The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, imposed the decoration of the Marta Matamoros Order, in the Degree of Great Medal of Merit: Zelideth Rosales and Evangelista Gutiérrez, two illustrious Panamanians who receive this high distinction as the country’s recognition of their exemplary lives, contributions to a fairer society and to the democratic consolidation of the nation.
The delivery of the decoration by a President of the Republic is resumed after several years without recognition.
President Cortizo said he was proud to have the opportunity to recognize two women who have contributed so much to Panama, while recalling that the winners are two citizens who have contributed to the construction of a more just, equitable society; with a record that has contributed to the strengthening of the Panamanian nation and the consolidation of Panamanian democracy.
After receiving the award, Mrs. Rosales commented that she felt honored because Marta Matamoros was a great example for her. She recalled that she had the opportunity to meet her and always felt admiration for her dedication to the fight for equality.
While Mrs. Gutiérrez said that this award is like a dream, she recalled her days of struggle and spoke about the path of Matamoros and how much it influenced her walk.
Zelideth Rosales is an artist, defender of Panamanian identity and national artists. She is also an actress, poet, broadcaster, trade unionist and defender of workers’ rights in Panama; She is a member of the Trio “Los Panameños”, she is an active member of the National Union of Artists of Panama (UNAP) and since 1982, she is part of the National Central of Workers of Panama (CNTP) occupying different secretariats.
Evangelista Gutiérrez is a trade unionist and defender of workers’ rights; In 1972 she joined the Panama Metropolitan Transport Cooperative (COOMETRAP) as a toll collector and in 1974 she began collective passenger transport as a bus driver.
She was general secretary of the SINUTTRA Union for 4 periods and president of Transport Workers of Latin America and the Caribbean. She has held positions in the National Central of Workers of Panama (CNTP) and an active member of the National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO).
The National Decoration “Marta Matamoros Order” was created by Executive Decree No.81 of May 18, 2006, in honor, recognition and gratitude to Marta Matamoros, nationalist leader and defender of union rights.
Present at the protocol ceremony were María Inés Castillo, Minister of Social Development; Juana Herrera, Minister for Women; Doris Zapata, Minister of Labor; Milagros Ramos, Vice Minister of Social Development; Ariadne García, magistrate of the Second Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice and relatives and friends of the honorees.
