All good things come to an end sooner or later, and in a week or so, a really good thing, in my opinion, will be seeing it’s final chapter.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Anne Kenney will be ending her assignment in the Philippines in a little over a week from the time this article is published. Although Kenney has served in other diplomatic roles in Geneva, Argentina and Jamaica, her assignment as Ambassador to the Philippines is second position in the role as an Ambassador. She also served as the US Ambassador to Ecuador. In addition to the countries listed, Kenney has also served in various roles at the State Department in Washington, DC.
Kristie is the first female US Ambassador to the Philippines. I think that when she first came here, some people questioned how good she would be for the role, at least I heard some people saying such things. However, in my opinion, she has proven herself to be a perfect fit for the job. If you are of the opinion that a US Ambassador has the job of fostering good relations between her country and the place where she serves, fostering friendship with the people of the country she is assigned to, I believe there has no better US Ambassador than Kristie Kenney.
Kenney is a career diplomat, and not a political appointment. Although she was assigned by President George W. Bush, she really has not shown what her personal political beliefs are, and that is exactly correct for the position, as I see it. In her role working for the Department of State, she has served under both Republican and Democratic Administrations, and effectively so.
Kenney is a real “personality” here in the Philippines, and is known and loved by the Filipino people. She is a big fan of Ateneo Basketball, and attends many games. She also, for a couple years now, has been an avid Scuba Diver, and travels to various areas in the country to dive the Philippine waters. Kenney also appears regularly on Philippine TV shows, representing the United States, and showing friendship to the Filipino people. She often dances on TV too, having even participated on a Filipino dancing show!
There have been a number of US Ambassadors who have served in the Philippines during my time of living here. But, in the past when they have gone, it really didn’t matter all that much to me. Many of them served honorably, some were controversial in one way or another. But, I am actually quite sad to see Kristie Kenney leave the country, and I know that many Filipinos are as well. Madame Ambassador, I wish you all the best as you go back Stateside. I have heard that your mother is ill and that you will be taking some time with that, and I wish you and your mother all the best. I feel quite certain, though, that you will go on to serve our country again in the future, and I wish you all the best with whatever role you take on.
In November, President Obama nominated Harry K. Thomas Jr. to be the next US Ambassador to the Philippines. Thomas will be the first African American to represent the USA in the Philippines. I hope that he will be an effective representative of my country, and serve well. I also hope that he will foster excellent relationships with the Filipino people as he moves in and gets going with the job. Thomas has already been confirmed by the US Senate, and although no firm schedule is yet in place, it is my understanding that he will probably arrive in the Philippines some time during May 2010. Thomas has also served under both Republican and Democratic Administrations. This will be Thomas’ second assignment as an Ambassador, although he has served in other roles in India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Peru. He previously served as US Ambassador to Bangladesh. Thomas also speaks several languages (although no Philippine languages), which impresses me. I welcome Ambassador Thomas, and hope that he is successful in his mission to the Philippines.
And, again, good luck and best wishes to Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney.
Actually it’s not his first assignment as ambassador, he served as ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003-2005 so he’s not without experience. I feel he will be be able to handle the role effectively although it remains to be seen if he will be able to win the “Hearts and Minds” of the Filipino people. Also of interest is that the Philippines will have a new president soon after he arrives to take on the role of ambassador.
Hi Louis – Thanks for the correction. I overlooked his role as Ambassador to Bangladesh, but have now corrected the article. I appreciate it.
I am sure that Thomas will be able to handle the role, but I hope he can capture the hearts and minds of the Filipino people, as Ambassador Kenney certainly has.
Bob: From what I understand, the Philippines is regarded as a very good posting within the diplomatic service… Right up there with some of the Political postings.
Hi John – I am not sure when it comes to Ambassador posts, but among most Embassy personnel I have heard that the Philippines is the number 1 favorite post in the world.
Bob, John: Interesting point. Last year, I was talking to a Program Manager of a Can dev agency. She told me the consultants/advisers who came back from the Phil were raving about their work, their stay and the people they interacted with. It is one of the preferred assignments, even if the assignments were in far away places in the country. Alex
Hi Alex – It seems that people really love coming here! I wonder why? 😉
It is always hard to follow someone that is very competent. In my work life, I always prefer to follow someone incompetent. It makes me look better in comparison. 🙂
I like that he speaks several languages. My guess is that someone who does that has probably already started learning a new language for this position.
Hi Tom – Yes, the fact that Thomas speaks multiple languages gives me hope and excitement to see how he does here. I would not doubt that he is spending some time these days with a language tape or two, and a few books on his desk, practicing up for his new post.
I join you, Bob, in wishing Godspeed and offering my thanks for a job well done to Ambassador Kenney. Her work here has certainly been of great credit to our country and I’m sad to see her go.
Hi Dave – Thanks for adding your thanks for Ambassador Kenney. At a time when Americans are hated in many places around the globe, Kenney has shown a friendly and kind side of the American people, and fostered love for Americans through her work and goodwill. I think that is very important, and it certainly benefits other Americans like you and I who live in the Philippines.
Hi Bob – You know, I was kind of looking forward to meeting Ambassador Kenney before the post change. She has such a glowing smile and friendly demeanor. I’m sure Ambassador Thomas will do a fine job.
Hi Henry – I do hope that Ambassador Thomas does a great job like Ambassador Kenney did! I agree with Tom that Thomas is following a tough act, and he will have to work hard to live up to expectations. But, I am thinking that he can do it! We’ll see! Maybe next will be Ambassador Henry!
I like the sound of that, Bob! 🙂
Go for it, my friend!
Hi Bob,
Happy New Year!
This is sad news. Like you, I am sorry to see Ambassador Kenney go. I think she is a perfect fit for the Philippines. Her professionalism and dedication to service are exemplary. She made numerous trips to Mindanao and other areas considered unsafe (i.e., Basilan, Jolo). On the other hand, she seems to be very down to earth and approachable. She has perfected the Filipino art of “pakikisama”, a true ambassador.
She will be missed.
I wish her all the best and thank her for all she has done for the Filipino people.
To Ambassador Thomas, welcome to the Philippines.
Hi Tina – Absolutely! I have only one issue with Ambassador Kenney… A while back I asked her to take me along with her and her party to Jolo on her next trip and she said no! Ha ha… I really need to go there to complete my “been to all Mindanao Provinces” quest! But, I can’t blame her, though! 😉
Happy New Year to you and Ken!
Hi Bob! I just like to quote the following from an article in the Inquirer. A testatement to the great work Kristie Kenney has done.
“No less than the Armed Forces of the Philippines acknowledged Kenney’s accomplishments by honoring her Wednesday in a testimonial parade traditionally given to a retiring officer or a head of state, and rarely to diplomats.
“Nobody in this country, not even the MILF or the communist rebels, will contest the now common knowledge that Ambassador Kenney is the most popular and best-liked ambassador, American or otherwise, in Philippine history,” said Gen. Victor Ibrado, AFP chief of staff.”
Hi Dex – Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Great to hear that the AFP also recognized Kristie for her good work here.
Wow I am in the process of moving to the Phillipines made my first two week trip in Nov 2009 and will make my second in Feb.2010. I am really disapointed in the US appointment of the new ambassador to the Phillipines. So a little about where I came from and who I am. After 20 years in the military and retired and now 10 years in the real estate business I have choosen to semi-retire. I will still have a active position in my business back home in the US. But with my son running my company and I supervising fron a distance.With the American population being only 12% black I think Obama has pulled another fast one. He is sending a black American to a country where I see only 3 black people in the 15 days I was in country. I was in the Phillipines Nov.2009. I traveled around
Manilia,Baguio,SubicBay and Clark.Why would Obama place a black man in this position? The Phillipino’s need to understand what it took me 30 years to learn. We all played by the same rules in the military blacks and whites we were forced to by a code.So blacks and whites got along ok we were brothers in arms. The only thing that was not fair was the military affimitive action plan where a man was advanced because of the color of his skin and not his deserving the promotion. It took me another 15 years after military retirment to understand I work my ass off pay a extra large tax bill that a large percentage of americans don’t pay. Or maybe some pay no tax at all or continue to get tax dollars through the goverment social aid or maybe a appointment because what color they are.I am leaving the US for a few years and will travel Asia with the Phillipines being my home. I was hopping to get away from the Obama administartion and the crazy plans that kill my country daily.It looks like even in the Phillipines I will have to see another stupid Obama appointment. Just returning a favor to a black man who is allready over represented in the USA.
Hi BJ – Personally, I don’t see it the way you do. Believe me, if you live here, the choice of who the Ambassador is will have little or no affect on your life here. Frankly, who the US Ambassador is just does not really impact Americans here at all. Yes, the fact that Kristie Kenney is a friendly person and loved by Filipinos helps other Americans… but beyond that it really has little impacts on our daily lives.
I personally don’t feel that the man’s race has much, if any impact on what kind of job he will do, how he will be accepted and such. I think that your feelings are way off base, while I certainly agree that it is your right to think that way if you wish, though.
You you have been living outside of the US to long many of my friends who have money are leaving US in droves and opening corporations outside the USA.This man is not a fair representation of the USA.Just like you are not a fair representation of the Phillipines.Being educated about what really takes place in America black and white will help the Phillipino’s decide if he really represents the USA. How much US tax have you paid since you live in the Phillipines? We are tired of paying for the people who don’t work and collect from the goverment.If you pay a large amount of tax you would be tired of the political BS.You would be tired of the unfair tax to the people who work hard every day. To pay for a goverment that wants to give it away.How many food stamps and social hands outs are availible to the phillipino’s. Not much you can bet on that. I think I will like it here hard working people who want to make a honest living.The ambassadors empact is he represents my country blacks have been forced on us for years. Would the Phillipino’s like it if a white person was given a position over them because the color of his skin? Or maybe the white person is given admission to a Phillipino school just because they are white. I think not lets ask them ? I plan on doing that as I get to know the Phillipino’s a little better.They need to learn the real USA and understand that many of the Americans are tired of our goverment.We love our country but hate the administartion who steals from the hard working Americans.Go back to the USA and run a small business for few years Bob.
BJ – People of every race are part of the “real USA” as you put it. Frankly, your racist attitudes are offensive. Even some of my regular participants here have e-mailed me and let me know that they are offended by your comments, and rightly so.
BJ:
There is such anger in your statements, and you should really take a step back and re-read what you have written. Ambassador Thomas was not put into his position as a “newbie”, or as affirmative action. His qualifications that have been made public show that he should be perfectly qualified. Injecting race into this is really irrelevant, and insulting to every reader’s intelligence on this board.
Having lived in several countries, I can tell you that it is highly unlikely that the choice of ambassador will impact you personally one whit. There are many functions of an embassy: Visas, spying, citizen assistance. How, in God’s green Earth, could his race impact you in the slightest?
I can also tell you that, regardless of where you live, US citizens are required to pay US taxes… That is the law and I’ll tell you that you can never run from it, no matter where you go. So… Bob, myself, and countless other Americans live here and pay US taxes. I don’t like it either, and, I liked it less during the Bush years, but if you are leaving as some sort of tax protest, it will not work.
I will also tell you this: If you move to the Philippines and keep this racist attitude, you will not last here. Expats are less than .5% of the total population here and the other 99.5% is, “guess what?”, mixed race. Do you plan on thinking of darker Filipinos in the same manner?
You are right on the mark, John!
I’ve only read about Ambassador Kenney, and her interviews. This lady understands the country, better than some of the local pols. If she were to run for President of the country, she would probably win. She brought down the “wall” between the US and the Philippines. A credit to her job, to her country.
Hi Alex – I agree that Kenney is a good example of who should be an Ambassador!
Ok you don’t see as I do, great news you do not have to read anything I post here. I have a friend in Baguio who has the same beliefs as I, and married to a Phillipino.He survives fine in the Phillipines and is not scared to voice his opinions.You don’t have to live in 3-4 countries to know how to survive in any enviroment the US Army trained me well for that hostile or friendly.There are many countries I have extended stays in.I am not moving to the Phillipines to escape paying tax.This is not a business friendly country nor do i seek to avoid US tax.I am simply going to live here to make travel easier to all of Asia. Sorry if my thoughts offended anyone but fredoom of speech is great. I know I had to keep my mouth shut for 20 years in the military. But was defending the rights of all to speak while I was silent.But the truth is most Phillipino’s don’t care anyway. It is America’s problems only over many years will this effect them and they want even know it.I don’t care what race you are just like to see equal treatment to all and not over protect or over represent one race.I am smart enough to know John we all bleed red.I will try to lower the opinions I am only here to gain more information about a country I will live in for a few years.