Can guayaberas change the course of diplomacy?
By Manuel Rueda and Stephen Keppel
Could the guayabera unite some of the region’s toughest foes?
One of the best parts of the Summit of the Americas was the wide-spread use of the guayabera shirt. It is widely used in the Caribbean but it is almost mandatory in Cartagena.
The relaxed linen shirt is considered formal wear and almost all of the presidents and executives in town for the Summit of the Americas were wearing them. We asked a number of them if it helps them with negotiations.
There was also a lot of speculation on President Obama’s choice of dress, would he wear the guayabera, and how would he look? As of Sunday afternoon he was yet to be spotted in one. Perhaps that explains some of the tensions on the Summit’s last day.
