LTC 223-2009 Cozumel Sister City - The Child, the Sea for Peace Projectm !~1
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER -: ~ .,,~
LETTER TO COMMISSION
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223-2009
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TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission ,~
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager / ~c
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DATE: August 20, 2009 "'
SUBJECT: Cozumel Sister City -The Child, the Sea for Peace Project
This Letter to Commission is intended to provide you information regarding upcoming events
scheduled with our Sister City. Cozumel Mexico, so that you may attend if you are available.
Cozumel, recently declared as the Island of Peace, has embarked on a project known as "The Child,
the Sea for Peace', a symbolic expedition through the Atlantic Ocean with the purpose of delivering
a message of universal peace and tolerance to the world. The Trimaran Zamna, the ship of peace,
will start this remarkable journey the 27'r of August, on a trip expected to last four months before
touching its final haven, the Port of Pireus in Greece. In its route, the ship will stop in 15 ports.
beginning with Miami Beach -the first city to welcome the ship and its crew in the United States.
The decision to start with Miami Beach stems from the Sister City relationship established since
1992, which was created to strengthen our bonds through artistic, cultural. educational and business
exchanges.
A 12-year-old Mayan boy (from a fishermen family) will be traveling on board the vessel; he was
selected to be the ambassador of Cozumel during the wholejourney. The City is also working with
Miami Beach sixth-grade students on an essay project, where students will write about the meaning
of peace. One child will be selected to represent Miami Beach at the Welcome Ceremony, and
formally exchange flags.
The Welcoming Ceremony will be held upon the ships arrival on Saturday, Augus129th, at 5:30 pm
at the Miami Beach Marina. Mayor Bower will join Ambassador Juan Miguel Gutierrez Tinoco,
General Consul of Mexico in Miami, and Teresa Villarreal, Director of the Mexico Tourism Board to
greet the boy, the Captain and the crew. As part of the ceremony, there will be a symbolic exchange
of flags; the Mayan boy will bestow the flag of Mexico and the flag of peace.
The Trimaran Zamna will remain anchored at the Marina for five days. During its stay. different
events will be held at the ship:
• Sunday, August 30th: The vessel will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in order
to allow the local residents to visit the ship and get familiarized with the project.
• Sunday, August 30`h: The Sister Cities Committee is hosting a reception at the Bass
Museum at 12:OOpm (noon), followed by a tour of the current exhibits.
• Monday, August 31": A private cocktail will be offered by the Mexico Tourism Board, for
officials, distinguished members of the local community and press at 6:OOpm,
Tuesday, September 1": The Mexican delegation will go on an Art Deco Walking Tour
• September 2nd The Mayan boy and the delegation will attend the inauguration of the exhibit,
"PoRraits,"by Mexican painters at Miami Art Central.
Other activities will also be planned. If you would like to attend any of the events, please contact
Max Sklar, Director of Tourism and Cultural Development at ext. 6116.