In a solemn ceremony held at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the Santa Marta District Council awarded the Cruz de Bastidas this Monday to a select group of personalities and institutions that have made significant contributions to the city’s development in various areas, as part of the commemorative agenda for the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta.

The distinction was awarded to the International Banana Trader Banasan, represented by its Chairman of the Board, Álvaro Vives Lacouture, in recognition of the company’s trajectory and its impact on the economic, social, and community development of Magdalena and the Caribbean region.

The protocol act was presided over by Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello, who in his speech highlighted the importance of recognizing citizens and institutions whose work has contributed to building a more prosperous and resilient city.

“This recognition inspires us to continue working for the welfare of communities and the sustainable growth of the banana sector, always committed to contributing to the future of Santa Marta and Magdalena,” said Álvaro Vives Lacouture upon receiving the award.

The ceremony also honored other distinguished personalities such as Taliana Vargas Carrillo, former Miss Colombia and social advocate; former governor of Magdalena, Jacobo Pérez Escobar; Admiral John Henry Ruiz Murcia; Magistrate Juan Carlos Espeleta Sánchez; former Telecom manager in Magdalena, Roberto Hernández Hernández; President of the Chamber of Commerce of Magdalena, Silvia Elena Medina; Samarian engineer Abel Rivera García; Carmen Abondano de Dávila, Chairwoman of the Board of Grupo Daabon; and Sergio Arboleda University.