Governor welcomes the world to "island of peace"

[Ecuajey]

Governor welcomes the world to an "island of peace"

Tuesday, August 13th, 2002.

By Melissa B. Gonzalez Valentin of WOW News

In what may constitute a contrasting view of many island residents who witness political disputes, drug-related violence, and skyrocketing crime rate in Puerto Rico everyday, Gov. Sila Calderon welcomed world renowned leaders and artists who came together to participate in the Peace for Peace World Conference on Monday with an opening speech that portrayed the island as one of generosity and peacefulness.

"Our history hasn't been stained by war. As a matter of fact, we've provided shelter to brothers of other countries who have had to flee from strife, dictatorships, and economic difficulties," said the governor.

She expressed satisfaction and pride for being the host of the such an important world conference and thanked Senate President Antonio Fas Alzamora for co-sponsoring the event, as well as Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1987 and former Costa Rican president, for chosing Puerto Rico as a site for peace.

Calderon called for unity and understanding by appealing to reason and human nature. She mentioned unemployment, lack of education opportunities, and the absence of proper housing as the source of strife, dispair, and the worst violent clashes in the world.

"We cannot hope to build a culture of peace if we accept a social reality that condemns most of our fellow citizens to a cruel injustice. As long as there is a starving child, a woman begging for the well-being of her children, a father who is denied the right to provide for his family with dignity, there won't be a chance for a lasting peace," Calderon said.

The governor added that in order to promote peace in the world, it is not only necessary to fight material poverty but the poverty of the spirit as well. That which causes people to close their eyes to the pain of others, and refuse to listen to those who plead for justice.

On the other hand, Calderon used the opportunity to highlight one her administration's initiatives to provide better quality of life to low-income families in Puerto Rico.

Calderon said about 50% of the island population lives in poverty, according to the economic standards of the United States and pledged her commitment to deal with this social problem through her Special Community Program, which constitute about 700 communities on the island.

"In the name of those who are still waiting, of those who are poor in the world, I urge you to think of their pain and in ways to alleviate it and to bring them hope," Calderon asked of the world leaders gathered in San Juan from Monday to Wednesday.