Speeches

Remarks by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, at the Coast Guard Training Seminar Graduation

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 
Cargo Handling Corporation

The Honorable Anil Bachoo, Minister of Environment and National Development Unit
Mr. Dan Bhima, Chairman of the Cargo Handling Corporation
Senior Police Commanders
Participants, Trainers, Honored Guests

First, I’d like to thank the Office of the Prime Minister for its continued support of and participation in our International Military Education and Training Program.  I’d also like to thank the Cargo Handling Corporation and the Mauritius Ports Authority for providing the facilities and the food and refreshments for this ten-day training course.  Finally, I would like to recognize the U.S. Coast Guard trainers, Lieutenant Junior Grade Raymond McKay and Chief Petty Officer Noell Bolleurs, who conducted this training program.

I want to pay tribute to the U.S. Coast Guard which I believe to be without peer among all similar agencies worldwide.  One of the under recognized aspects of Hurricane Katrina was the awesome effort put forth by the U.S. Coast Guard to rescue thousands of people from the storm and flooding.  Rarely has they had to operate on that scale and they did a tremendous job, saving hundreds or thousands of lives.

Congratulations to all the graduates of this Marine Safety and Environmental Security Training Course.  Your participation demonstrates that you, your organization, and your government are committed to upholding the highest international standards of marine safety.  I’m pleased that such a wide range of organizations are represented here today. 

The U.S. Embassy organized this program as part of IMET – the International Military Education and Training Program.  IMET is a worldwide program that seeks to impart skills and knowledge, develop mutually beneficial military-to-military relationships, and promote democratic values, human rights, and regional stability. 

The IMET Program, funded by the United States government and administered by the Department of State, was established in Mauritius in 1997.  This year, the Embassy has awarded IMET grants totaling Rs 3.8 million to the Government of Mauritius for military and civilian training.  We hope to see the continued success of these training programs – measured not just by levels of participation, but also by how the training is put into use.  I ask you to share what you have learned with your colleagues.

As a leading maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, it is vital that Mauritius continues to develop its capabilities and improve environmental standards.  The participation of Minister Bachoo in this event is evidence that this is already recognized.  The ocean surrounding Mauritius is one of its most valuable resources—supporting trade, transport, fishing and tourism.  Maintaining the international reputation and economic viability of these waters requires following safety and security standards as well as taking measures to protect the marine environment.  This is a value shared equally by my government.

Last week President Bush signed a proclamation creating the world’s largest protected marine environment, a 1400 mile strip of water surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  At the signing ceremony he said “The vibrant beauty of the oceans is a blessing to our country.  And it’s a blessing to the world.  The oceans contain countless natural treasures. They carry much of our trade; they provide food and recreation for billions of people.  We have a responsibility, a solemn responsibility, to be good stewards of the oceans and the creatures who inhabit them.”  I think everyone here would agree with that statement.

Again, congratulations to the graduates of this course and thank you to those who helped make it possible.  I would now like to ask Minister Bachoo to say a few words.