I think that the Latin America should have others organisations in other fields of activities, like the Latin American Section of ANS. It is a very privilegiated and unique forum for the nuclear business professionals. Several common problems and expectations were discussed and are frenquently discussed among the latin americans engineers and professionals. No other forum is available for such a discussion and interaction. During the period that I was president of LAS, I enphasized the important of developing the proper standard and regulations appropriated to every region. I still continue believing that commom regulations for the latin americans in the nuclear business would be a very strong point of common development. This policy would be of beneffit if others organisations in other fields of activities had the same common goal as the LAS.The Latin American Section of the ANS set a very good example how latin americans could work together in diferent areas of interest in benefitt of the whole Latin America.

Which are the three sentences that provide the best description of the LAS/ANS’ spirit, achievements and contribution to the community?

An organization that has evolved from “representing the interests of the professionals in the nuclear arena” to “having reached a deserved prestige by representing and safeguarding the expectations of the Latin American community in as far as nuclear issues are concerned”.

An organization that, since its foundation, has always fostered and followed the path of a well-understood Latin American globalization.

A fourth of a century of ceaseless and productive work in the hands of a group of people who have enriched each other within the framework of an agreeable environment of professional friendliness.

And, finally, as far as I am concerned, “an organization of which I will always be proud to be a member”.

Professional societies which have an international approach are one of the best ways to amplify the integration of people and organizations which have similar interests. Under this perspective I must say that I was very pleased to receive the invitation to join LAS in middle 80’s. Having the opportunity to work together with my colleagues in LAS I was firstly involved in the task of integration of technical standards and after some years becoming LAS’ president in 1992.

I must say that it was a very enriching experience where I learned a lot and it helped me to improve my understanding and contacts in the globalization environment we are facing today in our personnal and professional lives.

LAS is certainly an organization I will always be proud to be a member.