The new US ambassador to Portugal has released a 'welcome' video to introduce himself and his wife, with both speaking a few words of Portuguese.
George and Mary Glass made the video to show their friendly natures and to make it clear that their Portuguese language capabilities are at the ‘learner’ stage but that they are keen to learn.
The ebullient ambassador begins in Portuguese by saying "good morning" and introducing himself as "the new ambassador of the United States" following on in English that they are from Oregon, love the big outdoors and fell in love with Portugal in 2014 when they came to Fátima - both are practicing Catholics.
The White House announced Glass’s appointment at the end of June,
“George Edward Glass of Oregon to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Portuguese Republic.
“Mr. Glass has been Owner & Managing Partner since 2015 of MGG Development LLC in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a commercial enterprise that purchases and operates apartment complexes and rental homes. He was Founder, President and Vice Chairman of Pacific Crest Securities in Portland, Oregon from 1990 to 2014.
“Mr. Glass is a trustee for Oregon Health Sciences University and was formerly a trustee for the University of Oregon. He has served on numerous private and public boards and advisory councils. Mr. Glass earned a B.S. from the University of Oregon.”
As for the ambassadorial work schedule, George Glass says that he is committed to "creating new opportunities" for business with the US and to continue to develop the relationship of the two countries in education, defence and security.
With Wall Street turning its back on investments in Portugal, at least until the central banks stops stealing money, one Manhattan financial mogul informed algarvedailynews that,
"Everyone loves Portugal but most of us are loathe to do serious business there. The corruption at the top and the cooperation of government with the 'boys' doesn't encourage much trust."
Glass replaces Robert A Sherman nominated in 2013 by President Barack Obama to be US Ambassador to Portugal.
