Sololá, Friday, December 11, 2009
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I am so pleased to be here in Sololá, in the heart of the Mayan world.
It is a place rich in its history, its youth searching for hope and future opportunities, and its breathtaking natural beauty, including, of course, Lake Atitlán.
We have so much to learn from you.
From you who are descended from a remarkable, ancient civilization.
From you who have survived endless offences yet preserved your identity.
From you who draw from the nourishing earth, your daily work, your traditions and co-operation, the means to ensure the viability and development of your communities.
We are in the midst of a serious economic crisis. A crisis that causes concern in more advanced countries and humanitarian disasters in countries that are already extremely vulnerable.
Here in Guatemala, the economic downturn has aggravated an already disastrous food crisis caused in part by bad weather.
This caused President Colom to declare “a state of public disaster” in September, given the bleak outlook for the coming months.
Know that Canadians are not indifferent.
We believe in your ability to break the circle of poverty and to prosper, and we plan to continue to help.
In a rural area like Sololá, it is clear that the agricultural sector needs to be strengthened.
You must be given the means to grow enough food to feed your families, export your crops and turn a profit. That is the objective of the Rural Economic Development Project in the Sololá Department.
It is also essential to forge networks of co-operation and channels of solidarity, without barriers. That is what the Federation of Mayan Peoples is working with such enthusiasm and determination to achieve.
Finally, it is important to support the outstanding work of the women who dedicate themselves completely to the well-being of their communities.
Wherever my travels take me, I find that people’s future depends on the daily efforts made by women.
As I often say, give women the means to act and you will see a decrease in illiteracy, poverty, illness and violence.
We have joined efforts with you in a spirit of solidarity with our Guatemalan sisters and brothers.
I cannot wait to year about your projects, your challenges, your success stories, your hopes. I am listening.
