USSOUTHCOM Humanitarian Assistance Project Closing Ceremony

Resistencia, Chaco August 13, 2008

“Governor Capitanich, Vice Governor, Ministers, Mayors, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in these final days of this exceptional project. Partnerships such as these continue to demonstrate the commitment of the Government of the United States work with our friends to provide assistance and help where it is desired and needed most.
 
Chaco is a beautiful region, but that does not mean it is immune from natural disasters. Over the years Chaquenos have faced floods, droughts and forest fires. We are here today to celebrate your enhanced capacity to respond to the next crisis.

As demonstrated recently in the terrible tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, one of the most challenging aspects of disaster relief is coordination between national, provincial and local governments and agencies. It often seems as if each organization speaks a completely different language. Effective communication, especially during a crisis, is the single most important aspect of providing aid and assistance to those at risk. By bringing together the Civil Defense professionals from the Province here in Chaco with their counterparts from San Martin, Sauzalito, Villa Angela, Puerto Tirol, Barranqueras and Tres Isletas, I hope this course has helped to reduce these “language” barriers and contribute to a more effective organization.

We are delighted that Mr. Orlando Tejada was selected to assist in this project. As many of you already know, his experience in Disaster Relief planning and Civil Defense organization dates back to 1978. His work throughout Central America, in his home country of El Salvador, and in ten other Latin American nations is extensive and impressive. While the threats from natural disasters may differ in each country and region, as I am sure Orlando could tell us, fundamentally sound and efficient governmental organizations with planned responses at the ready are the key to dealing with natural disasters. I have no doubt that while he has been here to mentor these training sessions, he too has learned a tremendous amount from the experts here in Chaco, who have responded to such a wide variety of problems.

It is my hope that the continued exchange of information, ideas and experiences will reinforce the strong friendship the United States and Argentina have enjoyed over our long history together. Disaster relief planning and preparation is one of the most important services any government provides for its citizens. These tragic events test the ingenuity, strength and will of the responders such as yourselves, but there is no greater reward than assisting those in a crisis when they need it most.  I am very pleased that my country, the United States of America, has been able to play a role in helping Chaco to become better prepared.

Once again, I thank you for the opportunity to be here with you today.