AMERICAN FOOTBALL

I need not tell you that times are difficult. Sometimes, new drag between the center of activities as Douala and Yaoundé. But I can assure you that the authorities in Yaoundé come already on the extent to which the global economic crisis will affect the Cameroon, Cameroonian households, companies and the Cameroonian government's ability to implement its ambitious program known as term Vision 2035.

If you remember, a few months ago, some have said at one point that the crisis would not affect in Cameroon and the Cameroon was out of reach of the crisis because financial institutions camerounais n ' were not included in the international financial system. Now some of those same voices say that Cameroon is suffering an economic crisis that has not occurred. They say that Cameroon's economic problems are not the fault of Cameroon; they say that someone else is responsible for Cameroon's economic problems. It is true that Cameroon has "not created" the global economic crisis. And I think we all recognize that the economic problems of the United States have had an impact of great significance.

President Obama spoke of a lack of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy and called for "a new era of responsibility in the United States." In his inaugural speech to the nation, President Obama said:"What we are asked now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition on the part of every American, that we have duties towards our country and the world, tasks that we do not grudgingly but seize with joy, with the certainty that there is nothing more satisfying for the spirit that defines our character as a whole give us a difficult task. "

President Obama returned to repeatedly on the theme of responsibility. He took up again in his speech last week in Cairo. He did not try to find excuses or scapegoats as regards the economic crisis and stressed that each of us is responsible for his own life. So how can we apply to Cameroon this call to responsibility? First, we should say that the decisions leading to the mismanagement and irresponsibility in the United States are not an excuse for the decisions that have something to do with the mismanagement and irresponsibility in other countries, including Cameroon.

A message calling for more accountability in Cameroon should emphasize the fact that the Cameroonians - whether in government, in business or civil society - are ultimately responsible for destiny of their country.

In economic, Cameroonians have the ability to further diversify their economy and make it less dependent on oil revenues. Cameroonians have the ability to steer the economy of their country to neighboring countries, to protect against the inevitable changes in the global economy and changes in prices. Cameroonians have the ability to require that their budget is transparent and well used.

In recent years, the Cameroonian government consumed less than 75% of its capital budget. The money is there, needs too. Why these funds are not spent, and this is more importantly, what are Cameroonians, they were within or outside the government to change that situation? The report "Doing Business" by the World Bank indicated that Cameroon's economic climate has deteriorated in recent years, while pairs of Cameroon were huge improvements. This trend can not be attributed to the economic crisis! This is to say that if the economic crisis is beyond the control of Cameroon, Cameroonians can only take over responsibility for their country's economy. I believe there are measures that Cameroon may, on its own to strengthen its economy during this difficult period and prepare for the recovery when it happens.

And the recovery will happen indeed. I think that is something that many people lose sight of. This is no time to think about the economic crisis. Now it is too late. The moment he was thinking about the crisis in Washington and in Yaoundé, is five years ago when prices were high. Now is the time when we should reflect on the recovery. In Cameroon, it means thinking about how to position the Cameroon so that takes advantage of the recovery when it occurs, as it certainly will. Prices of aluminum probably rise again. The application timber built yet. The application of rubber will go back again. What do Cameroonians now to make sure that their country will be well positioned for the next five years?

Cameroonians can influence policies that their government is implementing to build the economy of their country. Cameroonians can have a look at the readiness of their countries so that it can take advantage of times of plenty in the world economy and exit times of lean thereof.

Please note that I say "Cameroon", not "government of Cameroon." I say deliberately, to emphasize the fact that the Cameroonians are masters of their own destiny. We all know the shortcomings of democracy in Cameroon, a subject on which I will not date. However, the government is sensitive, although imperfectly, to requests from stakeholders in Cameroon, whether students, unions, taxi drivers or business that you, the American Chamber of Commerce , a part of it.

Very often, people come to the Embassy asking us what we are doing to fight corruption, build roads, improve infrastructure and education.I will answer a personal question: What are you doing? What does the American Chamber of Commerce to publicize its views to government on the urgent need to improve infrastructure?

You'll notice words that come back repeatedly in public statements that I and many other American officials will be in Cameroon during the year: Cameroon belongs to Cameroon and the Cameroon have the power to lead the destiny of their own nation; Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as if they were not with them and their government as if it were not theirs.

Often, when the Cameroon government takes any decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to put pressure on the Cameroon government to change its decision or a new decision .

Cameroonians are turning to the Embassy of the United States as if we were shown the way to influence their own government, as if it is we who should speak and act in their place.

This does not mean that we are not the challenges facing the people of Cameroon. We are proud of the strong and growing friendship that links Cameroon and the United States.

However, the biggest obstacle to the development of Cameroon, the obstacle that prevents the Cameroon to realize its full potential is the lack of ownership vis-à-vis its own nation, its own government and its own communities.

The attitude of resignation and despair almost qu'affichent my Cameroonian friends these days worries me. Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that Indomptables Lions have not had a past victory Sunday at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo. But I was amazed at seeing how many people were ready to abandon everything, to say that everything was finished and that was the end for the Cameroon. There are still four matches to play, and chances are still in Cameroon. I look forward to the next game with a winning spirit, the spirit "Yes, We Can." I think that Cameroon should continue to pursue its goal of participating in the World Cup in South Africa next year. I hope that the Cameroonian players and spectators alike, adopt the same attitude, not only in football but also to the challenges facing Cameroon is facing at this time.

I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon, as they exist in every country in the world. Having already spent almost two years in Cameroon, I know the problems but the problems does not interest me more. I am more interested to learn what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions and how Cameroonians are planning to take in hand the destiny of their country. The great American businessman Henry Ford said: "There are people who say they can, others can not. In general, all right. "

This is a message I hope to give through Cameroon in the months to come, and I convey to the American Chamber of Commerce today. Your membership representing various nationalities and a wide range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and the entire responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon to recognize its potential.

The global economic crisis has in fact an opportunity. Redesigned with the goals on how to boost economic growth and create jobs, camerounais makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business. The bundled AMCHAM in this room of entrepreneurs who have valuable knowledge that can provide sound advice on the necessary steps to improve the economy of Cameroon. What are you doing to make sure that your wisdom will be shared? What are you doing to make sure that Cameroon will be better prepared for the next global economic change, of whatever nature?

I know I did not solutions. Instead, I run into your leadership a call to action. AmCham's mission is to advance U.S. commercial interests in Cameroon, but this requires a greater responsibility to help Cameroon to recognize its potential as a leader in the region. AmCham can play a crucial role in forging a better future of Cameroon. I hope that you assume all responsibility.