Botswana honoured at international awards ceremony; H.H. the Vice President accepts award

source: Republic of Botswana (17/5/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 14 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C3) 14/5/09: Botswana honoured at international awards ceremony; H.H. the Vice President accepts award

H.H. the Vice President, Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe, was the Guest of Honour at the "2009 Celebrate Africa Grand Gala Awards Dinner", held last night in New York [His Honours Statement - B2].

The special theme of last nights awards, which took place at New York University's landmark Rosenthal Pavilion, was "celebrating the Republic of Botswana" as the "best African country of the year." Botswana is the second country in the history of the awards to be so honoured. The Vice President accepted the accolade on behalf of all Batswana.

Described as "the biggest celebration of Africa" outside of the continent, the high level event once more brought together leading Africans and friends of Africa in an effort to promote a positive global image of the continent and its people. In keeping with this mission, the awards are dedicated to celebrating Africa's achievements and highlighting best practices in good governance, sound management of public resources, respect for human rights and the rule of law; as well as advancing progressive socioeconomic and private sector development throughout the Continent.

According to a spokesperson for the Board of the Celebrate Africa Foundation, the non-profit organization responsible for the event, in selecting Botswana the Board took into consideration the country's adherence to democratic ideals, practice of good governance, record of religious tolerance, promotion of civil rights, contribution to international peace, including collective efforts to curb terrorism, and well earned reputation for transparency in resource management.

This year's ceremony was co-sponsored by New York University's Africa House, earlier hosted a special panel discussion on "Botswana's Success Story".

A press release from the event's organizers had noted that: "Because of the prudent management of its resources, Botswana now boasts one of the highest per capital incomes in the whole of Africa. Its former President Festus Mogae won the Mo Ibrahim Award last year for practicing good governance during his years in power."

The Vice President is expected back home on Saturday 16th May 2009.