2006 Speeches

World Day of Peace and Understanding

February 21, 2006

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
Rotary Club of Port of Spain

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you a good afternoon.  Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to address you on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club, this world day of peace and understanding.
 
I hold Rotary International in high esteem, having for some years now been impressed with the Rotarians’ commitment to living by their motto of “Service Above Self.”  One way that this commitment is manifested is in the number of scholarships that Rotary funds annually, which certainly promotes understanding that transcends borders.  Another manifestation is in the humanitarian programs that Rotary funds, including the Health, Hunger and Humanity grants and Rotary’s efforts to help eradicate polio world wide.  Truly, Rotary International is an organization that is on the forefront of building peace and understanding around the world through its commitment to serving others.  I applaud you. 
 
Let me admit to a little bias in my positive evaluation of Rotary’s activities.  I must proudly indicate that the Princes Town Rotary Club only last week informed me of a renewal of my status as an Honorary Rotarian.  I am pleased to be associated with such an outstanding and upstanding group.
 
Today, I shall cover a subject that is often overlooked by persons examining U.S. policies.  I refer to the commitment of the United States Government to building peace and understanding in the world through cooperation with others.  This cooperation is illustrated in our efforts to tackle global issues, regional issues and yes, even local issues that affect the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 
 
Why is this subject important?  Often, the United States is portrayed as a superpower that goes its own way, disregarding the opinions and efforts of other countries and organizations.  This is a false portrayal of U.S. government practices.  Certainly, some commentators take pleasure in lambasting the United States for going it alone on certain issues while not moving fast enough on others.  Both in the case of Hurricane Ivan in the Caribbean and the recent devastating Asian Tsunami, the United States Government was roundly criticized for lack of assistance while my Government was actually assisting and working on authorizing massive amounts of assistance funds.  I am sure that I missed our detractors’ retractions when our assistance amounts were publicized.  By the end of this address, I expect to convince you that the evidence contradicts our detractors’ criticisms. 
 
Admittedly, the United States is out front, so to speak, on a number of controversial issues, and this prominence makes us ready targets of negative assessments.  The truth, however, is that even when we are heading an initiative, we rely on our partners to help us.  To use some assistance jargon, we use our resources and prestige to leverage resources and commitments from other countries.  To put it another way, sometimes we just get the ball rolling.  Once others see our commitment, they agree to help because they know that the United States is serious about seeing things through to the end.  I shall discuss our experience in Afghanistan as an example.
 
During the five years since the United States and our coalition partners overthrew the Taliban, Afghanistan has made a remarkable recovery.  The strong will of the Afghan people and the sustained commitment of the international community have united to build a country that now has, as President Karzai says, "a constitution, a president, a Parliament and a nation fully participating in its destiny." 
 
Afghanistan’s remarkable progress deserves continued support so that the gains can be made permanent.   Therefore, on January 31st, the international community came together in London for a donors’ conference to focus on the next stage of Afghanistan's development.  At the conference, Afghanistan’s friends recommitted themselves to a new phase of support which emphasizes ever-increasing Afghan involvement in creating and building their own country's future.  The Afghan people have demonstrated a strong desire for peace, democracy and development.  I am proud to say that my government continues to collaborate with all our partners in Afghanistan to ensure that its people continue to prosper.  Could we have done this alone?  Absolutely not.  Only through a deep commitment to broad collaboration was the international community able to achieve this remarkable success. 
 
My second example of a U.S. initiative that promotes international cooperation is the Millennium Challenge Account.  Briefly, this is an innovative assistance program that rewards governments of impoverished countries that are committed to ruling justly, investing in their people and to promoting economic freedom.  Countries qualify based on objective, quantifiable measurements, such as Freedom House’s Civil Liberties Index, the World Bank’s Control of Corruption Index, public expenditures on health, the country’s credit rating and other indicators.  Countries that qualify are invited to submit a proposal that addresses the underlying causes of poverty.  To date, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the entity responsible for administering these funds, has identified 23 countries eligible for assistance.  We have approved eight country proposals worth a total of $1.5 billion, and are partnering with these countries to ensure they can continue to develop.  Nine eligible countries have prepared proposals totaling $3.1 billion, and another six will soon submit proposals of their own. 
 
You might ask, where’s the cooperation?  First, we’re cooperating with the countries that qualify for the assistance.  That’s the easy answer.  The second, more subtle answer is that via this program, these countries will have established a track record of effectively using assistance funds.  I don’t need to belabor the point that once a country proves itself a good steward of assistance funds, more funds go its way; money goes where it is carefully expended.  In essence, we’re getting the ball rolling so that other countries can gain confidence that financial assistance given to highly impoverished nations will not be squandered to benefit a few.  Instead, development funds will be used to help those countries take-off economically and help their people to enjoy more satisfactory lives.
 
I’ve spent quite a bit of time on far-flung global issues.  Let me move closer to this country.
 
The recent Haitian elections are still fresh in our minds.  The U.S. government spent some $30 million on electoral assistance.  This funding went to improve the voting infrastructure in the country, not to any party.  We, and other donors, helped to train poll workers in proper transparent practices so that the vote truly did reflect the will of the Haitian people.  This was a collaborative effort involving many, many players, including the United Nations.  The victory, however, belongs to the Haitian people.  We congratulate Mr. Preval on his win, and we look forward now to working with the new government and other international donors to help the Haitian people build a better future for themselves.  A stable, democratic Haiti is certainly in the interest of everyone in the region, and international cooperation is the way to make sure it happens.
 
My next two examples are regional in scope, but certainly touch on Trinidad and Tobago. 
 
Caribbean countries lie in a geographic area that is susceptible annually to destructive hurricanes.  Also, recent hurricane seasons have been rather severe.  Countries that are affected need assistance from their neighbors and friends because of the sheer devastation that can occur literally over night.
 
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan severely damaged several Caribbean countries, none worse than Grenada.  Trinidad and Tobago must be commended for its generous support to this and other neighbors in a time of dire need.  The U.S. Government, too, had responders on the ground the day after the storm’s passage.  They carried items such as plastic sheeting to provide for immediate needs.  Later, the U.S. Government provided Grenada with U.S $42 million, with sizeable contributions out of a total of U.S. $100 million going to other Caribbean countries.  Half a million U.S. dollars were set aside for Tobago which had received some damage from Ivan.  Only last week I visited Tobago to see the road repairs in Goodwood and the trained Community Emergency Response Teams that can quickly mobilize in future disasters.  I also formally turned over two Bobcat bucket loaders for Tobago to use in further weather-related disasters. 
 
Let me also point out that disaster assistance goes both ways:  Trinidad and Tobago gave some $2 million to charities in the United States in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.  We also had individual Trinis and students of the Trillium International School who made donations to help us in our time of need.  I now publicly thank the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for showing that they care about our welfare with these contributions.
 
Speaking about responses to natural disasters, we also provided some U.S. $481 million in the aftermath of the 2005 Asian Tsunami and pledged a total of U.S. $510 million to Pakistan after their devastating earthquake last October.  This amount includes military support for relief operations and private contributions.  In response to the recent Philippine mudslide, our embassy in Manila is authorized to disburse $50,000 immediately and has requested another $50,000 in emergency relief funds.  Members of the U.S. Marine Corps have also been directed to assist in the rescue effort.  As you can see, my government has a track record of providing assistance in the wake of natural disasters, contrary to what our critics say. 
 
Why do governments reach out and assist each other in natural disasters?  Because, regardless of our citizenship or where we live, humanity transcends borders.  Times of crisis allow many of us to see beyond nationality, looking instead to our common humanity.
 
Cooperation on health issues also helps to build understanding.  The Caribbean region has the second highest prevalence in the world of persons living with HIV/AIDS.  The situation is made all the more serious by a lack of healthcare resources to effectively address the epidemic, as well as prejudice against persons living with HIV.  Under the direction of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator’s Office, the CDC Global AIDS Program is an important partner in the effort to implement President Bush’s U.S. $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  To combat and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean region, CDC established its regional office in Trinidad and Tobago in 2002, co-located with the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, or CAREC.  CDC works with CAREC and other regional partners to build local capacity through technical and fiscal support for enhanced regional surveillance and treatment of HIV/AIDS.  The CDC office is regional in scope, with most of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funds targeted at Haiti and Guyana, two of the hardest hit and poorest countries.  However, CDC’s collaboration with CAREC helps build understanding across borders for the benefit of all the people in the region.
 
Our embassy enjoys a good relationship with the government of Trinidad and Tobago.  Just one week ago we held the national finals of the Ambassador’s Song and Verse competition.  Our embassy collaborated with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the National AIDS Coordination Committee and the Heroes Foundation.  We had the support of Nikki Cosby and four of your leading soca artists.  Young students from all over the country performed calypsos, skits and other acts to convey an HIV/AIDS prevention message:  “Get Smart! Know Before You Start.”  Cooperation makes this event a success; understanding comes from hearing the children’s discussion of issues that affect all of us.
 
The embassy is also collaborating with the Government to control crime in T and T.  Just last week, the FBI trained 35 police officers in basic “street survival” skills that will increase their effectiveness as they patrol.  A few weeks earlier, the FBI trained another 35 in crime scene management.  We are in the middle of a program to train narcotics and bomb dogs for the law enforcement agencies here.  We also have a long track record of providing updated equipment and training to Trinidad’s protective services.  Throughout these interactions, we build understanding and cooperate to ensure a peaceful, secure country. 
 
Understanding is also brought about by exchange programs and study abroad opportunities, as Rotary International knows well.  The United States historically funds exchange programs, and Trinidad and Tobago continues to seize this opportunity.  Currently, there are 28 Trinbagonians in the United States on the Fulbright program, and Trinidad’s universities host six American researchers.  These are just the U.S. Government-sponsored students.  There are nearly 3000 T and T students studying in U.S. universities this academic year.  This is one of those cases in which the U.S. private sector contributes substantially to the welfare of other nations; but most people are unaware of such contributions because they do not come from the U.S. Government. 
 
Our openness to visitors extends beyond the official exchange programs.  We continue to issue visas to the great majority of applicants.  Last year, we approved 42,616 visas for Trinis to visit the United States.  Secretary of State Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Chertoff have announced a cooperative effort to improve our open doors/secure borders policy through the use of technology and streamlined screening procedures.  This will facilitate the movement of legitimate travelers, allowing better cooperation and promoting understanding. 
 
Why do we care?  Why do we cooperate with countries around the world to address international, regional and local issues?  Because we firmly believe that well-governed states promote peace and understanding throughout the world.  Also, perhaps, many Americans are motivated, some unknowingly, by the biblical injunction to love our neighbors as ourselves; and our neighbors are all those people who inhabit planet Earth with us. 
 
In closing, allow me to read a brief excerpt from Secretary Rice’s testimony to Congress on January 18 about the direction of the State Department and U.S. foreign policy.  She was speaking about the concept of transformational diplomacy:
 
“I would define the objective of transformational diplomacy this way: To work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people -- and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system.  Transformational diplomacy is rooted in partnership, not paternalism -- in doing things with other people, not for them.  We seek to use America’s diplomatic power to help foreign citizens to better their own lives, and to build their own nations, and to transform their own futures.”
 
That statement sounds familiar, doesn’t it?  To me, the Secretary’s words sound a lot like what Rotary International does.  She was summarizing our plan for international cooperation.  Dr. Rice was discussing the Bush administration’s plan to promote peace and understanding throughout the world for the betterment of all.  “Blessed are the peacemakers!”  May the Almighty bless us all.
 
I thank you!