17th April 2010
Mission Kosovo
Sherlana Ernest

It may seem hard to believe, but his cheery demeanor and jovial personality tell nothing of his country’s conflicted past. James Berisha, who is Kosovo born, is on a mission. No, it isn’t one to religiously convert the masses. Armed with love for his country and a single engine plane, Berisha is on a mission to raise awareness of Kosovo, the country formerly known as Yugoslavia.
“They call me a non-official ambassador,” he humbly commented. “I travel alone, but I have a team of five persons helping me gett around. My team books my hotel accommodations and does my PR, among other things. They are stationed in the U.S.”
Last Friday, in an interview with The VOICE, Berisha further explained. “I started this mission last year on May 25th. I began in El Paso Texas, crossed over to Mexico, and later on to Nicaragua and after that, other countries in South America. I am flying my own little plane, lobbying for Kosovo’s recognition and raising awareness about our country which declared independence two years ago.”
Not in the least cocky, Berisha gave details of his previous encounters with Caribbean government officials. “I have met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Grenada, Peter David, and I met with Mr. Striker in St. Vincent, and Ms Natalie Cox of Barbados. I hope that my talk here with the St. Lucian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be as positive as the ones I’ve had with other persons in the other countries so far.”
“Whenever they wish to meet with me, I make myself available.” Berisha stated, in relation to him meeting government officials. “I try my best to meet their schedule. Thus far, I have been received very well in other countries. I have been to Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, and Panama.
“The first Caribbean island I flew to was Aruba. From there, I went on to Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, then Barbados just before coming here. My next destination is Dominica. And still, after that, eight more countries before I end in Florida.”
Some may wonder why a professional pilot may choose to do what Berisha has chosen to. What motivated him? The answer stems from a sad war story. A story very sad but not at all uncommon for those of Berisha’s homeland. “In the village where I grew up, a small village of 2000 people, 60 of them died. My dad was also killed. This is the main reason for being on this mission. I am doing this for people who have struggled for so many years, and for those who died in the struggle.”