World Federation of Consuls

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Kind Regards to Chile from a Dear Friend and Collegue in India

Honorable Kartar BhallaMy dear friend Kartar Bhalla, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Nauru in India and invaluable member of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), always has a way with words.  Chile thanks you, Honorable Consul Bhalla, and all of our friends around the world.

Honourable friend Paulina,

Words fail me to express my joy and extend my congratulations to you and the people of Chile on the most unprecedented rescue of 33 Chilean miners after 69 days.

Church  bells must have tolled, sirens must have  blared and millions in the world must have had  smiles on their faces as miner Florencio Avalos resurfaced after 69 days of living underground, winched up in a rescue capsule, and like clockwork, all the  remaining miners – 32 –  followed. TV and Internet audiences across the globe must have  remained glued, witnessing a human drama that surpassed anything the world had known in the recent past. What had the potential to turn into a tragic story became a moment of pride for Chile.

A cave-in on August 5 had left the miners trapped in a small copper-and-gold mine. The tremendous effort of the Chilean government, led by President Sebastian Pinera and Mining Minister Laurence Golborne, has been fruitful, first in locating the miners and then in coordinating an international rescue effort, which led to recovering them from the jaws of death. Contact with the outside world, established 17 days after the cave-in, too had a vital role to play in boosting their morale as well as providing them with material and emotional support.


This would be remembered as an unforgettebale  triumph of human spirit seen in the dramatic Chilean rescue effort.
Heartiest congratulations, Chile.

Kartar Bhalla
India

 

 

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Monaco Prince’s Palace Invites Consul Biggs Sparkuhl to National Day Celebrations

National Day celebrations in MonacoThe Principality of Monaco has invited Consul Biggs Sparkuhl to its National Day Celebration in November of 2010.

The legendary 3-day event begins with a cocktail reception at the Palace, followed the next day by a traditional Mass at the Cathedral, and later the white-tie gala at the Grimaldi Forum.

Established by a Consul of Genoa centuries ago, the tiny Principality is one of the oldest and most successful examples of the power of diplomacy.   As North American Director of FICAC, Consul Biggs Sparkuhl has developed valued alliances with consuls in Monaco, and is looking forward to seeing all these friends on this auspicious occasion.

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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