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The Third Annual Memorial Walk for Road Safety took place as planned on 20 January without a hitch. Kudos to the organizers (particularly PCVs Sarah Showfety, Adam Dowling and Jake Kelly - apologies to any who I may have missed). The weather was great and much cooler than last year's Walk, which was in April. Unfortunately the cooler weather but didn't do much to prevent the agony of sore legs and feet! There were probably 80 participants, off and on, throughout the 38-kilometer (23-mile) walk, which included about 50 Volunteers with six PC Staff.

I was delighted with the U.S. Embassy turn out, which included the Ambassador and four others. The Ambassador is a serious runner and, although he didn't run this year, he is already laying his plans for a real run next year. As it was, he kept to a steady pace and finished second to PCV Wes Wrightson, kilometers ahead of most everyone else.

There were presentations at the taxi stand in Labe the evening before the Walk that covered several road safety topics. The Walk itself served as a memorial to all those who have died on the roads of Guinea. The Ministry of Public Works and Transporation representative had discussions with several Volunteers about ideas to enhance the effectiveness of the Walk. (The Minister wanted to attend but a visit to Guinea by the President of Ivory Coast changed his plans at the last minute.) One idea is to rotate the Walk to different sites to have more impact around the country. Another is to make it a competitive run (marathon?) with prizes which would also up the visibility and get more attention. Yet another is to have a full day of sensibilizations and seminars with government officials and drivers the day before the Walk.

I was pleased to see this interest and encouraged further discussions, but final decisions on those matters rest with the Volunteers. My position is that this initiative should remain completely in the control of the Volunteers, with Admin doing what it can to help with getting funds. Raison d'etre of the Walk was not forgotten and it was concluded with a moment of silence at the Memorial in Pita for Jesse and Justin. There were speeches by the Ambassador, the Prefet and me at the Prefecture (County) Administrative building and the conclusion was a wonderful local meal served to well over 100 people.

Thanks to all who support this effort.

George Greer, Country Director