In November, ten visitors from Tunisia arrived in Pensacola as part of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program. Their project, Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Government, focused on “the role and structure of ethics in government in the United States.” Its purpose also included to “explore best practices underlying transparency and accountability; to examine similarities and differences in approaches of ethical conduct between government and the private sector in the United States; to address international efforts to strengthen ethical leadership in governments and businesses worldwide; and to examine the effect of transparency on trade, investment and economic development.”
Many of the visitors’ meetings focused on the freedom of the press, independent media, and the importance of objectivity in reporting. Rick Outzen of Independent News spent time with the group as did Chief Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille and Kisha Locke of the Office of the State Attorney who focused on the Florida Sunshine Law and the principle of transparency. Another meeting with former Pensacola City Councilmember Maren DeWeese focused on the role of citizen journalists and bloggers in the discussion of transparency and citizen responsibilities.
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford and Program Coordinator Sonya Daniel highlighted the process for ensuring fair and proper elections in Escambia County. At the Escambia County Office of the Clerk of Court, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Pam Childers and Finance Director Sharon Harrell answered questions about the processes surrounding the preservation of official county records.
Aside from professional meetings, the visitors also participated in a volunteer opportunity. They met with Katie Ramsey of First United Methodist Church to discuss the Serving the Hungry program and then joined locals in serving meals to the hungry. The visitors also explored the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival during one of their lunches in downtown Pensacola.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who helped make this project a success, especially facilitator Patricia McGraw who introduced them to the region by accompanying them to their appointments.
Through a series of complimentary appointments focusing on transparency, accountability, and journalism, the Tunisian visitors coming to northwest Florida on Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Government met locals who addressed their areas of expertise from a variety of viewpoints. Professional meetings, a volunteer activity, and the hospitality of locals combined to make Pensacola a memorable and rewarding experience for this IVLP.
