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Barack Obama will be sworn in as President of the United States tomorrow. That is why today U.S. Ambassador to Belize Robert Dieter packed his bags and left on a flight bound for Colorado. Dieter headed home because his tour of duty ended when President George Bush’s term ended. He has been here for three and a half years and his last official act was attending this morning’s opening Supreme Court. We got some closing thoughts from Ambassador Dieter.

Robert Dieter, US Ambassador
“I had a wonderful three and a half years in Belize and I am on my way back to my home in Colorado.”

Keith Swift,
What sticks out to you as you leave?

Robert Dieter,
“Well you know the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the people that we have met. We have memories of a lot of fond recollections of things we’ve done and the people we’ve met and we’ve just enjoyed a lot.

I was happy about all the humanitarian assistance that has been provided through the Embassy and certainly having the opportunity to meet so many young people by visiting the high schools in the country.”

Keith Swift,
So what’s next for you?

Robert Dieter,
“Well I am going to return home. I might go back to teaching, not really sure yes. I will just take a little bit of time to enjoy myself.”

Keith Swift,
We know that while you were here, the Embassy moved to Belmopan. Tell us what you think is the significance of that.

Robert Dieter,
“Well obviously we went from, I could describe it as say going from the 19th Century to the 21st Century in terms of the facility. The old building was a quaint, picturesque building and actually a historic building but the new Embassy is modern, an up to date facility and can accommodate our growth.”

Dieter was appointed in May of 2005. It could be months before a successor is named. In the interim, the Deputy Chief of Mission will run the Embassy.