Remarks by Ambassador Laura Dogu at the B200 Sensor Donation Ceremony at the Coronel Hernan Acosta Mejia Air Base

Illicit drug trafficking is a huge problem in our hemisphere and in this region, but working together we can address these security challenges. Welcome to the Minister of Defense, Honduran Armed Forces, guests, and our team from the United States. I have the pleasure this morning of announcing the completed restoration of the sensor of …

Read More»

Remarks by Ambassador Laura Dogu at the Dedication Ceremony for the National Police’s Strategic Comunication Department

Today more than ever, communication drives everything. Constant technological changes require us to keep up to date and adapt to new forms of communication. The police’s ability to communicate and notify the public is critical to their mission to “serve and protect.” The press room is a tool that allows for more effective communication. And …

Read More»

Remarks for Ambassador Dogu, American School of Tegucigalpa Graduation Ceremony 2023

Happy graduation day, Eagles! I’m Laura Dogu, the U.S. Ambassador here in Honduras. I am thrilled to join the class of 2023 for this important day! Congratulations to all the graduates and your families. You did it!!! For over five decades, AST and the Embassy have had an enduring and strong relationship, full of traditions. …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu’s Remarks on the USDA Cochran Fellowship Alumni Reception

Good evening, everyone.  I am delighted to host this reception   in honor of the alumni of the United States Department of Agriculture’s COCHRAN Fellowship Program.  Tonight, we celebrate the success of this long-standing Program that helps strengthen U.S.-Honduran bilateral ties.     As you all know, the.  Cochran Program is designed to provide short term training opportunities in the United States for government officials, academic professionals, …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu Closing Remarks on United States-Honduras Strategic and Human Rights Dialogues

¡Buenas tardes a todas y todos! During Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Tegucigalpa for the historic inauguration of President Castro, they announced the bilateral strategic dialogue.   After some months of planning, the first dialogue took place last April in Washington, D.C. shortly after I arrived as the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras.  That was nearly …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu Remarks on United States-Honduras Strategic and Human Rights Dialogues

Buenos dias a todos y todas!      Foreign Minister Reina, Minister Cardona, and Presidential Secretary Zelaya, muchas gracias for the invitation, your warm welcome, and for hosting these important dialogues.  I value our strong relationship and look forward to continuing this throughout my time here in Honduras.  The U.S. government delegation in attendance at today’s …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu’s Remarks  on the Inauguration Ceremony Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation 2022 Project

I thought this visit was going to be my first time in Copan Ruinas. But when I arrived yesterday, I realized that I came here 31 years ago. I was on my first assignment with the Foreign Service, at our Embassy in El Salvador. I see that now as before, the ruins are impressive! Every …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu’s Remarks on 16-Days of Activism Combating GBV and Impunity

Today we commemorate the eighth day of our activism campaign against gender-based violence. However, this campaign should not be limited to 16 days. The fight must be constant every day of the year. Gender-based violence is a serious problem in Honduras. I recently traveled to Roatán and was impressed by the number of people who …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu Remarks on USDA Program

Ladies and Gentlemen. Hungry children cannot learn or concentrate on their studies. The US Department of Agriculture’s McGovern Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program is working on both issues: hunger and education. Honorable President of the Terra Foundation, Freddy Nasser; Mrs. María del Carmen Nasser Executive Vice President of the Terra Foundation; members …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu remarks on Announcement of Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico and Meta Digital Training

Good morning to all. Today we live in a world that is constantly changing. Success in this dynamic world requires skills that previously existed only in our imaginations. Training in the digital field is key to international competitiveness, and I am very happy to see the commitment of everyone here to strengthen education in this …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu’s Remarks at the Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico Digital Registration Platform Announcement

Hello. I would like to thank Minister Barquero and Minister Medina for the invitation to participate in this event. It is a pleasure to be here with my friend Ambassador Mario Canahauti. Many thanks also to Mr. Richard Baratha for the support given to the United Nations Development Program for this project that we are …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu’s Remarks on 2022 Central America Donors Forum

The world is complicated with many challenges such as the closure of civic spaces, threats to freedom of expression and loss of trust in democracy and democratic institutions.  We see leaders selling the idea that to solve problems they must have more power instead of strengthening institutions and eliminating corruption.  We see governments attacking the …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura Dogu’s Remarks  at the AmCham 2022 Annual Meeting

During the last few weeks there has been a lot of news about the relationship between the United States and Honduras. So, I thought I’d take this opportunity to clarify what the United States is working on. Our focus is on building prosperity, improving security, and strengthening democracy to benefit both countries. With international companies …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu Remarks on “An Inclusive Democracy: Participation of Marginalized Groups in Honduras”

We are all the same.  It is a principle that I truly believe in my heart.  No one should feel more than another person and no one should be seen as less under any circumstances.  Unfortunately, this is not a reality.  We live in a world where we doubt someone’s ability just because they have …

Read More»

Remarks from Ambassador Laura F. Dogu on Human Smuggling Regional Meeting

Murder, rape, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, forced prostitution, human trafficking. Distinguished prosecutors and law enforcement officers from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama and colleagues from the United States Department of Justice, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. These are some of the crimes that you prevent with your …

Read More»

Remarks from Ambassador Laura F. Dogu on Launch of the USAID and Heifer International Dairy Sector Partnership

One of the things I like most about Honduras is its food. I love the warm tortillas with cheese, the baleadas with butter and grated cheese, and the sweet plantains with cream. Well, so many things that I’d better stop because it’s going to make us all hungry here! As we can see, dairy products …

Read More»

Remarks Ambassador Laura F. Dogu at AmCham 40th Anniversary Reception

Thanks Claudia. Goodnight everyone. 1982 was an incredible year. Singer Michael Jackson released his album “Thriller.” That record made Michael a superstar and has sold 70 million copies worldwide. In the same year, AT&T’s monopoly breakup was ordered. The famous movie “E.T.” debuted in theaters. And in 1982 AmCham started with 19 affiliated companies. Today, …

Read More»

Remarks from Ambassador Laura F. Dogu at OP HEART Closing Ceremony

We learned about the case of an elderly woman with a hip fracture, without relatives and without financial resources to buy a plate to repair her hip bone. The HEART team purchased a plate, through U.S. Southern Command Overseas Humanitarian and Civic Aid funds, and HEART orthopedic surgeons along with a Honduran orthopedic doctor were …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu’s Remarks on Human Rights Initiative Workshop

An Armed Forces mission that does not protect people’s human rights is not a successful mission. The Honduran Armed Forces understand this because between 1995 and 1997, they helped develop the Human Rights Initiative Consensus document. Mr. Minister of Defense, José Manuel Zelaya Rosales; Minister of Human Rights, Natalie Roque Sandoval; Chief of the Hoduran …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu’s Remarks at the Launch of “Atención y Prevención Innovadora de la Migración Irregular en Países del Triángulo Norte”

We want to avoid another tragedy like the one that occurred in San Antonio, Texas when some Hondurans searching for the American dream found a nightmare. We don’t want more deaths! And that is why, we are committed to supporting initiatives that offer Hondurans opportunities for development in their country. This is crucial so that …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu’s Remarks at the World Trafficking in Person’s Awareness Day Commemoration

I want to share the story of 3 young Honduran women, single mothers, unemployed, with family problems from the city of Amapala. They were victims of a false job offer by a Honduran, who offered them a job cleaning houses and in a restaurant. However, when they showed up to work, the individual kidnapped them …

Read More»

Remarks from A/DCM Janina Jaruzelski on Donation of COVID-19 Vaccines and Vials

Welcome to Minister of Health Matheu, Vice Chancellor Rodríguez, Director of the EPI, Dr. Guevara, Dr. Perela PAHO Official, UNICEF Representative, Mark Connoly, and friends! I don’t know about you, but I know of many people who have recently tested positive for COVID-19. We are in the midst of another big wave of COVID. As …

Read More»

Remarks from Ambassador Laura F. Dogu for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Kick-off Event

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is already accepting applications for the next edition. We are growing and women entrepreneurs in the communities of La Esperanza, Santa Barbara, Tocoa, and Roatán can now participate for the first time. And we are opening the program again in San Pedro Sula, Santa Rosa de Copán, Siguatepeque, Juticalpa, Choluteca, …

Read More»

Statement by the U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu on the Assassination of Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo

I am truly saddened to hear of the tragic assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. He was an exemplary public servant who dedicated his life to the service of his people. He championed the alliance between our two countries and was a true friend to the United States. I have conveyed our condolences …

Read More»

Remarks from Ambassador Laura F. Dogu on the 246th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America

Welcome to our Fourth of July celebration. This year, we commemorate the 246th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. I arrived in this beautiful country only three months ago, and in this short time I have learned and experienced many things in Honduras. Thanks to everyone who has recommended places to …

Read More»

 Ambassador Laura F. Dogu Remarks for  LASPAU “Teaching in Virtual Environments” Grant Closing Ceremony

Buenas tardes!  I am Laura Dogu, the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras. Today I come to congratulate you for having completed the Laspau certification in “University Teaching in Virtual Environments.” We hope the training has met your expectations. We thank the Laspau team for designing and coordinating the program.   Through this program, the United States invested more than 4.2 …

Read More»

Remarks for Ambassador Laura F. Dogu at Discovery School Graduation Ceremony 

Happy graduation day, Discovery School Seniors! I am Laura Dogu, the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras. Thank you for the opportunity to join your celebration. Congratulations on achieving this milestone! Despite the challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic, you pushed through. Your hard work has paid off, and your future is bright. You have studied hard …

Read More»

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu’s Remarks for the HIV Clinic Donation Ceremony at the Hospital Salvador Paredes in Trujillo, Colón

June 1, 2022 Minister of Defense José Manuel Zelaya, Mayor of Trujillo Héctor Mendoza, representatives of the community and special guests, A very good day to you all. It is a pleasure to be here to show our support to the Honduran people and strengthen the ties between our countries. Although this is my first …

Read More»

Remarks Ambassador Laura F. Dogu for Reception for the completion of First Major Phase of Construction of the New Facilities of the U.S. Embassy

Friday May 27, 2022 Your excellency, Mr. Chancellor Enrique Reina, Ministers, Diplomatic Corps and special guests, Good afternoon. Thank you to everyone who accepted our invitation to commemorate the completion of a major phase of the construction of the new facilities of the U.S. Embassy. We are here to celebrate an important moment in the …

Read More»

Remarks Ambassador Laura F. Dogu On American School of Tegucigalpa Graduation

May 26, 2022 Good evening American School of Tegucigalpa! I’m Laura Dogu, the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras. Thank you for the opportunity to join your celebration. I wish I could be with you in person, but I am happy to join you virtually. Congratulations on completing high school! That alone is no easy feat, but you achieved …

Read More»

Remarks for Ambassador Dogu  BCIU Virtual Town Hall

Thank you Peter, for the warm introduction.   Ambassador Popp, Chargé d’Affaires O’Brien and BCIU members.   Good afternoon to all.   My colleagues and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with BCIU members about this important region.  In particular, I appreciate the opportunity to speak about the challenges and opportunities in Honduras. I have only been in Honduras for a few …

Read More»

Statement on the Anniversary of the Murder of Berta Cáceres

March 3 marks one year since the brutal murder of renowned Honduran environmentalist Berta Cáceres. Her life as an activist and her work on behalf of indigenous communities and the environment had a global impact, and we again extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues on this sad anniversary. To date, eight …

Read More»

OSAC Tegucigalpa Country Council Signing Ceremony

TEGUCIGALPA, M.D.C. – On Thursday, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Tegucigalpa Country council formally signed its Charter and Bylaws in a signing ceremony at Banco Lafise. Founded in 1985, OSAC started as a means for private U.S. companies located overseas to share security concerns. Today, OSAC members include international NGOs, faith-based organizations and academia. “Time …

Read More»

Statement by Ambassador James D. Nealon on the Assassination of José Ángel Flores, President of the Unified Campesino Movement of the Aguán (MUCA)

On behalf of the people and government of the United States of America, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and supporters of José Ángel Flores, President of the Unified Campesino Movement of the Aguán (MUCA), who was murdered by unknown gunmen yesterday while leaving a meeting in Tocoa, Honduras. We …

Read More»

Statement from Ambassador James D. Nealon on the Announcement of Arrests in the Murder of Berta Cáceres

We welcome the announcement of arrests in the murder of Berta Cáceres. From the very beginning, we have called for a thorough investigation into Caceres’ murder – one that followed the evidence and that would lead to those who committed the crime, including the intellectual authors. We will continue to follow closely as the suspects …

Read More»

Statement from Ambassador James D. Nealon on International Women’s Day

On March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day in which the world praises the economic, social, and political achievements of women. This day also marks a call to action for gender equality and the respect of women’s human rights, including their right to learn, to express themselves, and to live free from violence. Today, we …

Read More»

Remarks by Ambassador Nealon at a Ceremony to Recognize Tegu as a Finalist for the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence

As Prepared for Delivery Mr. Chris Haughey, Chief Executive Officer of Tegu, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen. The U.S. Department of State has selected Tegu as one of four finalists worldwide for the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence for small and medium-sized companies. My country is very proud of the contributions …

Read More»

Remarks by Ambassador James D. Nealon at a Reception in Celebration of African American History Month

As Prepared for Delivery Good evening, and welcome. It’s a pleasure to welcome everyone here tonight. In the United States, February is Black History Month. Each year we set aside this month to honor the accomplishments of African Americans in every aspect of American society. I want to thank the Trio Experimental Lalo Rojas for …

Read More»

Op-ed by Ambassador Nealon on Earth Day

Every year on April 22 the world celebrates Earth Day. One of the biggest long-term challenges we face today is climate change. According to recent studies by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Honduras will be one of the countries most affected by climate change, with temperature increases causing rainfall to decrease by …

Read More»

U.S. Embassy and Banco Atlantida Announce Fulbright-Banco Atlántida Scholarships

TEGUCIGALPA – Ambassador James Nealon and Guillermo Bueso, Executive Director for Banco Atlantida, announced today the first call for applications to the Fulbright – Banco Atlantida Scholarships, which will allow for young Honduran professionals to study at U.S. universities. Banco Atlantida is providing US$ 600,000 to fund up to six scholarships over the next three …

Read More»

Ambassador Nealon’s Remarks at the Launch of the Campaign “Honduras for Human Rights” in Commemoration of International Human Rights

As Prepared for Delivery Today we celebrate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrined the principle that the “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” In principle, the concept that all human beings are born free …

Read More»

Op-Ed: A Recipe for Success Against Corruption by Ambassador James D. Nealon

It is difficult to overstate the profoundly negative impact that corruption has on society. The abuse of entrusted power for private gain does violence to our values, our prosperity, and even our security. Today is International Anti-Corruption Day, an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the scourge of corruption, the need for public sector transparency, …

Read More»

Ambassador Nealon Inaugurates Bird Watching Towers in Cerro Azul Meambar National Park

TEGUCIGALPA – U.S. Ambassador James Nealon, an avid birder, traveled to Cerro Azul Meambar National Park (PANACAM) on October 18 to inaugurate two bird watching towers. The U.S. Government partnered with the park to install the bird-watching towers and three lookouts, and has improved the hiking trails in an effort to improve the infrastructure for …

Read More»

Statement by Ambassador Nealon for International Day of Democracy and International Day of Peace

This week we celebrate both the International Day of Democracy and the International Day of Peace. I believe it is appropriate that we celebrate these two days together, as democracy and peace are inextricably linked. In my first month here in Honduras, I’ve had the great privilege of meeting many Hondurans who are working to …

Read More»

Ambassador Nealon Visits La Paz with High-Level Delegation

TEGUCIGALPA – A high level delegation from the governments of Honduras and the United States traveled to La Paz today, to see first-hand how U.S. assistance is helping reduce poverty and malnutrition in one of the departments most impacted by the current drought. U.S. Ambassador James D. Nealon and Tjada McKenna, Assistant to the USAID …

Read More»

Ambassador James D. Nealon Presents Credentials to President Juan Orlando Hernandez

TEGUCIGALPA – On Thursday, August 21, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras James D. Nealon presented his credentials to the Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez in a brief ceremony at Casa Presidencial. Ambassador Nealon arrived in Tegucigalpa on August 13 after being confirmed by the United States Senate as Ambassador on July 15, and being sworn in …

Read More»
Show More ∨