Summit of the Americas

In April 2009, leaders of the countries in the Western Hemisphere came together for the Summit of the Americas. It is a meeting where all the heads of state in North and South America sit down to discuss common concerns of the entire region. The topics include everything from the economy to pressing social and political issues.

There are 34 members representing more than 800 million people. The
first summit was held in Miami (1994). There have been three others since then held in Chile, Canada, and Argentina. Their most recent conference was April 17-19th in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

In a news conference at the end of the summit, President Barack Obama talked about the importance of U.S. support for global alliances and the United Nations. He presented a broader U.S. agenda for Latin America than under the previous Bush and Clinton administrations which focused primarily on trade and anti-drug programs.

Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega said he found Obama open to doing things differently than his predecessors. But despite a pair of handshakes with Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, the two remained at odds. Obama criticized the economic and foreign policies of Chavez and his very hard anti-U.S. speeches. Obama also failed to impress Bolivia’s leader Evo Morales who said the U.S. continues to meddle too much in their country.

On Cuba, Obama said Castro should release the political prisoners, embrace democratic freedoms, and cut fees on the money that Cuban-Americans send back to their families. Obama has lifted some restrictions regarding Cuba, and Raul Castro has responded with some friendly words and an open mind. It still remains to be seen whether the United States will eventually lift the trade embargo with them.

Another Castro has expressed support for Obama in a more interesting way. Viviane Castro, the carnival queen from Brazil, recently appeared in public with a painting of Obama on her leg (and nothing else). The controversial model and singer has often appeared virtually nude, so it was really no surprise that many people saw this colorful display.

Querida, I cannot think of a better place to put a political message!!