Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean, during a recent state visit to Costa Rica, presents special medallions of recognition to eight leading members of the Canadian community in Costa Rica, at a Dec. 14 reception hosted by Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder and Irene Hansen Reeder. From left: Tomás Dueñas, who, as foreign trade minister of Costa Rica from 1998 to 2002, played a key role in the establishment of free trade between Canada and Costa Rica; Rosemary Engels, co-chair of República Media Group and a member of the Costa Rica-Canada Business Council; Anabel González, who served as chief negotiator for Costa Rica during international talks that led to the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement of 2002; Juan José Umaña, whose efforts have been key to the success of the undación Costa Rica-Canada housing agreement; Governor General Michaëlle Jean; Fury Darlington, founder of the Classical Ballet Association of Costa Rica and head artistic director of the National Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker”; Jean-Daniel Lafond, the governor general’s husband Rogelio Pardo, former health minister of Costa Rica, recognized for his work with potential immigrants to Canada and with Canadian embassy staff; Carlos Miranda, one of Costa Rica’s longest-serving ambassadors to Canada; and Fred Blaser, co-chair of República Media Group, recognized for his support of Canadian business activities in Costa Rica.
