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U.S. Ambassador on a Cultural and Economic Visit to Bana,
in the West Province

Ambassador Marquardt with the Students of Lycee de Bana. Full size.

Ambassador Niels Marquardt visited Bana, in the Upper-Nkam division of the West Province of Cameroon, from November 11 – 12, 2006. During his stay in Bana, the U.S. Ambassador visited several public premises, including the newly constructed City Hall, the District Hospital and the Government High School, and discovered some of the cultural treasures of the locality.

The visit also provided an occasion to discuss the economic growth potential of Bana. During a meeting with the Bana Elite Association, the Ambassador declared that “economic empowerment will open many doors to the outside world.” In quoting an African proverb, according to which “One hand cannot tie a bundle,” Ambassador Niels Marquardt enjoined the President of the Elite Association to “let this be our motto as we continue to work together to improve the lives of Cameroonians.” The Ambassador concluded, “together, we can achieve the extraordinary.”

The visit ended with a colorful cultural ceremony at the Chief’s Palace during which the honorary title of “Wambe Mbeu Lah,” which literally means “the corner stone of the village,” was conferred on Ambassador Marquardt by His Royal Highness Sikam Happi V, Chief of Bana. (Photo gallery)