Ambassador Kirby Speeches

Opening Remarks of  Ambassador Michael D. Kirby Floresti Community Center

November 20, 2007
(as prepared)

Mr. Minister, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentleman.

The United States is proud to have played a part in the renovation of the Floresti Community Center.  This project, administered through the United States European Command Humanitarian Assistance Program, was made possible through generous donations of the American people.  The renovation of this community center is just one of three projects carried out in association with military-medical exercise MEDCEUR which took place this past summer.  During the MEDCEUR exercise, two projects took place:  the renovation of an artesian well in the village of Cubusca Veche and a medical outreach effort.  The United States spent over $126,000 on these projects:  $93,000 for the community center and $33,000 for the artesian well. 

When I look at this newly renovated building and playground, I feel confident that our money and time were well spent.  The newly repaired Floresti community center/kindergarten will serve the 300 residents of the village for many years to come.  The repairs included painting, remodeling, the installation of a water supply, sewage system, and a gas operated heating system, plus landscaping and creation of a playground.  The community center includes a pre-school, medical clinic and social area.  With this renovation, the village now has separate facilities for the pre-school and medical clinic, and improved care for preschoolers.

The repair of the artesian well in Cobusca Veche will provide the approximately 2,700 residents of that village with clean and safe running water.  The project includes the installation of a new water tower, drilling of a new shaft, repair of pumps, and an automatic control panel. 

During the medical outreach project, U.S. soldiers and airmen screened 200 people for hypertension and diabetes, and provided education on dental hygiene and dental items to 400 children.   The U.S. military personnel gave glucometers to measure blood sugar levels and blood-pressure cuffs to local medical facilities.   The visiting U.S. personnel also trained Moldovan medical personnel to use these devices during a seminar on the "Latest Methods of Diagnosis and Treatment for Hypertension and Diabetes."  With these devices and training, Moldovan medical staff will be able to provide better care for the citizens they serve.

It took many people to take this project to its successful completion.  I'd like to express my gratitude to some very special people and organizations. 

First, I'd like to thank the Ministry of Defense.  The Ministry identified the need for these projects, because of the Ministry's desire to improve the quality of life for the residents of Floresti and Cobusca Veche. 

The local government administration from the Anenii Noi region and the mayor's office also deserve thanks.  Mayor Valentin Tumac worked closely with us on the well and community center, and Anenii Noi Regional Hospital Director, Mr. Victor Cibotari, provided assistance, staff and facilities for the medical outreach.

I'd also like to express appreciation to Mr. Ray West and Moldova World Children's Fund who donated furniture for the pre-school, as well as to Mr. Beruceasvili of Hidroforaj SRL for the well renovation, and to Mr. Ion Hanganu, the employees of Revetan SRL, and architectural consultant Mr. Ştefan Homa for their work on the community center.  Because of your hard work, this renovation was completed ahead of schedule.  The fruits of your labors are before us today.  Each one of us can see with our own eyes what a great job you've done.  The center looks absolutely wonderful.

Lastly, I want to thank our embassy employees, particularly the members of the Office of Defense Cooperation, who took the initiative to obtain funding and coordinate the work on this valuable project. 

Everyone involved should be proud.  These projects represent the hard work and dedication of both Americans and Moldovans.  This work will improve the lives of the residents in these villages for years. 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention.  It’s been an honor to be here today for this grand occasion.  I congratulate you on your new community center.