Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Mr. Jason Altmire, a distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield 1 minute to Dr. Steve Kagen, who would share his views with us.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have two speakers so I think I will reserve my time at this time until we can get a little equality in the time. I think I only have 2\1/2\ minutes.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Fellow Members, I want to thank Chairman Costello and Chairman Oberstar for their cooperation and working together as a team with our Republican colleagues to get this job done. Quite frankly, I thought it was almost going to be pro forma when I knew that the Ways and Means Committee was going to receive this bill for the purposes of providing revenue. So I was a little surprised that when the issue actually came before the full committee, rather than dealing with the question of revenue, I had to deal with the question of outrage. There was not a liberal, conservative, Republican or Democrat that didn't believe that this was our time to tell these aviation people that we passengers have been suffering in such a way that we were going to express it through the tax system. People on the tarmac for 3, 4, 5 hours; flights being cancelled; weather conditions we never heard of; overcrowding. And we were of the belief that when they came to raising the revenue, that General Aviation, these small planes were congesting the airs and we were going to make them pay dearly for it, and Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello was asking us to take a deep breath. I told them it wasn't me. But the committee said that this bill is not going to leave our committee unless we have some fingerprints on this thing to let them know that we feel the outrage for our constituents and we want them to know it. And so we made the political mistake of having Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello come to a caucus and to share with us what the problem was. It was one of those times that you really felt better if you didn't know the extent of the problem and just did what you were supposed to do. He had the people explain that, yes, we have problems with General Aviation, but these commercial airlines are having these routes being filled with smaller planes and so they are filling the air. And then FAA was saying that we have a plan that will go in effect for 2020, but we don't have enough money to implement it. And then the air traffic controller said, and we need 2 or 3 years to train our people and they won't pay us for it. And then they said that they could handle twice the congestion in the air if only they had more landing fields, but geographically there was no space for additional landing fields. And so then we said: What is it you really want, Chairman Oberstar? And we have really walked away thanking them for incorporating some of the ideas of our committee, as Mike Thompson and Lloyd Doggett, and having the Passengers Bill of Rights. But we want the FAA to know that these long-ranged plans of modernization, for those of us that are in advanced years, we don't really believe that we are going to have to wait in order for us to be treated as human beings. Not as congresspeople, not as big shots, not as VIPs, but we know that changes can be made. And we will be depending on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to continue to work with us to make certain that we fulfill our commitment to the American people to make it easier for us to use the airways. I want to thank you for your cooperation, and I look forward to working with you.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 26th anniversary of the Independence of Belize, which will be on September 21, 2007. On September 21, 1981, Belize became an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly British Commonwealth. Belize is located in South America and is a member of the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. Belize is an extraordinary country because of its people. Nowhere else in the world are people with diverse ethnicities and heritage so unified and harmonious. The country's population consists of people with Mayan, African, European, Afro-European, and Afro-Amerindian ancestry, just to name a few. In recent years, people of Asian descent have made Belize their home. Due to globalization and other factors the world is getting smaller and smaller. It will be important for countries to be unified in order to interact politically, economically, and culturally within the world. Belize's diverse and unified characteristics can serve as a model to other nations struggling with internal conflict and peace. I offer congratulations to the people of Belize as they celebrate their independence. I encourage people from all over the world to look to Belize for inspiration and hope for a better world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Gisele A. Marcus from Harlem who was awarded the distinction of being ``Top 50 Under 50 Corporate Executives with MBA Degrees'' by Diversity MBA Magazine. I appreciate the effort of Diversity MBA Magazine for recognizing the achievements of young minority corporate executives. Ms. Marcus was born and raised in my hometown, Harlem, NY. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and her master's degree in business administration from Harvard University. Ms. Marcus is currently the North America customer business director for Johnson Controls' building efficiency business and manages a portfolio of more than $15 million. She leads a team of facility and workplace management staff in the Global Workplace Solutions operation in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to her impressive career achievements, Ms. Marcus has also contributed to civic leadership which shows her commitment to the community. She is a board member of the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, the Gateway Foundation, a 2007 leadership fellow at the Leadership Greater Chicago, a lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association, and is the recipient of the ``Distinguished Women in Business'' award. I am very proud of Ms. Marcus for all her achievements and look forward to hearing more about her in the future. I wish her well in all her future endeavors. Harlem's Own Selected By Diversity MBA Magazine As ``Top 50 Under 50 Corporate Executive'' New York, NY.--Johnson Controls executive and Syracuse alumnus, Gisele A. Marcus, was selected by Diversity MBA Magazine for the publication's ``Top 50 Under 50 Executives with MBA Degrees''. Marcus is the North America customer business director for Johnson Controls' building efficiency business. Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions that's creating a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world. Managing a portfolio of more than $15 million, Marcus leads a team of facility and workplace management staff in the Global Workplace Solutions operation in the U.S. and Canada. She directs Johnson Controls' facilities management business for Ericcson, the world leading supplier of telecommunications, coordinating their project, leasing, and space planning requirements. Marcus, who was born and raised in Harlem, N.Y., has an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Harvard University. Along with her professional accomplishments, Marcus has an extensive list of civic leadership and involvement that demonstrates her commitment to the community, including: Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, board member; Gateway Foundation, board member; Leadership Greater Chicago, 2007 leadership fellow; National Black MBA Association, life member (prior vice president, Chicago chapter), and Women of Color in Technology ``Distinguished Women in Business'' award. ``To be recognized by such a significant publication is a tremendous honor,'' Marcus said. ``I am fortunate to work for a global company that sees the value of providing a diverse workplace environment and promotes excellence, leadership and teamwork. I hope the magazine's recognition for the entire group of 50 can be an inspiration to women and people of color.'' This is the third year that Diversity MBA Magazine has identified the ``Top 50 Under 50 Executives with MBA Degrees''. Awardees must hold a management position within a for-profit or non-profit organization, must currently serve on a board or be an active member of a volunteer organization for at least two years, and be responsible for a minimum budget of $1 million. In addition, each honoree must have profit and loss responsibilities and/or hold a position critical to growing the bottom line. Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce an article written by George Gedda entitled ``Light in Liberia'' published in World View. This article is about President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who assumed the office of presidency in Liberia on January 2006 after a democratic election in a country which in recent years suffered under the dictatorial rule of Charles Taylor. First Lady Bush and Secretary of State Rice attended her inaugural ceremony on January 16, 2006. President Sirleaf is the first African woman to be elected president in Liberia. She is on a mission to lift her people from the dark political legacy of ex-presidents, Charles Taylor and Samuel Doe when fraud, corruption, human rights abuses, and ethnic conflict were rampant. From 1989 to 1996, a civil war in Liberia claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians and displaced a million other people in refugee camps in neighboring countries. President Sirleaf herself endured torture as a military prisoner of Doe's rebel forces. During Taylor and Doe's administration over a 25 year period, the per capita income in Liberia dropped from $1000 to $120 according to the World Bank. President Sirleaf's leadership brings hope to Liberia. Seven months after her presidency, the lights came on in Liberia for the first time in 14 years on July 26, 2006 and water was turned on in some areas of the country. During her first year in office, school enrollment increased by 40%. Additionally, service to 350 health facilities in Liberia was reported restored. President Sirleaf is also taking a stance against corruption and increased transparency in her country by requiring all senior level government officials to publicly declare their assets. I praise President Sirleaf for these accomplishments and for her determination in steering her country towards the right direction. One of the biggest challenges that Liberia faces is addressing its national debt which, without relief, will continue to consume an inordinate amount of resources and cripple development in the country. The United States is providing support to Liberia. Just earlier this year, Secretary Rice announced the cancellation of Liberia's $391 million U.S. debt. President Sirleaf's tenacity and contribution is inspiring, and I applaud her for her leadership. Light in Liberia (By George Gedda) How bad off was Liberia after back-to-back civil wars? This is what President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said she found after taking office in January 2006: ``There was no electricity and no water. Schools and clinics had crumbled, and roads were impassable. Institutions of governance had completely collapsed, and corruption was rampant. Many youths have spent more time in war than in school. Average incomes had fallen 80 percent. Exports had collapsed. Over three-quarters of our people lived below the poverty line of one dollar per day.'' In November 2005, Sirleaf became the first African woman to be elected president. It was a hopeful sign after a generation of catastrophic misrule and warfare in Liberia. She brought a genuine commitment to her people and, seemingly, the wherewithal to make a positive difference. Her resume included a Master's degree from Harvard and 10 years' work on development issues at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations. She was a clear pick-me-up for Liberians following the era of Charles Taylor, responsible for many of the more than 200,000 deaths that occurred during the successive civil wars. Taylor fled Liberia in 2003 and, as of this past April, was awaiting trial before an international tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity for sponsoring a brutal rebellion in neighboring Sierra Leone. A 15,000-member UN peacekeeping force has been deployed in Liberia for four years. Its current mandate expires Sept. 30. The combination of war and repression forced Sirleaf to spend parts of two decades outside of Liberia, including most of the 1980-90 rule of President Samuel Doe. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she recalled the terror-filled moments when Doe's forces detained her in the mid-1980s: ``I was taken to the military prison. In fact, as we were going, they told me they were going to take me to the beach and bury me alive. They started in that direction, changed their minds, put me through tortures, put matches to my hair. They said, `We're going to burn your hair off,' but didn't do it. They would come as close as possible. It clearly was just meant to terrorize me.'' After her release, Sirleaf fled the country. In 1990, rebel forces tortured and murdered Doe, the same fate that befell his predecessor, President William Tolbert, in 1980. Sirleaf is now trying to help lift Liberia out of that grim political legacy and show what responsible leadership can achieve. With First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in attendance at her inaugural on Jan. 16, 2006, Sirleaf told her countrymen: ``We know that your vote was a vote for change, a vote for peace, security and stability, a vote for individual and national prosperity, a vote for healing and leadership. We have heard you loudly.'' One of the brighter days of Sirleaf's tenure occurred on July 26, 2006, when the lights came on in Liberia for the first time in 14 years, albeit only in a small section of the capital. The lighting illuminates streets, hospitals and office buildings. But most Liberians still have to fend for themselves after dark. Those with means use generators. Poorer folks rely on candles. Another milestone occurred when water was turned on in some areas. ``Our children danced in the streets. Some who only knew that water came out of a bucket realized that it could come out of a tap,'' Sirleaf recalled. Seldom has any country sunk as far as Liberia did under Taylor and the predecessor regime of Samuel Doe. During that 25-year period, per-capita income dropped from $1,000 to $120, according to the World Bank. Donor countries have been generous with pledges of assistance to Sirleaf's government but slow to fulfill them. She says: ``We need to shorten the road between commitments and cash.'' Health and education have been among Sirleaf's priorities. Official figures show that during her first year in office, the government increased school enrollment by 40 percent and provided school furniture throughout the country. Also, service is reported to have been restored to 350 health facilities in the country. In a speech on March 27 in Toronto, Sirleaf highlighted other advances: deactivation of 17,000 members of the old security forces, enrollment of more than 75,000 excombatants in reintegration programs, accommodating the return of over 100,000 people who had been forced from their homes during the war, balancing of the budget and increasing government revenues by 48 percent. Women are occupying more high government posts than ever before. Sirleaf, 68 and a grandmother of six, also is doing battle against Liberia's culture of corruption, requiring all senior level government officials to publicly declare their assets. She has repeatedly told her countrymen that the most reliable path to prosperity is relief from Liberia's huge international debt. The subject is discussed on radio talk shows, street corners, bars and even hospitals. Except for the periods of civil strife, the United States has had exceptionally close ties with Liberia, both symbolic and otherwise, almost from the founding of the country by freed American slaves in the 1840s. The capital, Monrovia, was named for James Monroe, the fifth American president. Liberia uses the dollar as its currency and may be the only country besides the United States and Burma to shun the metric system. A Liberian major general named George T. Washington once served as the country's top military officer. When the United States entered World War II, Liberia quickly announced its support. Among African countries, Liberia has often been among the major recipients of U.S. assistance. The United States has been eager to help Sirleaf succeed. Appearing at an international donor conference sponsored by the World Bank in February, Rice announced the cancellation of Liberia's $391 million U.S. debt. Other countries eliminated an estimated $300 million in bilateral debt. When Sirleaf returned home from the conference, Liberians cheered her successes as they lined the road on her 30-mile ride from the airport to the capital. The cancellations reduced Liberia's debt to $3 billion, the largest share of which is $1.6 billion owed to international lending institutions. There is also a $1 billion commercial debt. For technical reasons, Liberia does not yet qualify for relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative, a 1996 International Monetary Fund-World Bank program designed to assist poor countries with unmanageable debts. Anwarul K. Chowdury, an advocate at the United Nations for the interests of the world's poorest countries, says Liberia should be entitled to HIPC benefits because of its ``recent tumultuous history and current postconflict reconstruction efforts.'' The Campaign to Cancel Africa's Debt, an activist group, believes it is an outrage that Liberia is being asked to continue making payments on the ``odious and illegitimate'' debt accumulated by Sirleaf's authoritarian predecessors. ``Liberia needs 100 percent debt cancellation without harmful conditions in order to invest in its economy, rebuild the nation's infrastructure and fund essential public social services,'' the campaign said in a recent report. In her Toronto speech, Sirleaf said Liberia's total liability is equal to over 3,000 percent of the country's exports. She is urging wealthy countries to come up with a formula for a prompt easing of the debt burden. Even with generous debt relief, progress would be slow in coming. As an example, Sirleaf points to the decay of the tourism infrastructure. ``The roads, the hotels, the lights, the water, all of those things that tourists will require for their comfort are not there yet,'' she says. Also, she adds, there is no easy path for securing electricity for rural areas. Painstaking studies will be required just to determine whether hydroelectric power is the most suitable option. Sirleaf believes that Liberia could become an agricultural power, citing its abundant fertile soil and rainfalls. Liberia has been a principal world market supplier of latex, derived from rubber trees. The country also is believed well suited for rice, oil palm, pineapples, cassava, citrus, coffee and cocoa. Other potential revenue producers are gold, iron ore, timber and diamonds. And U.S. investors are showing interest. A one-day conference on private investment opportunities, held in conjunction with the donors conference in February, drew an overflow crowd of 400 registrants. Exports of timber were banned during Taylor's government by the U.N. Security Council because revenues were being used to finance the war in Sierra Leone. The ban was lifted last year, opening the way for a potentially lucrative market for Liberia. A Security Council prohibition on diamond exports remains in place pending certification that the stones are not used to finance conflict--as they were under Taylor's rule. Shortly before Sirleaf's visit to Washington, she welcomed China's president, Hu Jintao, to Monrovia. There was no official account of the outcome but a Liberian official said beforehand that plans called for the signing of commercial agreements involving rubber, timber and minerals. Further demonstrating China's interest in the resource-rich country is the presence of 500 Chinese peacekeepers in Liberia. Sirleaf says she's happy to receive assistance from China, so long as it doesn't increase her country's debt.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce an article published in the New York CARIB News on July 24, 2007 entitled, ``OAS- African Union Meeting Ends.'' This article is about the first working meeting between the Organization of American States (OAS) and the African Union (AU). The goals of this meeting were to strengthen the cooperation and to build on the democratic partnership between the member states of these two organizations. Secretary Rice was present during this meeting. The working sessions of the OAS-AU meeting covered several topics including: Promoting Democracy in Latin America and Africa: From Rhetoric to Reality; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Inter-American Democratic Charter; Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Promoting Democratic Values; Political Dialogue and Conflict Prevention; Protection and Promotion of Human Rights; and Santiago to Bamako: Democracy Promotion within the Community of Democratic Process. I am positive that the OAS-AU meeting was productive and strengthened the channels of communication between the two regions. I am eager about the prospect of an Americas-Africa Summit since the countries in both regions are sure to benefit from increased partnerships, knowledge exchange, and cooperation. [From the New York CARIB News, July 24, 2007] OAS-African Union Meeting Ends Washington.--The Organization of American States (OAS) and the African Union (AU) recently ended their first working meeting, resolved to strengthen their cooperation around the promotion of democracy, amidst calls for an Americas-Africa Summit to consolidate the ``democratic partnership'' of these regions. OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin wrapped up the historic two-day working session, calling for ``a meeting of both regions at the highest political level--an Americas- Africa Summit,'' which would help translate the noble objectives and intentions articulated at the two-day meeting, into ``real action to the benefit of both regions'' in the areas of trade, economy, security, health, and other areas. ``An Africa-Americas Summit could provide a valuable platform from which to build this democratic partnership between our regions; with a targeted, realistic and executable action agenda,'' Ramdin explained. Asserting that the strengthening of cooperation by regional organizations is even more relevant today than ever before, he said the just-concluded meeting focused on shared experiences and challenges faced by the Americas and Africa alike as they seek to promote and defend democracy. According to Ambassador Ramdin, the discussions underscored how challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion can undermine positive efforts to build democracies and peaceful societies in both continents. ``For democracy to be truly meaningful, the fruits of democracy must also nurture and feed the social and economic well being of our citizens,'' Ramdin went on to state, noting that ``expectations in both Africa and the Americas are high.'' During the meeting, the participants heard from a range of speakers, including United States Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky; former President of Cape Verde Antonio Mascaranhas Monteiro; Guatemala's Vice President Eduardo Stein; OAS Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs Dante Caputo; and AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Said Djinnit. The working sessions of the OAS-AU meeting covered a range of topics, among them: Promoting Democracy in Latin America and Africa: From Rhetoric to Reality; The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Inter-American Democratic Charter; Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Promoting Democratic Values; Political Dialogue and Conflict Prevention; Protection and Promotion of Human Rights; and Santiago to Bamako: Democracy Promotion within the Community of Democracies Process.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a report written in the New York CARIB News on July 24, 2007 entitled, ``Who Will Become the World's Top Teen?'' This article highlights the accomplishment of Hal Jackson, the group chairman of Inner City Broadcast Holdings, Inc., who created the Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International Scholarship Competition, The scholarship competition is now in its 37th year of existence and has promoted hundreds of Black teenaged women to a greater awareness of their beauty and intelligence. The most recent competition was held on Saturday, July 28, at the Harlem State Aaron Davis Hall. I applaud Mr. Jackson for his contributions in providing the opportunity for young women of every color the chance to compete for scholarships to the college or university of their choice. Who Will Become the World's Top Teen? Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International Scholarship Competition New York.--Long before reality TV competitions became a part of American culture, Hal Jackson, group chairman of Inner City Broadcast Holdings, Inc., created a unique opportunity for young women of every color to compete for scholarships to the college or university of their choice, based on talent, personality and achievement and appearance. Now in its 37th year of existence, Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International returns to New York, for its annual competition, which will be held Saturday, July 28 at Harlem Stage, Aaron Davis Hall, 135th and Convent Ave., New York City. Approximately 40 young ladies, ages 13 to 17 will vie for the coveted title of Miss Talented Teen International, currently being held by Raquel Winchester, a 16-year-old opera singer from Trinidad. Miss Winchester has spent the past year representing her country by making a series of personal appearances where she has displayed her exceptional winning talent. Unlike other contests, Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International features contestants who are role models in their communities who have mastered public speaking ability and skills which enhance their scholastic ability. Each contestant will have two minutes to perform the talent of their choice to judges who represent a myriad of fields. During the week of July 21-28, 2007, the contestants will tour New York City, visit Mayor Mike Bloomberg's office, and have an opportunity to visit 1190 AM-WLlB, and 107.5 FM-WBLS and the station for which Hal Jackson has broadcast his Sunday Classics for well over 20 years. In addition to touring the sites and rehearsing production numbers for the upcoming July 28th show, they will sample some of New York's finest cuisine. One of the week's highlights will be a dinner honoring individuals who have supported Talented Teens International on Thursday, July 26th at Tavern on the Green. During the dinner, special recognition will be given to various professionals, including musical legends Ashford and Simpson, who have donated their services to Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International in the past. For more information regarding Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International, contact 212-592-0413.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce an article entitled ``Promises of More To Come,'' published in the New York CARIB News on July 27, 2007. This article highlights the National Association of Barbados Organization's (NABO) Annual gathering in Queens, NY where 200-plus Bajans, people from Barbadian descent, were present. The NABO convention in Queens is a prime example of the rich diversity of cultures and people in New York City where a multiplicity of peoples from all over the world have come to live. It is exciting for me to know that events such as the NABO convention take place in New York City because I believe that the city benefits from the richness of cultures and exchange of ideas. The NABO convention is a fine example of this type of cultural exchange. [From CaribNews, July 27, 2007] Promises of More To Come (By Tony Best) The spacious hotel overlooking La Guardia Airport may not be in the heart of busy New York City but it is far from a drab, unexciting place to hold a convention. The Crowne Plaza's large ballroom, its theater-style meeting room, and the quiet Queens neighborhood may not offer the atmosphere of a City that never sleeps but it offered its own charm that grabbed and held the attention of the 200-plus Bajans who attended the National Association of Barbados Organization's annual gathering. The Bajans came from the across the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada and Britain. ``It turned out quite well for us,'' said Mike Cummings, Chairman of the NABO, an umbrella organization that brings together more than 20 associations of Barbadians in the U.S. and the Caribbean. ``The convention was one of the largest and among the best we have had so far.'' Pat Sobers-Fergusson, President of the Barbados-American Organization of Philadelphia, shared Cummings' assessments. ``It was my first NABO convention and I enjoyed it,'' she said. The convention, which began with an opening reception and a launching of a three-day EXPO, organized by the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, BIDC, ended with a church service at the hotel. And with eyes focused on Barbados where NABO plans to hold its 2008 convention, the meeting with its emphasis on youth may have set the stage for an interesting gathering on ``the rock,'' as Bajans often call their birthplace. ``I look forward to welcoming the membership of NABO, together with counterparts from Canada and the United Kingdom when you hold your joint homecoming conference in Barbados in 2008,'' said Dame Billie Miller, Barbados' Foreign Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade during a feature address at the awards banquet. ``The New York convention may have set the stage, the appropriate tone and atmosphere for what's to follow next year,'' said Jessica Odle, Consul-General in New York. The workshops, breakfast sessions, luncheon meeting, the EXPO, a dance in Brooklyn and other events were followed by the highlight of the convention, the awards banquet. Dame Billie took the opportunity to bring the Bajans up-to- speed on the recent U.S. Caribbean Conference in Washington, which she described as ``an unprecedented event on the landscape of Caribbean-United States relations.'' The Minister pointed out that the region's leaders, the West Indian Diaspora and the top officials of the Bush Administration, including President George Bush, senior members of Congress, the private sector, ``eminent scholars and entrepreneurs'' came together ``to build out a work program for interaction between the Caribbean community and the Caribbean Diaspora in the United States of America.'' Focusing on the Convention's theme of ``Rekindling Pride and Industry by mentoring our youth.'' Dame Billie said that with the 18-35 year olds accounting for about 30 per cent of the region's ``productive labor capacity,'' the youth in and out of the Caribbean and the Diaspora ``must be encouraged to contribute and produce.'' She cited the work being done by the ``Young Barbadian Professional Society as an example of what could be done, explaining that the ``mission of this Society is to use the intellectual capital of its members to further advance positive transformations in the Barbadian and Caribbean communities.'' Five Bajans were honored, some of them in their absence for their work at home and abroad. Rupert ``Rupee'' Clarke, the well-known entertainer was presented with the ``Pride of Barbados Award'' and Jonathan Ethelbert Graham, who has devoted ``a lifetime of service to cricket in Barbados'' was given a special recognition award. Community citations were presented to the Rev. Dr. Hamilton Taitt, a prominent pastor in the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Florida; Martin Ervin Greenidge, a ``role model'' in the California community where he lives and works; and the Rev. Canon Dr. Llewellyn Armstrong, Rector of Calvary/St. Cyprian's Church in Brooklyn. ``We all left New York with a feeling of satisfaction,'' said Ed Bushell, Consul-General in Miami who chaired many of the sessions during the convention. ``We all are looking forward to Barbados next year.''

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2467, a bill to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 69 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, NJ, as the ``Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building.'' I also urge my colleagues to support this bill. Congressman Guarini was born on August 20, 1924, in Jersey City, NJ. His career in public service began in the United States Navy during World War II, where he served on the USS Mount McKinley from 1944 to 1946. After the war, he decided to pursue higher education, earning a B.A. degree from Dartmouth, a J.D. degree from New York University, and a LL.M. from the same institution in 1955. From 1965 to 1972, he served in the New Jersey Senate and was elected to represent the 14th Congressional District of New Jersey in 1979 and retired in 1993. He was an active and productive member of the Ways and Means Committee, where I was proud to work closely with him to ensure income security and health care coverage for many Americans. In the spirit of this historic committee, Frank was a colleague who always sought to achieve bipartisanship. Congressman Guarini is a dear friend with whom I enjoyed working in this great body. I admire him not just because we have very similar backgrounds, but because I share his pride in his Italian-American heritage. He is fully entitled to the honor being bestowed today.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to take a moment to remember all of our military men and women who died in the line of service during this recess period. Men like Cpl. Juan Alcantara, who died on August 6, 2007, in Baqubah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to Department of Defense reports, Corporal Alcantara died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. This news was especially heart wrenching for me because Cpl. Alcantara was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, Washington, the same infantry division that I served in during the Korean War. This fallen hero moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic at the age of 5 and graduated from Edward Reynolds West Side High School in my district. Like many soldiers who are fighting in Iraq, he enlisted in the Army with the hopes of one day being able to earn enough money to attend college and to secure the military's lucrative post-service benefits. He dreamed of obtaining 60 college credits to become a police academy cadet and following the footsteps of his sisters, Cathy and Ferdelinda Pena, by joining the NYPD. My District, like many communities in this country, have seen too many of their best and brightest come home in body bags. Young Americans searching for opportunity to get a college education, decent health care, and/or own a home are increasingly having to make the choice to stare into the barrel of a gun or dodge a roadside bomb in order to have their fair shot at the American Dream. Because this young warrior's service was extended as part of the president's new ``surge'' strategy, he asked the Army if he could come home to New York to see his daughter, who was born on June 29, 2007. His request was denied and his life tragically came to an end, never being able to feel the warmth of his newborn baby girl, Jayleni Alcantara. She will hear the heroic tales of her father but she will never experience his smile, affection, and the sanctuary of a fatherly hug. In the eyes of some, CpI. Alcantara's selflessness and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation is made even more remarkable when one considers that he was not even an American citizen. However, it should be no surprise that immigrant soldiers defend their newly established homeland with the same vigor as American born citizens. I've lived in this country long enough to know that no birth certificate can ever determine how deeply one loves this country. It only saddens me that he died never having realized so many dreams, including the one of taking the oath to our Constitution. Yet I am proud to call him a constituent and now that he has been awarded citizenship posthumously, a fellow American citizen. Gen. MacArthur once said, ``The soldier above all others pray for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.'' Let us all hope that his death was not in vain and that it moves our forces one step closer to home and to peace in the Middle East. We may disagree with the wars that are being waged by our Commander in Chief, but that should never negate the courage of our Nation's immigrants who have answered the call to duty and have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for H. Res. 34, a bill recognizing the 75th birthday of Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. I thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for introducing this bill to give us all an opportunity to celebrate the life of this remarkable leader. Words alone can't express my sincere admiration for Desmond Tutu and what he has contributed to the ending of apartheid and the founding of the new South Africa. He is one person who truly embodies and exemplifies in word and deeds justice, peace, courage, humility, dignity, strength, patience, understanding, leadership, and compassion. I truly admire Desmond Tutu for committing his life to changing South Africa and the world. One of the most oppressive eras in world history for black South Africans was living under the apartheid system. This awful system, which began in 1948, legally classified Blacks, Indians, Whites, and Colored people and called for segregation. The apartheid rules created ethnic based territories, in which those for Colored people were not equal to those for Whites. Thus, creating a nation in which Colored people, although the majority, were formally and legally justified to be oppressed, marginalized, and disenfranchised. Despite such injustice, Desmond Tutu worked tirelessly to reverse apartheid utilizing a non-violent approach. I believe his heart and soul rejoiced when apartheid was finally dismantled in 1994. His spirit is truly admirable. Desmond Tutu has been recognized with many prestigious awards for his contribution to mankind, all of which has made the world a better place. I'm so grateful to have witnessed his life and work. I urge my colleagues to honor him by supporting H. Res. 34. I also encourage people all over the world to learn about and become inspired by his life, work, and commitment to inspire world peace.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to support the naming of this post office on 125th Street after Percy Ellis Sutton. Madam Speaker, 125th Street is the economic corridor of the village of Harlem. It is the exciting comeback of a community that is enjoying the creation of jobs through the Empowerment Zone. But it is also where our former President, Bill Clinton, has his offices and also one of the institutions that is driving it, the Apollo Theater. It is there because Percy Sutton brought it back from the ashes. So when tourists come and they see this wonderful new community that has come back, they will be able to look at our post office and maybe ask the question, but who was Percy Sutton? Not too long ago, the President of the United States, George Bush, right here in the Capitol, gave the President's Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen. My brothers and sisters, every day that we are fortunate enough to live in this great country, we fail to realize that we are making history, especially those of us who are honored to be elected. As the House and Senate head toward getting the bill approved, with the help of Senator Levin on the other side, the President spoke to these people that sometime in 1941, black and as African American as they were, were denied the opportunity to join the United States Army Air Force in order to fight the enemies of the United States of America. Under great protest, they were allowed to try a pilot project in Tuskegee in order to see whether the outrageous charges that they were cowardly, that they couldn't learn, and they never would be able to manipulate these fighter pilots were true. And while they shattered all of the myths and turned out to be one of the most decorated outfits that survived World War II, the President, as he looked at them right here in Statuary Hall, reminded them that he knew that even though they became officers, that many of the enlisted men refused to return the salutes to them because of prejudice, racism and discrimination. But the President said that, on behalf of the people of the United States of America, allow him to salute them. It was so moving. There wasn't a dry eye in the whole group as these warriors, these courageous fighter pilots that have done so much for this country, were able to hear the present Commander in Chief and President of the United States thank them. So, in a way we are privileged by naming this post office not to be able to thank each and every one of the Tuskegee Airmen, but to thank at least one of them that comes from the village of Harlem, that you would say that our ``thank you'' may not be a salute from the Commander in Chief, but we are saying thank you for having confidence in this country and having confidence in this democracy and giving us a chance to honor Percy Sutton. He came back home, got involved in the NAACP, got involved in politics, became an assemblyman, became a borough president and became a well-known business person. But no matter what part of the United States you come from, we have to take time out to thank those of us who made the sacrifice, and Percy Sutton is one of them. So I am glad that this committee has come together to pay tribute to him, because by doing this, we pay tribute to ourselves and for those people who we don't know their names but have made sacrifices, so that we could have the honor to serve this great country.

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 954, a bill I introduced to designate the post office located at 365 West 125th Street in Harlem as the Percy Sutton Post Office Building. I express sincere thanks to Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member and Member Tom Davis of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as well as Chairman Danny Davis and Ranking Member Kenny Merchant of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce Postal Service, and District of Columbia for their support of this bill. It is appropriate to designate the post office in Mr. Sutton's honor because he worked at a New York post office as a clerk while attending law school. Percy Sutton, my very dear friend, was born the youngest of fifteen children on November 24, 1920 in San Antonio, Texas. His family owned land, a farm, and a funeral home. His entrepreneurial spirit was developed while working for the family businesses as a youngster. He was educated at Prairie View A & M University, Tuskegee Institute, Hampton University, and Brooklyn College Law School. His career as a public servant began in 1941, when he was selected to work in Army Intelligence during World War II as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Just prior to that selection, he was not allowed to fly fighter planes for the Army Air Corps because of racial discrimination. Despite being subjected to racial discrimination, he was committed to serve his country. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he decided to study law. To support himself while attending law school, he worked for the United States Post Office in New York as a clerk during the evening shift and later as a conductor in the New York City subway system. He maintained this schedule for 3 years. His dedication to finish law school still inspires me today. Motivated to fight racial discrimination, he represented the controversial revolutionary Malcolm X and other activists during the civil rights era. He also served as president of the New York chapter of the NAACP. His commitment to fight for justice and equality for African Americans was bold and admirable. A strong interest in politics led him to campaign for the New York State Assembly several times. Finally, in 1964, he was elected and served for two years. Immediately thereafter he became the president for the Borough of Manhattan and remained in that role until 1977. As an entrepreneur, his love of business and his Harlem community led him to purchase and totally revitalize the legendary Apollo Theatre in 1980. As the Harlem business district has flourished, the Apollo Theatre remains a community landmark and symbol. Another successful business venture he created is the Inner City Broadcasting Company, which housed the first African American owned radio station in New York. Today, there are nineteen radio stations in the Inner City network. On March 29, 2007, I had the honor and privilege to see Percy Sutton honored with the Congressional Gold Medal along with over 300 other Tuskegee Airmen. It was a great day to see him and other African American veterans finally get the recognition that was so long overdue. Percy Sutton is a great American and living legend. I'm certain America is a better place because of his contributions. Designating the post office building in Harlem is a great way to keep his legend alive for years to come. Since he is 86 years old and his health is fragile, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank my New York delegation colleagues for cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 3221, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 615, I call up the bill (H.R. 2776) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Tax Act. Our committee has provided long-term incentives for electricity for renewable sources, production from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, river currents, ocean tides, landfill gas and tracks combustion resources. And at the same time, we were able to provide incentives for States to provide bonds and grants in order to make certain that working families would be able to purchase energy-efficient heat pumps, home improvement appliances, solar, and a variety of other things. And in order to pay for this, at the recommendation of the Internal Revenue Service, we were able to raise the funds to close the loopholes to make certain that at the end of the day the bill is revenue-neutral. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent at this time that the remainder of my time I be able to yield to Mr. McDermott on the committee, who has provided a lot of work on this subject and which we're so proud to present to this House and ultimately to the American people.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruby Dee, an American actress, poet, playwright, and civil fights activist. Her career in acting has crossed all major forms of media over a span of eight decades. Ms. Dee has been active in civil rights causes and is a living legend whose grace and life has inspired many. Born Ruby Ann Wallace on October 27, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, she grew up in Harlem, New York. Ms. Dee is a graduate of the famed American Negro Theatre in Harlem where she studied with Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, often working along their side in movies. Her acting career began during a time when Blacks were fighting for civil rights. She earned national acclaim for her performance in the 1950 film, The Jackie Robinson Story. Her film credits include A Raisin In The Sun, Roots, and Do The Right Thing. She was the first African American woman to secure major roles at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Connecticut, serving as a trailblazer for Blacks in American theater. Ms. Dee and her beloved husband, the late Ossie Davis, were honored in 1995 by President Clinton with the Presidential Medal for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and in 2004 by the Kennedy Center for their contributions to the performing arts in America. In 2007, their album titled, ``With Ossie And Ruby: In This Life Together'' won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. In the fight for racial equality, she was a member of several civil rights organizations. She and her husband served as masters of ceremonies for the historic 1963 March on Washington. Along with W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, Malcolm X, and other leaders of the civil rights movement, she has been an advocate and activist of equal rights for all Americans. Ms. Dee is a courageous woman who was far ahead of her time. She and her husband raised three children: Guy Davis, Nora Day and Hasna Muhammad. I'm grateful for her friendship, talent, and commitment to uplift and inspire African American people. Ms. Dee has touched the lives of all Americans, not to mention New Yorkers. The village of Harlem is proud to claim her as its own and America is a better place because of her life and immeasurable contributions.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, my brother, Mr. David Dinkins, for his public service career, and to congratulate him on his 80th birthday. I feel it quite appropriate to honor David by highlighting his accomplishments and the contributions he has made, and continues to make, to the city of New York and this great Nation. David Dinkins, born July 10, 1927, in Trenton, NJ, moved to Harlem in 1953 and has been an integral part of New York since then. He served his country during World War II in the United States Marine Corps, and later by entering the world of politics. Mr. Dinkins graduated from Howard University in 1950. With politics on his mind, he decided to further pursue his education at Brooklyn Law School in 1953. Mr. Dinkins went on to start a family, marrying Ms. Joyce Burrows and raising two children, Donna and David Jr., in Harlem. With the support of his family and friends, Mr. Dinkins became more involved in politics. With friends, including Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, and myself, we became pioneers in the politics of New York City, eventually being named the ``gang of four.'' David went on to become very influential, swiftly moving up in New York's political structure. Mr. Dinkins has held numerous positions in New York including: New York State Legislature, and New York city clerk. He was elected Manhattan Borough president in 1985 which was a sign of his determination, as this was his third run for office. Mr. Dinkins later ran for mayor, and was elected on November 7, 1989, becoming the first African American to serve as the mayor of New York City. Inheriting a city in distress, including a budget deficit close to $2 billion dollars and a seemingly uncontrollable crime rate, David Dinkins had his hands full. The city also faced racial tensions that needed attention quickly, which Mayor Dinkins provided. Mayor Dinkins was able to soothe the city amidst times of turmoil, stemming from disagreements across ethnicities, which were very common during his tenure as mayor. Mr. Dinkins left office after turning the budget deficit into a surplus, and acting as the peacemaker in the city. As a professor of public affairs at Columbia University, Mr. Dinkins continues to work for others by providing young adults with an education. He is to be commended for his achievements. David Dinkins is a dear friend, and serves as an inspiration to me, as well as many others. As Americans, we should honor him by joining his family in celebration of his 80th birthday.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I rise up to honor what is expected to be an exciting first in the history of my congressional district-- New York's first ever African Day Parade and Street Festival this Sunday, August 5, 2007. I can think of no better place to hold such an event than in the village of Harlem. Although many people around the world hold common African value and traditions, unity of purpose and a shared history does not equal a monolithic culture. Too often ``Africa'' is presented without the richness of diversity, an oversight that helps continue backward stereotypes and misconceptions. This event presents a unique opportunity for all New Yorkers to learn about the different cultures within the continent's diaspora. It will bring together a wide range of representatives from dance groups and vendors to fashion designers, writers and musicians--all of whom promise to showcase their own perspective of the continent's tapestry. This grand celebration is also a great opportunity for our recently arrived African brothers and sisters to build bridges--both within their smaller communities, but also with their African American and Latino cousins. Only by growing these relationships can we achieve common goals and dreams. Only by working together can we move closer to the country and the world that all our children need and deserve.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I join with the hundreds of thousands of Dominican residents of my congressional district and the millions of Dominicans around the world in celebrating August 12's 25th Annual Dominican Day Parade. What was once an expression of pride through Washington Heights has grown to be one of the largest and loudest displays of cultural pride seen along New York's Sixth Avenue, a culmination of a series of events celebrating the Dominican Republic's traditional second day of Independence, El Dia de la Restauracion or Restoration Day. It is also a time to remember Dominican achievements, on the island and in the U.S. A time to remind the world that many of the hemisphere's first institutions were established on the shores of Quisqueya, including the first cathedral and the oldest university. A time to remind the Nation that from the first big wave of Dominican migration in the 1960s to the most recent wave in the 1990s, Dominicans have struggled and worked hard to become a part of our national identity. Their contributions can be found in every facet of U.S. life--from baseball stars like Pedro Martinez, David ``Big Papi'' Ortiz or Alex Rodriguez to fashion legend Oscar de la Renta to the thousands of professionals that do battle as soldiers, doctors, lawyers, journalists, educators and social workers. I can see that hard work in my own congressional district. Dominicans have a zest for grassroots participation, as evidenced by the number of Dominicans, especially women, who are involved in government or as leaders of professional and nonprofit organizations. They are an entrepreneurial group with a keen nose for business and a yearning to be their own boss, as evidenced by the way they have transformed the livery cab, travel, and hair salon industry. Finally, who can deny the strong desire that Dominicans have for education. Although graduation rates for all Latinos are way too low, more and more Dominicans are choosing to go back to school, get their GED and enroll into the city's university system. This is seen by the fact that 50 percent of are Latino's that are enrolled in CUNY is of Dominican descent. In the number of after-school programs and activities that there are in northern Manhattan and other Dominican barrios. So I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this day and congratulating founder Nelson Pena and the hundreds of volunteers that help put on this grand display of pride. The success of our current democracy depends on us keeping our doors open to communities that energize our economy and our local neighborhoods. It depends on us remembering that we are a Nation of immigrants and that how we treat our newest Americans will go a long way to how we are treated around the world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and contributions of the late Marcus Mosiah Garvey and to acknowledge the 120th anniversary of the day of his birth, August 17, 1887, a day which will be celebrated later this month in the United States, the Caribbean, and throughout the diaspora. One hundred and twenty years ago, on August 17, the revolutionary, Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born in Saint Ann Bay, Jamaica. His father was a mason and his mother was a farmer. Although his dad used his hands to make a living, he loved literature and created a large library. The library became the initial information source that cultivated young Marcus's love of reading and hunger for knowledge. At approximately the age of 14, he left Saint Ann's Bay and became an apprentice. He held the positions of Master Printer and Foreman at P.A. Benjamin Printery. In a short time, he was elected to serve as vice president of the Kingston Union, participated in a printers strike, was fired from his job, created The Watchman newspaper and found a new job at the Government Printing Office. All of this advocacy on behalf of the rights of workers prepared him for becoming an outspoken leader against oppression and an advocate for freedom and self determination. From 1910 to 1913, he traveled throughout Central America and London. During this time, he attended Birkbeck College and held jobs as a timekeeper and newspaper editor. While in London, he spoke at Hyde's Park Speaker's Corner, where his public speaking skills, developed in Jamaica, were honed before ever larger audiences. He returned to Jamaica in 1914 and founded the Universal Negro Improvement and Conservation Association and African Communities League. The mission of the organization was to ``unite all people of African ancestry of the world to one great body to establish a country and absolute government of their own.'' He came to the United States and established himself in Harlem, New York, to share the mission of the organization in 1916. Initially he spoke out on the street corners of New York and later went on a nationwide speaking tour. The late Adam Clayton Powell declared that Garvey ``awakened a race consciousness that made Harlem felt around the world.'' Through speaking and the newspaper he created, the Negro World, membership in the organization grew to an amazing two million plus. To further support the ideas of the organization's mission, he incorporated a shipping line, Black Star Lines to transport goods and people of African descent back to Africa. An investigation of the organization and Black Star Lines led to a wrongful indictment and arrest of Mr. Garvey. This investigation marked the beginning of an effort to destroy him and the organization. In 1919, he was shot by a man who committed suicide immediately after the shooting. In that same year, he and others were unjustly investigated by the FBI and charged with mail fraud in connection with Black Star Lines. Only Mr. Garvey was found guilty and received a sentence of five years. He adamantly proclaimed his innocence and many believed then and now that he was set up for political reasons. He served time in Atlanta and his sentence was commuted by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. Upon his release, he was deported to Jamaica. He continued to serve as a revolutionary and political activist by establishing Jamaica's first political party, the People's Political Party, serving as the Councillor for the Allman Town Division of the Capitol City, Kingston. In 1935, he moved to London and worked on issues that involved Ethiopia and set up a school to train leaders for the organization he founded. In 1940, he passed away from a stroke after reading a false obituary of himself published in the Chicago Defender. Mr. Garvey was a bold visionary. His idea and commitment to move people of African descent back to Africa and establish a government of self-determination are still inspiring today. Since he was investigated and convicted, his vision and efforts to mobilize people of African descent to return to Africa did not materialize. President Coolidge's action could be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing by the U.S. government. However, his name has not been formally cleared. On August 17, 2007, people will celebrate the birth and life of Mr. Garvey. I applaud and encourage people all over the world to celebrate the life of such a great man. I also urge my colleagues to support my bill, H. Con. Res. 24, which calls for expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should grant a pardon to Marcus Mosiah Garvey to clear his name and affirm his innocence of crimes for which he was unjustly prosecuted and convicted.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to enter into the Record an opinion editorial published in the New York CaribNews newspaper the week ending July 17, 2007 titled ``Ambassador Lisa Shoman: Belize's First Female Foreign Minister,'' and honor the contributions of Ambassador Shoman to Belize and the rest of Central America and the Caribbean. Ambassador Shoman has been a trailblazer and a pioneer in many different areas. She has often taken the path less traveled, excelled in her chosen field and created opportunities and hope for women in her country. Known to be a vocal advocate of women's issues, she used to conduct free legal clinics for women and has helped draft domestic violence, sexual offenses and sexual harassment legislation for Belize. In 2000, Ambassador Shoman was selected as the first woman to serve as Belize's ambassador to the United States, permanent representative to the OAS and high commissioner to Canada. She proudly represents a country that is a model of racial tolerance and cultural harmony and a beacon of multicultural plurality and while ambassador worked tirelessly to train the people of her nation and educate policy makers about its many virtues. In June 2007, she led the Caribbean ambassadors in a working group with congressional staff to identify and prepare a substantive agenda for the CARICOM Presidents and Prime Minster Summit in Washington, DC, that addressed the core issues in the U.S. and CARICOM bilateral relations. Ambassador Shoman was instrumental in putting this summit together. She clearly articulated the goals of these meetings and insisted that tangible results should be accomplished. She deserves a great share of the credit for a summit regarded by everyone as a great success in achieving a new enhanced framework for consultation and cooperation between the governments of the United States and the CARICOM nations. Since the Summit, the U.S. Secretary of Education is scheduled to travel to the region to provide assistance in expanding tertiary education programs in the CARICOM nations. The Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in response to the concerns expressed by the leaders of CARICOM, held a hearing on that examined the effects criminal deportees are having on Caribbean nations. The administration and senior members of the Committee on Ways and Means have committed to a renewal of the Caribbean Basin Initiative to guarantee special access to the U.S. market for exports from the Caribbean. Ambassador Shoman has been a powerful and effective advocate for the interests of the people in the Caribbean and Latin America. I look forward to continue to work with her in her new capacity as foreign minister of the great country of Belize. [From the CaribNews, July 17, 2007] Ambassador Lisa Shoman Belize's First Female Foreign Minister (By Tony Best) Belmopan.--Lisa Shoman was sworn in as Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, recently at a quiet ceremony at the residence of Governor General Sir Colville Young. The first female Foreign Minister, in her characteristic style, insisted on having her grandmother at her side to hold the bible while she took her oath of office. According to her father, Yasin Shoman, her mother, Hilda Hoy Shoman could not stop the young Lisa from heading out on to the then rough campaign trail in the Cayo district. From the outset, Lisa proved to a shrewd observer with a knack for dealing with difficult people and talking to even the most hostile with a natural ease. She also proved to be one of the best polling agents and counters that an unbiased campaign manager could want. She has never missed a campaign since, serving in Cayo, Freetown, Caribbean Shores, San Pedro and Port Loyola, and on the PUP's National Campaign Committee. According to Lisa Shoman's family, they always knew she would study law, a natural for this feisty advocate, and she remained fiercely focused on her path, winning scholarship after scholarship; from high school to sixth form to university and doing exceptionally well at CXCs, O and A levels. At 24, Shoman returned to her beloved Belize fresh from law school and went to work at the DPP's office. After her return from doing a Masters Program in Barbados at UWI, Shoman returned to private practice at Young's Law Firm and during the five years she was there, also devoted time to community service, giving talks and lectures to a variety of groups, and serving as the first female president of the Belize Bar Association. She is perhaps best known as a vocal advocate of women's issues, appearing on radio and television programs, conducting free legal clinics for women, working with Women Against Violence (WAV), and helping to draft Domestic Violence, Sexual Offences and Sexual Harassment Legislation. During those years, Shoman worked on children's issues, and served as legal advisor to the Toledo Maya Cultural Council on land rights issues. She also lectured Constitutional and Administrative Law for UWI's Challenge program and the UB Paralegal program. After the 1998 election, Shoman was chosen by the PUP Administration to be the Government of Belize's representative to the Board of Directors of Belize Telecommunications Limited, and was duly elected as Chairman, serving for an eventful two year term, while on her own in private practice, and then going into partnership with Michel Chebat. In July 2000, Prime Minister Musa tapped Shoman to serve as Belize's Ambassador to the United States, as well as Permanent Representative to the OAS, and High Commissioner to Canada, the first woman to be so honored. She has now served for almost seven years, under four Belizean Foreign Ministers and is currently the deputy dean of Ambassadors at the OAS. Shoman has been a member of the Belize-Guatemala negotiating team since her arrival in DC and has been a part of virtually all negotiating meetings under the auspices of the OAS. In a difficult and delicate phase in 2004, she was sent by PM Musa as his Special Envoy to Guatemala for two months, just prior to the publication of the historic Facilitators Report. She has served with three OAS Secretaries General and was able to attain Belize's membership in the Grupo Centro Americano (GRUCA) caucus of ambassadors, thereby gaining for her country the singular honor of being the only country at the OAS to belong to two regional groups, CARICOM and GRUCA. Shoman has served twice as regional coordinator and chair of both groups for the customary six month term. Shoman was given Mexico's highest honor to a foreign Diplomat, in the highest grade--the Order of the Aztec Eagle. Lisa Shoman also earned the Order of Jose De Marcoleta in the Grade of Grand Cross later that same year from the Republic of Nicaragua. At the OAS, Ambassador Shoman served two 18 month terms as Chair of the Management Board of the Inter- American Agency for Cooperation and Development, and also Vice Chair of the Permanent Council and has chaired several key meetings of the Permanent Council. Ambassador Shoman has been a powerful and effective advocate for the interest of the people of Belize.