A Wig For A Pair of Shades
A Wig For A Pair of Shades
A Wig For A Pair of Shades

A Wig For A Pair of Shades

US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill is offering to swap a grey wig for a 'setof blue wraparound glasses' on his upcoming trip with Bono to Africa.

10 May 2002
Us Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill is offering to swap a grey wig for a 'setof blue wraparound glasses' on his upcoming trip with Bono to Africa.

Speaking ahead of the trip with Bono later this month, O'Neill said that thepair intended to tour schools, hospital AIDS clinics and other developmentprojects in Ghana, Uganda, South Africa and Ethiopia. He told reportersthat the goal will be to promote the idea that development aid shouldproduce results, not just pour money into the region.

"We need to make it work, and the two of us can go and we will attractattention so the world will see what it looks like and we can show them theawful part and we can show them the success stories and it will help topromote the policy changes that need to be made." he said.

Describing the U2 singer as "a world-famous person who cares a lot aboutimproving living conditions all over the world", the contrast between therock star and the politician would increase the chance that the world wouldtake notice of Africa and its needs.

"As nearly as it's possible to do, we're going to see what life is reallylike through each other's eyes. I'm going to get a set of blue wraparoundglasses and I'm going to give him a gray wig."

The idea for the trip came when the pair began meeting in Washington lastyear to discuss debt cancellation for the poorest countries. While Africagains media interest at times of crisis, such as famine or politicalupheaval, this trip will focus attention on some of the region's successstories as well. Commentators have noted that the trip, which begins on May20th, will raise awareness of poverty in the region ahead of the G8 Summitlater in the summer.

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