Still defending their selection of a rich guy's son-in-law as Mr. Amigo 2018 members of the organization have defended the selection in the face of widespread disapproval in social media.
Commenter after commenter has voiced disapproval of Mr. Amigo Association's selection of Arturo Elias Ayub, the son-in-law of Carlos Slim, Mexico's richest man – and seventh richest in the world – to make an appearance during the upcoming Charro Day's events.
The mission of the MAA is "To celebrate the shared culture, friendship and family of Brownsville and Matamoros. To enjoy the traditions and history that unite us bringing “The Valley” and “La Frontera” closer together, serving as an example for our two countries."
In the past, the list of Mr. Amigos ranges from the president of Mexico to various actors, comedians, and performers. The past board have had members associated with Televisa, which resulted in soap opera stars and performers under contract with that broadcaster being chosen for the honor.
However, member Arturo Treviño, of "Los Trevis" convenience stores on both sides of the river, is said to have used his influence to convince the membership to extend the invitation to Ayub as a way to foster "economic development" and attract investment to the area, a purpose which differs slightly from their stated mission.
The Mr. Amigo Association's membership is rather clubby, with members inviting each other to join the association.
The clearest comment from one of those that disapproved of Treviño's (and the MAA's) selection put it this way:
