Thank you all for being here to celebrate Earth Day and the U.S. Embassy Gaborone joining the League of Green American Embassies. We are honored by the presence of former President Khama this morning; one of Africa’s great democratic leaders and one of the world’s foremost champions of conservation. This is another opportunity to offer congratulations to President Masisi and members of his administration as they carry forth from the Khama administration the baton of democracy, development, peace, stability in this remarkable country. Finally let me also congratulate the Batswana champions and competitors from the Commonwealth Games. They made us proud! Pula! As you can see behind me, U.S. flags are at half-staff at official U.S. facilities around the world in honor of former First Lady Barbara Bush. A woman of strength, humor, and a graciousness that sadly today seems almost of another time. Thank you, Your Excellency, for reaching out personally to your friend, former President George W. Bush, to offer your condolences. I am in my seventh year in Botswana. I served at our embassy from 1995 – 98 as a junior officer and am now in my fourth year as U.S. ambassador. Alas, my assignment in Botswana…
↧