Central Ceremony in Commemoration of the 41st Anniversary of Foundation of the Nicaraguan Army
September 2, 2020
Words of Rosario
Reading of Presidential Agreement 105-2020
Good afternoon. "Presidential Agreement No. 105-2020,” in which the President of the Republic of Nicaragua, Comandante Daniel Ortega Saavedra,
CONSIDERING :
1. That the process of institutional strengthening of the Nicaraguan Army makes it necessary to systematically apply the Fundamental Principles that govern the Military Career and especially to ensure the hierarchical correspondence of positions within the Superior Command and the Command Units with the effective Military Rank of the incumbents who perform within them.
2. That in accordance with the Norms that govern the Military Career and Ranks, Colonel Guillermo Patricio López, complies with the requirements and parameters established and has sufficient merits to be promoted to the immediate higher Military Grade.
3. That article 6, subsection 7, of Law N° 181 “Code of Military Organization, Jurisdiction and Social Welfare”, establishes that it is the responsibility of the President of the Republic to approve and grant the Military Degrees of General or its equivalent at the proposal of the Military Council.
In use of the powers conferred by the Political Constitution, the President of the Republic,
AGREES:
Article 1. Promote Colonel Guillermo Patricio López to the Military Rank of Brigadier General.
Article 2. This Agreement takes effect as of this date, and is published in La Gaceta, Official Gazette.
Given in Managua, Office of the President of the Republic of Nicaragua, on September 2, 2020.
Daniel Ortega Saavedra
President of the Republic"
Brigadier General Bayardo Pulido Ortiz
Chief of Staff and Squadrons of the Nicaraguan Army, Reading of the Order of the Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army
"Order of the Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army”, September 2, 2020, Number 034-2020, City of Managua, to grant Promotion in Military Degrees to Officers of the Nicaraguan Army.
In accordance with the authority established in Article 9, Numeral 9 of Law No. 181, Code of Military Organization, Jurisdiction and Social Welfare, and in Salutation of the 41st Anniversary of the Constitution of the Nicaraguan Army,
COMMAND:
First: Promote the Immediate Superior Military Grade to the Nicaraguan Army Officers who complied with the requirements and parameters established in the Regulations for the provision of Active Military Service;
Second: Grant in this Ceremony the Military Degrees of: Colonel, Captain of the Navy, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Lieutenant Commander, Captain, Lieutenant of the Navy, First Lieutenant, Frigate Lieutenant, Lieutenant;
Third: On behalf of the Nicaraguan Army, the General Command, and on my own behalf, I congratulate the promoted Officers, exhorting them to continue fulfilling the Sacred Duty of serving the Motherland in strict adherence to the Political Constitution of the Republic of Nicaragua.
Given at the General Command of the Nicaraguan Army, El Chipote, City of Managua, Capital of the Republic, on the 10th day of September, 2020.
Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army
Army General Julio César Avilés Castillo"
Words of Rosario
Reading of Presidential Agreement 103-2020
Again, good afternoon.
"Presidential Agreement 103-2020.” The President of the Republic, in accordance with the powers conferred by the Political Constitution of the Republic of Nicaragua,
CONSIDERING:
1. That the Nicaraguan Army, upon reaching 41 Years since its Foundation, has fulfilled with formidable Merits, its Missions of Safeguarding and Defending the Sovereign Security of Our Motherland;
2. That in the performance of all its Tasks and Missions it has guaranteed the Right for Sovereign Security, at all times and in all circumstances, to all the People, Families, Regions and Communities of our Nicaragua;
3. That their tenacious, unwavering and consistent duty, proclaimed firmness and cohesion, has been recognized by the entire People of Nicaragua, who feel their presence in all Tasks of Prevention, Attention and Response to the threats of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, Crime; guarding of the Air, Maritime and Land Borders; Community Action against Disasters and Calamities. Our People also recognize their active duty towards contributing to Health, Education, Electoral Processes and Security in all areas of National Production;
4. That the Nicaraguan Army, Worthy Successor of the Army for the Defense of National Sovereignty, of our General Augusto Sandino, and historical continuation of the Sandinista Popular Army, celebrates 41 Years of commendable work at the service of all Nicaraguan Families, without any distinction;
THEREFORE,
The President of the Republic,
Resolves:
1. Deliver to the Nicaraguan Army, its Commander in Chief, General Command, Military Council, Officers and Soldiers, on this 41st Anniversary, the Augusto Sandino Order in its Highest Degree, Battle of San Jacinto, in the person of the Army General, Julio César Avilés Castillo, Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army;
2. Support and fully recognize all the Missions that are developed and will continue to be developed with the Patriotism and Courage of the Best Children of our Motherland, in defense of National Sovereignty, Nature, and the Dignified Life of the entire Nicaraguan People,
3. Render Honor and Glory to the thousands of Nicaraguan Sisters and Brothers who gave their lives in defense of National Sovereignty, Justice and Peace. Likewise, express all our Solidarity and Recognition to the Retired Sisters and Brothers of the Army, and those who resulted with different disabilities, victims of the terrorist interventions and practices of the aggressor Powers;
4. Ratify our Respect, Love and Solidarity to the Families of these Sisters and Brothers who have been victims of State Terrorism from the same aggressor Powers.
Given in the City of Managua on the 2nd day of the Month of September of the Year 2020.
Daniel Ortega Saavedra
President of the Republic of Nicaragua"
Many Congratulations, Comrades. Congratulations, General.
Words of the Army General
Julio César Avilés Castillo
Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army
Before starting my words, and as a result of this honorable Award that bears the name of the greatest Patriot that this Beloved Land, Nicaragua, has given birth to, we thank the President of the Republic, on behalf of all our Soldiers, Sergeants, Pilots, Sailors, Sub Officers, Staff, Lieutenants, First Lieutenants, Captains, Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels, the General Corps and of course of the General Command, for granting this High Distinction to our Institution, which will be kept in the most important place of the Nicaraguan Army, as is the Heart of all of us, which beats daily by giving our maximum efforts in the fulfillment of our Missions and Tasks for the Motherland, always thinking of giving the best for our People, without distinctions of any Nature, delivering our efforts every day, thinking on the Well-being of all Nicaraguans.
President, this Award will be kept in the Hearts of all the Members, of the thousands of Women and Men that integrate this Institution. The name of Sandino will always be kept as a Worthy Heir of that Army for the Defense of National Sovereignty of Nicaragua, that our General Sandino commanded in defense of the Sovereignty, Dignity and Self-determination of our People.
President, on behalf of everyone, our gratitude, and in honor of General Sandino, as always, our Commitment to give everything for the Motherland. Thank you, Comandante.
Comandante Daniel Ortega, President of the Republic and Supreme Chief of the Nicaraguan Army; Comrade Rosario Murillo, Vice President of the Republic; Brothers of the General Command, Major General Bayardo Rodríguez, Chief of the General Staff, and Major General Marvin Corrales, Inspector General.
Comrade Rosa Adelina Barahona, Minister of Defense; First Commissioner Francisco Díaz, Director of the National Police; Superior and Subalternate General Officers; Sub-officials, Officials, Classes, Soldiers, Pilots, Sailors and Auxiliary Personnel.
Representative Units of promoted Officers; Representative Units of the types of Forces that integrate the Nicaraguan Army; Brothers in Arms who carry out Missions throughout the National Geography, you are also here with us during this Ceremony; Naval and Air Defense Attachés, and Heads of Military Missions accredited in our Country; Relatives in attendance; Friends of the Media.
Nicaraguans; Brothers in Arms;
Sisters and Brothers:
Today, September 2, we are commemorating the 41st Anniversary of the Constitution of the Nicaraguan Army. We do it always giving the maximum of our efforts to serve our People in the best possible way, without distinctions of any nature.
As we commemorate our Anniversary, we are honoring September 2, 1927, the date of the Foundation of the Army for the Defense of National Sovereignty, commanded by General Sandino. The Army for the Defense of National Sovereignty of which we are Worthy Heirs of its motto of Motherland and Freedom; Worthy Heirs of his Fight for Independence, Sovereignty and National Self-determination.
The Constitution of the Republic mandates that the Nicaraguan Army is the Institution of the Nation to defend Sovereignty, Independence and Territorial Integrity. A Sacred Mission that we fulfill with a high Sense of Patriotism, Firmness and Cohesion, from the actions carried out by our Members in the Land, Air and Naval Components. All of them, with great discipline and courage, guaranteeing the protection of our Land and Maritime Borders and the control of our Airspace, enforcing the Nicaraguan Law.
We continue making significant contributions to the Safety of our People. We continue to be the Safest Country in the Region as we do not have any Gangs or Cartels. We have no clandestine landing strips and we are not a country used for the storage of drug trafficking. We do not allow illegal migration, and we maintain strict controls and cooperation to prevent the transit of individuals linked to Terrorist Organizations.
We have excellent Security Levels in our Motherland, based on the successful National Retaining Wall Strategy, a Strategy that ensures the containment, divertion and capture of drugs, criminals, resources and means immediately as they access the National Territory.
We also firmly contribute, in coordination with different Institutions, to maintain our Ports and Airports with high levels of Security, this is certified by International Organizations for the import and export of merchandise and the transit of people, which benefits the economical activities in the Country. And we continue to contribute to Security in the Rural Ares, so that our Producers, Farmers and Ranchers can develop their productive activities with Tranquility and Peace. To them, our permanent commitment to continue supporting them from our Territorial Units.
Nicaraguans:
In this 2020 the World has been affected by a terrible pandemic, COVID-19. According to figures from International Organizations, more than 25 million people have been affected, and the figures for deaths exceed 800,000. The WHO, on January 30, released the World Health Alert and on March 11 declared the situation of COVID-19 as a Pandemic.
Faced with this situation, within the Nicaraguan Army we proceeded to suspend a large number of activities planned to be carried out this year, focusing our main efforts on the Missions related to the protection of the Sovereignty and Security of the Country, and redirecting all efforts towards the compliance of tasks for prevention, and Actions against COVID-19.
In this regard, since January 31, our Military Medical Corps Staff have been part of the Monitoring and Follow-up Team on the situation caused by COVID-19.
In the Nicaraguan Army we do not improvise in these situations. We do not improvise because we have a Disaster Plan approved by the President of the Republic. And as part of SINAPRED, we are prepared for different risk situations for our population, having updated Response Plans for different situations, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, eruptions, hurricanes, large fires, among other situations, and of course, Anti-Epidemic or Pandemics Plans.
This allows us to have clearly established Courses of Action to be followed by the General Staff and the different Components of the Nicaraguan Army.
What did we do at first? We reoriented all our Planning to the current situation; to clarify from the Military Medical Corps the risk levels for the Country and we designed the Plans for assesing and preparing the Medical Healthcare Personnel, and from these, the preparation of all our Military Units. 2,220 Members of the Military Medical Corps were appointed to the Military Hospital and the 76 Medical and Healthcare Posts, to contribute to the prevention and care of the population.
From the beginning, we contributed to providing awareness about the risks, and Measures to adopt in the face of the Pandemic, following the Recommendations of the National Authorities and the WHO, preparing multiple videos and documents to broadcast inside and outside the Military Units.
We started the preparation of our Military Personnel for the creation of trained Contingents to carry out actions for the management and elimination of bio-infectious waste, and the disinfection of sites and public areas.
We reoriented the Production Plans of the Military Industry, prioritizing the manufacture of garments, such as masks, protective shields, protective clothing and garments for hospitals, as well as special suits for the Disinfection Days. To date, more than 65,000 resources have been produced.
Within the Engineering Corps, with our Chemical Specialists, in coordination with the Military Medical Corps, a Work Team was organized for the production of substances for disinfection, producing to date 8,000 gallons of Chlorine for hands and surfaces; 1,000 gallons of liquid soap and alcohol gel, aswell as 200,000 gallons of hydrogen peroxide.
The Military Medical Corps, in compliance with the Special Pandemic Plan for the Prevention, Control and Containment, implemented Protocols for the Care of Users with high levels of security in the Military Hospital. We re-elaborated the Missions to be fulfilled by the 6 Campaign Hospitals, to be used in cases of need, deploying one of them and designating the Facilities of a Military Unit as a reserve for medical care.
As a measure against the pandemic, we reinforced the Borders with 1,000 Military Personnel, with the aim of preventing the movement of people through non-authorized entry points, and for this, we established coordinations with neighboring Armed Forces.
We also contribute to the implementation of Prevention and Security Measures in our Ports and Airports together with Health Authorities.
In a second stage, from the month of May, authorized by the President of the Republic, and in coordination with National, Departmental, Regional and Municipal Authorities, we iniciated the Disinfection Days with Contingents of Forces integrated by the different Military Units.
To date, we have carried out intense Disinfection Days covering the most populated areas of our Country, which we have carried out in all the Districts of Managua and the most populated Municipalities, Ciudad Sandino and Tipitapa; Chinandega, León, Masaya, Granada, Nandaime, Jinotepe, Diriamba, San Marcos, Rivas and San Juan del Sur, Matagalpa and Sébaco, Estelí, Somoto, Ocotal, Jinotega, Boaco, Juigalpa, Bluefields, Bilwi, and we concluded this First Stage on August 28, in San Carlos, Río San Juan.
We emphasize that within these intense days of Disinfection we have covered 91 Medical Assistance Centers, 73 Educational and Cultural Centers, 43 Markets and Commercial Facilities, 283 places with high circulation of people, 145 Public Buildings with large influx of persons, as well as Transportation Terminals, roads and Bus Stops with high pedestrian traffic, among other areas.
The Disinfection Days to date have reached 6 million 300,000 square meters, benefiting more than 2 million people.
In this Solidarity, Disciplined and Patriotic Work we have involved, on a rotating basis, up to 6,000 Military Personnel, 700 vehicles including special, cargo, light, naval and aerial means. A total of 1,500 individual pumps and 150,000 gallons of hydrogen peroxide have been used.
All the efforts that we have made and those that we will continue to do to face the Pandemic are dedicated to the Memory of the Nicaraguans affected by COVID, and to the Heroic Doctors and Health Personnel in general, who from the first line of fighting against the Pandemics have saved thousands of Nicaraguan Lives.
Today in this Ceremony, we make a deserved recognition to all the Sisters and Brothers in Arms and Units in general, who with dedication are contributing in this fight against the Pandemic.
Our Special Recognition to the General Staff, the Military Medical Corps, the Infantry Brigade, the Civil Defense General Staff, the Humanitarian and Rescue Unit, the Military Industry, the Engineering Corps, the National School of Sergeants, the Command Regiment and the Military Police, and Units that have participated in all the Disinfection Days.
President, we are ready to continue the Second Stage of Disinfection as of the second week of September, awaiting your command to restart here in the City of Managua.
Along with all these efforts, we have carried out 103 Search and Rescue Missions, managing to rescue 165 Nicaraguan Sisters ans Brothers alive; Rescue Missions where our Staff risks their Lives to save others, such as the rescue of 10 people carried out by our Heroic Sailors, on August 9 in our Caribbean Sea, where one of our boats with 5 crew members who participated in the Mission is still missing, and since that date we have not stopped the search operations.
These informations reported to the Nation are part of the foundation of saying that we are the People itself in Uniform, working for its own benefit, and in the Nicaraguan Army, we say what we do and we do what we say.
We continue to advance in our Modernization and Development, strengthening our capabilities to be in better conditions to serve our People.
International Cooperation is relevant for security purposes and the possibility of acquiring Means that the Nation is not yet able to supply. In this regard, we inform that with the support of the Russian Federation and the International Civil Defense Organization, we continue to strengthen the country's response capabilities to face disaster situations, with the modernization of the Disaster Operations Center of our Civil Defense.
A helicopter equipped to extinguish forest fires is already in our country, and our Pilots will be receiving the corresponding training in the upcoming months. Also, we are already in the process of receiving the necessary means for the installation of the second Early Warning System for Earthquakes and Tsunami, which will be destined for the Caribbean of Nicaragua.
Our gratitude to the Russian Federation and the International Civil Defense Organization for their significant support, without conditions of any kind.
Equal thanks to Taiwan for supporting the Military Industry Production Plans. To Mexico for supporting us in the preparation of Military Medical Specialists.
We also thank the Friendly Armed Forces for the support provided, and the Members of the Central American Armed Forces Conference for their excellent Friendship and Cooperation Relationships. At CFAC we are and we will continue to highly cooperate on different issues for the Well-being of our Nations.
Today, 313 Officers have been promoted for complying with the parameters established in the Military Career. These Degrees are an expression of Discipline, Dedication and Loyalty to the Motherland. Our congratulations to Brigadier General Guillermo Patricio López and Colonels Vanegas, Domínguez, Rugama, Castro, López, García, Urbina, Soza, Rueda, and Captain Berríos.
We also congratulate those promoted in the Superior and Subaltern Official Degrees, and especially the 24 Sisters in Arms who were promoted today. Congratulations to you all.
Sisters and Brothers in Arms, in this Ceremony for the 41st Anniversary of Foundation of the Nicaraguan Army, we wish to highlight that in fulfillment of our Missions and Tasks during the reporting period, our Land Forces performed more than 230,000 Operational Services; our Naval Force sailed over 1,130,000 miles, and our Air Force flew over 900 hours.
These figures, together with other reported data, are a clear reflection of the unvaring commitment of those of us who integrate this Institution at the service of all Nicaraguans. For this reason, we meritoriously acknowledge the work carried out by the General Corps, the Senior and Junior Officers, as well as the NCOs, Officials, Sergeants, Soldiers, Pilots, Sailors and Auxiliary Personnel.
Everyone, from the General Staff, types of Forces, Central Subordination Units, Common and Supportive Bodies, and Territorial Units, demonstrate, with concrete facts, that we are firm and highly cohesive in the defense of our Motherland and Institution.
Also, on this 41st Anniversary it is fair to recognize the contributions of the Sisters and Brothers in Retirement status and reaffirm our Commitment and Honor to the Fallen, to always be loyal to our Beloved Motherland, strictly complying with what the Constitution and Laws mandate.
In this Solemn Ceremony we wisth to thank our People for the trust they have put in this Institution that belongs to them and that they nurture with their children to serve them.
President, on behalf of all the Members of the Nicaraguan Army, we want to thank you for your support to be in a better position to serve all Nicaraguans, without distinction of any kind. Thank you, President, for your strong support.
Thanks also to you, Vice President, for your support in all our efforts. Thanks, Comrade.
Our thanks also to the different Powers, State Institutions, as well as the Sectors with whom we cooperate or interact, always thinking on the well-being of the Nation.
We appreciate the messages of congratulations received by different Sectors of the Nation, as well as Friendly Armed Forces.
In a special way, the gratitude to our Relatives, their support strengthens us to fulfill our Sacred Missions.
Brothers in Arms, 41 Years at the service of our People, 41 Years fulfilling our Missions with Patriotism, Dignity and Courage, 41 Years giving everything for the Motherland, where thousands of Brothers in Arms offered their lives thinking of the Free, Dignified, Just and Prosperous Nicaragua that we all deserve. In their honor, we ask for a minute of silence.
All Nicaraguans, the Members of the Nicaraguan Army are firmly committed to contributing so that together we will always have our Motherland with Security, Stability, Tranquility, and the greatest desire of all, Peace.
Security and Peace to work and produce. Security and Peace to produce and progress. Security, Stability, Tranquility and Peace, Everyone's Guarantee to live in Harmony, with National Development and Well-being.
Brothers in arms, let us always remain firm and cohesive, defending our Sovereignty, Independence and National Self-determination, always firm and cohesive, guaranteeing our Territorial Integrity, always firm and cohesive to guarantee Security, Stability, Tranquility and Peace. Always firm and highly cohesive in defense of the Motherland and the Institution.
President, we reiterate, on behalf of the thousands of Men who make up the Nicaraguan Army, the honor of having the highest Decoration with the name of the greatest Patriot of this Nation, the General of Free Men, Augusto C. Sandino. Thank you, Commander.
Honor and Glory to the Heroic People of Nicaragua!
Honor and Glory to our Heroes and Martyrs!
Honor and Glory to our National Heroes,
General José Dolores Estrada, General Benjamín Zeledón, General Augusto C. Sandino!
Long live the 41st Anniversary of the Nicaraguan Army!
In fulfillment of our Missions and Tasks ... Everything for the Motherland!
In defense of the Motherland and the Institution ... Firmness and Cohesion!
Long live the Nicaraguan Army ... Motherland and Freedom!
Words of Daniel
Nicaraguan brothers; Families ... All Nicaraguan Families are part of a Great Family, which is Nicaragua, and Nicaragua at the same time is part of another Great Family, which is the Central American, Mesoamerican, Latin American and Caribbean Family. And precisely today, September 2, beginning of the Month of the Motherland, beginning the Month in which Central America will be reaching, this next September 15, 199 Years of its Independence, and we will be, therefore, on the eve of the Bicentennial. In 2021 it will be 200 Years of the Independence of Central America.
Our Affection, our Solidarity, our Love, for the Families and Brothers, Friggite Luitenant Freddy Gómez Álvarez, originally from San Miguelito, Río San Juan; Sailor Carlos Daniel Calero, originally from Bluefields; Sailor Alex Antonio Álvarez Mendoza, originally from Managua, Jorge Casaya neighborhood; Sailor Jaime Jaimard Taylor, originally from Bluefields; Sailor Rolando Tangeris Salinas, originally from Bilwi or Puerto Cabezas.
Since August 9, these Brothers are missing having disappeared when they extended their helping hands to other Nicaraguan Brothers who were already shipwrecked and who were all going to perish. There were 12 Nicaraguan Brothers who were at that time in the Pearl Lagoon Bar, in that area, there are rough waters, and 12 Brothers about to lose their lives, when the Sailor Brothers of the Naval Force arrived to rescue them.
They did not leave the site, even with the risks involved in staying in that place, advancing, to rescue these 12 Brothers. And they managed to rescue 10, they saved the Life of 10 Nicaraguan Brothers; 2 died, they could not be rescued. Of the 12, 2. And they rescued 10.
But later, when they were searched for in the midst of the turbulence of the waters, the 5 Brothers that I have mentioned were not found, and who fulfilled their Duty as Good Soldiers, as Good Patriots, as Good Christians. And searches have been carried out by Sea, with boats of all kinds, where Armed Forces from Brotherly Countries have cooperated, which have also incorporated airships to explore from the air to see if they can find traces of our Comrades.
The Territory has also been traced, General Avilés told me, tracked by long walks, tracing the beach, the forest bordering the beach, looking for signs of Life of the Comrades.
We know that here, and in the world, accidents of this type have occurred, where even a crew has disappeared for a month or more, and then they appear far from the place where they first were.
We pray to God to keep them alive. And we accompany their Families, and may the Families of these Brothers, mothers, sisters, sons, daughters, who will be suffering, rest assured, that we accompany them, not only with words, but that we accompany them with all the efforts that have been made, and will continue to be made. That is, the search has not been suspended, the search is maintained, the search is extended to other points, to other sites. And we pray to God that He keeps them alive, and that they can return to their Families.
Comrade Rosario Murillo, Vice President of the Republic; Army General Julio César Avilés Castillo, Commander in Chief of the Nicaraguan Army; Major General Bayardo Rodríguez Ruiz, Chief of the General Staff; Major General Marvin Corrales Rodríguez, Inspector General; Rosa Adelina Barahona, Minister of Defense; First Commissioner General Francisco Díaz, Director of the National Police.
Superior and Junior Generals, Non-Commissioned Officers, Officials, Classes, Soldiers, Pilots, Sailors and Auxiliary Personnel, Promoted Officers, congratulations; Units of Troops representing Land, Air and Naval Forces; Naval and Air Defense Attachés, and Heads of Military Missions accredited in our Country, who are accompanying us on this 41st Anniversary; Relatives of Promoted Officers.
We had the opportunity to Promote Comrade, Brother Guillermo Patricio López to the rank of Brigadier General, and General Avilés imposed the rank of Colonel to Brothers José Vanegas Leyva, Alberto Domínguez Sánchez, Héctor Rugama Mojica, Julio Castro González, Pedro López Blandón, Denis García Centeno, Néstor Urbina Ferrey, Félix Soza Zambrana, Silvio Rueda Martínez, and Mario Berríos Madrigal. Congratulations to all the ascended Brothers.
Furthermore, congratulations to all the Officers who have been promoted, there were a total of 313 Sisters and Brothers who are already promoted, throughout the National Territory, and here we have a Representation of these 313 Brothers who have been promoted. Congratulations to them. Congratulations to your Families.
Likewise, our Congratulations to the 24 Comrades, 24 Women who have been promoted from the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel, others to Major, Captain, First Lieutenants, Lieutenants; that is, an Army that opens the doors to Nicaraguan Women, and Nicaraguan Women who have the determination, the courage to take on the challenge of becoming Women of the Army, at the service of the People, at the service of the Motherland.
And we have awarded the Distinction to the Compliance of Duty to the Military Units that have stood out in the Prevention, Protection, Attention and Disinfection Actions against the Pandemic. We have done this with General Avilés, with the Commander-in-Chief, and we have given the Recognition to the Heads of the different Military Units. On behalf of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade "General Augusto C. Sandino" it was received by Brigadier General Carlos Duarte Orozco, and our congratulations to the entire Unit, to all the Comrades that are integrated into this Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
Also, to the Civil Defense Staff, which was received by Brigadier General Rogelio Flores Ortiz. Congratulations, we embrace all the Comrades that make up this Unit.
They are Units that have been moving, not only now in the face of this Pandemic, they are moving permanently ... Why? To provide assistance, cooperation, to the Population, to Nicaraguan Families, to Workers, to Producers, to the people of the Neighbourhoods. Anyone who needs help, support, they are available there, and now they have stood out, logically, at this time.
On behalf of the Military Medical Corps, Colonel Leoncio Esquivel López received it. We have already talked about the work of the Military Medical Corps, together with the entire Medical Corps that has been waging this Great Battle against the Pandemic.
The Humanitarian and Rescue Unit "Commander William Ramírez" was received by Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Arturo Corrales. Congratulations to all the Comrades. There we have seen them moving in the Neighbourhoods of Managua, in different localities, in different Municipalities, we have seen them there, and the Population there wathching, seeing the work that the Comrades are doing to protect the Families. To all the Sisters and Brothers of the Humanitarian and Rescue Unit our Greetings, our Congratulations.
Likewise, for the Brothers of the Military Industry; for the Brothers of the Corps of Engineers "Brigadier General Miguel Ángel Ortez"; for the Brothers of the National School of Sergeants, “Sargento Andrés Castro”; for the Sisters and Brothers of the Commanding Regiment; for the Sisters and Brothers of the Military Police. For all of them our Recognition and our Congratulations.
As we said, we thank God for giving us the Blessing of being here commemorating this day, in moments that are difficult, tragic, for all of Humanity. The tragedy is not only the tragedy that the Peoples of the Developing Countries have suffered and suffer historically ... How many tragedies? How many pains? How Many Epidemics? How many natural disasters? How many immigrants drowned looking for Life? We are talking about millions of Human Beings.
How many Children and how many Adults dying of hunger, yes, in the 21st century? Millions of Human Beings perishing from hunger. How many Children and how many Adults perishing from diseases that can be easily controlled in these Times? But since they do not exist in their countries, these Medical Services have not been developed, the Policy of selfishness has been imposed, the Policy of Wild Capitalism, where there is no Heart. What is there as services, sale of services, and if you want a Consultation, pay, and if you don't have, then leave! And you can arrive with a dying patient at the doors of a Hospital, even in Developed Countries, even in the United States of America, and if you do not have how to pay or you do not have Private Insurance, simply do not go in. This is how millions of Human Beings die in Developing Countries, and they also die in Developed Countries.
In the United States, as incredible as it may seem, there are millions of unemployed before the Pandemic, who go up and down there, wandering in the big cities, from barrel to barrel in New York, and looking there in the barrels to see what They find as food, or of use, to cover themselves, to do with what they can find there, pieces of cardboard or whatever, the bed where they go to sleep on the street, sleeping under bridges.
Yes, incredible, incredible, a country with so much wealth, where this tragedy should not happen. And this tragedy is not from now, this tragedy has not been caused by the Pandemic, this tragedy was seen and experienced by our Rubén Darío when he came back and passed through New York. He was amazed when he saw the great buildings, but he was also terrified when he saw the people in poverty, in misery, and Dario even said in his Poem: And what is sadder, my God, they die of pain, pain, pain, referring to the people he was seeing there, starving; in cold moments, warming up around a campfire or around a barrel. That History is not new, it exists, it is there, it is alive.
And what this Pandemic has done is a surprise ... Who has it surprised? The More Developed Countries, the Countries that were considered, for their material wealth, for their economic development, for their military potential, it was believed that they were already totally free from any Pandemic of this type; that these Pandemics could affect African peoples and kill millions of people; that these Pandemics could affect Asian peoples and kill millions of people; that these Pandemics could affect Latin American peoples and kill millions of people, as has historically happened.
But that already those Pandemics that previously also hit Europe and hit the United States killing millions of Human Beings, they thought that this no longer entered the Developed Countries, because they are so powerful, so rich, so arrogant. In other words, wealth had filled them with pride, and I think it is still difficult for them to understand that there is no wealth that is worth in the face of Epidemics like these, where, if wealth is not well used to create conditions of protection for the Population, and leave the free market, that whoever has pay for Health and that whoever does not have, to die, then, stories like this will continue to repeat themselves.
I think this is to build a World Consciousness. Now, at the United Nations there will be the United Nations 75th Anniversary Session and there the central theme will be this issue, that of the Pandemic.
We see that there is not, that is, there did not exist, nor does there still exist an Understanding, a Unity, a rationale among the Developed Countries to face this Pandemic and to defend themselves, and to contribute so that we can defend our Peoples.
We cannot ignore that as a result of the Policies that have been applied, some Cooperation has provided the Peoples who have more difficulties to have the resources to face this Pandemic and defend themselves from this Pandemic. And we appreciate and acknowledge that Cooperation.
But we all know that, well, that's fine, but the solution is not there, the solution has to be given, the Developed Countries have to find it, and they have to be totally convinced that no matter how powerful a Country is, like the States States of North America, or European Countries, with a great Power, or Countries with a great development, in Asian or Latin American Regions, if there is not a radical change in the Economic-Social Development Model, which puts Health first, which ensure Health for all Citizens, at any moment another Pandemic comes, other viruses come, which mutate, as we know, and will then cause equal or greater damage than the one being caused already by this one.
Where it is not yet known, as for the time, it is discussed among Scientists, some think that the Pandemic is already giving way; others think not, that it is still advancing; others say that such a drug is good, and these drugs have been sold by the millions, and others say that the drug is not good, but rather causes more harm to the person using the drug.
But of course, in desperation people buy, spend, and who are the ones who are profiting under these conditions? Large companies profit, large laboratories, which are even in a competition to see who comes out first with the vaccine. And some are already buying millions of doses of vaccine in advance. Sure, the ones with money.
Countries that do not have those levels of resources, simply do not think of looking for how to set a few vaccines aside. Why? Because there you have to put a guarantee, you have to put money.
And here and in the Central American Region we have had complex situations, seriously affecting the Central American Region's economy, when the paralysis occurred on the Southern Border and all commercial transportation got trapped, food transportation, transportation of medicines, transportation of goods, which are exchanged between Central American countries, because no passenger transportation was occuring because the border was closed, but it was flowing, and suddenly this serious situation occurred. In the end Agreements were made.
Now in these days there were problems again, but the problem with the caravan they were forming to cross from Panama and go to the rest of Central America had already been resolved, because Costa Rica set some conditions for that caravan to be organized there, and other conditions in terms of location, in terms of times. And this was affecting Costa Rican carriers as well; and the crossing was made more flexible.
Here we cannot say the Epidemic is over ... No, no, we cannot be overconfident! We must be careful, the indications that the Doctors give us, the indications that the Health System gives, everything that is being oriented. We have seen how, when we were opening Schools, keeping Norms, there were people who did not understand, and the fear is understandable.
But we are seeing now that in the Developed Countries where they had children locked up, and now the result is that this lockdown does more harm to Children and to Adults themselves; They are opening the Schools, logically taking Preventive Measures that will not cause more damage and more victims among the Families of our Planet.
Well, here the State as a whole, all of Nicaragua, the State, with two fundamental supports, the Army and the Police, the People, together guaranteeing Security, Stability. Because how to face a Pandemic like this with insecurity, with instability, with crimes by the tens, by the hundreds, that happen not only in our Countries, but also in the Developed Countries, what this provoques is more instability, more insecurity.
And here, Security, Stability, Defense of Peace, has been and continues to be fundamental, and we have to continue with this task, General Aviles, the Army in the task of Defense of Peace, has said it correctly. Peace, fighting drug trafficking. Peace, fighting Terrorism. Peace, giving Security to the Families who are working in the Fields and in the Cities.
And this is what we are ratifying, Dear Nicaraguan Sisters and Brothers, today, on the 41st Anniversary of the Army: An Army for Peace, firmly fighting Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime. Even if they come later to say that the one who fell for drug trafficking is not a drug trafficker, that he is a poor victim. And there is the evidence, there is the well-documented evidence, but there are those trends.
The important thing is that the population here has managed to maintain a rhythm of work, preparation, improvement, in the face of Agricultural Productive Activities. Yes, every day we see both Face-to-Face Meetings, keeping all the cares, as we also see Meetings that are Virtual, Virtual Videoconferences. That is daily. And we see the Producers of all ages, we see Young People from the Cities, adults from the Cities, and all eager to learn to improve the quality of their work and find a better price for their work, and find a better market for their products; In other words, an Entrepreneurship that is flourishing under these conditions, and we see the Joy of the people who are participating in these efforts, and Brotherly Peoples, Friendly Governments that support these Initiatives, encourage these Initiatives.
That is the Path that we have to continue building, that is the Path that we have to continue building. Difficult moments always bring people closer, because they face common problems. Today more than ever, we Nicaraguans have to get closer, what for? To work, to produce, to improve the conditions of the Economy, to build more Hospitals, more Healthcare Units, as we have been doing and have already planned to continue building Highways, Roads and Bridges.
That is, a Country that cannot stop working, because it is a People that depends on self-employment. The worker who is not self-employed is a minority, the vast majority are self-employed; In other words its Family Entrepreneurship, generally they are Family Entrepreneurs, the Family works, and there with their sales they manage to secure the day's meal and basic expenses.
The Courage, the Faith of the Nicaraguan Families, for the way they are facing this situation, which is tough, which is difficult, is truly admirable, and we congratulate them, we congratulate all the Nicaraguan Families. The important thing is to help each other, not to terrorize each other; but there are those who like to terrorize. Terrorizing will not carry you anywhere but into the abyss.
We must show solidarity, we must understand that we are a Great Family, the Nicaraguan Family, united with the Great Central American, Mesoamerican, Latin American, and Caribbean Family, and also united with the Great Family of Planet Earth, because we are all facing the same problem, which nobody can avoid, no matter how millionaire, even if they are locked in a steel box; well, it seems that such viruses can get there.
The only way to avoid that the Epidemics that have always existed and will continue to exist, not cause the damage that they are currently causing, is, as I already told you, the Model, the Economic, Social, and Political Model must be changed, starting from the Principle of Trade. Fair, respecting the asymmetries between the different Economies. And by contributing to strengthening the Economies of Developing Countries, and also investing in Developed Countries so that the Social Field, the Health Field, is strengthened, then we are all protecting ourselves.
Because the virus can appear anywhere in the world and travels from there; So the way to control these epidemics is by making a Common Effort, making Common Investments, making Common Policies that give them Security and, above all, that give Health to the Peoples of the World.
Dear Brothers, Dear Comrades of the Nicaraguan Army, Congratulations to You all, Congratulations to your Families.
Honor and Glory for those who gave their Life in the line of Duty!
Honor and Glory for those who were left without an arm, were left without a leg, were blinded, as a result of the terrorist attacks that the Nicaraguan People suffered and continue to suffer, and that the Army Soldiers have suffered!
Honor and Glory to the Mothers who outlive their Sons, to the Sons who outlive their Fathers, to the Families of the disabled in war, and also to the Families of the Retired Soldiers!
And for those Heroes who gave everything, who gave their Life, who belong to the Heroes, as Tomas well said referring to Carlos, Tomas said, they belong to the dead that never die. And here we can say: The Soldiers of the Nicaraguan Army, who have given their Life in the performance of Duty, are the Heroes who never die and are in our Hearts!
Long live the Nicaraguan Army on its 41st Anniversary!