2002 Speeches
Message to the American Community in Singapore on Security after September 11 by Franklin L. Lavin - U.S. Ambassador to Singapore
January 11, 2002
The Singapore Government announcement that it has broken up a terrorist ring in Singapore has prompted all of us to think anew about our lives and our security. It reminds us of one of the lessons of September 11: there is no place at home or abroad that is perfectly safe. But in my judgment, Singapore is about as good as it gets.
The Singapore Government takes security very seriously, as do we. We fully support Singapore's efforts to break up terrorist cells and bring the conspirators to justice. We work closely with our Singaporean counterparts. Together, we devote a good deal of resources, people and time to ensure that all of us are able to go about our daily lives in peace. Neither we, nor the Singapore authorities, can always talk publicly about what we are doing. As in the United States, active investigations frequently continue even after arrests have been made.
Our most important responsibility at the Embassy is the safety and well-being of the American community. I take personal responsibility for this every day. Whether we are on the MRT, shopping on Orchard Road, or taking the kids to Sentosa, we all enjoy the benefits of this wonderful city. Just last weekend I took our kids to Jurong Water Park. This weekend we hope to see a movie downtown. Singapore is just as safe today as it has always been.
We all need to be vigilant and to think about our security. But Singapore is a supportive environment, which recent events reaffirm. We have learned, to our grief, that the terrorists are a capable bunch. So are we. So are our friends. Americans in Singapore enjoy the support of a determined government and a hospitable people. There are challenges we need to face. But let's not let these challenges overshadow the many blessings we enjoy.
Gong Xi Fa Cai