Another visit from the U.S. Department of State

We were fortunate to receive another visit from the U.S. Department of State, this time from Mr. Kevin Whitaker, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs. He came to Bolivia to negotiate the terms of the agreement between the U.S. and Bolivian governments. Their Joint Committee released this statement today.

The visit started with the arrival of the visitors to the sounds of the Saya, the traditional Afro-Bolivian dance performed by our students. The visit included two Bolivian Vice Ministers.


Photo: Afro-Bolivian students at the College perform the Saya for the guests as they arrive.


Photo: Director of the College Fr. Freddy introduces two community members as the visitors listen. (L to R: Fr. Freddy del Villar, Bolivian Vice Minister of Coca and Rural Development Dionicio Nuñez, USAID/Bolivia Director Wayne Nilsestuen, Chargé d'Affaires John S. Creamer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere Kevin Whitaker, USAID Bolivia Officer Gretchen Ruethling, Economic Officer Geoffrey Schadrack and Narcotics and Law Enforcement Director Mark Wells)

The officials from the U.S. and Bolivian governments had a private meeting, then met with producers from all over the region.

After that, the College had a lunch where some students and graduates spoke about their experiences. "One area where you can't go wrong is investing in people," said Mr. Whitaker, responding to the students' comments.


Photo: Agronomy student Myrna Torrez talks to the visitors during lunch.

We are glad for the visit, and happy to represent the good works of the U.S. in Bolivia.