CDRE Thomas Negus, USN October 29 2010 11:38:11 PM
We stood at attention, and I could feel the suited shoulders of the Suriname Ministers of Defense and Justice on either side of me as they swayed microscopically through the Surinamese anthem. A young woman beautifully sang the foreign Anthem and the Air Force band artfully blended the end of her performance into the beginning drum roll of our own. Anthems complete, the line of dignitaries in the front waited for the Vice President of Suriname, Mr. Robert Ameerali to make the first move, and once perceived, we all sat down together. The CONTINUING PROMISE opening ceremony had begun.
We were seated in the atrium of the hospital that is hosting our primary medical site in the center of the city. It was warm, but open windows and a number of large stand-up fans kept the air circulating as one after another we walked to the podium and spoke. Red, white, and blue bunting and posters of our mission from previous countries were arrayed about the room. Eight microphones and recorders were positioned on the podium, and as many cameras seemed to be rolling behind the rows of spectators - Suriname is news hungry and this was big news.
Our Ambassador, Mr. John Nay, spoke about the durability of a relationship with Suriname that extended back 220 years - the U.S. opened a Consulate in this very city of Paramaribo in 1790! I spoke of our conviction in the value of strong partnership and thanked the assembled guest for the great reception we have received. The Minister of Health provided a well informed and detailed overview of the many services CONTINUING PROMISE is providing during our stay. Finally the Vice President addressed the cameras and crowd. He was very appreciative of the opportunity to host CONTINUING PROMISE again - the mission visited Paramaribo in 2007 - and in addition to thanking "His Excellency, the President of the U.S., Mr. Barack Obama" (common terminology for distinguished people in Suriname), he thanked the American people for their generosity and hoped that humanitarian missions would continue in the future.
With the end of his remarks, our band played a fanfare as we filed to the front of the clinic area and cut a ceremonial ribbon symbolizing the opening of CONTINUING PROMISE operations. We enjoyed a tour of the facility and the distinguished entourage got an opportunity to see all of our services in action as our medical providers treated Surinamese citizens. Several of the Ministers joked about getting in line themselves, particularly when we were visiting the eye clinic.
Overall, this was a very well organized ceremony that highlighted the eagerness with which Suriname has waited for our visit, and the long line of citizens reinforced the words of thanks from the Ministers inside. It was a wonderful way to welcome CONTINUING PROMISE, and a wonderful way to start the mission.
Our work has begun.
