Ghana

by

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

by

Consul of Chile Meets With First Lady of Ghana

Consul Biggs Sparkuhl Meets First Lady of GhanaChilean Consulate supports Project C.U.R.E. medical equipment donation to Ghana, tours Project C.U.R.E. headquarters.

22 July, 2009:  Honorary Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl joined other members of the Consular Chamber of Commerce, traveling to Denver to meet the First Lady of Ghana, Ernestina Naadu Mills, in connection with the Project C.U.R.E. First Ladies’ Luncheon.

Project C.U.R.E, the worlds largest provider of donated medical equipment to the developing world, has committed over $2 million in medical equipment to the most needy parts of Ghana.  Consul Biggs Sparkuhl’s delegation attended the First Ladies Luncheon and contributed to tProject CURE Headquatershe project.  1800 guests were in attendance.

Prior to the First Ladies’ Luncheon and VIP cocktail, Consul Biggs Sparkuhl was invited to tour the 50,000 square foot Project C.U.R.E. headquarters in Denver. 

“The facility and organization is amazing!”  She commented, “Project C.U.R.E. is awe-inspiring.”

Also In attendance was Dr. Aldo Aguirre, Honorary Vice-consul of Guatemala for Las Vegas.  “I was duly impressed with the PIMGP3294hoenix operation of Project C.U.R.E. on a visit there last month.  The Denver headquarters represent an absolutely amazing success.  Charities the world over could learn from the science of economy brought to fruition by Project C.U.R.E.”  Vice-consul Aguirre commented.