Source: Zim needs bold economic reforms: US envoy – DailyNews Live
Bridget Mananavire 14 October 2017
HARARE – Zimbabwe needs to implement comprehensive and bold economic
reforms and get rid of corruption for the economy to get back on track,
United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Harry Thomas Junior has said.
He spoke as the economy is imploding, blighted by critical foreign
currency shortages and the central bank has issued “bond notes,” a
domestic quasi-currency that is already depreciating.
Zimbabwe is yet to reach a deal with the World Bank and other foreign
lenders over clearing arrears and reforms, the International Monetary Fund
said, amid indications reliance on central bank finance was fanning
inflationary pressures.
In April, government met all conditions to clear arrears to the World Bank
and African Development Bank, paving the way for possible future funding
from the IMF.
“We support the government’s economic reform process. We hope that it will
be implemented. We think that it takes foreign investment, local
investment and mostly investment in human capital to succeed without
corruption,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of are signing
ceremony of a $150 000 grant to Heather Chimoga Orphan Care in Murehwa,
funded under the United States African Development Foundation.
“As you know, we have been the largest donor to Zimbabwe since
independence. We remain the largest bilateral donor, what we wanna see is
help people to be independent, not need donations.
“When you give a $150 000 to a project that is already producing chickens,
it becomes almost a bridge to financial independence and not dependence
and that’s what we are doing.”
The Heather Chimoga Orphan Care supports 784 orphans daily. The
organisation said they increased the number of chickens produced per from
7 000 in 2014 to over 16 000 in 2017.
Meanwhile, Thomas Jnr said Washington had no reason to censor President
Robert Mugabe’s view that US President Donald Trump was a “giant golden
Goliath” who threatens to make other countries “extinct.”
Addressing the UN General Assembly last month, the Zimbabwean president
told Trump to “blow your trumpet” for peace.
It came two days after Trump’s own address to the UN, in which he strongly
condemned a number of countries, including North Korea, Iran and
Venezuela.
Mugabe compared Trump to the biblical figure of Goliath, a giant who had
attempted to destroy the Israelites before being killed by David with a
slingshot.
Mugabe said: “Some of us were embarrassed, if not frightened, by what
appeared to be the return of the biblical giant gold Goliath. Are we
having a return of Goliath to our midst, who threatens the extinction of
other countries?
“May I say to the United States President, Mr Trump, please blow your
trumpet. Blow your trumpet in a musical way towards the values of unity,
peace, cooperation, togetherness, dialogue, which we have always stood
for.”
Thomas said: “Our donations are to the Zimbabwean people and their future,
our commitment to the Zimbabwean people, that’s why we are building a very
large new embassy, it shows our commitment. And of course in regards to
…Mugabe’s speech, we believe in free speech, we don’t censor anyone. We
don’t intimidate anyone because of their opinion. We welcome differences
of opinion,” Thomas said.
COMMENTS
The only “reform” necessary for Zimbabwe is for Mugabe and his ZANUPF bigwigs to get their greedy fingers out of the til and return what they’ve stolen from the people. Look at their limos and mansions and designer clothing. Look at where those elites go for medical care, shopping, and beauty treatments. Look at how their children live opulent lives of partying and speeding around in their expensive sports cars in other countries… all financed by the millions and billions stolen from Zim by their parents while the rest of Zim cheered them on. This is what you fought for? This is what you continue to support? So be it. You made your own bed. That’s why the rest of the world doesn’t care that you suffer.
The only “reform” necessary for Zimbabwe is for Mugabe and his ZANUPF bigwigs to get their greedy fingers out of the til and return what they’ve stolen from the people. Look at their limos and mansions and designer clothing. Look at where those elites go for medical care, shopping, and beauty treatments. Look at how their children live opulent lives of partying and speeding around in their expensive sports cars in other countries… all financed by the millions and billions stolen from Zim by their parents while the rest of Zim cheered them on. This is what you fought for? This is what you continue to support? So be it. You made your own bed. That’s why the rest of the world doesn’t care that you suffer.