Speeches 2004
July 7, 2004
"American Values: Philanthropy & Volunteerism", Remarks by Ambassador Watt, American Society Installation Dinner, Salon Miraflores, Miraflores Locks
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to address you once again. Let me begin by congratulating the incoming board of the American Society. I know that you will continue the fine work and traditions of this organization, which does so much to address the needs of the American community in Panama and works hard to make Panama a better place to live. I would also like to thank the previous board members for the wonderful work they have done this past year.
Just three days ago, Americans celebrated the 228th anniversary of our independence. The United States was born in a time of intellectual ferment and political idealism that turned the conventional political wisdom of the times on its head. Our Founding Fathers espoused concepts of liberty, equality, and respect for human rights, radical ideas in those days! Ever since, we Americans have sought to impart these principles around the world and foster an understanding and appreciation of our values and cherished beliefs.
We often talk about freedom and opportunity, but just as important are two of the most fundamental of American values: philanthropy and volunteerism. Distilled down to their simplest levels, these words express the belief – quintessentially American - that an individual or group of like-minded individuals can make a real difference in a community or even a nation.
Since my arrival in Panama, I have been saying that I represent the American people as well as the American government. Although we depend on government to provide for some of our needs, it really is people working with people that makes the difference. I’m so proud of the generosity and open hearts of the citizens of the United States.
Each year Americans donate upwards of $120 billion to charitable organizations. In addition to financial donations, Americans also give of themselves. A report published in August 2003 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that in the previous year 59 million Americans or approximately 27% of the population, performed volunteer community service.
Here in Panama, the American Society keeps the American spirit and our traditional values alive, and demonstrates its commitment to partnership with the local community. For 73 years, the American Society has grown and developed from a business group to an organization dedicated to the celebration of American culture and values. At the forefront is a commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism. You demonstrate this commitment through your support of many worthwhile causes including sponsorship of the Escuela de los Estados Unidos in Casco Viejo and your participation in Caravana.
It was a privilege for me to participate in last year’s American Society-sponsored Christmas Party at the Escuela de los Estados Unidos. I can think of no more important way to reflect the true character of America, than to voluntarily share one’s time, effort and resources. Just looking at the faces of the students that day is enough to convince anyone that you can and do make a difference.
When I learned of the topic— community service— that you wanted me to address today, I could not have been more pleased. Many of you may have already heard me speak about community service organizations and the multiple opportunities to participate in volunteer projects in Panama. In fact, at last year’s installation dinner, I talked about the Embassy’s new People-to-People initiative, which seeks to encourage private American-Panamanian partnerships to provide support for local organizations working on Panama’s most pressing needs.
I am happy that this initiative has blossomed, in no small part to the interest and support of many of you, and has led to many wonderful opportunities for cooperation that have made a positive difference in the lives of so many Panamanians.
I would like to build upon our successes and, tonight, I call to your attention several different organizations that would benefit greatly from the involvement of the American Society and its members. I have had first-hand experience with these groups and have seen the positive impact of their successful programs. Through the efforts of our People-to-People coordinator, members of the embassy community have participated in volunteer activities with several of these organizations.
· In September 2003, I attended a ceremony sponsored by Fundacion Pro-Impedidos in which 26 wheelchairs were donated to needy Panamanians. The Fundacion is an organization, which serves handicapped children and adults of Panama. In addition to wheelchairs, they help provide hearing aids and other basic services, which allow the physically-challenged to live more comfortably under difficult health conditions. Fundacion Pro-Impedidos has consistently demonstrated its willingness to assist, either directly or through referral, with health-related cases that come to the attention of embassy. Tom Ford, the President of the Board of Directors here in Panama, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in health issues in Panama.
· On June 29 of this year, I was pleased to address the membership of Casa Esperanza and commend their fine work, especially that of their Executive Director, Roxana Mendez. Casa Esperanza is an organization that labors to improve the lives of working and underprivileged children. They have eight centers in Panama, one of which is located directly behind the chancery in Bella Vista. This group has provided assistance with the U.S. government’s efforts to identify and report on trafficking in persons, and is also an ideal place for visiting volunteers to contribute. They are ranked informally by UNICEF Panama as one of the top three children’s NGOs.
I know that the American Society has worked with this fine organization in the past, and I hope you will continue those efforts.
· In March 2003 representatives of the embassy community visited the Fundacion Pro-Nino del Darien’s training center as part of a weekend of outreach and volunteer activities. Fundacion Pro-Nino del Darien is a grass roots non-profit organization that has been chosen by USAID to partner in its $6 million, 3 year program to strengthen selected Darien communities. The funding will assist communities and locally elected officials to better organize and address defined needs and to effectively advocate those needs to the Panamanian government and other sources of aid. The training center provides an excellent base for lodging and meals that can be used as a springboard for future volunteer projects in the Darien.
· I am certain that many of you are aware of the fine work that Sister Barbara Ozelski is doing at Mujeres Colonenses en Camino, better known as MUCEC. For those of you who have not heard, MUCEC is an organization, which works to train women in the skills necessary to become self-sufficient in the informal economy of Colon. Sister Barbara and her all-volunteer staff also provide day-care and pre-school for children 5 years and under, whose mothers must work in order for the family to survive. This organization is providing much needed hope in a city that is struggling with social problems.
· After inaugurating their program in March 2004 Habitat for Humanity Panama began construction of their first house last week in Altas de la Colina in Santiago and is planning additional building projects in August. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful with Habitat, and the embassy community looks forward to strengthening its ties with them in the future. I don’t think there is anything more important than planting seeds of hope for a better future. Habitat for Humanity’s program forever changes not only the physical structure where a family lives, but it creates change within the hearts of those family members.
They can see that their neighbors care about their welfare and are willing to donate their resources, their time, not to mention their sweat, to ensure a better life for their community.
These groups exemplify the highest standards of social solidarity and volunteerism. I have singled out organizations like Fundacion Pro-Impedidos, Casa Esperanza, MUCEC, Fundacion Pro-Niño, and Habitat for Humanity, but there are many others that work in this area. I urge you all to consider ways that you can support them. I have been very impressed by Panamanian commitment to these causes and I congratulate the many people who dedicate themselves to helping their fellow citizens through these worthy activities.
For those interested in conservation issues there are several organizations doing wonderful things to promote education and awareness of environmental threats facing Panama. Panamanians have begun to realize the importance of protecting their environment, not just for esoteric reasons, but for its importance to their economic development. The Canal depends on ready access to water resources which only protection of the watershed can ensure. Also, Panama’s continued commitment to its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant valleys and rich biodiversity will help to augment its growing tourist industry.
· The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute boasts a 90 year partnership with Panama from the construction of the Canal to the present. One of the more fascinating projects SRTI has undertaken is their work on Galeta Island. The Galeta Island Marine Laboratory is located on the Caribbean Coast of Panama, near the city of Colón and is the site of an intense study of the biological effects of a major oil spill. Galeta laboratory houses scientist from various countries and is the location for STRI´s marine environmental monitoring program. Opportunities abound for interested groups or individuals to provide financial support for STRI’s research, scholarship, or internship programs.
The Institute also offers hands-on opportunities for those who wish to volunteer directly. This past April I participated in STRI’s Earth Day beach-clean-up on Culebra Island. In addition, the embassy’s Public Affairs Section will be donating books to the Fundacion STRI in order to improve its outreach programs to the youth of Colon.
· Panama Verde, is a not-for-profit organization which works with youth groups in schools and in the communities throughout Panama on local conservation and development projects. Recent noteworthy activities include a beach clean-up project and summer camp-outs where volunteers work together with authorities from the Panamanian National Environmental Authority (ANAM).
Another thought: I would like to make a plea for consideration of another project, which I feel is very timely and important. It does not necessary fit into the mold of the other, more traditional volunteer activities I have mentioned, but I think it dovetails nicely with the mission of the American Society and would be an excellent legacy.
With the handover of the Canal and the Canal Zone to Panamanian control and the subsequent departure of American forces, one era ended and another began for Panama. With the development of former Canal Zone properties, the character of this area is changing. These changes represent a good and positive step for Panama, however, I would hate to see the rich history of the Canal Zone and the “Zonians” become a mere historical footnote. The close ties and special relationship between the United States and Panama derive in large part from the day-to-day interactions of Americans and Panamanians working side-by-side for nearly a century. Some Panamanians were born, lived, and worked nearly their entire lives in the Zone.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to document and record for posterity the Canal Zone’s history as a living memorial to the foundation of that American-Panamanian partnership? There is a Panama Canal Museum in Florida, but I’d love to see something here as well. I would encourage anyone interested, particularly you Zonians out there, to think about similar projects to ensure that the unique character of that place and that era lives on.
Whether in child development, women’s issues, or environmental protection, there are many opportunities available for those looking to make a difference. The organizations discussed this evening by no means represent an exhaustive list. I encourage you as both a group and as individuals to actively seek out and support whichever community projects’ focus resonates most deeply with you. But know that whichever project you choose, you will be performing a worthwhile activity and, in your own individual way you will be making a difference. You will also be embodying the true nature of America and demonstrating, in a very tangible way, American values to our Panamanian friends and neighbors.