America Week 2009: Barisal
Thoughts from Ambassador James F. Moriarty
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day Three: Development Cooperation in Action
I visited some U.S. Government-funded development projects today that really drove home for me the scope of our work in the Barisal region. I visited the Save the Children warehouse, which distributes all U.S. food assistance in the Barisal division. The warehouse also holds supplies for disaster relief, such as ambulances, zodiac boats, and water purification equipment. Having lunch with Save the Children staff was a great chance to meet with people who are making our projects a reality every day.
I was also amazed by the level of creativity of alternative energy sources that the U.S. Government is funding through Grameen Shakti. We traveled an hour outside of Barisal town to visit the house of Mr. Malik and four generations of his family. After their gracious welcome, we got to see the ways he is using alternative energy sources developed by Grameen Shakti with U.S. Government support. These include having solar-powered lights and television, a covered stove that saves energy, and a power generation plant using cow dung as fuel—which also produces fertilizer as a by-product that he can sell. Grameen Shakti will be building six new Grameen Technology Centers in Barisal division, training hundreds of technicians in the process.
This sort of creative and effective development cooperation is central to the U.S. goal of working with Bangladeshis for a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh. Seeing these projects reminded me how proud I am of the work we do here.
Later, after a final dinner to close America Week activities, I felt proud again, watching a biography of President Barack Obama with our guests. I am proud of how my nation embraced the ideals of our founders—that all men are created equal—and voted for a candidate based on his platform and capabilities rather than on the color of his skin. I am glad we had this chance to share America and her ideals with the people of Barisal this week—and to hear the voices of the people of Barisal in exchange. The dialogue begun this week will continue, and that means the impact of America Week will last for a long time.
Posted by Ambassador James F. Moriarty
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day Two: Meeting the Future of Bangladesh
Today gave me a chance to meet many young people—something I always enjoy. I believe that young people are the future of Bangladesh, and the recent national elections, with high turnout from first-time voters, showed the power that youth can have. As Bangladesh and the U.S. both undergo political transitions, young people will play a key role in determining the paths our countries will follow.
I had an opportunity to visit Barisal’s B.M. College, where I met many enthusiastic Honors and Masters students during a program on American higher education. I was happy to see the interest students showed in getting graduate degrees in the U.S.—and even happier to witness their passion for Bangladesh and their desire to use their education for the good of this country.
I also met many young people at the Barisal Cricket Diplomacy event, where I got to swing a bat before a match played by local police and Bangladesh National Team players. It was great to see young people and local police coming together for such a fun community event.
Community spirit runs high in Barisal, and I am glad to have the chance to join this community during America Week. The people of Barisal have been so welcoming and so positive—I am thoroughly enjoying my time here.
Posted by Ambassador James F. Moriarty
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day One: Off to a Great Start!
I arrived in Barisal today for the launch of America Week. I received a warm welcome from Mayor Showkat Hossain Hiron before we cut the ribbon to open the event officially. I really enjoyed walking through the booths and seeing the enthusiasm of the partners who work with the U.S. Government on development projects. Hearing them talk about the great work being done in health, agriculture, governance, disaster management, and many other areas really highlighted the great work in which the U.S. Government is involved.
While talking to our partners was a great experience, it was even more meaningful to see the projects for myself. Today I visited a World Fish CAARP program site, where I learned about our efforts to rehabilitate the local fish ponds that Cyclone Sidr devastated. I also visited a Blue Star Clinic, where I saw patients receiving treatment from a rural pharmacist. I like to talk about development cooperation as an integral part of the U.S. relationship with Bangladesh—and seeing these sites reminded me how much we can accomplish working together.
And tonight, I enjoyed the music of Groove Therapy, a band playing American jazz and blues music. This music is one of America’s great cultural traditions, and I was happy that we could bring the sounds and rhythms of jazz and blues to Barisal.
Tomorrow will be another busy day here in Barisal. There will be plenty for everyone to enjoy, from the booths during the day to movie screenings to a performance of “pot songs” by the NGO Rupantar in the evening. Hope to see you there!
Posted by Ambassador James F. Moriarty
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Getting Ready for Barisal
Tomorrow is the start of America Week in Barisal, and I think it should be an interesting—and fun—trip. This will be my first time in Barisal, but I visited the region to personally view the devastation brought by Cyclone Sidr. I also heard a lot about Barisal from the U.S. Embassy staff who spent time there after the cyclone. Hearing about the spirit and determination of the people there in the face of terrible adversity made me eager to see this beautiful area for myself.
This should be a great week—we’ll be taking a piece of America to Barisal with performances, book giveaways, visits to USAID partner sites, and presentations on the U.S. Embassy’s work in Bangladesh. I am eager to see some of the great work being funded by the U.S. Government—and, of course, to meet and talk with the people of Barisal.
I will be talking to them about the challenges our nations must face together: promoting democracy, fostering development, and creating a secure environment. It is crucial that both our new governments, and our peoples, work hand in hand to accomplish these goals.
Stay tuned as I write about my experience in Barisal throughout the week. I look forward to telling you all about it!
Posted by Ambassador James F. Moriarty
News from Dhaka
America Week 2009
Photo Gallery
