Speeches

July Fourth - American Democracy/Belizean Democracy - July 4, 2006

Ambassador Robert J. Dieter, Mrs. Gwynneth A. E. Dieter, Mrs. Sera Moss, Deputy Chief of Mission Lloyd W. Moss, Military Liaison Office Chief LTC David Treleaven, Peace Corps Director Eileen Higgins.

Welcome.  And thank you for joining the members of the U.S. mission to Belize in celebrating this day – the 230th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Today throughout the    United States, just as we are doing this evening, families and friends gather at picnics, concerts and fireworks displays to celebrate the values of liberty and equality that make our country strong.

In our program is an excerpt from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence – signed this day 230 years ago in Philadelphia.  In his July 4th proclamation, the President observed:

“The patriots of the Revolutionary War acted on the beliefs that "all men are created equal" and "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." By advancing these ideals, generations of Americans have unleashed the hope of freedom for people in every corner of the world.

As we celebrate our independence, we can take pride in our history and look to the future with confidence. We offer our gratitude to all the American patriots, past and present, who have sought to advance freedom and lay the foundations of peace. Because of their sacrifice, this country remains a beacon of hope for all who dream of liberty and a shining example to the world of what a free people can achieve.” 
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2006 is a special year for both Americans and Belizeans: it marks the 230th and 25th anniversaries, respectively, of the birth of our independent democracies. 

Our nations have much to celebrate, and much of which to be proud – especially our democracies which endow a nation’s people with broad rights, freedom, and justice. 
I would like to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of democracy – and on our shared values and interests. 

What is a democracy?  I believe it is more than simply a system that enables active participation by citizens in the process of governance.    

President Bush has, on numerous occasions, highlighted the value of democratic principles as he pursues a broad agenda of hope for people in the Middle East, on the continent of Africa, in Asia, and in Latin America.  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has echoed this vision by describing freedom and democracy as “the only ideas powerful enough to overcome hatred, division, and violence in our world.” 

Democracy offers hope to those oppressed by authoritarian rule.   It embodies the right to self-determination and the right of people to rule the affairs of government.  It recognizes the natural order of a nation’s people to engage and dialogue with government concerning the future and, in this process, exhibits a tolerance and respect for dissenting views.  A democracy respects the rule of law and the rights and responsibilities fundamental to a system of government in which the people hold the power of rule – either directly, or through their elected representatives.  A democratic government is one that is open, accountable and transparent.

Building from our common traditions, the United States, Belize and the nations of the Caribbean can forge a solid block of like-minded democratic nations to promote democracy and human rights in the region and beyond – to paraphrase the President, to be a beacon of hope for all people who dream of liberty and a shining example of what free people can achieve.

And what are some of the democratic traditions we share? 

For example, the freedom to petition government.  The right of people to change their government peacefully through periodic free and fair elections held on the basis of universal suffrage.

Freedom to worship and the freedom not to worship, as we choose. 

Freedom of expression and freedom of speech. 

The promotion of academic freedom so that there may be a lively marketplace of ideas.

And, of course, freedom of the press.  During my time in Belize, I have been particularly impressed with the local media’s vigorous pursuit of news stories and the lively debate that often ensues.   

Our two democracies enjoy close and strong ties.  Nearly 70,000 Belizeans live in the United States.  In this respect, our nations are more than neighbors.  Indeed, we are kin.

In recognition of our close ties, the people of the United States, through the Embassy mission in Belize, invest nearly US$2.5 million annually in direct assistance to Belize. This supports projects such as: New Horizons, which constructs and renovates schools and youth hostels; construction of the NEMO warehouse in Belmopan that strengthens Belize’s defenses against natural disasters; the Soccer-in-the-Streets drug reduction program; and the MEDRETE team, which recently provided free medical treatment to some 5,000 residents in the Orange Walk District.  This direct assistance, not loans, funds important Embassy training, education and humanitarian initiatives.

And let us not overlook what is not included in that figure – U.S. support for the Global Fund to combat HIV/AIDS, U.S. support for OAS special programs, and U.S support for UN initiatives, to name a few.   And, of course, the United States Peace Corps whose volunteers now number 70 in Belize.  The Peace Corps volunteers work for a minimal stipend, but the fruits of their labor are plentiful – promoting understanding and friendship between the people of our nations.  These outstanding individuals represent the spirit of volunteerism and public service that permeates the American character. 

We must also recognize the quiet contributions of the many U.S. exchanges, corporate and private groups, and faith-based organizations that do so much good work in Belize and around the world.   A recent study notes that in 2004 Americans – through schools, religious institutions, companies, foundations and families – gave at least three to four times as much to the developing world than the amount of foreign aid dispensed by our government.  People often overlook the enormous contributions made on a people-to-people basis, without involvement by government.

The backbone of thriving democracy is a broad-based, strong middle class.  When policies are adopted that both sustain and foster growth of the middle class, stability ensues.  Stability coupled with a free market economy attracts capital, and capital, commerce.  Thriving international commerce, such as that between the U.S. and Belize, promotes economic opportunity, job-creation, and maintains peaceful foreign relations.  The promotion of economic growth in the Western Hemisphere is a pillar of U.S. policy in the region – and indeed, free trade is at very the center of President Bush's vision of a world of expanding economic opportunity, prosperity, and freedom. 

The United States is Belize’s number one trading partner, providing 38% of Belizean imports and accounting for 55% of Belize’s exports.  Our new embassy in Belmopan, a US$50 million investment, is a major contribution to the local economy.  This construction project has created many new jobs, provided opportunities for workers to acquire new construction skills, and is in addition to the over 80 local hires the Embassy already employs. 

The tourist industry is also an important component in our democracies’ economic relationship.  Over 800,000 tourists visit Belize annually – with some 90% coming from the U.S.  Tourism continues to be Belize’s single largest foreign exchange earner – BZ$349 million in 2005.  But the tourist industry would not exist if our citizens did not enjoy the freedom of travel and movement.  This is one of our freedoms we often take for granted – the ability of people to travel within their borders, to foreign countries, and enjoy the freedom to emigrate if they choose or to repatriate if they choose, without punishment or intimidation.

But, as noted, Belize and the United States share more than just commercial interests. 

Our democracies also share a keen interest in another critical area: education.  Clearly, an educated populace is a key factor in promoting good governance through an informed citizenry.  Since I arrived in Belize some 10 months ago, I have had the privilege of visiting your schools and meeting some of Belize’s many excellent students.  I have seen firsthand the country’s potential for a bright future.  One of the principal goals during my time here has been to visit approximately two local schools a month, and to meet with a variety of students.  The experience has been educational – the students have asked insightful and sometimes challenging questions.  Their behavior has always been respectful and appreciative. 

Educational interchange has also been a key element of our democracies.  Many Belizeans continue to be educated in the United States.  The Embassy’s consular section approves an average of 220 student visas annually for Belizeans to attend U.S. colleges and universities.  Numerous colleges and universities throughout the United States provide direct scholarship and tuition grant assistance, again without federal government involvement. 

This fall, seven Belizeans will be attending the U.S. military service academies.  This is especially noteworthy because, despite a population of less than 300,000, Belize’s total number of candidates in U.S. service academies is more than any other country in the Western Hemisphere, except the U.S. itself.  Belize should be very proud of these young people.  The value of these scholarships is estimated at US$250,000 per student, or a total of some US$1.75 million – again, a figure not included in the direct assistance mentioned earlier.  In addition, two more Belizeans are pursuing graduate studies at top U.S. universities as Fulbright scholars. 

And American students are, increasingly, pursuing education opportunities in Belize.  Students at the University of Louisville, University of Indianapolis, Mt. Sinai Medical School, and Galen University are but a few examples that come to mind.  These exchanges have helped provide our nations’ respective citizens with a better understanding of the democratic traditions Belize and the U.S. share.  It is my hope that together we can create even more opportunities for educational exchanges between our students. 

In closing, I would like to reiterate the importance of our nations’ shared values and democratic traditions – a foundation upon which we can cooperate to strengthen the ties between Belize and the United States. 

As President Bush has said on many occasions, “We believe that liberty is the design of nature; we believe that liberty is the direction of history. We believe that human fulfillment and excellence come in the responsible exercise of liberty. And we believe that freedom – the freedom we prize – is not for us alone, it is the right and the capacity of all mankind.”

Again, allow me to extend our embassy’s appreciation for your sharing in this celebration.  We hope you enjoy the celebration this evening in the style typical of those taking place in the U.S.  I look forward to celebrating with you your 25th independence celebration in September.  Thank you, and may God continue to bless both our nations.