By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The City of Coral Gables has officially reactivated its sister city relationship with La Antigua, Guatemala, marking a renewed commitment to cultural, economic, and educational collaboration between the two historic cities.
City Commission restores international partnership
The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution to restore the partnership at its January 13 meeting, followed by a formal signing ceremony last week in the City Hall Courtyard. The ceremony capped several days of meetings and activities involving city leaders, business representatives, and members of the international community.
Formal agreement signed during City Hall ceremony
The January 20 ceremony formally established the renewed partnership with the signing of the Sister Cities agreement by Mayor Juan Manuel Asturias of La Antigua and Mayor Vince Lago. The event was attended by city officials, former mayors, members of the consular corps, and invited guests, underscoring the international significance of the relationship.
Collaboration to focus on technology, infrastructure, and culture
According to the city’s International Affairs Coordinating Council, discussions during the visit focused on smart city technology, infrastructure, sustainability, waste management, public safety, and cultural exchange. Meetings with members of Coral Gables’ business community provided additional opportunities to advance dialogue and collaboration.
Future initiatives under consideration include cultural programming, business exchanges, medical outreach, and the potential reuse of city equipment at the end of its service life to benefit La Antigua.
Mayor Lago leads effort to renew ties
Mayor Vince Lago led the effort to bring La Antigua back into the Sister Cities program, after it was discovered that the official relationship between the two municipalities had lapsed. “This is a beautiful city. It has served us well in the past, and I ask my colleagues to engage in the sister cities program because we’ve been able to donate to these wonderful cities and also learn from them, just as they learn from us.”
Lago credited former mayors for laying the groundwork for the relationship and said reengaging with La Antigua presents an opportunity to strengthen bonds and expand cooperation.
Commissioners call for measurable outcomes
Several commissioners echoed the call for a more active and results-driven Sister Cities program. Commissioner Richard Lara stressed the importance of clearly defined goals, including economic, cultural, and educational, as well as measurable outcomes that benefit both Coral Gables residents and partner cities.
Former Mayor Don Slesnick, who spoke in support of the resolution, encouraged commissioners to visit the city and spoke to the value of the Sister Cities program. “It’s a beautiful city, and it reminds you of the kind of ‘City Beautiful’ we strive to be.”
City officials said the renewed agreement reinforces Coral Gables’ deep ties to Latin America and strengthens its role as an international city built on cultural exchange, shared values, and long-term cooperation.
