Press Releases

Ambassador Mark Green dedicates Petterson House in Zanzibar

December 14, 2007

On Thursday, December 13, 2007 U.S. Ambassador Mark Green dedicated the Petterson House, formerly known as the U.S. Embassy Zanzibar Guest House, located in Mazizini, Unguja.

During his remarks, Ambassador Green honored the work of Ambassador Don Petterson, who arrived at the U.S. Consulate in Zanzibar in 1963 as the Revolution unfolded and as the Union with Tanganyika was forged. Ambassador Petterson also captured the sweep of U.S. history and America’s official presence on Zanzibar in a vivid memoir entitled, Revolution in Zanzibar. He went on not only to become one of America’s most respected senior diplomats, but to return as U.S. Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania in 1986.

Ambassador Green also honored and recognized the historic links between America and Zanzibar. America’s presence on Zanzibar dates back almost 200 years, to a 1833 treaty between the U.S. and Oman that provided for a U.S. consular presence on Zanzibar. The Consulate was then in continuous operation for almost a hundred years, from 1837 to 1915.

The U.S. envoy also touched on the millions of dollars in cooperative projects ongoing in Zanzibar from the American people. He looked to the future, encouraging Zanzibaris to continue their reconciliation effort. He applauded the commitment of President Kikwete to assure that these reconciliation discussions keep up momentum, and said, “We look forward to an equitable agreement that will ensure that democratic institutions continue to grow in Zanzibar.” (Please see SPEECH released separately and available at http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/sp_12132007.html)

As Ambassador closed, he assured the assembled crowd that the United States will provide its support “and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Zanzibari people, as we have done so in the past, for over two hundred years.”