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.