[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DON EUCARIO BERMUDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, this month Colombia 
celebrates 200 years as a sovereign nation. As we congratulate our 
democratic ally and friend on its bicentennial, it is fitting that we 
also honor some of Colombia's finest, and among them, is Eucario 
Bermudez.
  This distinguished journalist got his start as a broadcaster, radio 
host and General Director of Radio Caracol Colombia. While in Colombia, 
he also produced and directed various TV programs, earning him the 
``Premio Ondas de Espana'' a prestigious award for journalism given by 
Spain. In 1981, he moved to Miami, expanding the radio station to the 
United States. He established Radio Klaridad, which later became Radio 
Calidad and is now a days the very popular Radio Caracol in South 
Florida. He has since been director of the station, which together with 
its sister station Radio Caracol Colombia, broadcasts news in both the 
United States and Colombia.
  Don Eucario also oversees community relations for Radio Caracol, 
leads the news department, and continues to broadcast daily on his show 
``The Voice of the Community,'' as well as the noon news cast. He does 
so with true professionalism, honesty and a commitment to reporting the 
truth, always maintaining a fair and balanced approach.
  What stands out most about Don Eucario is his activism and service to 
the community. He has been president of the Colombian American Chamber 
of Commerce, founded the Association of Colombian News Outlets and 
Journalists in the United States, the Colombian American Association, 
known as CASA, and the first ever Colombian Political Action Committee, 
COLPAC. He has published several works about the economy, small 
businesses, entrepreneurship and immigration, and has been recognized 
by various local governments and the Florida State Legislature for his 
service to the development of the Colombian American community in South 
Florida as well as his contributions in the field of journalism.
  Although he has called South Florida home for nearly three decades, 
Don Eucario is still as passionate about his native Colombia as he is 
about the United States and works to ensure that the Colombian American 
community has a voice and that its needs are represented. Above all, he 
is committed to promoting democracy and speaking out for those who 
cannot express themselves as freely as he can.
  I ask that you join me in thanking and honoring Eucario Bermudez, a 
fine journalist and friend, for his service to the community and his 
commitment to always speaking the truth.

                          ____________________