Thomas recovers from knee injury

MANILA, Philippines - He may not be dancing again any time soon, but US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. is recovering well.

Thomas suffered a knee injury after he danced the twist during a fundraising event Tuesday night.

“He is doing much better. Just spoke with him,” said US embassy spokesperson Bettina Malone in a text message to The STAR yesterday.

Walking with a limp and using a cane, Thomas visited Zamboanga Wednesday where he launched three new projects of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote good governance, improve education, and maternal health care services for Mindanao residents.

Prior to this, Thomas admitted having injured his knee after doing the twist during the  fundraiser “Global Fashion Flair” at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City Tuesday night.

He joined other members of the diplomatic community who modeled in the fashion show for a cause.

Thomas cut short his Zamboanga visit due to his injury.

He said the launching of the projects reaffirmed US commitment to support peace and stability in Mindanao.

The three projects – Enhancing Governance, Accountability, and Engagement; MindanaoHealth or Integrated Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition and Family Planning Regional project, and Mindanao Youth for Development – were based on an assessment conducted by the Mindanao Working Group and the US embassy.

While in Zamboanga, Thomas held separate discussions with students from the Sulu archipelago benefiting from the US ambassador’s scholarship program as well as recipients of various US government youth programs, including the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program, the Philippines Youth Leadership Program, and the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders.