[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E235]]
        BOTSWANA, ONE OF THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORIES IN AFRICA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to the attention of 
my colleagues an excellent and informative television program that 
featured the country of Botswana as one of the greatest success stories 
in Africa. It was the Today Show on NBC on Monday, Feb. 9, during the 
series ``Where in the World is Matt Lauer?''
  Many Americans know Botswana from having seen or visited its 
wonderful game parks on safari, but this program told Botswana's 
complete story. We learned how the country protects its precious 
animals, how the country is courageously facing its problem with HIV 
and AIDS and how its diamonds are mined and secured.
  Botswana's diamond industry, a global leader and innovator, was 
featured. Mr. Louis Nchindo, general manager of the Debswana Diamond 
Company, told Mr. Lauer how the country has insured that its clean 
diamonds are kept out of the world of illegitimate ``conflict 
diamonds'' by carefully managing the process from mining to export. He 
described the elaborate security measures including the requirements 
for licensed dealers throughout the process. I was proud to work with 
Mr. Nchindo in setting up a process for labeling diamonds to keep them 
out of the illicit trade. Debswana and Mr. Nchindo are to be commended 
for their efforts in this regard.
  Mr. Lauer mentioned how Botswana is a stable democracy and ``all-
around wonderful place,'' with first class accommodations in the game 
parks and which rightly boasts a rich and welcoming culture.
  I was pleased to see Botswana honored by NBC and commend the country, 
a good friend of the United States, to my colleagues.

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