize and address defined needs and to effectively advocate those needs to the GOP and other sources of aid.
The Ambassador was very impressed with the professionalism of this respected organization. She was pleased to meet with representatives from the first community that will benefit from the program in Punuloso. The road from the Inter-american highway to Punuloso will be improved to provide better access to the community for economic activity. "I am not only the representative of the United States Government," commented the Ambassador at Punuloso, "but also of the people of the United States." She added that such programs represent the friendship and goodwill the people of the United States have for Panama and her people and that the two nations are truly partners.
On her way back to Panama City, the Ambassador also had the opportunity to meet with several Peace Corps Volunteers who are working in various communities throughout Panama to provide technical assistance, education and support. Peace Corps Volunteers spend two-years in foreign countries working at the community level to help people help themselves. The Ambassador was pleased to meet such dedicated young people willing to give so much of themselves to help others in need.