Lt. Governor Francis Says Great Things Accomplished Through Diplomacy
Monday, April 21, 2008 – St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis shared his experiences and offered words of encouragement to students of the University of the Virgin Islands participating in the first annual Model United Nations Conference.
Lt. Governor Francis told the students that his service in the military has “opened his eyes to the world” and that we are all interconnected. He called the Model UN Conference a creative forum for Virgin Islands students to discuss and debate world issues.
“It is hard to pretend ignorance of world events when today’s technological advances bring immediacy and awareness to what is happening internationally,” Lt. Governor Francis said.
He asked the students to analyze the issues before them and urged them to realize that through diplomacy “great things can be accomplished.”
Sharing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who recently visited the United States, Lt. Governor Francis also told the students to remember that “respect for human rights is the key to solving many of the world’s problems.”
“The Pope said it is the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries, social groups and increasing security,” Lt. Governor Francis stated.
He congratulated the students on their hard work and thanked Rotary Clubs of St. Croix Harborside, St. Croix West, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and St. Thomas II for sponsoring the event.
The Lt. Governor left the students with further words of wisdom. “Have fun with it,” he said to laughter. “Remember there are really no winners or losers.”
Along with Lt. Governor Francis, Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen and former United States Ambassador Terrence Todman also spoke to the students, stressing the importance of diplomacy in a globalized world.
UVI students from St. Croix and St. Thomas participate at the first annual Model UN Conference held on Monday, April 21, 2008 at UVI St. Thomas campus. From left to right - Miguelina Valdes, Christopher Cockrell, Julia Shillingford, Rasul Lester, Magdalene Morancie (winner), Ashley Libitz, Joylette Hunte-Gore, Daniella Arrindell and Dwayne Petersen.
Former US Ambassador to Spain Terrence Todman with Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis. Ambassador Todman discussed his experiences as ambassador to such places as Chad, Guinea, Costa Rica, Denmark and Argentina with UVI students participating in the first annual Model UN conference.
Former US Ambassador Terrence Todman with Rotary Harborside President Sonia L. Boyce and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis during the first annual Model UN conference. Rotary Harborside, along with Rotary Clubs St. Croix - West, St. Thomas, St. Thomas II and Charlotte Amalie sponsored the event.
Invited dignitaries listen to the students discuss and debate issues concerning African countries Eritrea and Cote d'Ivoire at the first annual Model UN Conference held on Monday, April 21, 2007 at UVI St. Thomas campus. From left to right - Rotary District Governor-Elect Rupert Ross, UVI Provost Al Hassan Musa, Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis and former Us Ambassador Terrence Todman.
