NSCAG UPDATE MAY 2022
Dear Friends
Please see below latest information from NSCAG. We hope you will find it of interest.
Webinars
Alliance for Global Justice are holding a webinar on 22 May 2022 at 8pm UK time. The webinar is called ‘Light and Legacy: Ben Linder’s Work Continues’. 40 years ago as a young juggler, unicyclist & electrical engineer, Ben Linder came from the U.S. to Nicaragua to install rural hydroelectric systems in villages in the war zones with no electricity. On April 28, 1987, Ben and two Nicaraguan colleagues, Sergio Hernández and Pablo Rosales, were ambushed and murdered by the Contra. The webinar will discuss the continuing legacy of Ben Linder in community-led projects. Further details and registration here
‘Nicaragua, Bold Leader in the Climate Crisis’ – this Alliance for Global Justice webinar was held on 27 April and focussed on Nicaragua’s achievements in confronting the global climate crisis. A recording of the webinar can be found here
Forthcoming delegations – two opportunities to visit Nicaragua this summer
Food sovereignty and agroecology 12 – 22 July 2022 An introduction to Nicaragua’s efforts to achieve food sovereignty through the experiences of the Rural Workers Association (ATC) that has been organising rural workers and small-scale farmers since 1978. The delegation will visit agroecological farms and rural communities with opportunities to exchange ideas and information to get a better understanding of the context of Nicaragua. This delegation will conclude by celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the Sandinista Popular Revolution. https://friendsatc.org/events/food-sov-delegation-2022/
Women in Nicaragua: power and protagonism study tour 6 – 15 August 2022 In just 15 years, Nicaragua has closed the gender gap by more than 80%. Today, the country is number one country in the world for educational attainment for women and girls, number one for women cabinet ministers and number three in the world for women in parliament. How has this small Central American country made such a difference in such a short time? Join us to explore Nicaragua and find out! https://www.casabenjaminlinder.org/tours?msclkid=019d77a4cd4011eca892aa3c56093be3
If anyone is interested in either of these delegations and would like further information, please contact Louise on nscag@nicaraguasc.org.uk Organisation of American States (OAS)
On 24 April, Nicaragua closed the offices of the OAS in the capital Managua and brought forward its planned withdrawal from the bloc. Announcing the country’s immediate split from the OAS and the rescinding of the credentials of its representatives in Washington, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada stated that ‘Nicaragua is not a colony of anyone, therefore it is not a part of a Ministry of Colonies’. For more on this see here
Summit of the Americas
US President Biden has barred Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela from a regional summit to be held in Los Angeles next month. Biden is set to speak at the Ninth Summit of the Americas. The US has repeatedly refused to recognise the results of elections in Cuba, Nicaragua or Venezuela, even when certified by delegations of international observers.
The exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela means ideological discrimination. This would affect the possibilities of regional cooperation to overcome forthcoming crises. On 2 May, the Puebla Group and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) called for a Summit of the Americas without excluding any nation. For more information on this see here
Could your artwork feature on NSC cards this year?
Our sister organisation Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign is looking for fresh and creative artwork, whether you design a card to celebrate a specific day or something more generic. All kinds of art expressions are welcome, as long they can translate well to A5 dimensions (148 x 210 mm).
The winning designs will be featured on NSC cards. The competition is open to amateur or professional artists around the world. Deadline: Monday 6 June 2022.
For more information and how to apply see here
Nicaragua Now
The Spring 2022 issue of NSC’s magazine Nicaragua Now is now available and can be downloaded here And finally, some Nicaraguan music to enjoy
Nicaraguan guitarist Omar Rios will be performing in London on 22 May with guests including Cuban violinist and jazz musician Omar Puente. Details here
With very best wishes for the months ahead and thank you again for your support and solidarity.
Louise Richards
www.nscag.org
Twitter: @NSCAG_UK