Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Here in Puerto Vallarta, we live in a multinational bubble, not realizing we are a microcosm for an interwoven set of relationships in the North American continent. Democrats Abroad are holding their third annual forum, entitled 'North America: The Independent Continent,' on March 19th, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in The Red Room at ACT II Stages.

Speakers will include Thomas Bernes, a preeminent Canadian economist who has worked for over 40 years with international financial institutions, holding high positions at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Government of Canada. He was appointed President of the Centre for International Governance Innovation-a Canadian-based think tank-in 2009 where he remains a Distinguished Fellow. He will present his views on the changing conditions for trade between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

Dan Grippo, a Latin American history scholar and lecturer for the past 10 years in courses at the International Friendship Club and the Lake Chapala Society, will provide brief historical background and discuss contemporary immigration and labor issues between the three countries.

Finally, Bryant Palma, Investment Manager at the Grupo Financiero Monex, will discuss his views on the impact of the dollar standard and a proposal for a one-world currency, the effect of the U.S. tax bill just enacted on its neighbors, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Mexico in terms of its economy. Tobe Jensen, Chair of Democrats Abroad, Costa Banderas, will moderate.

If you want to understand the broad implications of changes being made at the highest levels of the economy so that you can better manage your resources and be an effective voice for sensible diplomacy, this is a forum for you.

The Act II Entertainment STAGES complex is located on the corner of Insurgentes and Basilio Badillo on the South side of Puerto Vallarta.