Embassy Headlines
Noun Division Culture Welcomes Ambassador Garvey to Foumban
Some 31 miles from Foumban, over one hundred people gathered at the Noun River entrance to the Noun Division to receive U.S. Ambassador Janet E. Garvey on her first visit to Foumban, one of the cultural capitals of Cameroon. From December 27-29, 2007, Ambassador Garvey explored the town and surrounding areas to increase her knowledge about the cultural treasures and economic activity of Foumban and the Noun. Among those welcoming the Ambassador were the mayors of Foumbot and Koutaba as well as members of Parliament. Traditional dance groups were present with song and dance of the region. After greeting the mayors and dignitaries, Ambassador Garvey proceeded to Koutaba, where more than one thousand people gathered along the side of the road to welcome her to Koutaba. While the Ambassador greeted the crowd, a large all-women troupe sang and danced.
The visit offered an opportunity for Ambassador Garvey to meet with the Mayor of Foumban, Adamou Ndam Njoya, at the Foumban Town Hall, and the Sultan of Bamoun at his palace. The two-part visit to the Sultan included a tour of the King’s Palace, the palace museum, the King Njoya Monument in town and a traditional display of horsemanship on the palace grounds.
Local artisans found Ambassador Garvey admiring the products of their labor at the African Art Trader’s gallery, the famed craftsmen’s village of Foumban and accompanying museum.
Following an early-morning visit to the two-century old Crater Lake, at Batpit on the outskirts of Foumban, Mayor Ndam Njoya gave the Ambassador a tour of the Kouti coffee plantation, where she was able to speak with plantation workers.
Other sites on the Ambassador’s itinerary included the Koutaba Monastery, a new monastery at Koutaba still under construction, and a guided tour of the twin lakes at Domaine de Petpenoun. (photo gallery)