JULY No. SEPTEMBER 166 2015 intouch AJ•BID Association of Retirees of the Inter-American Development Bank

FEATURES 1 Ortiz Mena Award 2 Electronic Voting 3 July Luncheon Above: Antonio Ortiz Mena in 4 September Luncheon his office at the IDB 5 IDB Solidarity Program 7 Trip to Korea 9 A Tiny Detail Above and Left: The par- ticipants engaged in the 2015 11 European Vacation meeting to announce the Ortiz 12 Papal Visit to DC Mena Award.

THE COLUMN 2 New Members 2 Meet our Comittees Ortiz Mena Award 10 Holiday Party By Vladimir Radovic OBITUARIES 13 Rene Murillo On behalf of the Retirees’ Association, I participated in the meeting for the 2015 13 Felix Kasamatsu Antonio Ortiz Mena Award Committee. 13 Orazio BIanchini 13 Mirtha Israel As you all know, the award is given annually to recognize exceptional service and/or 14 Georges Landau special contributions of the IDB’s staff in fulfilling the Institution’s objectives. 14 Marcela Houser Al terminar su mandato en 1988, el segundo presidente del BID hizo una significativa 14 Walter Ross contribución personal para establecer el Fondo Antonio Ortiz Mena. El Banco ha venido manteniendo este Fondo en fideicomiso desde entonces.

Upon ending his term in 1998, the IDB’s second president made a significant personal contribution to set up the Antonio Ortiz Mena Fund. The Bank has been maintaining this trust Fund ever since.

The exceptional services and special contributions refer mainly to outstanding team work, assisting colleagues in completing their tasks and promoting new ideas that The views and opinions expressed lead to financial savings, improvement of efficiency and intra and interdepartmental in the articles are those of the collaboration. From 1989 to 2014, 84 employees (46 women and 39 men) have authors and do not necessarily received this prestigious award. reflect the IDB Association of One of the first recipients, in 1989, was the emblematic chauffeur of the IDB Chapter Retirees opinion or position. in Guyana, Cecil Hafiz. What has characterized the AOM Award is the fact that it has (continues on page 2) IN TOUCH 1 AJBID.ORG Ortiz Mena Award (continued from cover) been awarded to staff in professional and highly specialized careers as well as co ee!! administrative and support staff, at the Headquarters and at the Chapters. The award Weellcomm W ew consists of a sum of cash and a certificate that is rewarded annually during the annual ur n o service award ceremony. Each year, on average, three to four employees receive the o bers t em Ortiz Mena Award. To be eligible, staff members must have a minimum of three years m of continuous work for IDB, and hold between a 4th and 12th grade position.

One Retirees’ Association representative will be a member of the AOM Awards Norberto Omar Diamanti Committee.The other four members are: The IDB President, an ex officio member, an Ronaldo J. Rotter Executive Director, a representative from the Staff Association and a Manager from the Gabriela Vega Bank.

The Awards Committee President nominates a Secretary who administrates the process and attends the Committee meetings without a vote. It is important to remember that Meet the Committees such a special award does not only recognize the outstanding service of IDB personnel, but also recalls the leadership, immense work and great vision of its second president of the Association (1971-1988). And in this day in time, where group work tends to take precedence, it is key to preserve and promote this award for personal effort and initiative, which also In order for the IDB Association of Retir- makes the IDB a great, relevant and innovative institution. ees to function properly, various commit- tees are in place to aid its efforts. In the Furthermore, as Enrique Iglesias said so well, “the institution that loses its memory, sidebar are all of the Committees of the loses its way and its soul.” Association and their members. Electronic Voting By Angelita Papotti Cultural, Social, and Volunteer Activities he Board of Directors has advanced signifi- Committee Tcantly in its work towards implementing a secure system for active members to be able to Coordinator: Fausto Medina-López vote by internet in the 2016 elections. The Board will ensure that the electronic voting Alternate: María Hess system will be accurate, safe, and user-friendly. Members without regular internet ac- Members: Orlando Reos cess or who prefer to vote by mail, will be able to opt out of electronic voting, and will continue to receive paper ballots. Cultural, Social and Welfare Sub-Committee Over 500 members participated in the Test that was given to evaluate the Electronic Voting system. The results have been very positive; practically no member has encoun- Coordinator : María Hess tered difficulties accessing and answering the Test questions. To the contrary, we’ve Alternate: Marcello Averbug received a significant number of positive comments on the benefits of the system. Also, Members: Nohra Rey de Marulanda the vast majority feel that electronic voting will reduce abstention in Association elec- tions and 98% have indicated they will vote electronically in the 2016 elections. Volunteer of the Year Award Sub-Committee and Volunteering As a result of this exercise, it has been confirmed that the 2016 elections will be car- Promotion ried out through the electronic voting system. Therefore, the Board of Directors has approved a reform to the Voting and Counting Regulations, which will soon be included on the Association’s website. Remember that we will continue using the postal voting Coordinator: Orlando Reos system for those members who do not have an email address registered with the As- Alternate: Mario Mejía sociation. We will send them the traditional voting packets. Likewise, any member may Members: María Teresa Traverso Victoria Peterson renounce their right to electronically vote, requesting that the Association add them to Ana María Viveros-Long the postal voting group

IN TOUCH 2 AJBID.ORG Monthly Luncheon July 23rd, 2015 n the occasion of the Retiree Association’s lun- Ocheon of July 23rd, the three representatives of the association to the Consultative Committee of the IDB Solidarity Program, Orlando Reos, Marcello Averbug and Fausto Medina-Lopez, made a presentation to all the participants on the objectives, scope, components and Fausto Medina-Lopez Moments from the lunch at the Lauriol Plaza achievements attained so far by that program during its already seventeen years of operations. The purpose of the presentation was to encourage a greater involve- ment of the association’s members in the multiple volun- teering opportunities advocated by the program through the more than seventy community-based organizations that it partners and which devoutly provide critically needed social and economic services to the growing Latin American and Caribbean population residing in the greater Washington DC area. The presentation was Alfredo Garcia Oneica Gracie started by Fausto who explained the overall nature of the program and its significant impacts achieved since its establishment in 1998. He was followed by Marcello who discussed some examples of the community-based organizations the program is supporting through grants and other type of donations. Finally, Orlando concluded by highlighting some specific cases of volunteering op- portunities currently required by organizations in the DC area.

Fausto Medina-López Marcello Averbug Helmuth Carl

Judith Melamed and Raquel Dunning

The attendees of the luncheon enjoying the presentations and food.

Orlando Reos giving his presentation IN TOUCH 3 AJBID.ORG Monthly Luncheon October 1st, 2015

ome of the most memorable moments of the monthly luncheon Sat the Lauriol Plaza restaurant in Washington DC before the summer vacation. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was joyful. This monthly appointment is always a great opportunity to meet with friends and former colleagues. If you couldn’t make it that time, you may join us next time. We hope to see you there.

Loreto Zuleta y Angelita Papotti

Rigoberto Ordoñez and Juan Listerri Maria Adele Garcia, Pedro Labarca and Ana Maria Hector Prieto and Marcello Averbug Viveros-Long

Fernando Jimenez, Angelita Papotti and Douglas Kline Julio Villanueva, Aida Estrada, Alvaro Chaves

Ana Maria Viveros-Long and Lily Cecilio Sanabria and Bolivar Cobos Miriam DeRitis and Pilar Martin Fuentes Strader IN TOUCH 4 AJBID.ORG Legal and Governance IDB Solidarity Issues Committee Program

Coordinator: Michael Woscoboinik Alternate: Alicia Ritchie Members: Álvaro Beca Gay Davis Miller

Electronic Vote Sub- Committee IDB Solidarity Program Meeting 2015 The 3 representatives from the AJBID Coordinator: Alicia Ritchie Alternate: Michael Woscoboinik By Fausto Medina Lopez Members: Álvaro Beca

or the past three decades, the Latino and Caribbean population residing in the Greater FWashington DC Area has displayed a continuous and marked growth that has resulted in its becoming the area’s fastest-growing minority group. The arrival of large migration Membership and flows to the area during that period, and more recently of unaccompanied children coming Chapters Committee mainly from Central America, has generated a substantially growing demand for social and economic services that have significantly exceeded the capacity of local governments and community-based organizations to effectively deliver those services. In this context, Coordinator: Michael Woscoboinik donors, such as the international development institutions operating in the area, are Members: Álvaro Beca frequently being contacted by many community-based organizations to contribute more Rigoberto Ordoñez to their operations with grants, food, medical and school supplies, equipment and other Margarita Ryan type of materials to complement the humanitarian work that they devoutly carry out in Israel Acosta benefit of vulnerable communities.

In response to the social, economic and educational challenges faced by those communities in the greater Washington DC area, the Bank created the Solidarity Program in 1998. By doing this, the bank acknowledged its civic and corporate responsibility to the community Finance Committee in which it resides and operates.

During its already seventeen years of continued and committed humanitarian work, the Coordinator: German Paraud IDB Solidarity Program has succeeded in building strategic partnerships with more than Members: María Hess 70 local community-based organizations to promote social and economic development Rigoberto Ordoñez initiatives with education, health, and economic development as priority areas. The program has supported these organizations with grants, surplus equipment (computers, office equipment and furniture), office supplies and other type of donations (food, toys, clothing, etc.) that have enhanced their assistance delivery capabilities. Since 1998, the IDB Solidarity Program has disbursed around $5.5 million in grants and has channeled a total support of more than $7 million to those community-based organizations, with an impact that has significantly exceeded its initial expectations. It has also played an Retirement Fund important catalytic role, as the program’s support has encouraged other donors to also Committee channel critically needed resources to those organizations.

The IDB Solidarity Program has also been a strong advocate of volunteerism among Coordinator: Juan Manuel Fariña IDB employees, retirees and their families. This commitment is born from the program’s Members: German Paraud conviction that it takes more than financial assistance to (continues on page 6)

IN TOUCH 5 AJBID.ORG IDB Solidarity Program (continued from page 5) empower needed communities and that by providing time and energy to organizations working with vulnerable groups, the lives of thousands of people are enriched. Indeed, Comunications IDB Solidarity makes a difference through volunteer work, health fairs and drives to collect Committee toys, food, books and clothing. The “Share the Magic Campaign” at Christmas time and the “IDB Community Volunteer Fair,” are some examples of several successful Solidarity Program’s volunteering events. Website Sub-Committee

Coordinator: Our Retiree Association has been an active supporter of the activities carried out by the Orlando Reos Members: Marie-Joëlle R. Haas Solidarity Program for many years. Representatives of the Association are members of the Arne Paulson Consultative Committee that annually meets to allocate grants to the community-based Tomás Facet organizations that request financial support from the Program. It also keeps an active committee that continually promotes volunteering through the IDB Solidarity Program, as Publications Sub- well as through other similar initiatives, among our colleague retirees. Committee

Through the Solidarity Program, IDB-IIC Retirees can volunteer in community-based Coordinator: Douglas Kline organizations providing services to low income groups in areas such as: Members: Daniel Martin

• Legal advice to immigrants (such as Ayuda Inc., Central American Resource Center and Legal Counsel for the Elderly)

• Before and after school programs, literacy and bilingual learning and enhancing academic readiness (Barbara Chambers Children’s Center, Centronia, For Love of Children, Latin American Montessori Bilingual Charter School, Martha’s Table, Latin American Youth Center, Life Skills Center, Latino Student Fund, Multicultural Career Intern Program, Rosemont Center, Spanish Education Development Center, The Family Place, The Next Tax Reimbursement Step Public Charter School, Washington English Center, San Miguel School and Hispanic Committee Girl Scouts)

• Primary health, mental health, chronic disease prevention, teen-parenting programs Coordinator: Rigoberto Ordoñez and wellness (La Clinica del Pueblo, Spanish Catholic Center, the Northwest center, and Members: Carolin A. Crabbe Mary’s center for Maternal and Child care, Latin American Youth Center and Vida Senior John Binkley Center); Carlos Valencia

Ricardo Santiago • Attention to individual with disabilities (Quality Trust and Life Skills Center); Antonio Guillermo Zoccali • Transitional housing (Mary House, DC Doors and Mi Casa, Inc.) • Food and meals delivery (DC Central Kitchen and Food and Friends) • Business and enterprise development (Latino Economic Development Corporation) • Sports, theatre and arts development (Sports for Sharing, Sitar Arts center, Gala Hispanic Theatre and Teatro de la Luna) Health and Life Retirees interested in getting involved as volunteers through the IDB Solidarity Program Insurance Program can get more information about opportunities by contacting the program’s coordinator, Administration Marta Estarellas, either by e-mail ([email protected]; or [email protected]) or by Committee telephone (202-623-1959; 202-623-2223); or our colleague Orlando Reos (Orlando.reos@ gmail.com)

Principal: Patricia Bermúdez Make a difference!!! Become a volunteer through the IDB Solidarity Program Alternate: Isabel C. Larson Members: Helmuth Carl Álvaro Beca

IN TOUCH 6 AJBID.ORG Trip to Korea

Blue House - Presidential Palace, Seoul, Korea Busan, Korea Dongnbaekseom Island, Korea

By Rigoberto Ordonez

y wife Elizabeth and I arrived in Busan, Korea on Wednesday afternoon, March 25, 2015 by way of Tokyo, Japan. Luckily, thisM leg of the trip was short-lived because the flight lasted only two hours. Because we had already been in that part of the world for a week, it was easy for us to adapt because there was no difference in time zones between Japan and Korea The bus ride to the hotel located at Haeundae-gu took us a little over an hour as the afternoon traffic was backed up because it was rush hour and there was a traffic jam moving through the second largest city in the country that is home to a population of almost five million people in the metropolitan area. Because it is a port city, its proximity to the sea, the piers, holds and shipyards all stood out.

From March 26 to March 29, 2015, the city of Busan was the Seat of the Annual Meeting of the IDB-CII 2015 and there were signs referring to it as well as signs welcoming Participants from the airport all the way to the streets near the BEXCO Convention Center. My wife accompanied me to other Annual Assemblies in the past. This time, things would be different because it would be the first Annual Assembly I would be attending as an observer and not an employee because I started retired life only a few months ago.

Fausto was our teacher and guide because he gave us a few brochures that helped us have a better idea of what there is to see in the country. I always try to study the history of places I visit. I try to educate myself on what the most important tourist attractions in the area are. The digital dictionary the Bank prepared for Assembly participants helped us attempt to communicate even though we were able to communicate in English on other occasions.

The things a person might be interested in with respect to places to visit can vary and are often incompatible with tours because they consist of strictly-defined routes and places. Some prefer to visit natural areas, others; museums, others; religious sites like temples, others; places of art, others; places to shop and others have an affinity for food.

Train Station in Seoul, Korea Gamcheon Cultural Village Dongnbaekseom Island, Korea

(continues on page 8) IN TOUCH 7 AJBID.ORG Trip to Korea (continued from page 7)

Jagalchi Fish Market Korean Side Dishes Products from Jagalchi Market My wife is a fan of cuisine and is always trying to learn or try new recipes and figuring out what is eaten in other countries. Even though we’re fortunate to have restaurants from all over the world in Washington, it is only by travelling that you have the opportunity to try real, authentic, local food. During our stay, we tried only local dishes and my wife kept from eating any food that wasn’t Korean.

In Korea, we tried Korean barbeque which is served on a grill in the middle of the table. On another occasion, we had the chance to try a sample of twenty-five dishes.

To my surprise, my wife loved kimchi, a traditional, slightly spicy, Korean dish made of fermented cabbage with a very peculiar smell but which, according to her, is delicious and mixes well with other foods.

During our visit to Korea, I kept up my routine of walking at least five miles a day, exceeding my goal on a few occasions. I started my walk from the hotel very early, passing through the island of Dongnbaekseom, Haeundae beach and then back to the hotel. I was very impressed that thousands of people walked the same route daily despite the time of day or night.

Trips are always a temptation to buy and bring back gifts, souvenirs or other things that catch your eye. Near the BEXCO Convention Center was Shinsegaea Centum City, the largest department store in the world. Luckily, we didn’t give in to the temptation of buying a lot or exceeding the luggage weight limit on our return flight.

During the trip, we had the chance to meet new people and spend time with very dear friends.

We are taking advantage of this note to share a few photos we took during our trip that show some of the places with visited and due to the lack of space in the publication, I won’t be able to share more about those places. For those of you who have question, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.

We returned from out trip with a nice impression of the country and the warmth of its people. We were very impressed by the determination and resolve they have had to achieve the social and economic development that has brought them to where they are today despite the adversity they have faced.

Traditional Korean Side Dishes Taejongdae, Korea Korean Barbecued Beef

IN TOUCH 8 AJBID.ORG A Tiny Detail

A Story by Marcelo Antinori

ust a couple of millenniums from now, what actually means a little before our infinite universe, Li, Ja dedicated geologist of Sriam’s lab, took a sip from his gliœt mug and examined again the micro- scope. For the tenth time he checked his notes and, puzzled, he walked to the window: could it be that dinosaurs were not alone? Next to him Nimslav removed her earrings. Li was so obsessed with the samples found in Kåsül that didn’t notice them. She touched his arm gently – she didn’t want to derange his thoughts – and looked next to him through the window. But there were no doubts on her eyes; she just seized the beauty of the pond and the red and yellow little flowers blossoming all over M. Antinori the grass.. * * * * * This story actually begun at Innsbruck; old photographs on the hotel hall still witness the gala dinner when the ambitious project was announced. They show renowned scientists smiling to posterity with banners announcing “Now, conquering the universe” and, among them, a few worried faces that from the early start were alerting:

– It’s crazy! We barely know the planets around us. Any contact will be an open door to our annihilation...

A pity, nobody listen to them; a juvenile euphoria prevailed at that dinner... quite different of the pale expressions of fear and resignation visible today on each one of the tables.

Outside the room very few people were aware of our options. The streets were appalled. Some were still wearing the yellow “welcome” shirts that decorated each and every city but apprehension was growing.

When the visitors arrived everything was joy. They sent us messages of peace, detailed photos of their galactic spacecraft and brightened the north hemisphere skies with a show of fireworks and falling lights.

The first words were of friendship and progress, followed by astonishing scientific data: the secrets of universe; the paradox on the interior of black holes, technologies for human cell regeneration and an impressive and quite simple process to store energy on artificial clouds that could feed our electric systems through programmed lightning.

The speed of light would no more be a limit and interplanetary distances would now on be measured in months. Even the elixir of eternal life could be, with what we learned, available at the closest pharmacy.

However, the huge spacecraft kept parading from east to west covering the sky, but afar. Apparently there was still a tiny detail to solve. The visitors came in peace, and there was no doubt about that. Their sole interest where to produce the algae they need at the bottom of our seas – They were crucial for the cell regeneration process they used.

What just a very small group of people was aware is that our visitors had explained, with great diplomacy, that temperatures were a little bit colder on their planet. They live perfectly with the snow but, unfortunately, could not support the heat from the sun. Happily, they said, the technology required to promote the necessary adjustment was well known. And they warned:

– Before we land we will promote a minor adjustment on earth’s orbit to increase the distance from the sun.

Panic. There was no time for hesitation. That is why all scientists were again gathered on that large and elegant room. The visitors would be ready to start displacement in a few weeks. What to do?

(continues on page 10) IN TOUCH 9 AJBID.ORG A Tiny Detail (continued from page 9)

– With the proposed displacement – explained the Russian lady responsible for the opening statement – earth average temperature will be slightly under the freezing point.

She was clearly trying to give a positive spinning to her words.

– Not all of us will die. But under these new temperatures we will be forced to spend most of the year underneath earth waiting for those few summer days to resurface. The author, Marcelo Antinori pictured center. After a long pause she added:

– An ice cap will cover the oceans, what is positive for them, since it will help the algae production they need – and she concluded, rising her eyes from the pages that she kept on her hands – but navigation, as we know it, will disappear.

The respected British scientist, next to her, who was presiding over the meeting gently touched her arm.

As she continued in motionless he took the paper out of her hands and read the last line:

– The green fields blossoming in the spring will continue to exist but only on our memories. She didn’t listen. She was drowned on sadness.

They spent four days gathered at that hotel and leaders of great nations closely followed everything they discussed. The conclusion was dramatic: our civilization will disappear and the shining white of snow would become the color of our planet. A single heroic option was contemplated, but it looked even more dramatic: a coordinated explosion of nuclear weapons creating a cloud of dust that for a few centuries would cover our planet. We would all die – there was no way to avoid it – but visitors would be forced to abandon our planet leaving earth where it is.

At the end of the meeting the British scientist approached the Russian lady. He looked at her and thought she was even more beautiful with the new earrings, but all he could say was:

– Perhaps after a few millenniums, women and men will be able to look again at flowers blossoming in the spring. All scientists went back to their homes, dismayed, and leaders of great nations gathered on a secret location to decide our future.

Don’t Miss...

The 2015 Holiday Party! Tuesday, December 15th, 2015 12:30 PM $25.00

To confirm your attendance please call 202-623-3041 or send an email to [email protected]

IN TOUCH 10 AJBID.ORG European Vacation First Chapter: France

By Orlando Reos

he original goal of the article was to relate a few experiences from the Ttrip my wife and I took to France and Italy in the summer of 2015. Any trip to Europe is itself a magnificent opportunity not only to see new places or return to those already visited, to be immersed in the history of those Neighborhood in Saint Mamet La Salvetat, France places, admire centuries-old artistic works and, of course, enjoy the food and wine specific to those regions, but, in our case, there were other reasons. That’s why we decided that we would go to Eu- rope for two reasons, one was for traditional tourism and an additional motivation: visiting the ancestral lands of our family and to participating in the baptismal ceremony of our grandchildren.

France My daughter and her husband Pierre’s family is made up of four girls who are seven, four and a year and a half. The last two are twins. Put simply, a family with four little girls is a difficult undertaking to manage. But Maria Eugenia and Pierre have an admirable domestic set-up and they are also lovers of adventure and challenges. So, this year, as if their daily duties weren’t demanding enough, they decided to fulfill a beautiful family tradition of the girls’ paternal grandparents. In Saint Mamet de La Salvetat (pop. 1600), a village located in the south of France in the Auvergne region, they have a house where they spend summers in the middle of the countryside, among farms and beech and oak forests. Next to their house is a chapel that has been around for centuries, Saint Jean de la Salvetat, with a history that goes back centuries. At some point in the XIII century, the property was the headquarters of the Knights of Malta. More recently, members from several genera- tions of Pierre’s family were baptized in the chapel. So, in line with that tradition, that the twins would also be baptized there. The project took several months of preparation, the goal being to perform the ceremony for both baptisms in August of 2015. It turned into a highly anticipated event for all the relatives, despite having to line up trips for uncles, cousins, godparents and grandparents who arrived from different places in France, the United States, Germany and Argentina. It was quite the feat.

The regions of Auvergne and the Central Pyrenees are not among the more well-known tourist destinations in France but they have all the ingredients necessary for a unique experience with lots of history accu- mulated over the centuries, a regional cuisine and – of course – excellent wines. The largest city in this region is Toulouse, an industrial center where the assembly plant for Airbus airplanes is located, and whose airport is easily accessible from all over the world. Toulouse is situated between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and you can reach either of the coasts in under three hours. Also near Toulouse is the cave of Lourdes A church in Saint Mamet La Salvetat and the Pyrenees mountains that separate France from Spain. On our trip from Toulouse northward to Saint Mamet de La Salvetat we passed through the region of Cahors, where the Malbec variety of grape originated and was taken to Argentina at the end of the XIX century. It was there that this varietal was made to be stronger and have more character giving rise to the most well-known Argentinian wines. While we were in Saint Mamet de la Salvetat we were able to visit several small mountain villages, each more beautiful than the last. Perhaps the most famous of all of them is Conques where there is a basilica and sanctuary whose construction began in the IX century, circa the year 890. This sanctuary dedicated to the Martyr Saint Foy (Santa Fe) was one of many that made up the Camino de Compostela from its start. Starting from Le Puy in eastern France, the Road passes through Conques and then continues toward the South where it crosses the Pyrenees and arrives at Santiago de Compostela after 1200 km. The village of Conques was once described as the most beautiful and authentic medieval French village. A must-see. (continues on page 12) IN TOUCH 11 AJBID.ORG European Vacation (continued from page 11) The day of the baptism was an all-day affair, filled with the joy of all the family members and a shining sun that stood apart from the previous rainy, gray days. The religious ceremony was traditional but very adapted to the family’s persona. There were readings from texts in French, English and Spanish followed by a translation to encourage the participation of all the relatives at the celebration who were there celebrating the youngest members of this rather remarkable family. Among the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and godparents were Americans, Argentinians, French, Germans, Uruguayans and Guatemalans. All in all, a little Viaduc de Garabit - Cantal in France Babel where the only language in common was the warmth and happiness of sharing this family get-together, possibly the only one in several years and the celebration of these little ones who brought together so many people from so many places. The group’s lunch in the house’s/farm’s yard, beneath centuries-old trees, lasted until the middle of the afternoon and making the best of the occasion we tried foods and French wines from several regions, adding another reason to be happy and joyful at the party. Without a doubt, it was a memorable day Papal Visit to DC By Loreto Zuleta

eptember 23rd was a quiet day at the IDB Association of Retirees due Sto many road closures and announced delays in anticipation the 7th official papal visit to the United States. While most people opted to stay in and work from home as suggested by the Bank, the IDB Association of Retirees remained open and fully functioning. Pope Francis and President Obama share a laugh. Pope Francis arrived to Washington, DC the previous evening on the 22nd and was greeted by President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Prior to the nation’s capital, Pope Francis spent three days in Cuba as an effort to better relations between the church and the Cuban people.

Prior to the Pope’s arrival, the city of Washington went into full preparation mode. Downtown, many roads and sidewalks were blocked off to both vehicles and pedestrians specifically near the Bank which was near the path for the Pope’s parade. The city was well-prepared and thousands of people congregated in front of the White House on Wednesday to witness the Pope’s Welcoming Speech. Among them was our very own Angelita Papotti who stopped by on her way to work that morning.

Afterwards, the Papal Parade commenced as the affectionately known People’s Pope greeted the masses of people that gathered for him. The Pope then continued on his very scheduled trip St. Matthews Cathedral for a Midday Prayer with a handful of US Bishop’s. The last event on Wednesday 23rd was a mass at Shrine of the Immaculate Conception where afterwards the Pope retreated to his accommodations at the Vatican Embassy.

Most notably from the Pope’s visit was on his last day after he spoke to the Joint-Congress Pope Francis opted to skip lunch with the politicians and instead shared his meal with the homeless. Afterwards, the Pope took off for the next leg in his journey: New York. All in all, the Pope left his message upon DC not only with his words but also with his actions.

The Obamas wave goodbye to the Pope in his Fiat. IN TOUCH 12 AJBID.ORG Obituaries 1924 – 2015 René Murillo, born January 23, 1924 in Bolivia, passed away on August 11, 2015 at the age of 91. Murillo attended the Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Bolivia where he earned his agricultural engineering degree in 1947. From 1955 to 1966, Murillo continued his studies starting with a study on agricultural credit at Clemson College. He also completed communications seminar at Michigan State University, and he also attended a course on project administration at Pittsburgh University. During his career, Murillo focused on the topic of agricultural credit and before joining the IDB, he worked as a Consultant for Agricultural Credit at the International Bank for Reconstruction and De- velopment in Washington, DC and later started his career at the IDB as Project Specialist in Jamaica in 1971. During his time at the Bank, Murillo carried his talents to IDB chapters in Honduras, Argentina, and ultimately the Dominican Republic until his retirement in 1988. Soon after retiring he returned to his mother land of Bolivia with his wife. You may send your condolences to his daughter Rebecca Murillo at the following email address: [email protected]. 1938 – 2015 Felix Kasamatsu, born February 20, 1938 in Paraguay, passed away on August 28, 2015 at 77 years of age. Kasamatu studied economics ast the Universidad Nacional de Asunción and was among the first in his class. He stood out academically in 1965 travelling to the United States to study as a Fullbright Scholar at the University of Kansas and later earned his Master’s degree and Doctorate in Economy from the University of Georgetown in 1966. Kasamatu worked in the IDB’s Cooperative Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations before of- ficially joining the IDB in 1972. However, in 1981, he took one year of sabbatical to be the Senior Fellow of International Affairs at Harvard University. Afterward, he returned to the IDB where we recognize his devotion to his role as the Main Operational Specialist including having been the Interim Chief of his department. His efforts and talent were instrumental in the area of confinancing programs until his retirement in August of 2000. You may send your condo - lences to his wife Yoshiko Kasamatu at 11431 Cedar Ridge Dr. Potomac, MD 20854 or to her email [email protected]. 1933 – 2015 Orazio Bianchini, born November 20, 1933 in Lybia, passed away on August 27, 2015 at the age of 81. Born in Italy, Bianchini studied at the Scoula Alberghiera in Rome where he specialized in food management. After graduating in 1950, he started working at the restaurant ‘American Bar’ in Rome, but he had to leave and move to the United States in 1959. He soon started working in several Washington, DC restaurants including the Occidental Restaurant, The Monocle, and the Lakeshire Corporation where he supervised 11 waiters. In 1972, Bianchini joined the Bank as the Meals Assistant and proved to be a good worker with minimum supervision. He was promoted to the position of Protocol Assistant in under a year, a title which he held until retiring in 1993. You may send your condolences to his son Peter Bianchini at his address: 13166 Kara Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904 or to his email: [email protected]. 1945 – 2015 Mirtha Ismael, born September 14, 1945, passed away July 31, 2015 at the age of 69. Ismael was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia where she studied Administrative Assistance and English at the Instituto Americano. She worked at several institutions in Bolivia as Secretary and Financial Assis- tant before joining the Bank in 1968. Ismael joined the Bank as Secretary to the Senior Specialist of the Financial Development Institutions Division. Ismael held this position for 10 years until decid- ing to transfer to the IDB Chapter in her home country Bolivia in 1978. In Bolivia, Ismael started as a Receptionist and was promoted several times until obtaining the title Secretary of the Assistant Representative and Sectorial Specialist. After a long career of 39 years at the IDB, Ismael retired in 2007 and continued living in Bolivia with her family. You may send your condolences to her brother Dr. Oscar Ismael c/o IDB Chapter in La Paz, Bolivia. IN TOUCH 13 AJBID.ORG (continues on page 14) Obituaries (continued from page 13) 1934 – 2015 Georges Landau, born April 16, 1934 in Belgium, passed away on August 09, 2015 at the age of 81. From Brazil, Landau studied Public Administration and Law at the Facultad Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With his education, Landau worked in the private legal sector in Brazil and also in governmental positions, most notably at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Landau contin- ued his studies earning an Advanced Degree in Public Administration in Holland and he obtained a Master’s of Public Administration plus a law degree from the prestigious Harvard Law School in 1966. Before joining the Bank, he worked as the Special Assistant to the President of CIAP and for the Secretary of Economic and Social Affairs at the Organization of American States. In 1973, Landau joined the Bank as Senior Advisor of Integration in the President’s Office. In this position, Landau proved his talents and was promoted to the position of Advisor in the President’s Office. He worked as Senior Advisor until retiring in 1992, the same year he returned to his homeland in Sao Paolo, Brazil. You may send your condolences to his daughter, Daniela Landau at the following email: [email protected]. 1938 – 2015 Marcela Houser, born April 26, 1938 in Peru, passed away on July 24, 2015 at the age of 77. Before working for the Bank, Houser was a bilingual secretary in a tire establishment in Lima, Peru. She joined the IDB in 1961 as Secretary to the Southern Loan Division. During her time at the IDB, she stood out as a dedicated and self-confident worker; she also had a talent for languages, learning to write in Portuguese and completing a course in Italian. Due to her efforts at her job, Houser was promoted multiple times during her career at the Bank, including the position of Execu- tive Secretary and ultimately the position of Administrative Officer for Support Services in 1991. Houser held this position until retiring from the IDB in 1993, the same year Houser returned home to Springfield, VA with her husband. You may send your condolences to her daughters, Paula and Karen Houser, at the fol- lowing address: 6110 Thomas Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 or by email at [email protected] 1939 – 2015 Walter Ross, born July 18th, 1939 in Costa Rica, passed away on September 17, 2015 at the age of 76. Ross began • his studies in 1957 at the Autonomous University in Mexico, AJ BID where he studied Medicine for 2 years. However, he left to pur- Assocation of Retirees of the sue an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts which he received in Inter-American Development Bank 1969 from Foothill College in California. Following this, Ross 1300 New York Ave., NW entered the University of California, Berkeley and graduated Washington, DC 20577 Tel. 202.623.3035 Fax: 202.623.3083 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 1972; he then con- [email protected] • www.ajbid.org tinued at Berkeley to receive his Master’s in Agricultural Economics in 1974. Prior to joining the IDB, Ross was a professor at the State University of California special- publications commmittee izing in various topics regarding Agricultural Economics. In mid-1975, Ross began COORDINATOR Douglas Kline his career at the Bank as an Economist in the Social Project sector. Here, he distin- MEMBERS guished himself for his dedication and analytical capabilities and thus, in 1982 Ross Alfredo Garcia and Angelita Papotti was promoted to the role of Chief of the Economic Analysis Sector. He continued in in touch his career as Chief of various departments until retiring in 1999. After his 24 years CONTRIBUTORS with the Bank, he settled in his home in Hendersonville, North Carolina with his fam- Marcelo Antinori, Fausto Medina-Lopez, ily. Condolences may be extended to his daughter, Irene Ross, at the following email: Rigoberto Ordonez, Angelita Papotti, [email protected].. Vladimir Radovic, Orlando Reos, Loreto Zuleta

We also mourn the loss of: TRANSLATION Brent Simpson, Sivia Torre, Ronaldo Rotter

Mercedes R. de Musso, wife of fellow retiree Pedro Domingo Musso-Viera, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT passed away on July 29th, 2015. Loreto Zuleta

GRAPHIC DESIGN IN TOUCH 14 AJBID.ORG Loreto Zuleta