October 2004

Focus on the
Western Hemisphere
A Newsletter from the Bureau of
Western Hemisphere Affairs

Secretary Powell Participates in Central America in the United States Conference

The "Central America in the United States" (CENUSA) conference took place September 27, 2004, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. This first-ever conference provided leaders from Central American community organizations in the United States with an opportunity to interact directly with key U.S. Government policymakers in an informal setting.

Over 60 representatives from various Central American community organizations throughout the U.S. attended the CENUSA conference, ranging from small business owners and NGO leaders to community organizers and heads of Central American chambers of commerce in the United States.

Keynoting the gathering was Secretary of State Colin Powell, who spoke to the group of the importance of the U.S.-Central America partnership and translating this alliance into political and economic progress in the region.

U.S. Government officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Treasury, as well as USAID, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and the office of the U.S. Trade Representative also spoke on pertinent issues affecting these communities, including U.S. policy towards Central America, the importance of remittances, doing business overseas, and temporary protected status (TPS). Government officials from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua spoke about their efforts to work with their citizen groups overseas.

Remarks of Secretary of State Colin L. Powell to the Central America in the United States Conference, Washington, DC, September 27, 2004.

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In this Issue:

Secretary Powell's Travel to Brazil and Grenada:

Secretary Powell visited Brazil October 4-6, 2004, for meetings with government officials, business leaders, and other Brazilians. The Secretary welcomed this opportunity to meet with the leaders of this important hemispheric partner, and discuss the strength and depth of our relationship. On October 6, he traveled to Grenada for a first-hand assessment in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. [Photo gallery]

Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega at the Miami Herald's Americas Conference:

"I hope that our success is not measured by whether we made life a little better for the very rich, but whether we made it a lot better for the very poor, freer for those who are oppressed, and more hopeful for those who are desperate." [full text]

Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega addresses the Miami Herald's Americas Conference at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida on September 30, 2004.

Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega on Challenges and Opportunities in U.S.-Canada Relations:

"We share a continent and therefore the obligation to manage it well." [full text]

Following his speech on September 14, 2004, Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega (center) receives a plaque of appreciation from Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance President Jim Phillips (left). At right is Can/Am BTA Executive Board Member Mike Dahm.

 Speech by Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Fisk on Advancing the Day When Cuba will be Free:

"[New U.S. measures] are having a dramatic impact on Castro's ability to economically sustain his regime."[full text] 

Ambassador John Maisto, U.S. Representative to the OAS, on Democracy, Security, and Human Rights--Colombia’s Challenge:

"[Colombia's] successes are undeniable, and there is reason for great satisfaction and optimism about the future." [full text]

Ambassador John Maisto, U.S. Representative to the OAS, addresses the ninth annual la Serie Houston seminar in Cartagena, Colombia on September 18, 2004. The forum focused on the implementation of Colombia's democratic security policy and its impact on human rights, territorial control, and property.

U.S. Interests Section Chief James Cason on the Prison Cell of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet in Cuba:

"We will never forget that hundreds of political prisoners exist in this country." [full text]

A mock Cuban prison cell used to imprison political dissidents. The cell, based on a description by jailed dissident Oscar Elias Biscet that was smuggled out of prison, was displayed at the Havana residence of chief U.S. diplomat in Cuba, James Cason.

Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega's Op-Ed on Indigenous Advancement in the Americas:

"Improving access to the political process for the region's long-marginalized indigenous communities is essential to solidifying democracy in the Americas." [full text]

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