Ambassador Perry's Speeches

Remarks for Ambassador June Carter Perry’s Inaugural Press Conference
United States Embassy, December 14, 2007 10:00 a.m.

Good Morning and thank you for joining us here today for our discussion at the United States Embassy.  Although I arrived in Freetown for the first time in September, I have not had a chance to formally interact with the press due to many local events as well as international meetings in Washington, D.C. and New York.  I am honored that President George W. Bush has appointed me, with the consent of the United States Senate, to represent him and the government and people of the United States of America in your country with which we have historic ties, as demonstrated by the presence of the Amistad ship now in Freetown’s harbor.   Thank you for your extensive coverage of the coverage of the original Sierra Leoneans on board and of the active role the United States played in securing their freedom from slavery.

I appreciate your patience until now given our joint schedules and hope that I can answer any questions you have for me.  Before opening the floor, however, I’d like to take this opportunity to outline for you my priorities for my time here in Sierra Leone. The United States shares many of the goals of your government and the people of Sierra Leone.  Already in my short time here I can see that there is huge potential for progress in this country, and the will to make it happen is there.

We are committed to working as partners with Sierra Leone in order to achieve a more democratic and prosperous environment. I know democracy has taken firm root here. Before I arrived in Sierra Leone, I watched with admiration as the national elections unfolded in such a free and transparent manner.  When His Excellency the President assumed office, I was particularly impressed by his pledge to unite all Sierra Leoneans as one nation and to put aside all differences.  His commitment to a government of national unity, reassurances to those who are no longer in office, and pledge to address the difficult challenges facing Sierra Leone have been admirable.

Sierra Leone has set a fine example for other countries, not just in the region, but throughout Africa and the world.  The national elections were a concrete expression of the progress Sierra Leone has made in recent years.  I would like to reiterate my government’s commendation to the National Elections Commission led by Dr. Christiana Thorpe, the Sierra Leone Police, and the people of Sierra Leone.  Citizens’ eagerness to cast their vote, without fear of retribution, is the first step in rebuilding confidence in government
I am fully aware of the many challenges you face and the high expectations of all Sierra Leoneans who voted in the most recent elections.  Just as the new government has pledged good governance and economic reforms for the people of Sierra Leone, I pledge to you our continued collaboration at this critical juncture in Sierra Leone's history.  Please rest assured that the United States will support the efforts of the people and government of Sierra Leone to encourage reform and social and economic development. 

Through our assistance programs, we will continue to promote local governance, agricultural development, responsible mining, food security and education. I am also committed to assisting Sierra Leone in its efforts to take advantage of more opportunities through the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  I hope, too, that, together we can craft a way forward for Sierra Leone to qualify for Millennium Challenge Corporation involvement in the future.

As a result of Sierra Leone’s successful elections, our mutual standards for democracy in Sierra Leone are high.  Peaceful transition of power was a momentous step, but it was only the first step.  We have high hopes for the next five years.  We hope to see increased respect for the rule of law and civil authority, a more autonomous judiciary, and economic development, encouragement of business, and strong anti-corruption measures.

I have been particularly encouraged by the new government’s open declaration that there will be “zero tolerance” for corruption.  Corruption eats away at the fabric of government and society and robs future generations of a brighter and prosperous future.  I look forward to supporting Sierra Leone’s initiatives to combat corruption, promote government transparency and effectiveness, and to open the doors of opportunity to all Sierra Leoneans no matter their age, gender, or affiliation. 

I also personally plan to reach out to private organizations to encourage them to provide assistance to Sierra Leone.  Private foundations and corporations harness tremendous good will and resources.  During my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho, I had a very successful experience in attracting private sector support to key areas, such as health. I fully intend to build on this positive experience.

Democratic societies by definition respect human rights, and a particular concern of the United States is the status of women and children, most notably the problem of Trafficking in Persons. I applaud the Sierra Leone Government for their initiatives to implement and enforce the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and I offer our continued support to the Trafficking in Persons Task Force.  Equal status for women is essential to each country’s ability to advance international, multilateral bodies as well as the as well as the U.S. Millennium Challenge Account criteria posit the equity of women as a major criteria for eligibility.  We look forward to Sierra Leone’s active advancement of women’s rights.

One of my principal responsibilities is to promote good relations on all levels between our governments and our peoples. Like my predecessor Ambassador Hull, I have a long connection to the Peace Corps, having served at the Washington headquarters as Director of Public Affairs for all U.S. government action on volunteer programs and abroad with my husband when he was a Peace Corps Country Director in South America and Asia.  Peace Corps volunteers in Sierra Leone would have vast potential to impact positively the areas in which they serve.  I hope to see the return of the Peace Corps to Sierra Leone as soon as this is administratively possible.

Each of you who has joined us today represents a great hope for Sierra Leone.  A free press is essential to every democracy, and I have been impressed with the vivaciousness of the media here.  As Ambassador to your Republic, I look forward to frequent, cordial and frank dialogue with you, the press, and with the people of Sierra Leone so that together we can achieve our shared objectives.  

Thank you again for your participation during this busy, festive season.