Consulate News
Celebrating Obama’s Inauguration in Guayaquil
To celebrate the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, the Centro Ecuatoriano-Norteamericano (CEN) organized a diverse program of events and activities. Consul General Douglas Griffiths kicked off the celebration by giving opening remarks to the hundreds of Ecuadorians on hand to witness the Inauguration. In his speech, Mr. Griffiths highlighted the tradition of peaceful transfers of power in the U.S. and the historical significance of Obama’s election.
Later, two Vice Consuls and the Public Affairs Officer participated in a panel discussion on the transition to a new government transition, offered a simplified explanation of the American swearing-in ceremony and answered question from the attendees.
A total of 300 people participated in the events organized by the CEN, which also included a live broadcast of the ceremony and President Obama’s inaugural speech.
In the evening, the Consul General sponsored a roundtable discussion with a group of young Ecuadorians who are leaders in their respective fields. Twenty-five young professionals were invited to participate and share their thoughts and opinions with a group of American diplomats, who answered questions and explained the U.S. perception of the transition to a new government.