Isdore Guvamombe in Victoria Falls
OUTGOING US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Charles Ray has castigated the international media for their negative portrayal of Zimbabwe and encouraged Americans to visit and see the truth on the ground.

The US envoy, who has been at the centre of anti-Zimbabwe propaganda since his arrival three years ago, said the images peddled by global media houses such as CNN, were misleading as he found Zimbabwe to be safe.

“What you see on CNN is not true. Journalists package what they think sells. I am sorry to say this in front of the media, but I have been in the media before myself.
“People have a mistaken notion with reality. It is important that journalists try and report correctly and accurately. I have encouraged people not to listen to the international media but (they should) come and see for themselves,’’ Mr Ray said.

Addressing the 37th Annual Africa Travel Association Congress here at

the weekend, Mr Ray said when he arrived in Harare at the beginning of his term in June 2009, he was surprised to see a calm, violence-free Zimbabwe contrary to the image portrayed by the international media.

“I must testify that when I alighted from the plane at Harare International Airport the very first time I came here, I was surprised to see the opposite of what I had known. I met very good people, very happy people and Zimbabwe is very beautiful and attractive.
“To understand Zimbabwe, I urge you to listen, see and learn. You can enjoy many things in Zimbabwe. We must build a better understanding between our people and everyone including the journalists (who) must come to Zimbabwe and see for themselves,’’ said Mr Ray.

More...

• Zanu-PF: Fending off, fighting on

He urged both local and foreign media to report the truth about Zimbabwe.
“When I came to Zimbabwe, I was surprised, I met many people, I saw many people who were delighted to meet an American visitor in 2008.
“Zimbabwe is a peaceful country, rich in wildlife and with friendly people. Such truth should be said and the whole world should know about it,” he said.
He said tourism is the bridge that is needed to fill the negative gap which was brought by the global media such as CNN.

Mr Ray said Zimbabwe had the potential to regain its positive image through tourism despite the negative image portrayed by global media.
“The Government of Zimbabwe and my government don’t see eye to eye on some real important issues but I still believe that despite these differences Zimbabwe can still (spruce up) its image. Our ordinary people can do business.’’

“Tourism is an important tool of bringing people together, reconnection of people sharing of ideas, and more so, it is good for Zimbabwe’s economy. I have visited every area and found Zimbabwe attractive and fascinating. The wildlife is fascinating. From the rolling hills of Matopos, to Kariba, the mystique of Chimanimani and  to the majestic Victoria Falls, one can enjoy Zimbabwe. You can do elephant riding if you are daring but if you are really crazy you can do Bunji jumping.

“That is Zimbabwe for you,” he said.
Turning to politics Ambassador Ray said Zimbabweans need time to reconcile and that the economy was recovering and growing.
“I must say Zimbabwe is open to business. They are coming from political challenges, that might have made leaders fail to implement certain projects but let us give them a chance because reconciliation takes quite some time.

“The economy recently grew by seven percent, mining is growing, retail is coming up, industry and hotel occupancy is rising. Zimbabwe is really open to business.”
Ambassador Ray leaves Zimbabwe in July after a three-year tour of duty and is to be replaced by Mr David Bruce Wharton, who was the head of the US Public Affairs Department in Harare a decade ago.

The United States has imposed an illegal economic sanctions regime on Zimbabwe in 2001 that cut the country’s lines of credit from multilateral institutions, and severely constrained livelihoods and the economy over the past 10 years.