Council hosts delegation from Guatemala to discuss immigrant ties and democracy
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Summary
Councilmember Soto Martinez introduced three members of Guatemala's Congress who spoke about indigenous representation, democratic progress and ties between Guatemala and Los Angeles' Guatemalan community; the council presented a certificate recognizing the partnership.
A delegation from the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala addressed the Los Angeles City Council, thanking the council for the invitation and describing Guatemala's demographic makeup, indigenous populations and recent political developments.
Councilmember So to Martinez (introduced the delegation) said Los Angeles hosts one of the largest Guatemalan populations outside Guatemala and invited the congressmen to share their experiences to deepen understanding of residents' transnational ties. "As the city of Los Angeles that has the largest Guatemalan population outside of Guatemala, it's important to understand what our residents are going through," said So to Martinez.
Delegate Dovailer Castanon spoke (in Spanish with a local translator) about Guatemala's 20 million inhabitants, its 22 indigenous groups and the historical challenges the country has faced, including civil war and corruption. He expressed gratitude to Los Angeles for welcoming Guatemalan nationals and invited future cooperation.
At the conclusion of the presentation the council presented a certificate of recognition honoring the partnership and welcomed the delegation to Los Angeles.
What happens next: The council recorded the exchange and recognized the delegation; no formal policy action followed this presentation.