The Ambassador was speaking during her maiden visit to the Northwest Province on Wednesday, May 14.While responding to questions from the press, she defended her country against charges that she protects dictators, while professing democracy.

In answer to a question about an alleged retirement superstructure being constructed for the President near the US Embassy in Yaounde, she said she was not aware of it. She said several houses are being constructed in the neighbourhood of the US Embassy and she does not know which belongs to Biya or if he owns one of them. About accusations that Americans practise democracy at home, but only pay lip service to it abroad, Ambassador Garvey argued that it is easier for them to ensure the effectiveness of the democratic process in their own country because they control the process.

But that in Cameroon it is difficult because the exercise is controlled by Cameroonians. "The US cannot impose on Cameroonians," she said.She said that in the US the choice is between good and bad, but in Cameroon it is between bad and worse.

Concerning the recent constitutional amendment, Garvey said the US did not oppose it as it is erroneously thought. "The US only advised on a broad based consultation before the amendment was done," according to her.

Anti-Corruption Fight Encouraged

Meanwhile, Garvey also told the press that she had met SDF Chairman, John Fru Ndi, and discussed the putting in place of ELECAM. She was of the view that ELECAM should be given full powers to ensure free, fair and transparent elections as the only means to attract foreign investors to Cameroon. Besides, she had also met civil society and religious leaders among several others. On the ongoing fight against corruption in the country, the US Ambassador encouraged more arrests of corrupt officials.

She encouraged Cameroonians to speak frankly on pertinent issues. On the issue of obtaining visas from her Embassy, she said most of those denied visas, she said, are those with fraudulent documents. She also blamed Cameroonians who overstay in the US after being permitted to be there just for a while. Prior to her declarations, Choves Loh, Northwest CAMASEJ President, and Mary Maimo, Northwest Communication Delegate, had praised the US for promoting journalism in the Northwest.

Peterkins Manyong & Chris Mbunwe