Remarks on being presented with the key to the city of Santiago
Teatro Municipal, Santiago, Chile, 5th October 2012
Señor Concejal Jorge Alessandri Vergara
Señor Director Andrés Rodriguez
Señoras y Señores
Muchas gracias por el gran honor que me han otorgado al declararme Huésped Ilustre de la ciudad de Santiago y entregarme las llaves de la ciudad.
[Thank you very much for the wonderful honour which you have bestowed upon me today in declaring me Distinguished Guest of the City of Santiago and in presenting to me the Keys of the City.]
My appreciation of this honour is particularly acute because of the great affinity which I feel for this city and my deep affection for its people.
In 1988, I first visited Santiago and indeed such places as La Hermida and south to Punto Arenas. I had, for some time before that visit, a deep interest in Chile: its history, politics, words and songs held a particular fascination for me. In 1988 I was participating as part of a parliamentary delegation to observe the Presidential Plebiscite. It was an historic, hopeful time in your nation’s development as citizens freely expressed their democratic will.
I was hugely impressed on that occasion by the warmth of the welcome extended to us by the Chilean people. Despite the fact that they had recently experienced a dark period in their history, the people we met – from Punto Arenas to Santiago – demonstrated an immense sense of dignity, courage and a determination to chart a generous and positive future for Chile.
Again on my visit this week, I have been filled with pleasure to witness the positive energy of this vibrant city. Chile’s transition from dark past days to the full light of democracy is, I know, supporting a dynamic economy, a thriving cultural scene and attracting visitors from all over the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Shakespeare wrote – What is a city but the people.
I know that the people of Santiago are both creative and resilient. Today’s ceremony is taking place in the beautiful Teatro Municipal. We are here because your own premises were damaged during the devastating earthquake of 2010. I wish you well with the continued work of restoration. I am, in the meantime, delighted to have this opportunity to spend time at a centre of the rich cultural life of Santiago.
That this fine building is hosting civic events, as well as its day job of being the premier cultural centre in Chile, under the guidance of artistic director Marcia Haydee, is a very welcome example of the dynamic partnership of public service and art.
Both the quality of, and access to, public services and the arts are critical determinants of the health of any society.
My own interest in the arts and the cultural space is well known in Ireland. The arts allow us to express ourselves; they lift our spirits during troubled times; they allow us to imagine other possibilities; they encourage us to reach beyond imposed boundaries; and they represent a fundamental part of our national and communal identity.
Real participation includes the right to play a part and enjoy with others the cultural space. The public space of Culture is of course where shared lives can be celebrated. The role of Municipal Governments, such as this City, in making the arts available to a wide audience is therefore hugely important in terms of supporting citizen participation and democracy.
The careful protection of city heritage is also a responsibility of a Municipal authority, and it is clear to me that Santiago’s significant cultural heritage is greatly valued and protected by its City authorities.
Also valued is the protection of Santiago’s and Chile’s history. Yesterday, I was honoured to visit Plaza Irlanda and to lay a wreath at the crypt of El Libertador, Bernardo O’Higgins, in honour of his contribution to Chilean independence. We in Ireland are proud of his important place in the history of Chile and in the consolidation of its tradition of democratic values.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is clearly a city facing the future with confidence. I wish you continued success. Thank you for the wonderful honour that you have extended to me today, and also for the warmth of your hospitality.
Quisiera concluir expresándoles nuevamente mi agradecimiento, y el de mi esposa Sabina, por la calidez de su recibimiento.
[May I conclude y expressing to you again my thanks, and those of my wife Sabina, for the warmth of your reception]
Muchísimas gracias.