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Words addressed by the First Lady of Panamá, Mrs. Vivian Fernández de Torrijos

Mexico and Panama share a rich past of great experiences. Our countries have always maintained relations that have not only been cordial but fraternal. Today, under the guidance of Mr. Felipe Calderón in Mexico and of Martín Torrijos in Panama, these relations are being tightened and new points of convergence emerge. One of them is the will to break the circle of poverty in which vast populations live in, around 40% in each country, and close the gaps that separate those excluded from the majority of society.

Fortunately, there are encouraging signals among these efforts. The Social Agenda that my husband is developing is being seamlessly strengthened, reaching the most abandoned human groups in the Panama isthmus. In turn, Mexico, through the integral development plan proposed by President Calderón, is focusing on providing people with better job opportunities and a higher quality of life.

A famous Lebanese writer and poet, the great Khalil Gibran, once wrote:
“To understand the heart and mind of a person don’t pay attention to what he/she has done, don’t pay attention to his/her achievements; rather, pay attention to what he/she aspires to do”.

Guided by these words, we can look at the thoughts of Carlos Slim and discover the human being that is on top of his material successes. Beyond the opinions of the media and far from the blinding splendor of the inquisitorial lights that fall on great fortunes, in that space reserved for the heart, we find the aspirations of a Mexican entrepreneur who has overcome geographical barriers to become a citizen of the world, concerned with the present and future wellbeing of his fellow men. There we find him promoting initiatives such as the Carso Health Institute, his latest but without a doubt not his last proposal in the road to a fairer world.

It is with great joy that I can say that my country, Panama, has enjoyed the greatest fortune of having this friend to the least favored. His interest in social wellbeing has encountered parallel principles and values in President Martín Torrijos’ administration, principles and values that are the foundation of his actions in this context. Carlos Slim shares with my husband the approaches to social assistance: both are convinced that we should not provide support to the poor for reasons of his condition of poverty, but for his human nature. Both of them agree that to come out of misery, a person needs not alms but supports such as education, health and job opportunities. The condition of poverty is a black veil, but a removal one; it can darken but never destroy the human spirit. This, with its own load of dreams, feelings, intellect and potentials, happens to be a single spirit, indivisible and invincible. This humble but never inferior human being, this woman that does not loose anything of her nature because she lacks financial resources, but on the contrary, has a lot to win with some understanding, are the focus of the interest of Carlos Slim.

Thanks to his vision of solidarity, today thousands of Panamanian indigenous people and peasants, mothers and fathers who had lived in invisibility throughout their entire lives, have access now to the same leading edge technology to attend their health problems, pregnancies, deliveries and newborn care. The Telmex Foundation donated through the office I feel honored to head, valuable equipment to Panama such as thermal nursery beds, neonatal ventilators and vital signs monitors. Infant mortality is being effectively reduced in health centers of distant regions where they have been installed.

I am very enthusiastic about the achievements -translated into benefits- that thousands of Mexicans and Latin Americans will be able to enjoy thanks to the work of the Carso Health Institute. The wonderful experience many humble communities of the Panamanian territory are going through will be available for many other places that also require fraternal support. Carlos Slim’s outstanding background represents the best guarantee that allows us to expect great outcomes from this new enterprise. Examples of his work are the creation of 200,000 employments in Latin America and in other regions, the assistance to communities in countries where his businesses operate, the thrust of university education for young Mexicans, his concern for the improvement of rural schools and his advocacy of the human rights of those deprived from freedom, among many other efforts. The responsible performance and hard work of the companies and foundations grouped under his leadership are enough proof of the platform of support that can be anticipated, which will allow improvements in the quality of life of many more people by recovering and preserving the most basic conditions needed to move ahead: good health.    

There is also a benefit that we cannot leave aside: the example that these type of actions offer to young adults. The positive impact on the new and emerging generation of leaders throughout the region operates in favor of a new culture of inclusion and respect for all persons, of social awareness, good will and pacific human interaction. We hope that this will go on, that we will continue progressing towards that world of equity that we all long for.
I simply wish the new Carso Health Institute much success. I am sure that it will accomplish it because as Mr. Slim has already expressed, “Firm optimism and patience always produce results”. God bless you all and let us hope that Mexico and Panama continue growing in prosperity and as united brothers.