I was impressed most, though, by the bright prospects for the future. Great advances were made over the previous two decades in economic growth, in developing and diversifying industrial and agricultural production, improving health services and education. I'm convinced that the hemisphere will continue this trend of strong growth and improvement. The promise of the New World remains bright. We have great resources and dynamic peoples.
Prosperity strengthens democracy.
Throughout the hemisphere, democracy is on the move. Nearly all the governments in the Caribbean Basin are now democracies. Freedom and respect for human rights gives the fullest expression to the meaning of life, and democracy also advances peace. Democracies live easier with each other. And as we grow closer to each other, more neighborly, we can become a force for good in the world more than anyone could dream at this time.