US Ambassador, Mary Kramer

Embassy Bridgetown is a large and complex organization. In Barbados, over 160 people are employed, resulting in an annual locally engaged staff payroll of approximately US $2.9 million.  Purchasing and procurement, including rent for residences of Americans who are assigned here add up to US $6.7 million to Barbados’ economy.  Construction of our new embassy has contributed over US $10 million in salaries and services. At the end of the construction process, hopefully very soon, it will be a US $33.8 million facility. Americans who come here to live and work bring their families and collectively they provide US $280,000 in tuition to various schools under the Ministry of Education.  We like to think we are good contributors to this economy and represent our country as good citizens.

In the letter from President Bush outlining my duties and objectives, paramount is the challenge of maintaining strong and stable democracies.  To accomplish that, representatives of many agencies of the United States Government (USG) work at Embassy Bridgetown. 

The Department of State is represented by Foreign Service officers who work to build positive relationships with local governments regarding political and economic matters. They travel often, calling on many persons in all of the seven countries we represent, striving to enhance our understanding of the conditions and needs in each country.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has a strong contingent that includes not only the trade and development group but the HIV/AIDS team as well.  The development group provided oversight to the US $43 million for the reconstruction efforts in Grenada.  In the period of 15 months, 1161 houses were repaired, 55 new houses were built, 11 medical clinics were rebuilt or repaired, 23 schools were rebuilt or repaired and 2500 persons were trained in a variety of skill areas that provided them immediate job opportunities.  This allowed Grenadians to bring in revenue to support themselves and their families.   On the trade agenda, USAID provided 390 scholarships in business related disciplines to persons from Barbados and the OECS. They also assisted Dominica in receiving the Benchmark designation as a Green Globe Destination.  This is a significant milestone for the region and has assisted Dominica’s promotion and development of sustainable tourism.  Dominica is the first country in the world to achieve this designation.

The Office of Federal Disaster Assistance (OFDA) proved its mettle during and after Hurricane Ivan hit Grenada. They were on the ground with aid within 24 hours of the storm.  Since then, much education and assistance has been provided to apply lessons learned in preparing for disasters and in mitigating potential losses, especially the loss of lives.  OFDA is also providing support for the Caribbean Tsunami and Coastal Hazards Warning System.  This provides early warning in real time to the governments of the region and to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Organization (NOAA) in Washington, DC.  NOAA is the group that issues warnings and updates to various web-sites and other communications networks that provide detailed information regarding hurricane tracking and now earthquake and tsunami warnings.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) staff work collaboratively with Drug Squads and other law enforcement agencies throughout the region. These team efforts result in many drug busts - only a few of which are publicized through the media. These team efforts connect a global effort to reduce the marketing and use of illegal drugs throughout the world. 

The Legal Attaché Office (LEGATT) works with law enforcement in 21 countries in this region.  This office provides significant training, i.e. advanced finger print analysis courses, scholarships to the FBI National Academy, and other highly technical training that develops new skills and services in regional law enforcement entities.  They also work very closely with the Association of the Caribbean Commissioners of Police

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) group works with Financial Investigative Units (FIUs) from north to south, from the Bahamas to Trinidad to Curacao with the goal of eliminating profits and financial gains of international narcotics trafficking and money laundering organizations.  This team conducts international training courses on tax, money laundering and financial investigative techniques as well as conducting investigations in the region.

The Military Liaison Office (MLO) works with the defense forces to provide training, equipment and infrastructure development.  Over US $3 million has been provided within the region in the last three years. This includes vehicles, equipment, armament and uniforms, as well as needs assessments and technical training support, particularly for maritime branches.

The consular section of the Embassy issued nearly 39,000 visas during 2005.  This hard working team of people also provides American Citizen Services and passport services for not only Barbados, but serves 10 other countries and territories as well.  It is heartening to know that so many people look forward to visiting families in the U.S., seeking opportunity for a bright future in the U.S. or simply coming for holidays.  Obviously, with these numbers, we are pleased to know that the United States is viewed as the land of opportunity.

The Public Affairs section has awarded 17 fellowships for Masters and doctoral degrees to scholars from the region over the past three years, provided media training for over 60 journalists, and offered Humphrey fellowships, National Science Camp scholarships and other small workshop opportunities. The International Visitors program has offered more than twenty highly sought after, in-depth, professional U.S. tours, valued at US $200,000, in a variety of governmental, academic and law enforcement fields.  These tours allow Caribbean professionals to observe and interact with American experts in their fields, and with a wide cross-section of their international counterparts they would otherwise have no opportunity to meet.  The Public Affairs section also brings cultural events such as jazz concerts and workshops, and Caribbean-American author Elizabeth Nunez to present their work and interact with local artists.

Most recently, the collaborative efforts between the United States Department of Homeland Security and the nations of CARICOM will result in the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).  This important system will assist in monitoring the identity of those traveling in the region.  Although this project began as a security initiative for the World Cup Cricket Matches, it will be a legacy system that will provide border safety and security on into the future.

Some Caribbean leaders have been publicly critical of the United States, stating their opinion that the USG has neglected or forgotten this region in recent years. This is disappointing - especially to the many persons who are providing support and assistance here in the Eastern Caribbean.  Hopefully, the information I have provided makes a convincing case that the USG continues to have vital interests in this region and continues to support its neighbors on the third border in a multiplicity of ways. 

Our nations have much in common.  We share a belief in democratic systems, where there are free and fair elections.  We share a belief in the respect for the rule of law and for human rights, both with functioning judiciary systems and highly competent law enforcement institutions.  We share a belief in the importance of high quality public education for all students and in public health systems that serve all citizens.  With these shared core values, the issues on which we disagree do not prevent the bonds of friendship from continuing.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to strengthen those bonds of friendship.  My husband Kay and I have been warmly welcomed and have experienced universally gracious hospitality from all the people of the Eastern Caribbean and Barbados.  We will take away many wonderful memories - and friendships that will continue on into the future.

Dear Friends, we thank you for sharing your beautiful countries with us; we look forward to visiting and vacationing here in the future.