Ask many observers of Latin America and the Caribbean why the hemisphere is floundering, and they will say that the United States has neglected the region since September 11 and the war in Iraq, thus leading to a downward spiral. It is time to put such superficial analysis aside.

By electing Mr. Berger, Guatemalans voted for their future, not their past. Now is the time for the United States to come alongside Guatemalans and do the same.

Trade is not a panacea, but it remains the best tool we have to support economic growth, democracy, and a new strategic partnership in the hemisphere.

Now is a time when judicious leadership and cooperation from all corners of the hemisphere will pay rich dividends, while a failure of leadership could cause further drift leading to increasing suspicion and divide. Ultimately, history will judge the result.

Let me open with the following image: In 1965, a wrecking ball was about to hit a row of beautiful brownstone mansions on Park Avenue in Manhattan to make way for condominiums.