Outgoing US ambassador says ‘balance’ is answer to racism, xenophobia

US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley says answer to racism is striking balance between citizens' and refugees' rights

As her term in Malta comes to a close US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley admitted that she will sorely miss the country, saying “its been an amazing four years” both professionally and personally.

“I cannot think of a better place to be for family reasons and my own,” she said.

Speaking during her final meeting with the press at the official residence in Attard, Abercrombie-Winstanley said it was a “pleasure and and a privilege” to work with two different administrations, adding that “Malta is in good hands” whoever is in power.

On the humanitarian crisis which has come to the fore in recent years, Abercrombie-Winstanley said every country must firstly protect its citizens “but we have to balance that with the humane treatment of our fellow human beings” fleeing dire situations in other parts of the world.

Malta, like other European countries including the US, is faced with challenges posed by extremism.

Abercrombie-Winstanley, who has played an important role in advocating civil and human rights during her term, said “we are dealing with racism, xenophobia and nationalism, and governments around the world have got to step up to make sure we keep the right balance.”

Talking of her achievements during her tenure, Abercrombie-Winstanley, the longest-serving US ambassador to Malta, said Malta can take pride in the establishment of the International Institute for Justice and Rule of Law in 2014.

“Malta can be a wonderful symbol to other countries in the region to show the way forward.”

Abercrombie-Winstanley will leave Malta this week to take up a post in Washington DC and she will be replaced by G. Kathleen Hill.

Hill – has vast diplomatic experience in Europe - previously served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Executive Secretary at the Department of State.