Guatemala Consul Castillo Receives Promotion, Awards, and Fond Farewell
- Stevie Quilo
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Mr. Randy Estuardo Castillo Tocay, Consul of Guatemala in Del Rio, has called Del Rio home for 5 years. Henceforth he will be known as General Consul, but his promotion comes with a difficult goodbye. His future takes him to Raleigh, North Carolina. Prior to his departure, Castillo was recognized for his outstanding service, twice in one week. He was awarded a plaque “with gratitude and admiration” from his team at the Consulate and, days later, received the Key to the City of Del Rio from Mayor Al Arreola.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Castillo is a devoted husband and father. This move means leaving behind his friends and family. Castillo’s wife Heidi and daughter Sofia will stay in Del Rio for at least one more year, while Sofia completes her senior year of high school. Heidi is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Sofia is an accomplished competitive dancer. The Castillo family has grown deep roots in Del Rio and made strong connections with the community.
With over 20 years of experience in diplomacy, Consul Castillo began his career at Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001. He holds a degree in Public Administration and has completed specialized training in human trafficking, human rights, and hemispheric security. His extensive diplomatic background includes serving as Third Secretary at the Guatemalan Embassy in Cuba and First Secretary at Guatemala’s Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C.
Castillo has served as the Consul of Guatemala in Del Rio since July 27, 2020. According to his staff, he oversaw the Consulate’s “mission to protect and assist Guatemalan nationals living in or transiting through the border region between Laredo and El Paso, Texas.” Castillo has traveled up and down the American Southern Border for years for his work, but he has never visited the East Coast before.
During a celebration with staff on April 4, Castillo’s team awarded him, “For five years of leadership and inspiration in our Consulate, leaving an indelible mark on our lives.” They celebrated his dedication to the welfare of Guatemalan citizens abroad, calling it his “professional priority and personal calling.” He was acknowledged specifically for his work with citizens in vulnerable situations, ensuring they receive support. They said, “It fills us with pride to see him begin a new stage as Consul General.”
Mayor Al Arreola’s official proclamation on April 8, recognized Castillo for his “outstanding service as Consul of Guatemala.” He went onto say Castillo "has greatly contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting the Guatemalan community in the border region.” Arreola gave Castillo a hug and personally referred him as a friend, saying, “For me it’s been an honor. I hope he shares my friendship forever, beyond politics. This individual really brought a lot of good things into the community.”
Castillo thanked the Mayor and addressed the public in Spanish, saying that Del Rio is a city deserving of respect and admiration. He emphasized his love for Del Rio and promised to return. His family joined him on stage for photos and the audience gave them two enthusiastic rounds of applause.
“When somebody leaves, somebody else comes in, and we keep moving forward,” Mayor Arreola added after awarding Castillo the Key to the City. The Guatemalan Consul position in Del Rio is being filled by Ligia Sussely Reyes Armas. She also received a promotion and is relocating from McAllen, Texas. Since the Consulate's accreditation in Del Rio ten years ago, on April 17, 2015, Consul Castillo has led for nearly half its entire time of operation. However, he will depart before the 10th anniversary celebration.
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