Former Ambassadors

Ambassador Lucke's Speeches

Dream for Africa - Never Ending Garden Project

Orion Hotel, Swaziland, April 13, 2006  I want to tell you first that your presence in Swaziland speaks volumes about the will and determination of Americans of all stripes to contribute to an undertaking greater than yourselves—in the great tradition of community service, volunteerism and faith of good US citizens around the world. You are one of the good and honorable faces of America and I sincerely thank you for your service here.  (more)

World TB Day

Ministry of Health, Swaziland, March 23, 2006  Excellencies, esteemed guests & colleagues, ladies & gentlemen, First I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for honoring World TB Day, and say that I appreciate the invitation of the Ministry to make these remarks today. I recognize the presence of Ministry of Health and Social Welfare personnel in the room as well as the presence of our valued partner in assistance to Swaziland, the World Health Organization.  (more)

Opening of Baylor College of Medicine-Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Center of Excellence 

Swaziland, February 24, 2006   Your Majesty, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The official opening of the Children’s Clinical Center of Excellence supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Baylor College of Medicine is a joyous occasion for us all and a significant step in the fight against the pandemic of HIV & AIDS in Swaziland.  (more)

The Importance of Behavior Change in the Fight Against the HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Swaziland 

Swaziland, January 2006  The entire nation of Swaziland has become vividly aware of the crisis of HIV/AIDS which is brutally affecting the population. A typical weekend activity is attending the ever increasing number of funerals. The government has responded through expanding programs to treat and care for those suffering from the disease, and to continue prevention efforts.  (more)

Parliament as an Instrument for Change on Disability 

Swaziland, October 25, 2005   Your Excellencies, Honorable Ministers, Members of Parliament, Distinguished Participants to this workshop, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning.  (more)

Launch of Initiative to Eliminate Child Labor 

Swaziland, October 3, 2005   I am pleased to be here today to participate in the joint launch of these child labor projects, together with Minister Dlamini, senior officials of the ILO and Ministry of Enterprise and Employment, as well members of the media and concerned stakeholders.  (more)

Sifundzani High School

Swaziland, September 30, 2005   Thanks. Congrats to students for their achievements, to teachers for teaching, and parents for their love, support and nurturing. These are essential.  (more)

Building Prosperity Through Trade and Investment

Swaziland, July 6, 2005   Welcome to what I hope will be a continuing dialogue between the public and private sectors, the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland and the United States government, on creating an improved investment climate in Swaziland.  (more)

Fourth of July

Swaziland, July 1, 2005   Your Royal Highness, Prince SIHLANGUSEMPHI, Representative of His Majesty, EMAKOSIKATI, Your Royal Highnesses, Honorable Chiefs, Royal Councilors, Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Memebers of The Diplomatic Corps, Honorable Members of Parliament, Honorable Memebers of the High Court,  (more)

Dream for Africa Event

University of Swaziland, June 30, 2005   I appreciate being asked to address this Dream for Africa group, not the first time I have done so with DFA.  Your presence in Swaziland speaks volumes about the will and determination of Americans of all stripes to contribute to an undertaking greater than yourselves—in the great tradition of community service, volunteerism and faith of good US citizens around the world. You are one of the good and honorable faces of America and I thank you for your service.  (more)

Dream for Africa Event

University of Swaziland, February 5, 2005   I appreciate being asked to address the Dream for Africa group from California --it is an honor to appear before you tonight. You presence in Swaziland speaks volumes about the will and determination of Americans of all stripes to contribute to an undertaking greater than yourselves—in the great tradition of community service, volunteerism and, yes, faith, of good US citizens around the world. You are one of the good and honorable faces of America and I thank you for your selflessness and service.  (more)

ILO/USDOL HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Program

Swaziland, June 24, 2005   I wish to thank the ILO/Dept of Labor AIDS Workplace Education Program for convening this project event. I see there is representation from the government, labor organizations, and from a number of private sector enterprises with whom we share the fight against HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.  (more)

Speech to the PACT Workshop for Potential Grant Applicants

Swaziland, June 3, 2005   I wish to thank the USAID/RHAP program and PACT for convening this workshop in support of implementation of the President’s Emergency Plan in Swaziland. I am happy to share this event with a number of NGO, FBO and CBO leaders who are so instrumental in waging an effective fight against HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.  (more)

Sister Cities Reception

Swaziland, March 16, 2005   I first want to say how honored I am to be able to be here tonight, to help welcome the Fort Worth, Texas Sister Cities delegation to Swaziland, to officially represent the United States at this event and to be able to introduce welcome Mayor Moncrief to this entire august group.  (more)

KPMG Dinner—Royal Swazi Sun

Swaziland, April 14, 2005   I am very appreciative of the opportunity to speak to you tonight and to try to address the topic of "challenges facing economic growth and investment in Swaziland". I think it is appropriate to say at the outset that my views are certainly not comprehensive and that necessarily the views of someone like myself will reflect my own perspective that may be somewhat narrow and cannot adequately represent the experience and knowledge of the economic and business landscape that many of you here tonight have in abundance and can discuss better than I. (more)

Speech to Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA)

Swaziland, April 13, 2005   I would like to say how honored I am to be asked to speak to you today, how much I admire SWAGAA and the work that you are doing and how important I think your work is against the abuse of women and children in Swaziland. (more)

Launching of a VCT Center

Swaziland, April 1, 2005   The Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare Chief Sipho Shongwe, Principal Secretary of Health John Kunene, esteemed guests.  I am happy to be here on this important day in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.  We are here today to officially open the New Start Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers (VCT) sites in Matsapha and Mbabane.   (more)

Launching of the BCHA/Media Workplace Project

Swaziland, 13 January 2005   I wish to thank the Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS for convening this project launching. I also see government, labor and the private sector represented and I am happy to share this podium with some of the leaders of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.   (more)