Speeches 2003

February 27, 2003

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Watt Opening Ceremony for New Horizons 2003.

It is a real honor to join President Moscoso and the other dignitaries here this morning to inaugurate New Horizons 2003. This event represents an important chapter in the century of cooperation between our two great countries, and it clearly demonstrates the maturity we have achieved in our bilateral relationship for the 21st century.

One of the objectives of New Horizons is to bring humanitarian assistance to those who need it most. That will be accomplished in the coming weeks by

• constructing clinics in Quebrada Hacha, Hato Juli, and Cerro Iglesia;
• and by providing medical exams and treatment to thousands of residents of the Ngobe-Bugle Comarca.
• by building schools in Las Lajas, Quebrado del Guabo, and Quebrada Hacha;

Madam President, the end result will serve as a permanent testimony to the respect and commitment that our two governments -- and the citizens of our two countries -- have for each other.

We will visit the community of Boca del Soloy after this ceremony to observe the Panamanian-U.S. team that is providing free medical and dental care to the residents in that area. Hundreds are being assisted there each day. In the coming weeks, the communities of Cerro Iglesia, Hato Pilon, and Quebrada del Guabo also will receive similar care.

It took a lot of work and planning to get to the point where we are today. I thank the Ministry of Government and Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SINAPROC, the National Police, and the National Aeronautical Service, as well as the countless officials from the Province of Chiriqui, the Ngobe Bugle Comarca, and local communities for their cooperation and support. They all have been key partners in a cooperative effort that began one and a half years ago with one essential goal in mind -- to improve the health and education infrastructure of this region.

The U.S. Commander of New Horizons, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Evans, has spoken very highly of that teamwork. And he has told me how pleased he and his New Horizons reservists have been with the extraordinary hospitality extended by local citizens and government officials.

I call to your attention the men and women standing here in front of us. They are representative of the some 400 United States Reservists and Panamanian personnel who -- as we speak -- are hard at work at the various sites I have mentioned.

These United States Reservists are volunteers who, for most of the year, work as civilians in occupations related to medicine, law, education, business, engineering, and the construction trades. They are here because they wanted to serve their country and contribute to making a better world. I admire their dedication and commitment.

When they return home, they will tell their friends, families, and business associates about their experiences here and about the people they have met and worked with. For the rest of their lives, they will carry memories of Panama and the friends they made here. They may even recite a short prayer of thanks for the opportunity they had to escape the snow and freezing temperatures of the North American winter for two weeks of Panamanian warmth and sunshine.

If you will indulge me for just a moment more, I would like to address a few words to the reservists in English.

Reservists, I want you to know how proud I am to see you here this morning. By your dedication, your willingness to serve, and your commitment, you represent everything that is great about the United States. I am not the only ambassador here this morning. You are ambassadors as well -- ambassadors of generosity and goodwill. What you will contribute here, what you will accomplish, will long be remembered and appreciated. Thank you all very much. I salute you.

And before closing, let me also salute the various members of the Panamanian public forces, of SINAPROC, and of the other agencies who are working shoulder to shoulder with our U.S. reservists. You are testimony to the cooperation and mutual respect that underlie the new 21st century relationship between the United States and Panama.

Our countries have a long and exceptional history of working together for the common good of our citizens. New Horizons 2003 is a splendid example of cooperation that has mutual benefits.

Thank you one and all for making this program a reality.