Montevideo, Uruguay

Overview:

Uruguay has traditionally been more affluent than other countries in South America and is known for its advanced education and social security systems and liberal social laws. It was the first nation in Latin America to establish a welfare state, maintained through relatively high taxes on industry, and developed a democratic tradition that earned it the sobriquet "the Switzerland of South America". But economic and political turmoil, in particular left-wing urban guerrilla attacks in the early 1970s, led the government of the day to suspend the constitution and launch a period of repressive military rule that lasted until 1985.   Tabare Vazquez's decisive victory in the 2014 run-off presidential election over right-wing challenger Luis Lacalle Pou cemented left-wing rule for another five years. 

Source:  BBC Country Profile

Americna Embassy Montevideo:

The Management Officer was Michael St. Clair, a nice guy who was very responsive and welcoming. An American Regional Human Resources (HR) Officer and Regional Financial Management Officer from the WHA/Florida regional center visits the post quarterly for a week to provide technical assistance with personnel and financial matters.    

The I.M. Pei designed, government-owned chancery was constructed in 1969, and was designated as an A/FBO culturally significant property. The bright, pleasant chancery provides generous office space for most employees. Nevertheless, the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems were in need of major renovation work. 

In those days embassy staff had to complete not only personal questionnaires before the inspection but also, what was called, an Administrative Services Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASSQ).  These forms were mailed to OIG prior to the inspection, but in this case the ASSQs were late getting to Washington.  

Findings:

Post management needs to schedule quarterly ICASS Council meetings and should establish an inter-agency working group to address administrative support issues.

HR Issues of major concern include the lack of a FSN retirement plan, conversion of personal services contracts (PSCs) to PSAs and past due FSN employee evaluations. A few position descriptions need to be updated as well.  A local leave plan and social benefits allowance consistent with local law and prevailing practice should be implemented.  Also, hold individual supervisors accountable for the timely completion of employee evaluations and update the position descriptions to reflect current duties and responsibilities. More controls were needed in the use of overtime to ensure that it is approved in advance.  There should be more opportunities for eligible family member employment.   

The Financial Management section was headed up by an experienced Senior FSN Financial Specialist.  The embassy needed to install the latest Travel Manager software and implement using the program for preparing travel authorizations processing travel vouchers.  The embassy should cease the practice of making cash payments and their salaries in cash through the Citibank cashier based on the pay list from FSC/Charleston.  Consistent with the mandate from the Government Results and Performance Act (GPRA) OIG recommended that FSC/Charleston establish a schedule to have FSN salaries paid by electronic funds transfer. The embassy should also resolve the unliquidated obligations of FY 96 State appropriated funds. 

Highlights:

•      Visit to Colonia UN World Heritage Site

•      Walking the Corniche

•      Mercado del Puerto

•      Modern malls with movie theaters.  I remember watching the movie "Hannibal" with                     Anthony Hopkins.

Montevideo Skyline

Motevideo Coastline



Mercado del Puerta the city's principle meat and produce market.

                                         

 

The Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento is a fusion of Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles. The buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Its street plan is organic, contrary to the general checkerboard layout used elsewhere in colonial Latin America.

Colonia, situated on a peninsula, was first settled by the Portuguese in 1680. Portuguese sovereignity was much disputed by the Spanish during the first decennia. They besieged the town and control changed hands several times. The Spanish empire finally took hold of this strategic post on the Río de la Plata in 1777.