    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 12, 2007]
    [Pages 289-290]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of Labradores Mayas in Iximche, Guatemala
    March 12, 2007

        The President. You know I--Mariano, when I gave a speech in the
    United States, I talked about you. And Mrs. Bush and I have been looking
    forward to meeting you because you----
        Mariano Canu. So have I.
        The President. ----you represent people who dream, people who work
    hard, and people who make wonderful products.
        And there's two things I want to share. One, that USAID, which is
    funded through the generosity of the American people, is helping people
    like you all throughout the

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    region to realize your dreams, because we believe that--we believe in
    the dignity of every person. And we want people to realize their God-
    given potential. You have proven that if just given a chance, you and
    hundreds of others can succeed, and that's what we want.
        Secondly, free trade is important for a lot of people. It's
    important for our country.
        Mariano Canu. It's a gateway for us.
        The President. It's a gateway. It creates jobs in America just like
    it creates jobs here.
        And so we thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We loved being
    with your families.
        Mariano Canu. And we thank you, too, all so much for all the support
    you've given us, from USAID, from the Guatemalan Government, from the
    President. We're very, very grateful.
        The President. Thank you, sir. Gracias. Que Dios les bendiga.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:43 a.m. Participating in the tour was
    Mariano Canu, cofounder, Labradores Mayas, who spoke in Spanish and had
    his remarks translated by an interpreter. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.