The newly appointed cultural authority took part in an ancestral Andean ceremony carried out by amautas orureños who wished her success in this new enterprise, when taking up her post as Minister of Culture.
Pablo César Groux Canedo, former Minister of Culture submitted a report of the activities carried out in 2009 to the new Minister of Cultures, Zulma Yugar Párraga. He concentrated in strengthening and promoting cultures with an integrative approach. He also gave her the Annual Action Plan 2010, which establishes the budget for cultural administration and the memoires “Jornadas Culturales 2008” (2008 Cultural Journeys) that presents the current state of affairs of culture in the country’s regions.
During Yugar’s possession, Groux gave a general report of his administration since he accepted the challenge of creating the first public cultural institution of the country.
“This well documented and backed up report will allow you to have a general overview of what has been done since this Ministry of Cultures was created”, affirmed Groux. He also informed that the first Convention Centre and Auditorium, in Santa Cruz, and two interculturalism houses, one in San Ignacion de Velasco and the other one in Cobija, were recently built.
“This three projects mark the beginning of this Ministry’s maturity, its movement from spending to investing”, pointed out Groux. He also stressed that the work carried out is part of a process in which civil society has taken part, as it is demonstrated by the creation of two regional culture councils, in the nine Bolivian regions, according to the supreme decree 0064/09, April 3, 2009, that establishes its creation, structure and operation.
Yugar made it clear that she will continue the projects under way. She will not shut down initiatives from the previous administration.
“Our challenge is bigger than winning the elections. Bolivia is reinventing itself to build a new State” were Yugar words. She also highlighted her commitment with Bolivia’s cultures and her contribution to obtain the World Heritage declaration of Kallawaya’s Culture (2003) and the Proclamation as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity of Oruro Carnival (2001) by UNESCO.
She explained that “cultural and traditional cultures” should be presented to UNESCO as candidates, process that takes place every two years.
The Minister of Culture affirmed she will commit to promote a culture of peace and reminded everyone “the quinquennium of mama t’allas, of culture’s birth, is a matter of great importance for the current moment Bolivians are living”.
Groux received a present from the Ministry’s staff and gave farewell to each one of them showing a great smile. They applauded him in recognition of his achievements.
Other news about Minister Zulma Yugar Párraga’s appointment:
http://www.opinion.com.bo/Portal.html?CodNot=86806&CodSec=19
http://www.fmbolivia.com.bo/noticia22052-zulma-yugar-la-consolidacion-del-proceso-de-cambio-es-un-reto-mas-importante-que-la-victoria-electoral.html
http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/tragaluz/20100127/nueva-ministra-de-culturas-toma-posesion-de-su_55261_98400.html
http://lapatriaenlinea.com/?nota=16125
http://www.minculturas.gob.bo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1396&Itemid=1