Consul General Garcia Saenz Visits Guatemalan Amputee

Consul General of Guatemala in Los Angeles, CA, the Honorable Pablo Garcia Saenz visited Jose Aldana, a Guatemalan national who lost his right leg in a terrible accident. "I want you to know that our consulate is working with our Honorary Vice Consul here in Las Vegas to secure a prosthesis for you, as soon as possible. We recognize the critical importance of mobility for you, as the provider for your lovely family," commented consul Garcia Saenz.

"I am very grateful you are here today," said Mr. Jose Aldana. "It gives me hope and reassures me I am not alone. I have received lots of help from my former colleagues. My wife and I haven't had to purchase anything for our baby girl, since she was born. We are truly blessed with the outpouring of generosity," concluded Mr. Aldana.

If you would like to help Mr. Jose Aldana, please contact Honorary Vice Consul Aldo Aguirre at viceconsulguate@aol.com or at (702) 412-5625.

Consul General Pablo Garcia Saenz Addresses US Senator Harry Reid's Staff

Consul General of Guatemala Pablo Garcia Saenz addressed members of U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Speaker Harry Reid's Washington, D.C. staffers, Angela Arboleda, senior advisor for Hispanic and Asian affairs; and Jessica Lewis, national security advisor, on the critical need to secure Temporary Protected Status for Guatemalans living in the United States.

Consul Garcia mentioned the great devastation and displacement of thousands of people on account of hurricane Agatha, the volcanic eruptions of Pacaya, and the floods from tropical storm Alex. "Villagers were buried alive, great number of rural residents, caked in mud, continue to search in the wreckage of their homes for loved ones. We are grateful for the generous support from the international community, but the truth is that Guatemala lacks the resources to meet the growing needs of the people as a result of hurricane Agatha. A prompt TPS for Guatemalans in the United States would allow families to continue receiving financial support from their loved ones working in the U.S.," commented Consul Garcia.

Angela Arboleda explained the lengthy process and offered the example one-year wait for the approval of the TPS for Haiti. Arboleda asked for patience and hope. Ms. Arboleda also provided overviews of the recently approved Health Reform and spoke about Senator Reid's desire to bring immigration reform to the front of the discussions in Washington, D.C.

Jose Salazar, vice president of the Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada, presented Angela Arboleda with a letter addressed to U.S. Senator Harry Reid, requesting his support for an expeditious issuance of the TPS for Guatemalans in the United States. Salazar also thanked Senator Reid's regional representative Christina Martinez for organizing the Health, Immigration, and TPS Forum at the International Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Minister Rita Claverie de Sciolli Welcomes Honorary Vice Consul

Embassy of Guatemala Minister of Counsel Rita Claverie de Sciolli welcomed Las Vegas, Nevada Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre, to discuss impending Temporary Protected Status request to the government of the United States, as he prepared to meet with office of US Senator Harry Reid's Staff members at the Hart Senate Office Building.

While visiting the Embassy of Guatemala, Aguirre had the opportunity to meet other key personnel in charge of Congressional relations, security and intelligence, as well as cultural affairs.

Nevada Senior Action Network Hosts Radio Show

The Nevada Senior Action Network, a leading senior advocacy group that supports and endorses political candidates, launched a weekly talk radio show on KKVV - Christian Talk Radio - 1160 AM, that aims to mobilize the religious community to support its candidates. The show airs Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., produced by NVSAN chairman David "Davy" Jones and hosted by Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre.


“With so many Nevada seniors struggling to afford medication, food, and other essential needs, we need a strong advocacy voice on behalf of our Senior community. Too much is at stake this election cycle for our Christian Senior community,” commented David Jones.

“NSAC's weekly-talk-radio program offers Nevada seniors expert commentary from key policy decision makers and political candidates. Our goal is to bring unbiased interviews so that Nevada Seniors can make informed choices at the voting polls come November 2010,” said Aldo Aguirre.

Guest list to date includes:

1. U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus - May 22
   
2. Candidate for Sheriff Dan Barry - May 29
   
3. Candidate for County Commissioner Greg Esposito - June 5
   
4. Director of Communications Jonathan Summers, Office of US Senator Harry Reid - June 12
   
5. U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley - June 19
6. Candidate for District Attorney Don Chairez - June 26
7. Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto - July 3
   

For more information about the Nevada Senior Action Network PAC weekly radio show call (702) 409-2561. Send your contribution checks to Nevada Senior Action Network PAC, 216 S. 7th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101.


About the Nevada Senior Action Network PAC

The Nevada Senior Action Network PAC is a leading senior advocacy group that support and endorse candidates who demonstrated support for its issues: (1) Healthcare Reform with public option (2) Preserving Social Security system. (3) Protecting seniors in nursing homes (4) Federal funds for alzheimer cure. Senior voters over 50 years of age are a key electorate in the Primary Election 2010 and General Election in 2010. NVSAN-PAC will mobilize seniors to support our endorsed candidates.

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Board Holds Elections

Las Vegas, NV— The regularly scheduled elections for Board of Trustees officers were held at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Board of Trustees meeting on June 9, 2010. The Board unanimously elected to the position of Chair Aldo Aguirre, Ph.D., who was appointed to the Board in April 2003.

Ms. Kelly Benavidez, a trustee since 2004, was elected to the position of Vice Chair. Mr. Ron Kirsh, appointed in 2008, was elected to a second term as Secretary and past Board Chair Ms. Verlia Davis-Hoggard was elected to a second term as Treasurer. All terms are for the period of July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.

"I am honored to serve as chair during these very challenging times for the Library District, as we are charged with providing more services with a significantly reduced operating budget," stated Dr. Aguirre.

The Board of Trustees meeting calendar, agendas and approved minutes may be viewed at www.lvccld.org.

IBA Global Signs Agreement with Consular Chamber of Commerce

Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan Gary Furlong, Honorary Consul of Chile and World Federation of Consuls Board Member Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Consular Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Jonathan Warren, Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala and Consular Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre, and Guatemala Trade and Investment Commissioner Jose Rodrigo Guevara, MBA, at the 17th Annual World Trade Conference.

The IBA Global signed an agreement with the Consular Chamber of Commerce during the 17th Annual World Trade Conference, held May 4-5, 2010 at the Ontario, CA Hilton Hotel.

The IBA Global is a non-profit, non-political, world trade membership organization, that provides leadership, support, and voice for individuals, institutions and company’s engaged or interested in international trade and services. The association promotes the growth and enhancement of trade for its members worldwide. For more information about the IBA Global visit www.ibaglobal.org.

The Consular Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2004 by honorary consuls, their representatives and supporters, to provide free services to honorary consulates, and consular corps the world over. The Consular Chamber of Commerce is a global, non-political, not-for-profit, secular organization incorporated in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007, with over 1100 consular and diplomatic members. For more information about the Consular Chamber of Commerce visit www.consularchamberorcommerce.com.

Guatemala Dance Group Active in Las Vegas, Nevada

Guatemalans from Las Vegas, Nevada participated in the Latin American Carnival, held this past Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Sunset Park. Ana de la Roca coordinated the dancers and prepared the traditional colorful garments.

Guatemala is a land of predominantly small area festivals and larger national holidays, many of which are rooted in religious traditions. Mayans religions and traditions continue to remain strong within the indigenous population and are often intertwined with Catholic tendencies. Small village festivals are celebrated around the country at different times of the year.

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"Congratulations to Ana de la Roca and to the rest of the members of the Guatemalan Dance Group, for a wonderful display Guatemala's traditional clothing, music and dances. We are a better community when we learn to appreciate the traditions and cultures from other nations. This first Latin American Carnival has contributed to enriching the quality of life for all people in southern Nevada," commented Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala, Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre.

Agatha Strikes Guatemala with Flooding and Landslides

Huricane Agatha struck Guatemala with rain, causing flooding and landslides, and leaving more than 92 persons dead, displacing over 92,000 people housed in 97 centers, according to Alejandro Maldonado, secretary of the National Coordinator of Disaster Reduction (CONRED). The international airport remained closed due to accumulation of sand fro the eruption of the Pacaya volcano, although small engine planes and helicopters were able to take off. Corn, beans, drinking water, instant soups, diapers, and sanitary napkins are in high demand.

Assistant Secretary of HUD Visits Las Vegas, Nevada

Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre, Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary John D. Trasvinia, and Las Vegas HUD Office Director Kenneth J. Lobene.

Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Honorable John D. Trasvina provided the keynote address at the Tri-Chamber Luncheon, hosted by the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban Chamber of Commerce, at the beautiful Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prior to the luncheon, Assistant Secretary Trasvina held a roundtable discussion with some 25 Leaders from the Minority Chambers, addressing local issues related to housing and the economy. Also present were HUD Director of Program Standards Pamela Doong Walsh, and Las Vegas HUD Office Operations Analyst Bernard C. Yergeau.

Representing the Asian Chamber was Vida Lin; the Latin Chamber was represented by Alex Garza; and the Urban Chamber was represented by Deborah Nelson.

Central America Strikes Agreement with European Union

The Central American countries and the European Union concluded negotiations for an Association Agreement, during the meeting held in Madrid, Spain. The official announcement will take place on Wednesday, when Madrid hosts the Central American Presidents.

The Agreement to Associate included Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Guatemalan Association of San Diego County Welcomes Honorary Vice Consul

Seated: Ana Lourdes Encinias, Vilma Joralmon, and Argelia Escobar

Standing: Aldo A. Aguirre, Henri Soza, Edgar Silvestre, and Edgar Escobar

The board of directors of the Guatemalan Association of San Diego County welcomed Honorary Vice Consul Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre, during a regularly scheduled board meeting. "We are very honored to welcome Dr. Aguirre to San Diego and are grateful for his ongoing support," said Vilma Joralmon, current secretary and acting chair.

"San Diego County is a very important link for immigrants coming through Mexico from Guatemala. As the very first major city just north of the San Ysidro border point in Tijuana, San Diego needs to have a well-organized group of Guatemalans to address the needs of so many immigrants chasing the American Dream," commented Aguirre.

For more information about the Guatemalan Association of San Diego County contact Ms. Vilma Joralmon at vjoralmon@hotmail.com or Ms. Ana Lourdes Encinias at lasvelas@yahoo.com. To contact the Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala in Las Vegas, Nevada send an Email to viceconsulguate@aol.com.

Consular Chamber of Commerce Signs Agreement with International Business Association

Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan Gary Furlong, Honorary Consul of Chile Paulina Sparkuhl,

Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala Aldo A. Aguirre, and Guatemala Trade & Investment Agency

Commissioner Jose Rodrigo Guevara, display certificate of strategic inter-agency agreement.

The Consular Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has expanded its global reach by signing a strategic alliance agreement with the International Business Association (IBS Global).

Ontario, California - The Consular Chamber of Commerce, a global chamber of commerce with over 1,100 members, announced today that it has expanded its global reach by signing a strategic alliance agreement with the International Business Association. The partnership will strengthen each organization's ability to promote growth and the enhancement of grade for its members worldwide.

"The collaboration is a natural, given the overlapping missions of our organizations. Together we will provide added resources and services to further serve our individual members. At the same time, the alliance will make it easier for the collective membership to benefit from joint conferences and events," stated Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre, president of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.

The International Business Association is a non-profit, non-political, world trde membership organization that provides leadership, support, and voice for individuals, institutions and company's engaged or interested in international trade and services. The association promotes the growth and enhancement of trade for its members worldwide.

The Consular Chamber of Commerce is a global, non-political, non-profit, secular organization, incorporated in 2007, to establish, standardize, maintain, and promote a global community of honorary consuls, while implementing and elevating standards of practice for more transparent global business transactions, business diplomacy, academics, and charity.

Guatemalans March in Support of Immigration Reform

Guatemalans marched in Washington, DC and about 72 other cities across the nation to remind President Obama about his promise to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The marches were fueled by the immigration law passed recently in Arizona.

Gloria Estefan marched alongside Mayor Antonio Villarraigosa in Los Angeles. Gloria Estefan said, "this country is a nation of immigrants."

The absence of a comprehensive immigration reform has torned families apart, keeps children in fear that their parents may be deported, as well as many young adults who are inelligible for a higher education.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Asks Guatemalans to Learn about Arizona Law

Congressman Mauro Guzman; Minsiter of Foreign Affairs

Ambassador Haroldo Rodas; and Erick Maldonado

all denounced Arizona's new immigrant law.

Guatemala Foreign Affairs Minister Haroldo Rodas lamented the new immigration law that will take effect in Arizona in August 2010. "This law can lead to racial discrimination, will criminalize immigrants and will encourage the abuse against immigrants," stated Ambassador Rodas.

Congressman Mauro Guzman, president of the Immigrant Commission; Minister of Foreign Affairs Haroldo Rodas; and Erick Maldonado, executive director of CONAMIGUA, the Immigrant Attention Commission, all denounced Arizona's new immigrantion law.

Further, the Guatemalan and Mexican governments, along with other Latin American governments are exploring how to present legal actions as a region. "We will use the Mesoamerican Initiative to coordinate our efforts," stated Ambassador Rodas.

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Separately, United States Ambabassador Stephen McFarland also expressed concern about the negative impact Arizona's law could have on Guatemalan immigrants.

Binational Commission Dialogue in Nevada

Consul General of Guatemala Lic. Pablo Garcia Saenz and

Vice Consul of El Salvador Juan Antonio Salamanca Escolera at the

Consulate of El Salvador in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Vice Consul of El Salvador in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Honorable Juan Antonio Salamanca Escolera hosted the Consul General of Guatemala in Los Angeles, California, the Honorable Lic. Pablo Garcia Saenz, on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Both Consuls spoke about moving forward the implementation of the Binational Commission, signed in 2,000, and comprised of three Commissions, political, economic, and cooperation. During the signing of the agreement, the governments of El Salvador en Guatemala agreed to continue the process towards Central American integration.

Consul General Pablo Garcia Saenz, Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre, and Vice Consul Juan Antonio Salamanca Escolera

Regarding immigration issues, corresponding Consulates will work together to stregthen consular protection and assistance, through the establishment of joint consular bases.

"I intend to present my report to the Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haroldo Rodas Melgar, on the topic of setting up a consular agency in Las Vegas, Nevada, housed within the offices of the Consulate of El Salvador," commented Consul General Garcia Saenz. "We can extend reciprocal courtesies in jurisdictions where Guatemala has a consulate office and El Salvador does not. Our common goal is to work in collaboration as to achieve an optimization of our resources, so we can better serve our respective constituencies," concluded Consul Garcia Saenz.

US Central American Coalition Celebrates VIII Anniversary

The U.S. Central American Coalition celebrated its 8th anniversary with a special awards ceremony today at the City of Las Vegas Council Chambers. Congratulations to Dr. Eduardo Lopez Rajo and the Members of the organization's executive committee for a wonderful event.
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Distinguised guests included City of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman; Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese; Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen; and diplomats Consul General of Guatemala Pablo Garcia Saenz; consul General of Nicaragua Jose Alberto Acevedo Vogl; Consul General of Mexico Mariano Lemus Gas; Vice Consul of El Salvador Juan Antonio Salamanca Escolero; Honorary Consul of Sweeden Lena Walther; Honorary Consul General of Japan Kathleen Blakely; and Consul of El Salvador Aner Iglesias, along with of at-capacity room of notables and distinguised guests.

Success of Mayan Artist Balam Soto in Las Vegas, Nevada

Visual Mayan artist Balam Soto concluded a highly acclaimed one-man show at the Las Vegas Clark County Library District.

Initially shown at the Sunrise Library in East Las Vegas, the show was such an overwhelming success, the Library District curator, Denise Alvarado, scheduled a second show at the West Charleston Library. "We are extremely grateful to Mr. Balam Soto for the opportunity afforded the people of southern Nevada to witness his talent and also to hear directly from him in a private lecture," commented Ms. Alvarado.

"It was such a pleasure to travel to Las Vegas and participate in the wchibit at the Sunrise Library. Honorary Vice Consul Dr. Aguirre and the Library Staff were very welcoming and supportive of my artisitc endevors. It is heartening to work with people who are so community-oriented. The positive feedback I received from local patrons and from the many school children who attended my exhibition was especially rewarding," commented Master Artist Soto.

The exhibition will now travel to southern California. For more information about the upcoming schedule please call (702) 412-5625.

Consular Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Guests

Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan Gary Furlong; Honorary Consul of Sweeden Lena Walther; Honorary Consul of Chile and Board Member of the World Federation of Consuls Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl; Consul Emissary Lloyd Baker; Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala Aldo A. Aguirre; and Consular Emissary Marco Varela.

The Consular Chamber of Commerce hosted an Open House at-capacity-reception to welcome diplomats, dignataries, and distinguished guests to its new headquarters, located in the Baker Law Office Building in beautiful downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

The event benefitted from corporate sponsors Mundo Culinary Haute Spot, located at World Market Center; CMT Cigars; and Sun Paradise Water Company.

In attendance also was the Vice Consul of El Salvador Juan Antonio Salamanca Escolera, who is acting as Consul for the General Consulate of El Salvador in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"It is truly rewarding to realize the fruits of having our own office in such a beautiful facility," stated Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, chairperson of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.

"We are very grateful to Lloyd Baker for his generosity," stated Aldo A. Aguirre, chairman of the executive committee for the Consular Chamber of Commerce.

To join the Consular Chamber of Commerce visit http://www.consul.cc/.

Guatemala Arizona Committee President Visits Las Vegas, Nevada

Front Row: Yuvixa Morazan, president of the Guatemala Arizona Committee; Ana de La Roca; Israel Fuentes; Jose Salazar, vice president of the Guatemala Unity Committee of Nevada.

Back Row: Dr. Aldo A. Aguirre, Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala; Eric de La Roca; and Dr. Jorge Vernon, president of the Huelga de Dolores Committee of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The president of the Guatemala Arizona Committee, Ms. Yuvixa Morazan, met with Dr. Jorge Vernon, president of the La Huelga de Dolores Committee of Las Vegas, NV, and other committee members and event supporters, to explore the possibility of establishing a Huelga de Dolores for Phoenix, AZ.

"This year marked our 5th anniversary of hosting La Huelga de Dolores in Las Vegas, Nevada," commented Dr. Vernon. Thanks to the support of our mentors from Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Luis Arturo Alvarado and Oscar Vargas, we have been able to establish La Huelga de Dolores as a cultural staple of the Guatmelan community in Nevada. Today we are excited about the possibility of establashing this 112 University of San Carlos of Guatemala for our brothers and sisters in Phoenix, AZ," concluded Vernon.

"We have a very significant number of Guatemalans living in Arizona," said Yuvixa Morazan. "In fact, a large delegation headed up by Consul Julia Guzman attended the XXV Anniversary of La Huelga de Dolores in Los Angeles, CA. We have scheduled a meeting with Mr. Oscar Vargas during the later part of May 2010, in Phoenix, to explore the possibility of hosting an similar event in 2011," stated Morazan.

For more information about La Huelga de Dolores de Guatemala visit http://www.huelgadedolores.com/.

Guatemalans from Nevada and Arizona Join Thousands in RIFA Rally

Israel Fuentes, producer of La Hora Chapina of Las Vegas, NV; Yuvixa Morazan, president of the Guatemalan Arizona Committee; Jose Salazar, vicepresident of the Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada, and other Guatemalans march at the RIFA Rally today.

Guatemalans from Nevada and Arizona joined around 3,000 people at the Rally for America at the Lloyd George Federal Building in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, to bring attention for the need for comprehensive immigration reform.

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"We were just in Washington, DC marching in support of health reform. Today we stand together with thousands of immigrants in support of a just and humane immigration reform," said Israel Fuentes, founder of the Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada.

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"I am here representing the Guatemalan community of Arizona, to let US Senator Harry Reid know that it is time for the senate to focus on passing comprehensive immigration reform," said Yuvixa Morazan, president of the Guatemala Arizona Committee.

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Rally for America participants heard from US Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada); US Consgreswomen Shelly Berkley and Dina Titus (D-Nevada); US Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois); Nevada Senator-Elect Moises Denis; Nevada Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen, and many leaders from the local Unions.

Guatemalan Consulate to Visit Las Vegas, Nevada

The Guatemlaan Consulate will visit Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2010, at the International Church located at 501 N. Mohave Avenue. All services offered at the Los Angeles office will also be available at the Mobile Consulate.

For more information contact Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre at (702) 412-5625.

Huelga de Dolores Celebrates Fifth Anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada

Members of the Huelga de Dolores Committee of Las Vegas, Nevada, Marco Furlan, Eric de la Roda, Jose Salazar, Ana de la Roca, Dr. Jorge Vernon, Jose Alberto Lopez, and Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala Aldo A. Aguirre.

The centenary Guatemalan tradition of La Huelga de Dolores celebrated its fifth anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an audience of about 140 people, at an event held at El Patron Restaurant on Maryland Parkway and Karen Avenue.

"This is a very special treat for the Guatemalan community of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a tradition that is gaining strength and recognition. We are grateful to our friends in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Luis Arturo Alvarado and Oscar Vargas, for sharing this opportunity to bring the Reyes Feos to southern Nevada," commented Vice Consul Aguirre.

Honorary Vice Consul Visits Guatemalans in Northern Nevada

Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre attended an ordinary meeting of the Executive Board of the Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada. "It is of particular satisfaction to join you this evening and to learn of your many achievements and goals. The greater community of Guatemalans living in Nevada is proud of all you do to help those less fortunate. I gladly accept your invitation to serve as an advisor to your organization," commented Aguirre.

"We are grateful for the visit of our Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala in Nevada, and that he has accepted to serve as our advisor," stated Olga Monroy, president of the Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada.

The primary goals of the Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada are to provide assistance to Guatemalans; provide support to families seeking to send remains of loved ones back to Guatemala, and to promote and aid the services of the Guatemalan Mobile Consul. For more information visit www.fraternidadguatemaltecadelnortedenevada.com.

Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada Celebrates Easter Holiday

Miss Photogenic Victoria Najera and Miss Elegance Sherley Aguirre at the 2010 Easter Celebration of the Guatemalan Association of Northern Nevada

The Guatemalan Association of Northern Nevada celebrated Easter this year by electing Miss Photogenic Victoria Najera and Miss Elegance Sherley Aguirre at the Oasis Club in Reno, Nevada. Reno Police Department's Alex Woodley crowned the beauties and Radio La Mega 1400 AM DJ Engie served as Master of Ceremonies.


"We are proud of the Representatives of Guatemala's beauty and elegance," commented Olga Monroy, president of the Guatemlan Fraternity of Northern Nevada.

For more information about the Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada visit http://www.fraternidadguatemaltecadelnortedenevada.com/.

Lloyd Baker and Marco Varela Named Consular Emissaries

Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan Gary Furlong; Honorary Consul of Sweeden Lena Walther; Honorary Consul of Chile and World Federation of Consuls Boardmember Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl; Consular Emissary Lloyd Baker; Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala Aldo A. Aguirre; and Consular Emissary Marco Varela.

Surrounded by Dignataries and distinguished guests, Lloyd Baker and Marco Varela were appointed Consular Emissaries at the Legal Attache Open House and Reception of the Consular Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at the Baker Law Building, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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"I am honored to welcome Lloyd Baker and Marco Varela to the greater family of the Consular Chamber of Commerce. Today we celebrate their contributions to advancing diplomacy and international trade in our great state of Nevada," commented Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala Aldo A. Aguirre.

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For more information about the Consular Chamber of Commerce visit http://www.consul.cc/.

Guatemalan Community Celebrates Easter in Fallbrook, CA

Miss Maya from San Pedro Soloma, Huehuetenando

Marimba Valle del Ensueno

About 175 Guatemalans from Soloma, Huehuetenango celebrated Easter with marimba music and dancing on Saturday, April, 3, 2010 in Fallbrook, CA. "It is gratifying to see so many Solomans from Guatemala coming together to celebrate Easter, one of the most important national holidays and traditions," commented Honorary Vice Consul Aldo A. Aguirre. "I am honored to join the Miss Maya and all of you on this specialocassion that marks our Holy Week, and cogratulate the organizers for this wonderful event."

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Edwin Villela, president of the Guatemalan Association of San Diego, and Efrain Gutierrez, from San Marcos, CA, organized the dance as a fundraiser to support construction of secular schools in rural Guatemala.

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"You can be proud that you are contributing to the future education of many children in Guatemala. There is great need for schools, desks, and materials in our homeland," concluded Villela.

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San Pedro Soloma, Huehuetenango is located in northeastern Guatemala, with an elevation of 8,373 feet. Many people of Mam descent live in and around Huehuetenango, and the ruins of Zaculeu, a tourist attraction, are markedly distinct from other Mayan archeological sites. Huehuetenango's primary export is coffee.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huehuetenango

Consul General of Guatemala to Visit Las Vegas, Nevada

A Guatemalan residing in southern Nevada completes a passport request during a past Mobile Consulate in Las Vegas, NV.

The General Consul of Guatemala in Los Angeles, CA, the Honorable Pablo Garcia Saenz, confirmed today his consular Staff will provide services to Guatemalans residing in southern Nevada on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the International Church located at 501 N. Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101.

"Our goal is to bring our consular services to the Guatemalan community of southern Nevada that cannot complete them in Los Angeles, CA, due to barriers of distance and work schedules. We will provide issuance of new passports, consular IDs, document legalizations, birth and matrimony registrations, as well as legal counsel and any and all services Guatemalans would receive would they visit us in Los Angeles, CA," concluded Consul Garcia Saenz.

Guatemalan Leaders from Nevada in Washington, DC

Israel Fuentes, founder of the Las Vegas-based Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada; Olga Monroy, president of the Reno-based Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada, executive members from the same organization, Gladys Sanchez and Patricia Melgar.

Community leaders representing Guatemalans residing in Nevada met on March 21, 2010 with Representatives of the Guatemalan National Council for Migrant Attention (CONAMIGUA) in Washington, DC.

CONAMIGUA is comprised of nine representatives of different regions in the United States with high concentration of Guatemalans. Representing Southern California and Nevada are Julio Villasenor and his alternate Marvin Pinto.

There are some 15,000 Guatemalans living in the state of Nevada. Two leading organizations have provided support to the Guatemalan community of Nevada, the Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada, based in Las Vegas; and the Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada, based in Reno.

The Guatemalan Unity Committee of Nevada is the oldest organization representing Guatemalans in Nevada. For more information about COMUGUA contact Israel Fuentes at (702) 302-1014.

The Fraternity of Guatemalans of Northern Nevada was created very recently to address the needs of Guatemalans. For more information about FGNN call Olga Monroy at (775) 690-3236.

Pro-Immigration Reform Guatemalans March in Washington, DC

Guatemalan Immigrants residing in the United States will march on Washington, DC on Sunday, March 21, 2010, along thousands of other pro-immigration reform supporters, to remind President Barack Obama of the campaign promise he made to sign immigration reform into law.

Travleing from Nevada are Isarael Fuentes, founding president of the Las Vegas-based Guatemalan Unity Committee, and Olga Monroy, president of the Reno-based Guatemalan Fraternity of Northern Nevada.

The purpose of this march at the National Mall is to bring to the forefront of the American people the need for humane, fair, and comprehensive immigration reform for new American families.

Hispanics Urged to be Counted in 2010 Census

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- Hispanic residents gathered Wednesday to learn about the 2010 Census and how minorities’ participation can help improve Southern Nevada communities.

The event in front of Cardenas Market, 4421 East Bonanza Road, was part of the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour, which is scheduled to make more than 800 stops nationwide.

Aldo Aguirre, regional director of the 2010 Census in Nevada, said one in four people in Southern Nevada is Hispanic. He said if more Hispanics would participate in the census, Nevada would receive more federal funds for community centers and education.

“Over $4 billion a year in federal dollars will come to benefit neighborhoods across the nation,” Aguirre said. “It will not just benefit the Latino community. It will help families falling below the poverty line.” He said a complete count could also help Nevada build on its political representation by adding a fourth Congressional seat.

Full Article By Tiffany Gibson http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/04/hispanics-urged-be-counted-upcoming-census/

Norma Angélica Cruz Córdoba Person of the Year in Guatemala

For her efforts on behalf of women and children's rights, Norma Angélica Cruz Córdoba was selected 2009 Person of the Year by Prensa Libre, the leading newspaper in Guatemala.

Norma Cruz heads la Fundación Sobrevivientes (the Survivors' Foundation), a foundation that provides assistance to abused women in Guatemala. (Prensa Libre - Edición electrónica - Nacional).Earlier this year, Cruz was recognized with one of The US Secretary of State’s 2009 International Women of Courage Awards. (America.gov).

During 2009, her Survivors Foundation cared for more than 16,500 cases of violence abuse against women. Her law firm litigated 450 cases in court in the last months, providing legal representation to thousands of women since 2004.
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Some 708 women were killed in Guatemala in 2009, based on Interior Ministry figures released on Saturday. According to official figures, murders of women last year were less than in 2008, when 773 women died violent deaths in this Central American country. Most crimes against women have gone unpunished despite the existence, since April 2008, of a specific law against femicide. Guatemala is second in the world in murders of women after Russia, which posts more than 10,000 crimes against women, according to the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office (LAHT).

"Our main challenge is not to give up and to advance our fight against impunity and fighting for justice on behalf of women victims of abuse and violence in Guatemala," she said.

Norma Cruz was born in Guatemala City in 1962 to her shoemaker father and her domestic cook mother.
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Other finalists for the 2009 Person of the Year included Nineth Montenegro, Carlos Castresana, Ricardo Arjona, Monsenior Álvaro Ramazzini y Cruz.
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The full story can be found at: http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2010/enero/03/363513.html.