Speeches

Abaco Science Alliance Conference

January 6, 2006

Thank you for your kind invitation to speak this morning, at the opening of this conference involving two of The Bahamas most precious resources:  its environment and its young people.  I would like to specifically thank Michael Albury, Anita Knowles and  "Friends of the Environment" for their tireless work for the environment and for their organization of this event.  
 
My interest in the environment, and in The Bahamas, goes back to my childhood, when I spent time here with my family.  These issues are personal to me.  In fact, I started my public life as commissioner and chairman of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a body charged with exercising regulatory oversight over the state’s freshwater, marine and wild animal life. 
During my tenure, the Commission worked for the careful scientific management and conservation of Florida’s aquatic resources, particularly the endangered manatee.  I’ve been blessed as Ambassador to carry my environmental interests to my work. 
In Abaco, I had the chance to visit recently to observe – and even participate – in a controlled burn program.
 
More broadly in the region, the embassy is pleased to help the U.S. effort to promote environmental partnerships and support the U.S. belief that the impact of our assistance is greater when the strengths and resources of a range of actors are brought to bear on problems.  When I think of U.S. environmental partnerships, I think of the Water for the Poor Initiative and the International Coral Reef Initiative.   I think of the White Water to Blue Water Project and the Climate Change Progam.  I think of USAID’s Global Development Alliance and its nearly 5 billion-dollar partnership program to ensure environmentally friendly sustainable development.
 
It is particularly important to mention partnerships here today, as we enjoy the fruits of wonderful scientific cooperation between The Bahamas and the United States. 
I see the strength of our relationship and I see the future of grand accomplishment through cooperative effort.  You can count on the United States to be a willing partner in these ongoing efforts.
 
As you know, the Bahamian economy depends upon a rich environmental bounty.  Increasingly, tourists want to know about the quality of beaches and reefs, about the variety of plant and bird life, and about clear blue waters.  The Bahamas economic development and the future well being of its citizens depend on sustainable development and the intelligent management of its marine and land resources.   Protection of the environment is our moral duty, but it is also good business.  
 
In the course of the next several days, you will learn much about the benefits of cooperation on scientific and environmental issues.  The synergy that will be created at this meeting will help advance our common goal -- to learn about and protect The Bahamas’ ecosystems.  This conference surely shows the strength in sharing of information, the strength of cooperative science and the strength of the friendship between the United States and The Bahamas. 
 
I am so proud to see the many American Universities represented at this conference.  I was touched to learn what Dr. Craig Layman of Yale University has done with local high school students.  Persons like Dr. Layman do much to help our diplomatic efforts by showing the true caring of the American people.  These personal efforts greatly advance our common interests and our mutual understanding.
 
Finally, I would like to give a special welcome to students here this morning from Abaco’s high schools.  It warms my heart to see your interest in the environment and in science.  Your presence at this conference makes it a more important conference.  Not only will we share knowledge between scientists, we will be playing a part in molding the future leaders of Abaco.  Thank you for adding this focus for us.  While you learn today about the restoration of Cross Harbour Sound Creek or Bahama Parrot, please also think more broadly about how these topics impact the Bahamian economy and international environmental cooperation.
 
Now I will let our American speakers and scientists here demonstrate cooperative commitment to the environment and to The Bahamas.  Their actions speak much louder than my words, and I thank them for serving as an example for us all, and especially for our visiting students.
 
Welcome to Abaco everyone.  I wish you a productive conference.  To the high school students, I leave you with my strongest encouragement.  Learn from these distinguished scientists.  Study hard, work hard and turn your beliefs into action.  I hope someday you will become The Bahamas’ next generation of scientists and leaders. 
 
Thank you.