embassy programs

2009 

Ambassador Stephenson’s First Visit to Madeira Promotes the Positive

Ambassador Stephenson looking at photos with Dr. Maria do Carmo Santos, director of the John dos Passos Cultural Center in Ponta do Sol (Photo: Wes Carrington, US Embassy)

Feb. 22-26 - U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Thomas Stephenson traveled to Portugal’s autonomous region of Madeira February 22-26, 2009 on his first visit to the islands, accompanied by PAO Wes Carrington and Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs Richard Reiter.

The visit aimed to solidify political and cultural ties with the Madeiran community, including the American citizens living on the islands, which are served by Consular Agent Ed Potter. The Ambassador donated a U.S. flag and a 72-volume collection of reference books in English to the town of Câmara de Lobos, designated as the 2009 “Municipality of Culture.” The town will inaugurate a new public library in May.

Also included on this trip were stops in Ponta do Sol at the John dos Passos Center, and in Funchal at the American Culture Corner (part of the Library of Foreign Cultures) and the University of Madeira, where the Ambassador gave remarks to over 90 students, faculty and guests. A visit to the Consular Agency and a reception for U.S. citizens rounded out the trip.

In addition to the formal meetings with the heads of the local government and legislative assembly, the Ambassador gave numerous press interviews to local television, radio and newspapers, resulting in multiple articles in a variety of media conveying an overall positive image of the United States.