IN STEREO

What we as Potosínos need is to value the architectural, cultural, [and] natural heritage. It’s all we have, but we do not know how to properly benefit from it. A lot of people from my degree do know, but we can’t share our knowledge. Why? It’s that there are people from other degrees occupying the positions we should have, and they make us look bad, you know? Many professionals are here, and there are others that by political affiliation enter the mayor’s or governor’s office. Coming in like this, they do not know where they are – they are not prepared. Starting with the president. Because he does nothing, we cherish him the same way he cherishes us. The truth is, our dear president arrives at the least expected time, and we do not even know that he is here, you know? Why do we seem to hate him a lot? It’s that he does not do anything for Potosí.

Generally, he does nothing. It is the thing that enrages the Potosíno – that he doesn’t really value the history that we have and gives more support to other regions, nothing for Potosí. These days, the mayor and the [national] government are getting together, making strategic plans. They are trying to put together projects. I am also participating. But we will see if it is going to be done, because it is [often] only a thing that we are told – and in the end nothing is done. That is, they just want to take credit, or look for economic interests. It’s nothing more than support for them; that’s exactly it. They only look for economic interests and when we ask for support – for the crypts, for the restoration of the paintings – we have been totally denied. That is why Father Eugenio tells them, “You do not help us at all.” – Patty