2007 Speeches

Handing-Over Ceremony of School Supplies Under the Denton Program - September 18, 2007

Hattieville Government School, Belize

Good morning. 

It is wonderful to be here again at Hattieville government school and to see so many eager, smiling faces looking forward to the new school year!

It is also my great pleasure to represent the United States Government today at this ceremony to commemorate the donation of an estimated 20,000 USD in school supplies. 

This donation is possible through the Denton Program which enables private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods, such as clothing, food, medical and educational supplies, and agricultural equipment and vehicles.   This donation was also coordinated by the Kolbe Foundation and we thank The Kolbe Foundation and John Woods for his assistance.

The donated supplies being handed-over to your school today include: 

• Over 78 desks and chairs
• Filing cabinets
• Teachers’ chairs
• Water coolers
• Bulletin boards
• And other miscellaneous school supplies.

This is also an opportunity for me to recognize the construction of the school building itself valued at an estimated $ 80,000 USD.  I was here on May 18th for the dedication ceremony.  This is a wonderful facility that was built by the men and women of the United States Forces working together with servicemen from the BDF light engineering company under Operation New Horizons conducted in Belize last spring.  This school building, 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. 

This was the 22nd year USSOUTHCOM has conducted New Horizons exercises with the goal of enhancing security and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean. The building shows the good work that can be accomplished when good people partner together and it is tangible evidence of the United States’ long-standing record as a reliable, “can-do” partner in assisting your country.

Each New Horizons exercise lasts several months, with U.S. military construction and engineering specialists working alongside local military and government officials to provide much needed services and infrastructure to underprivileged areas in selected countries.  Most involve the construction of schools, clinics, and water wells.  In Belize, four two-room schools were constructed contributing over $320,000 to support the local educational system. 

These exercises throughout the years have created stronger government-to-government and people-to-people relationships in the region – significant as our nations continue to face challenges that range from the illicit drug trade, to the emergence of gangs, to the threat from sinister forces that seek to undermine democratic governance.

As we all know, education is critical to the strength, advancement and security of every nation.  Thomas Jefferson, one of our earliest presidents, observed: A democratic society depends upon an informed and educated citizenry.  The path to becoming an informed, civic-minded adult begins here – in these classrooms.  To the teachers and staff of the school, I say there is no nobler calling than preparing young people for effective participation in a democratic society.

I know you are all proud of this new educational facility, and I am proud of the United States’ contribution to making it happen. 

Thank you all for attending.