Speeches

Remarks by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz,
at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for CJTF-HOA and Seabees Projects
Praslin Island, Seychelles

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Captain Kurt Scott;

Mrs. Nicette, Representative from the Ministry of Health

Distinguished guests and friends;

I am very pleased to be here as you break ground for the sites of the new mortuary at Baie St. Anne Hospital and the renovation of the Anse La Blague Medical Clinic.  I am proud of the work that is going to take place in Praslin over the next several months by the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) personnel and the U.S. Navy Seabees.  I’d like to take a moment to recognize the ultimate sacrifice paid by the late Petty Officer Emeroy Turpin, who died tragically while in Seychelles one year ago.

These projects are being funded by the U.S. Government through the Department of Defense.  They began in 2005 with an official request from the Ministry of Health.  Along with the refurbishment of the St. Elizabeth Orphanage on Mahe in 2005, these projects represent a continuation of CJTF-HOA’s commitment to working with and assisting the Seychelles.  The mission of CJTF-HOA is to collaborate with nations in East Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and protect Coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism.

The Praslin projects will cost an estimated USD 125,000, or almost 700,000 Seychelles Rupees.  At this site, a larger and more efficient facility will replace the existing morgue.  In this manner, the occasional burden of insufficient capacity placed on the Baie St. Anne Hospital will be relieved.  In providing greater mortuary capacity and a family waiting area, the islands of Praslin, La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and the outer islands will be better served. 

Work will soon begin at the Anse La Blague Medical Clinic.  The clinic will be completely renovated and will once again be a usable facility, providing routine services locally that now require travel by the Anse La Blague residents.

The commitment and dedication of CJTF-HOA and the U.S. Navy Seabees is representative of the strong relationship that exists between the United States of America and the Republic of the Seychelles.  The projects are both symbolic and functional in nature, and can only strengthen the ties between our two countries.  The American people can be proud to support these projects.  I hope the Seychellois look upon them as a tangible product of the continuing friendship between our governments and peoples.

Lastly, it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to visit Praslin for the first time and to meet with you today.  As the Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Seychelles on many occasions and have enjoyed the Seychellois hospitality.  In a few weeks the new Ambassador, Mr. Cesar Cabrera, will be visiting the Seychelles, and I know that he will enjoy the same warmth and hospitality that has been shown to me over the last sixteen months.

Personal thanks to CDR Joey Dodgen and Admiral Hunt for the leadership and commitment they have demonstrated over the past five months.  During this period they turned the power of HOA into a reality which will be of lasting benefit to the people of Seychelles and the U.S.

Thank you.