A Presidential Visit
01/12/10 21:57 Filed in: Uruguay
A northerly force 7 is forecast within the next 18 hours so we won't be leaving today.
On the way into town we noticed a guard of honour at the naval helicopter station adjacent to the harbour.
A naval helicopter swooped in and landed and we assumed it was merely a high ranking officer paying a visit. Not so. Senor José Mujica, Presidente de la República Oriental del Uruguay was coming to visit.
We thought we would tag along and see what was happening. A new breakwater to the west of the harbour had just been completed at a cost of US$6.4 million. The first stage in a plan to redevelop the harbour and infrastructure.
This chap who, I assume, is the presidential chief of staff was giving an introductory speech. We were waved in by naval police and were front row centre to view proceedings.
Next up the Intendente (Mayor) de Rocha praising the project and welcoming visiting dignitaries.
President Mujica waiting his turn on stage. He is the stocky grey haired chap in sunglasses just left of centre. He looks like a cuddly grandad and seems very approachable.
A fishing boat entering La Paloma harbour as the speeches continue.
Next up Alejandro Ruibal. Operations director of construction company Saceem who built the breakwater.
Then we heard from the Minister of Works, Enrique Pintado.
Meantime some muscle and two ribbon girls waited in the wings.
Now it was time to introduce Senor Presidente.....
The cameras clicked and whirred as he moved forward.
Not wanting to stand and deliver he took the microphone, sat down on the edge of the stage, and talked about continuity of infrastructure projects and the work they bring to communities across Uruguay.
Lots of media in attendance. TV, radio and press.
The chief of staff looked pleased with proceedings.
The new breakwater being officially opened today.
The ribbon cutting ceremony with pieces being distributed to the dignitaries present.
Time for a photo op as a beaming ribbon girl holds her tray and scissors.
El Presidente takes a walk on the breakwater.
The president receiving an explanation of the project. He has now donned a New York baseball cap.
The chap in the foreground had a wire coming out of his left ear and rarely moved more than a metre away from the President. He also discreetly squeezed out of the way anybody impeding presidential progress.
This is the problem the breakwater is meant to solve. Massive silting over many years has left this dock dry and unusable.
As explanations continue a Prefectura rib patrols in the background.
Nancy got to extend saludos to the President and shake his hand. Sadly, due to a photographer malfunction only her shoulder appears in the photo.
More admirers take the opportunity for a photo op.
The show is pretty much over and visitors start to leave. The muscle keep a close eye on the President.
This is not a pretentious presidency. The presidential Mitsubishi Lancer awaits.
President Mujica jumps into the front seat with the driver and off they go.
Some local fireman also attended.
And there he goes. The presidential helicopter heading south west to Montevideo.
It was very hot. We went to the beach.
Back at the harbour a view of the silting from the other side.
On the way into town we noticed a guard of honour at the naval helicopter station adjacent to the harbour.
A naval helicopter swooped in and landed and we assumed it was merely a high ranking officer paying a visit. Not so. Senor José Mujica, Presidente de la República Oriental del Uruguay was coming to visit.
We thought we would tag along and see what was happening. A new breakwater to the west of the harbour had just been completed at a cost of US$6.4 million. The first stage in a plan to redevelop the harbour and infrastructure.
This chap who, I assume, is the presidential chief of staff was giving an introductory speech. We were waved in by naval police and were front row centre to view proceedings.
Next up the Intendente (Mayor) de Rocha praising the project and welcoming visiting dignitaries.
President Mujica waiting his turn on stage. He is the stocky grey haired chap in sunglasses just left of centre. He looks like a cuddly grandad and seems very approachable.
A fishing boat entering La Paloma harbour as the speeches continue.
Next up Alejandro Ruibal. Operations director of construction company Saceem who built the breakwater.
Then we heard from the Minister of Works, Enrique Pintado.
Meantime some muscle and two ribbon girls waited in the wings.
Now it was time to introduce Senor Presidente.....
The cameras clicked and whirred as he moved forward.
Not wanting to stand and deliver he took the microphone, sat down on the edge of the stage, and talked about continuity of infrastructure projects and the work they bring to communities across Uruguay.
Lots of media in attendance. TV, radio and press.
The chief of staff looked pleased with proceedings.
The new breakwater being officially opened today.
The ribbon cutting ceremony with pieces being distributed to the dignitaries present.
Time for a photo op as a beaming ribbon girl holds her tray and scissors.
El Presidente takes a walk on the breakwater.
The president receiving an explanation of the project. He has now donned a New York baseball cap.
The chap in the foreground had a wire coming out of his left ear and rarely moved more than a metre away from the President. He also discreetly squeezed out of the way anybody impeding presidential progress.
This is the problem the breakwater is meant to solve. Massive silting over many years has left this dock dry and unusable.
As explanations continue a Prefectura rib patrols in the background.
Nancy got to extend saludos to the President and shake his hand. Sadly, due to a photographer malfunction only her shoulder appears in the photo.
More admirers take the opportunity for a photo op.
The show is pretty much over and visitors start to leave. The muscle keep a close eye on the President.
This is not a pretentious presidency. The presidential Mitsubishi Lancer awaits.
President Mujica jumps into the front seat with the driver and off they go.
Some local fireman also attended.
And there he goes. The presidential helicopter heading south west to Montevideo.
It was very hot. We went to the beach.
Back at the harbour a view of the silting from the other side.