"The future of this hemisphere depends on the strength of three commitments: democracy, security and market-based development. These commitments are inseparable, and none will be achieved by half-measures. This road is not always easy, but it's the only road to stability and prosperity for all the people -- all the people -- who live in this hemisphere."

With an annual investment of more than $850 million in the Latin America and Caribbean region, USAID is dedicated to improving the quality of life and strengthening the democracies and economies of our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.

USAID has an on-the-ground presence in Latin America and the Caribbean in 16 field missions throughout the Western Hemisphere, as well as operations in non-presence countries including Cuba

Assistant Administrator Adolfo A. Franco heads the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Franco was sworn in on January 31, 2002, and is one of the highest-ranking Hispanic-Americans in the Administration of President George W. Bush.

Mr. Franco serves as principal advisor to Administrator Andrew S. Natsios on all matters related to Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Franco is also responsible for the direction and supervision of the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean and its overseas operations.

USAID Development Resources for LAC:

• Property Registration Initiatives in LAC   A joint effort between USAID and OAS, the Inter-Summit Property Systems Initiative (IPSI) offers overarching support to the numerous on-going efforts to reform aspects of property information systems throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Population, Health and Nutrition Public Discussion Forum This discussion forum requires a username and password. If you are new user to the Forum, click cancel in the pop-up window and follow the sequence of instructions from there.