Read the official Press Release from Marty Meehan on the GAO Investigation of the Disappearance of Peace Corps Volunteer Walter Poirier at:

Statement by Congressman Marty Meehan

Statement by Congressman Marty Meehan on the GAO Investigation of the Disappearance of Peace Corps Volunteer Walter Poirier

July 20, 2001

“I am saddened by the GAO’s findings. This letter confirmed my concern that the Peace Corps failed Walter Poirier. According to the GAO, the Peace Corps failed miserably to keep track of Walter Poirier. Because of this tragic failure, this wonderful young man disappeared without a trace. I am stunned by the inability of the Peace Corps to adequately supervise Walter.

I hope that the Peace Corps closely reviews the findings in this letter and corrects any systemic supervision problems that exist in Bolivia and in other countries. It may be appropriate for Congress to act if the Peace Corps fails to. If the case of Walter Poirier is indicative of the way the Peace Corps supervises its Volunteers, I believe that future findings of the ongoing GAO review of overall Peace Corps security practices will be deeply disturbing.

Walter and his family remain in my thoughts and prayers.”

Congressman Meehan requested this investigation along with a broader, ongoing review of the Peace Corps’s security and safety practices in May, 2001. The larger study is scheduled to be completed in early 2002. GAO’s Office of Special Investigations, which conducted this initial inquiry, is the agency’s criminal investigative unit which is comprised primarily of retired federal law enforcement officers.

By rguardia on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 5:29 pm: Edit Post

I would like to talk with walter's parents
sincerly
Dr. R. Guardia

By Admin1 (admin) on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 12:33 pm: Edit Post

Family of missing volunteer wants to talk to RPCVs
Attention Bolivia RPCVs: Poirier Family wants RPCVs who knew their missing son to contact the family 8 December 2002

Walter's parents, Walter and Sheila Poirier, would like to talk to anyone who served with their son in Bolivia. They would like to hear anything, whether it seems to be related to the case or not. Anything that you want to remain in confidence will be.

Walter's parents can be reached at:

E-MAIL: ekss@aol.com

TEL#: 978-459-8134

ADDRESS:
Walter and Sheila Poirier
82 Raynor Street
Lowell, MA 01851