2007 Speeches

New Horizons Closing Ceremony - May 18, 2007

Hattieville, Belize District
10:30 a.m.

First, I would like to thank everyone in attendance this morning.  In particular, I want to thank General Landreneau for making the trip from Louisiana in honor of the occasion, as well as General Keen for his support to our embassy’s mission in Belize.  I also want to thank Sir Colville Young for his participation.  Everyone familiar with Belize knows of his long-standing commitment to improving the lives of young people through education and music programs.

This week is Education Week in Belize.  How appropriate that today we are honoring the New Horizons’ official turnover of this much-needed and appreciated new school building to Hattieville Government School.  In addition to this school building, three other newly-constructed school buildings in the villages of Crooked Tree, Carmelita and Trial Farm were turned over this week as well.  What a memorable day for Belize and the Belizean children who will benefit for years to come.

These school buildings, and the many others built in previous years by New Horizons Exercises, are tangible evidence of the commitment of the people of the United States to our friends in Belize.  Indeed, this is the 5th time Col. Crooks, the New Horizon’s task force commander, has worked on projects in Belize including construction of the Burrell Boom highway, New Horizon school buildings in Dangriga and other projects throughout the country. 

Our nations enjoy a solid, long-standing relationship that is beneficial to all.  Education of our young people is a priority in both the United States and Belize.  As we all know, an educated, well-informed citizenry is critical to our shared tradition of democratic government.  Therefore, we are honored to join with the BDF soldiers who worked “shoulder to shoulder” in partnership with our service men and women to make these contributions that will foster a solid foundation of learning for the young citizens of Belize as they prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The New Horizons Exercises represent the promise of a bright future for the young people of this beautiful country and exemplify the friendship and cooperation between the people of Belize and the people of the United States.  It also strengthens the partnership between the service men and women of the BDF and those of the United States armed forces.  

The objective of New Horizons is to nurture relationships with host-nation counterparts in order to develop mutual trust and confidence.  In carrying out this objective, New Horizons focuses on two efforts: improving infrastructure, such as the school building being turned over today, and providing basic health services.

This April the New Horizons Medical Readiness Training Exercise, or MEDRETE, in cooperation with the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Ministry of Health, set up clinics in various locations throughout the Belize District including Crooked Tree, Maskall, Burrell Boom, Hattieville and Ladyville.  MEDRETE’s doctors, nurses and technicians provided free medical attention to over 3,500 Belizeans.  The services provided included general medical care, dental and eye care, and specific pediatric attention for children.  In addition the MEDRETE vet team attended to over 2,000 domestic and farm animals.  Also the DENTRETE team treated over 1500 school children in Orange Walk.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the New Horizons Task Force Belize which included approximately 1,000 United States Service men and women during six two-week rotations for their successful completion of this exercise.  Despite hot and humid weather, the morale of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines working on these buildings remained at a high level.  You have earned recognition for your good work here.  Thank you for your service to your country and your commitment to the good relations between the United States and Belize.

I also again want to thank Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett, Commander of the Belize Defense Force, and all the members of the BDF who participated in this Exercise and for their support of the partnership between our countries.

Finally, I want wish each member of the New Horizons Team a safe journey home.

Thank you.