High School Real World Journalism

Ambassador Veiga's Press Conference

By Erick Lopez, Wilson High School/Kid's Radio/PNN News

On May 23, 2008, Cape Verde's Ambassador Lima Da Veiga arrived in the U.S. for the Memorial Day weekend. And what place better than the sands of Long Beach, California, where she was warmly welcomed by the city's mayor: Bob Foster, along with many counsel members. The conference room was full with counsel members, photographers, and reporters ready to hear what the ambassador would say.

Ambassador Veiga was a very charming woman, ready to listen and answer what young Kid's Talk Radio reporters had to ask. Ambassador Veiga explained all from economy to the tourism in the Cape Verde islands. Beforehand, many people wondered, where exactly is Cape Verde? Is Cape Verde some type of gang in Los Angeles? Founder and CEO of Kid's Talk Radio Bob Barboza's favorite question of all was "Why does every person need a Cape Verdean?" for the reason that he knew the answer to that. As a fellow Cape Verdean, Barboza led the conference room with a walk through on Kid's Talk Radio and presented an introduction to Ambassador Veiga on the Cape Verdeans in the U.S.

Ambassador Veiga presented the audience with a power point presentation, showing the public what the Cape Verde islands had to offer and what it could do for the U.S. The ambassador presented some really interesting facts such as that Cape Verde achieved their independence on July 5^th, 1975. Ambassador Veiga also presented the current issues with her country like how Cape Verde is in dire need of resources; especially water, considering that rainfall in Cape Verde is very scarce. Cape Verde is in necessitate of help and support from the U.S. and we need to answer the call for help.

In conclusion, Ambassador Veiga was able to answer each question that curious reporters asked. The ambassador even had the chance to meet fellow Cape Verdeans who felt strongly about the struggle in their country. In the end, it is sure that every person there accomplished making a good impression to the ambassador to have her return to the sandy coasts of Long Beach, California.

Eric Lopez is a student at Long Beach Wilson High School. He is a member of his high school news team. Eric was invited to join the Long Beach Kid's Talk Radio PNN Press Conference News team.