Consulate of Chile

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Chile Eathquake Update

2010/2/27 11:07 Pacific/– Reports to this consulate thus far:

Our sources report complete collapse of numerous buildings in the Cauquenes area near Maule.  Cellular service in the area is still unavailable, but indications are that it is only overloaded, as we have received cellular messages which did get out after the quake, but earlier than the heavy traffic of calls.  For this reason we believe cellular service to the area will be restored as call traffic lessens.

Most of Santiago was built to withstand earthquakes.  There is heavy damage, but not widespread collapse.

One resident of Santiago described the feeling as being in a small boat in a big storm, but his house withstood the jolt.  Messages from Santiago also arrived after the quake by internet.  We expect full internet access as web traffic subsides.

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Chile Earthquake Information

A massive 8.8 earthquake struck Maule, Chile, about 200 miles south of the Capitol Santiago,  in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 28, 2010.   As of this writing, the death toll is 122 and rising rapidly. 

This consulate is exhausting all possible means to gather information from our friends, family, diplomatic connections and news sources regarding this catastrophe.  We have not been able to establish telephone contact, either land line or cellular, since the quake.

We will publish here any news we are able to ascertain beyond that of the national news services in the US. 

If you have heard from relatives in Chile, please comment here with any news, in English or Spanish. 

Maule information:  http://www.consul.cc/country.php?geodata=3880306

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Consul Biggs Sparkuhl Elected to Board of Directors of World Federation of Consuls

Chilean Consul is first U.S. resident and the only woman to serve on board of directors of 28-year-old global organization of thousands.

18 Nov. 2009, Izmir, Turkey–/ Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Brussels-based Federation Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC),  known in English as the World Federation of Consuls.

FICAC is a United Nations-recognized NGO, formed in Copenhagen in 1982.  The Organization  is a global network of Consular Associations created to support and improve the status, legitimacy and effectiveness of all consular officers in all receiving States.  FICAC has over 3000 consul members on every continent, and is often credited with interpreting and promoting global adherence to the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations.

Receiving the FICAC Medal of Honor, Bangkok, November 2007

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl is native of Chile and 25-year resident of Las Vegas.  She was appointed Honorary Consul of Chile by President Lagos in 2002, and is founder and Chairperson of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.  Involved with FICAC since 2005,  she has participated in FICAC board meetings, conferences, and the organization’s signature event, the World Congress of Consuls, in Mexico, Jamaica, Belgium, Thailand, Ghana, Monaco and Cyprus.  The organization just completed its latest World Congress of Consuls in Izmir, Turkey.

Awards Ceremony, FICAC Conference in Monte Carlo, February, 2009.

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl has served as the North American Membership Chairperson of FICAC since 2008, and has expanded membership to include Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado and her home of Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 2007 she was awarded the FICAC Medal of Honor by President Arnold Foote at the World Congress of Consuls in Bangkok Thailand.

“It has been an absolute pleasure participating with FICAC, and later

With President Foote and the Kings of Elmina, Ghana, October, 2008

serving FICAC in North America as Membership Chair.  I am overwhelmed with excitement at the opportunities presented by being a member of the Board of Directors.  It is such an honor to be the first Board member residing in the United States, and the only one who wears a skirt!  Hosting the US Seat in Las Vegas also opens many doors. 

“I find myself in extraordinary company of great and distinguished friends, from all over the world, whom I have come to hold so dear.  I thank President Foote and all of the members of the Board of Directors, and the membership of FICAC, for having the faith in my abilities to elevate me to this position and peerage.  I am humbled, and ready to engage!”

– Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile

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Chile Best Ranking Latin Country by Transparency International

Maintaining its consistency in ranking among the top countries in the world for transparency and non-corruption, Chile in 2009 has ranked above all Latin American countries, as well as surpassing both Italy and Spain.

With a stable currency and a transparent government with approval ratings exceeding eighty percent, Chile continues to attract business, visitors and residents alike.

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Consul Biggs Sparkuhl Meets With Vice President Biden, Congresswoman Titus

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl with Vice President Joe Biden

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl with Vice President Joe Biden in Las Vegas

November 15, 2009 –/ Consul Biggs Sparkuhl today met with her long time friend, Congresswoman Dina Titus, and with Vice President Joe Biden, whom she had not spoken with since his campaign for the presidency.

The meetings took place in Las Vegas at a private event at the Atomic History Museum, adjacent to UNLV.
During their conversation, Vice President Biden spoke about his meeting with President Bachelet of Chile, whom Consul Biggs Sparkuhl hosted in Las Vegas last year.  Vice President Biden joked that he would like to know President Bachelet’s secret for her 80%

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl Meets with Congresswoman Dina Titus

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl, Congresswoman Dina Titus

approval ratings.

The two also discussed the success of the Chilean economy during the economic downturn, and the attributes enjoyed when visiting chile. 
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Chilean Consul Attends Friendship Dinner

2009 11 02 21 46 47

2 NOV 2009 –/ Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl and members of the Consular Chamber of Commerce were invited guests of The Pacifica Institute for its second annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner at Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, Nevada. 

The very diverse gathering of about 200 attendees featured a dinner and outreach by the primarily Turkish American group, to all faiths and cultures.  Members of the Chilean consulate joined Consular Chamber of Commerce members and officials from local government in the Pacifica Institute’s celebration of diversity and intercultural relations.

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Chilean Consulate Meets Taca Airlines Official

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl suggests extending routes to Arica and Santiago.

25 Sept. 2009/–Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl met with Reyna Flores, representative of Taca Airlines.  Consul Biggs Sparkuhl

Renya Flores of Taca Airlines and Consul Biggs Sparkuhl

Reyna Flores of Taca Airlines and Consul Biggs Sparkuhl

suggested Taca extend its routes to include the Arica, Chile’s underserved northern airport.  The Consul explained that Arica is set to expand dramatically, and Santiago is presently underserved by competing airlines. 

Ms. Flores immediately offered her assistance, and requested market details from Consul Sparkuhl to present to her colleagues at Taca.  The consulate has forwarded its report on the region of Arica to Ms. Flores for consideration, and is providing market data regarding Santiago. 

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl has led investment and trade missions from Las Vegas to Chile in the past, and is optimistic about working more closely with Ms. Flores and Taca.

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Las Vegas Consulate Receives Guatemalan Under-Secretary and Consul General

2009 09 26 00 07 5025 Sept 2009/– Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl joined Consular Chamber of Commerce Executive Dr. Aldo Aguire, Honorary Vice Consul of Guatemala, in welcoming Pablo Garcia Saenz, Consul General of Guatemala in Los Angeles, and Ambassador Miguel Angel Ibarra G, the Vice-minister of Foreign Relations of Guatemala,  to Las Vegas.

The Consul General and the Vice-minister were introduced to Las Vegas and made aware of the business diplomacy by the Guatemalan Vice-consulate in Las Vegas. 

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl serves as Chairperson of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.  Vice-consul Aguirre serves as President of the Executive Committee of the Consular Chamber of Commerce.