Speeches

U.S. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON CONSULTATIVE GROUP MEETING FOR SIERRA LEONE

November 30, 2006

DCM Elizabeth Pratt Delivered U.S. Government Statement on Consultative Group Meeting for Sierra Leone

      Your Excellency, The Vice President, honorable ministers, distinguished participants and Madam Chair.  The United States would like to congratulate Sierra Leone on the achievements so far and for the presentations by the Government of Sierra Leone.  The report by Dr. Kamara of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on Pillar III, Human Development, just concluded in this session, is an excellent example and he has provided an excellent overview, set solid, measurable objectives and mapped out a near and short term strategy to identify needs.  Perhaps what is most illustrative is that the presentation reinforces a discussion of yesterday – that no one entity can accomplish anything in isolation.  Addressing Sierra Leone’s human development needs is a job for all ministries and entities –not just the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

          There has been progress since the Consultative Group meeting a year ago in London.  While much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. That is why we are all here.  What is next?

          The honesty of the dialogue has been excellent.  Our donor partners, the government of Sierra Leone and civil society have achieved a level of frankness in this meeting that creates a positive framework for taking the long, hard look necessary on how to achieve further results from the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.  Throughout this meeting, there have been many needs identified for Sierra Leone.  Access to water, adequate sanitation, improved maternal and child health care, education, electricity, and transportation are only some of the areas that have been highlighted.

          The United States shares the commitment and partnership that seeks to assist Sierra Leone as it looks at ways to consolidate security and encourage sustainable growth through youth employment, capacity building and private sector strengthening.

          Many themes have emerged over the course of this meeting, and we agree that it is important to focus on achievable results in the next and subsequent years.  Not every goal laid out in this meeting can be accomplished, hence it is important to identify priorities, outline strategies with concomitant regulatory frameworks, and establish targets with realistic expectations.  Capacity, or the lack of it, has been perhaps the most repeated word in this meeting. But, we would like to add that along with capacity building through training and technical assistance, a culture of accountability of performance must be inculcated.  Responsible leadership can show the way.  For example, just as there are benchmarks and targets set for projects, performance standards for those who carry out these projects can be established.

          We would like to reiterate another theme that has evolved over the course of this meeting. A number of speakers have highlighted that no one area can be developed in isolation and succeed in a vacuum.  The presentation we have just listened to on Pillar III, Human Development, is an excellent example of this.  Security and peace cannot be sustained without responsible governance and a vibrant private sector.  Along these lines, we believe private sector development provides the linkages for growth – employment, infrastructure, resource development and responsibly harvesting Sierra Leone’s rich natural resource base.  A strong private sector would address many of the youth unemployment needs and potential threats to security and peace.

          In addition to all these areas, the United States would like to emphasize the importance of credible elections in 2007 and 2008. The electoral process must be conducted with transparency and fairness, and be perceived as such by all stakeholders. Most importantly, the voters of Sierra Leone must feel that their voices are respectfully heard.  Successful national elections in a secure environment will be a watershed in the history of Sierra Leone and will reflect the success of the consolidation of peace.

          Your Excellency, Mr. Vice President, the United States remains committed to the growth and prosperity of Sierra Leone and we will continue to use our assistance to support the national goals of Sierra Leone as set forth in the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

          Thank you.