Here are the words of the director of CONNECTAS after receiving this prestigious recognition:

“For many reasons, I am honored to be here. One of them is that We gather here tonight to recognize courage in the face of extreme challenges. a courage that stands firm in the face of adversity, such as we see in the work of wonderful colleagues from Nicaragua and Mexico.

In these countries, journalists are noble professionals who, to paraphrase Maria Ressa, do not back down from the abuse of power, but rather put it in its place, while demanding reparations for its victims. Thank you.

I am also honored to share this moment with two other wonderful colleagues, June and Xanik, whose friendship I value. Thank you

As the late Latino Malcolm Dees once said, receiving such recognition involves a private assessment of whether you deserve it or not; if you have merit. The overwhelming amount of warm, sincere and well-meaning praise following this announcement was a good indication that we are on the right track. And most importantly, perhaps, it means we can make our mark by creating transformation and new opportunity.

To all the colleagues who have accompanied me on this journey, especially over the last 10 years of CONNECTAS., I thank you so much for making this possible.. During this time, we wrote hundreds of stories with almost as many collaborators from across the continent.

Many thanks also to this wonderful group of colleagues who conspiratorially provided their valuable words and recommendations in support of the request with which I am here today.

With the best team of editors and coordinators, we have been able to develop various strategies to promote good journalism.. A human team driven by dedication, love and professionalism. Thank you very much for them.

Today I am accompanied by two team members who have been constantly on the front line, and without them it would be impossible to even think about taking even one of these steps. They are my mother and my wife. I ask you to join me in applauding them.

Your support and devotion in all my endeavors are always supported by your prayers. They never wavered, even during the unusual transition from my original profession as an architect to my practice as a journalist.

I’m often asked about these changes I made, and I always say that they are more similar than you think, since both architecture and journalism use their own tools and language to describe a particular moment in human history. I think it was my transition to journalism, rather than a change of profession, that changed the meaning of my life.

I am immensely grateful to the many voices – sometimes agreeable, sometimes not so much – of the masters of their craft with whom I now share this recognition.

With this metaphor of architecture and journalism in mind, I want to thank these inspiring people for building and shaping the foundation of what I will call a vibrant Latin American city of journalism.

In this city, I would give each of its main points the names of those who, in my opinion, gave this region a special flavor. One of these cardinal moments will be the Brazilian. Rosenthal Alvesfor the constant promotion of leading organizations in journalism; another one would be Peruvian Ricardo Uceda, for his commitment to research and access to information; another Colombian Jaime Abello, for storytelling impulse and authorial voice; and another, Panamanian Louis Botellofor their many contributions, first to the promotion of ethics in the media and then to making the profession sustainable in the region.

This city of journalism would have a district of good restaurants, which would be a district Santorothere will be a network of gyms Gorritiand several good cafes, Dukeand jazz club Saenz. There will also be several very important squares and avenues. Ronderos and there would be another Gonzalez.

The city of Latin American journalism is full of intersections with the names of the greats who have preceded us and those who have yet to receive this prestigious award.

Therefore, I am proud to be able to lay another brick in this collective construction.

I thank the friends who honored me with their trust, as well as my colleagues in International Center for Journalists; How Jerry and Suzannepresent here; Manuel, Patricia, Michel, Diana and many others who were in the right place at the right time. Just like those who are with me today, Joyce, Marty and Carlos. Thank you.

In these words I wanted to focus on gratitude.

The first time I saw the Marla Moores Cabot medal Jose Ruben Zamorawas in the office of his son Jose. When he saw me looking at her, he told me, “Someday.” Well, that day has come.

I met Jose Ruben Zamora many years ago when I was just starting out on my entrepreneurial journey, and he quickly taught me to think big. He teaches me a lot today because of the strength with which he took on the difficult things he had to endure.

That’s why at the end of these words I want to dedicate this confession to him and remind him that we continue to pray and hope for his freedom. And also to Martika, a colleague of our team who faces a difficult battle for his health and whose presence changes our work every day. !force!»