MOSQUITIA
Monthly Newsletter
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| From left to right Alejandro Mendoza-Castillo, Francine Williams, Joseph Smith, Dr. Gonzalo Gradiz, Jesus Verduzco |
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| SCA and American Red Cross to Forge Partnership
On Wednesday, March 12th, SCA Directors Dr. Gonzalo Gradiz (President) and Joseph Smith (Vice-President) met with the San Francisco Bay Area Red Cross Latino Community Preparedness officials Jesus Verduzco (Manager), Alejandro Mendoza-Castillo (Program Specialist), Darcy Mironov (Manager, Authorized Provider Program –Health & Safety) and Francine Williams (Faith Communities Partnership Coordinator) regarding a partnership to implement an emergency preparedness training project on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and SCA management of an emergency shelter for Latinos in the Bay Area. This one of a kind partnership will benefit more than 300,000 Nicaraguans and hundreds of Latinos in the Bay Area.
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Indigenous Nicaraguan Mother Dies a Horrible death in Arizona Desert
We were caught off guard this morning by a phone call from Mr. Rene Wilson from Miami. Mr. Wilson asked for our help to transport the body of Yolanda Muller from Tucson Arizona to Miami and then to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Yolanda Muller was on her way to reunite with her family in Miami and enjoy the American dream. Unfortunately, last Wednesday, Border Patrol agents found Yolanda’s dead body in the Tucson Arizona desert. Yolanda was traveling with her two adoptive daughters Mikely of 7 and Tiajai of 9. They were all been led by a cayote, who abandoned them in the middle of the desert. All three ladies walked for several days until exhaustion, hunger and very low temperatures took their toll on Yolanda. Unable to wake their mom, and unaware that she had passed away, both children decided to walk until they could find help. After more than seven hours walking, the two children were found and rescued by Border Patrol agents. They were taken to a hospital in Ajo Arizona where they were treated for exhaustion and feet swelling. The body of their mother was found and recovered. The two children were released to their Aunt Carmen, who took them to Miami. The body of Yolanda is still in Tucson Arizona and will be transported to Miami on Saturday or Sunday for viewing by the family. Later, the body will be transported to Puerto Cabezas Nicaragua for burial.
12-20-2007
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Vice-Mayor of Bilwi dies in Vehicle Accident
Last night around 10:30pm our brother, Vice-Mayor of Bilwi and member of YATAMA, Alex Lucer Blandon died in an accident on his way from Managua to Bilwi. Mr Lucer Blandon was driving a Toyota Hilux when his front tire flattened, causing his vehicle to overturn and killing him instantly. The accident occurred around the bridge of Cisca, between Sasha and kukalaya. Five passengers, including the Administrator of the Regional Council of the RAAN, were taken to Nuevo Amanecer Hospital in Bilwi. They suffered broken bones and other injuries. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the berieved family, city hall of Bilwi and YATAMA.
11-30-2007
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Isolation of Indigenous and Ethnic Organization
While the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approves $100,000 in donation for the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua victims of hurricane Felix, SCA leaders are ignored and isolated. SCA is the only legitimate representation of the people of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua in the Nicaraguan Relief Coalition of Northern California and the entire Northern California. The organization represents more than 500,000 Costeños inside and outside of Nicaragua. SCA is the only coalition member that directly advocates on behalf of the Atlantic Coast people. As community leaders, SCA leader are the only ones with moral authority y widespread demographic and geographical knowledge of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. SCA is the only coalition member that has direct programs and projects within the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Yet, some coalition members continue to ignore this leadership. A historical paternalistic behavior from non Atlantic Coast natives still lingers, even within a nation where many Nicaraguans fled to find liberty and equal rights.
On many occasions SCA has been indiscriminately attacked for complaining against illegal decisions made outside of coalition meetings, bringing attention to possible conflict of interest, for protesting against defamation and libel accusations from members of the coalition, and most recently for disagreeing with an unconditional donation to IPADE (a Nicaraguan Non Profit). A report by Nicaraguan newspaper columnist Edgar Martinez (sometimes assisted economically by members of the Coalition), published an article in the El Nuevo Diario newspaper in Nicaragua, dated Wednesday, October 24th, intentionally omitted Somos Costa Atlántica as a coalition member. (see publication of El Nuevo Diario on the Internet). This report clearly demonstrate the intention of some coalition members to isolate and ignore the Ethnic and Indigenous organization from influencing the decision over the $100,000 Dollars donation.
On September 27th, in the office of CARECEN in the City of San Francisco, the coalition met. During this meeting, the coalition approved to adopt a proposal by SCA that provides transparency, which would bring much relief to the tax payers of San Francisco. SCA proposal is to sponsor the communities of Lamlaya, Krukira, Tuapi, Aulla Pigni, and Bon Sirpi by rebuilding destroyed homes at a cost of $2,000 Dollars per house. The coalition also approved to consider two non profit agencies (IPADE and the World Mission of the Moravian Church) as recipients of part of the donation to implement SCA proposal within the five villages mentioned. Our concerns is that the coalition deviates on approved decisions and creates others less transparent.
10-25-2007
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Victims Protest in Bilwi
Almost 100 demonstrators looted the City of Bilwi warehouses in search for donation brought to the City. Mayor Elizabeth Enriquez (YATAMA) publicly denounced that around 60 demonstrators destroyed and stole City properties. Mayor Enriquez also said that she fair for her life and the life of Governor Reynaldo Frances (YATAMA) because of threats made by some of the demonstrators. The demonstration, led by Ing. Jaime Chow (ALN), a replacement congressman to the PARLACEN (Central American Parlament), seized City offices and later the International Airport of Bilwi yesterday and again today. Martin Zamora, airport administrator, said that the decision to suspend all commercial flights was up to the Civil Aviation administration and not the demonstrators. The Mayor and Sandinistas sources blamed Congressman Eduardo Montealegre for steering the disruptions from behind the scenes. They claimed that Mr. Chow made a personal phone call to Montealegre to report the progress of the demonstration. The protestors looted the warehouse of the Bilwi Emergency Committee, searching for zinc to rebuild their homes. The protestors promise to continue protesting until the Central Government from Managua help them rebuild their homes destroyed by hurricane Felix two months ago. “We are not spending our Christmas without a roof over our head” said one of the protestors. Governor Frances said that the Regional Government is sending 1,000 sheet of zinc to Krukira on November 1st. Mayor Enriquez complained that the local Police did nothing to stop the looting. On the other hand, political experts believe that this incident will create discrepancies between political parties in Nicaragua, bringing more instability to the nation.
10-31-2007
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| The Streets of Matagalpa |
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State of Disaster
President Daniel Ortega declared State of Disaster in Nicaragua today. After 43 days of torrential rain and hurricane Felix, Nicaragua is faced with more tragedy. The cities and outskirts of Chinandega, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia and Leon are reporting heavy damagees to main roads, homes and crops destroyed. In Matagalpa, the Rio Grande has overflow its banks. 4 deaths are reported and at least 6 missing. Our concerns are that the Rio Grande river ends in the Atlantic Coast. The last time this river overflowed its banks was during hurricane Mitch. Many farmers last their crops and livestock.
10-19-2007
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San Francisco Approves $100,000
In a vote of 9-2, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved $100,000 Dollars to the Northern California Nicaraguan Relief Coalition for the victims of hurricane Felix. The Coalition members are Somos Costa Atlántica (SCA), Alma Pinolera, Frater-Nica, Unidad Nicaragüense de Amistad (UNA), Iglesia Morava, ADINE, and the Cámara de Comercio Nicaragüense/Americano. The Board also appointed CARECEN as the fiscal agent for these funds. CARECEN will be responsible for compliance of the funds. After a very difficult campaign, SCA is proud of this significant success for our people in the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Congratulations to Supervisors Tom Amiano and Chris Daly for submitting this successful proposal. Thanks to the Board of Supervisors for their approval. We also thank John Avalos, Roberto Vargas Sr., Ana Perez-Director of CARECEN, Roberto Ariel Vargas Jr., Larisa Dugan and many more who have made this proposal a success.
10-16-2007
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| SCA meets with Advisor to Mayor Newsome |
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SCA meets Mayor Newsome Advisor
SCA meets with Mr. Wade Crowfoot (Director of Government Affairs) over the proposed $200,000 for the victims of hurricane Felix. Mr Crowfoot gently recieved President Gonzalo Gradiz, Vice-President Joseph Smith, and recently appointed Program Director, Miss Marlene Benedict to his office. The SCA delegation presented Mr. Crowfoot a document that depict the horror of the devastation created by hurricane Felix. Mr. Crowfoot was briefted about important transparent and decisions of the Coalition to adopt 5 communities proposed by SCA and the approval of two agencies (The World Mission of the Moravian Church and IPADE) to recieve partions of the aid to provide reconstruction, food, and medication to the victims of hurricane Felix in the five communities selected. The delegation of SCA emphasized the importance of the Board of Supervisors approval and the help of the Mayor office. The full Board of Supervisors will vote on this proposal on Tuesday, October 16th, at 2pm.
10-15-2007
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Nicaragua Wins in the Court of Hagues
The International Court of Hague adjudicated in favor of Nicaragua today by establishing maritime borders between Honduras and Nicaragua. 30,000 km2 of marine platform located between parallel 15 and parallel 18, was the subject of dispute for several years. Honduras submitted their arguments that Nicaragua’s marine territory fall alongside parallel 15 and not as Nicaragua was disputing. Based on Honduras claim, they also signed a treaty Ramirez-Lopez with Colombia to explore for natural gas within this area. Nicaraguan Representative to the Central American Legislature (PARLACEN), Francisco Campbell said “this decision is not only a victory for Nicaragua, but also a victory for Central America. The area of dispute, according to experts will yield oil and natural gas, which was the main objective of Colombia's treaty with Honduras. The Court decision brings back memories of another treaty that still lingers in very Nicaraguan mind. During its occupation of Nicaragua, the United States through another treaty, gave Colombia the Nicaraguan islands of San Andres, Roncador, and Quitasueños. The decision of the International Courts brings this issue to a close after eight hours.
10-08-2007
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| Parallel 15, Diputed zone by Nicaragua |
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Comubus Day is Indigenous and Ethnic Slavery Day
Ocotober 12th is celebrated on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua as a day to remember the crude reality of slavery. Did you know that in August of 1827, Corn Island obtained its emancipation from slavery? In Bluefield, an annual parade is done with flamboyant colors and elaborate carriages to remember that we as a people were not always free. As the 12th of October approach, will you celebrate Columbus or the Indigenous and ethnic slavery?
10-08-2007
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SCA Delegation To Travel to Nicaragua
A SCA delegation is scheduled to traveled to Nicaragua to deliver aid and coordinate how future relief efforts will occur. Dr. Gonzalo Gradiz-President and Prof Fernando Budier-Treasurer, will arrive in Nicaragua on October 17th. SCA Board of Directors approved this mission of mercy and expects to raise additional funds to carry. The delegation will purchase much needed food in Managua and drive into Bilwi and Waspan to distribute the food themselves.
10-06-2007
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Hurricane Felix Victims Starving
Mayor Cornelio Tebas of Waspán complained that very little relief aid is reaching his city. Mayor Tebas said that the little fuel he was allocated was depleted several days ago. This is the main cause to not reach may families who are hungry. He complained that the majority of relief aid is going towards the Puerto Cabezas area and that the government and many organizations forgot that Waspan was also damaged. Mayor Tebas also critized Daniel Ortega for not mentioning the disaster during his speech to the United Nations. Several Miskito women from Miskito Kays, along with Father Albert Bushy, an Italian Citizen, from the Catholic Mission, publictly denounced Regional and Local Govenmental corruption. According to their complaint, relief aids, including zinc and food are been sold at local stores in Puerto Cabezas. Father Bushy and the Indigenous Miskito women made a public call for donors to utilize entities like the Red Cross and the Moravian Church because the relief aid does reach the people by these agencies. According to several callers opposing Father Bushy and the Indigenous Miskito women, these people were been manipulated by the Alianza Liberal Nicaragüense and other political parties. The Indigenous Miskito women denied this claim.
10-01-2007
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| Mayor Cornelio Tebas |
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| Members of the Nicaraguan Emergency Relief Coalition of Northern California . Left to Righ, Carlos Solorzano-Camara de Comercio Nicaraguense Americano, Chema Ibarra-Ibarra Brothers Printing, Ruth Icabalzeta-FRATER-NICA, Frank Alizaga-FRATER-NICA, Larisa Dugan & Son-Facilitator, Joseph Smith-Somos Costa Atlantica, Dr. Gonzalo Gradiz-Somos Costa Atlantica, Marco Tulio Meza-ADINE, Matha Vaughan-Camara de Comercio Nicaraguense-Americano, Aura Lilia Beteta-Ex-Consul de Nicaragua, Miriam Chaname-Camara de Comercio Nicaraguense-Americano, Ana Perez-CARECEN, Giselle Icabalzeta-FRATER-NICA. |
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| Coalition Demonstrates Historical Unity
On Friday, September 28th, the Nicaraguan Emergency Relief Coalition of Northern California (NERCNC) met at CARECEN's office in San Francisco to discuss a $200,000 proposal to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. At this meeting, the Coalition formalized the proposal that will benefit the victims of hurricane Felix in Nicaragua. The coalition unanimously agreed to SCA proposal to to adopt 5 villages (Bonsitpi, Krikira, Aullapigni, Lamlaya, and Tuapi) in the disaster zone. On SCA's recommendation, the Coalition agreed to focus their reconstruction and aid relief efforts in these villages. Pending approval of the funds by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the Coalition also approved two international agencies (The World Mission of Moravian Church and the Institute for Democracy(IPADE)) to receive funding for this effort. The recepients of the funds would follow the Coalition proposal to rebuild and deliver aid to these five villages as a way to guarantee transparency to tax payers in the City of San Francisco.
09-29-2007
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Moving Together as One
A proposal by Supervisors Tom Amiano and Chris Daly to donate $200,000 is been considered. The Coalition agreed that CARECEN (Central American Relief Center) would be the fiscal agent and representative of the Nicaraguan Emergency Relief Coalition of Northern California to the Board of Supervisors. The Coalition is composed of seven Nicaraguan organizations, including SOMOS COSTA ATLANTICA that works directly with the people of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua.
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SCA Adopts 5 Communities
Ten communities within the disaster zone was the single topic of a phone meeting between a SCA delegation and Dr. Edgar Chow, President of the Los Angeles Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce (CACONACA). Dr. Chow asked SCA to partner with CACONACA, by sponsoring 5 of ten communities they have chosen. Later at a SCA meeting on September 26th, SCA Board of Directors approved sponsoring five communities (Bonsirpi, Krukira, Aullapigni, Lamlaya, and Tuapi). SCA estimates that they will reconstruct 500 houses, 220 toilets, and 194 drinking water wells. The organization needs to raise about $1,250,000 Dollars. It would be a start if the San Francisco Board of supervisors approve $200,000 for the Caolition. SCA has already raised $2,700 Dollars towards this goal.
09-28-2007
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Miskitos Denounces Food Politics
Several Miskitos denounced that they are been asked for Identification to receive food. The Human Rights commission in Nicaragua announced that several Miskitos from the Miskito Keys are angry because the government are not treating them with respect. That they are been rationed like the old days of the Sandinistas during the 1980's
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Three Days of Mourning
President Daniel Ortega have declared three days of mourning in Nicaragua. The official death toll have risen to 67 and may increased to 500, according to the international press. 138 people are still missing. 150,000 people are affected by the storm. The aftermath is been felt in the stomach. Hunger and thirst are on the rise. Despite the outpouring of aid to the area, many people are still not been reached because of the distance from Bilwi. Tropical storm 32 is nearing Nicaragua and is expected to reach the Atlantic Coast on Friday.
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Hunger and Thirst in the Mines
Indigeneous and Mestizos crying for food and water. Much people were sighted with tears in their eyes and anxious looks for lack of food and water. Around 100 villages within the communities of Rosita and Bonanza are still waiting for food to feed their babies.
09-10-2007
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Damages are High
Bodies are still bee sighted floating in the ocean. Authorities are considering calling off their recovery effort for fear of contamination and desease. This has angered many families that have reported families missing. If the recovery effort is called off, many families will never know what happened to their love ones.
1. 56 Deaths
2. 134 people Desapeared
3. 21 Enjured
4. 132 Rescued
5. 53,482 Displaced
$43 Million Dollars are needed for the next 6 months to help the victims of hurricane Felix in Nicaragua
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| Bodies are still been found floating in the ocean |
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| A Miskito Indian Girl in Krukira plays on her destroyed home |
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| Hunger drives a Miskito Indian child to chop open a coconut |
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| U.S. Navy, Venezuela, Honduras, and Costa Rica are sending in Specialists to help |
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| Fallen trees on a home |
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| Evacuation before Felix |
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| Krukira, where the eye of the storm hit |
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| Commercial Air Flights Renewed
La Costeña and Atlantic Airlines have renewed their flights to Bilwi. However, there are still no flights to Rosita and Mina Limón until a complete inspection is done to make sure there is no significant damage.
09-07-2007
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Death Toll Still Climbing
Search and Rescue pilots of the U.S. Navy sighted many bodies of Miskito Indians floating in the ocean. The U.S. and Honduran Navy are in Nicaragua helping with Search and Rescue efforts. There is an unconfirmed widespread rumor that at least 52 bodies were recovered by the Honduran Navy in the area of Cabo Gracias A Dios. Most of the dead were people who were not evacuated in time from the sorounding keys and the Rio Coco along the Honduran-Nicaraguan border.
09-07-2007
06:00pm
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| A mother mourns the death of her son |
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Vamos a Reconstruir sus Casas de Nuevo
El Presidente Daniel Ortega visitó Puerto Cabezas par ver personalmente los daños causados por Felix. Hasta ahora se están reportando alrededor de 158 muertos. Se han reportado 150 personas muertas en los cayos, 8 muertos reportados en tierra y más de 150 personas desaparecidas. Ortega prometió reconstruirle sus casas a los dagnificados que perdieron sus casas. También se reporta la visita del Presidente Zelaya de Honduras con donación para los afectados y también donaciones de Venezuela.
09-05-2007
12:43pm
| Death Toll Rises
My heart is ready to give out on me anytime I see a speed boat on the horizon. I feel it may be one of my relatives body coming on board. This was the testimony of one resident in Sandy Bay, in Nicaragua. Many villages were completely wiped out. President Ortega was moved when he saw many villagers sitting or standing next to what was their homes. The death toll increased to 38 today. More than 100 people are still missing. More than 10,000 home are destroyed and 50,000 people are displaced.
09-06-2007
07:00am
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80% of Schools Destroyed
The Education Ministry of Nicaragua is reporting that 80% of schools in Bilw were destroyed. Soldiers are on stand by in Managua, waiting for the weather to improve in the area to fly in for search and rescue mission.
09-04-2007
11:24am
| Felix Has Weakened to Category 3
Hurricane Felix is losing strength as it continues its way through Nicaragua. The projected path of the hurricane is North North West to Honduras. However, much devastation is still expected.
09-04-2007
12:00 Noon
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Felix Reaks Havox on the Caribbean Coast
Based on preliminary reports from the Nicaraguan government, Felix created 38,000 homeless and destroyed about 5,400 homes. the cities and villages with most damages are Bilwi, Waspan, Maniwatla, Santa Marta, Dákura, Bismuna, Bonanza, Tuapi, and Sandy Bay. The Government is worried that landslides and flooding may occur if the rain persist the mountainous areas.
09-04-2007
03:00pm
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Felix is Still a Dangerous
Fear of Floods and land slides are feared as Felix continues to pour drenching rain over Nicaragua. Despite the weakening of the storm, high winds and soaking rain may cause rivers to overflow their banks. Two major concerns are the Coco River along the Nicraguan-Honduran border and the Rio Grand River in the South. In 1998 during hurricane Mitch, a landslide in Posoltega Chinandega, killed several thousand people. This time, it is raining in most of the country and the government does not have the capacity to deal with multiple emergency situations around the country.
09-04-2007
1:00pm
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Felix landed at 5am with sustained winds of 160 mph, causing widespread damage in Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) and the North East part of Nicaragua. So far two deaths are been reported.
09-04-2007
7:30am
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Felix Made History
For the first time in history, two category 5 hurricanes have made landfall. Felix is the second largest hurricane this year and
one of few that made it prescence felt. Felix is follwing the same path as Mitch in 1988. A pressure off the Caribbean islands help push Felix south West, causing great devastation in Nicaragua.
09-04-2007
6:00am
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| Dr. Edgar Chow-President of CACONACA, Lic. Joseph Smith-Vice President of SCA, George Howell-Owner Contruction Materials Company, Rev. Raymond Humphries, Pastor of Moravian Church of Palo Alto, Dr. Gonzalo Gradiz-President of SCA, Marvin Brautigam-President of Brautigam Specials, LLC |
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SCA Is Uniting all Ethnic and Indigenous people of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua
Through its plan of Costeño unity, a delegation of SCA, Dr Gonzalo Gradiz (President) and Joseph Smith (Vice-President) met with business men and women and both governors of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua at the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on August 4th, 2007. SCA leaders shared their unifying vision of all sectors, including the Regional Governments of the Nicaraguan Atlantic Coast, to forge economical, social, cultural and spiritual development. SCA presented itself as an advocate for all Costeños abroad and a bridge between the private sector and the Nicaraguan government.. Mr. Smith said that SCA will develop a program to offer information and technical assistance to small and large Costeños businessmen who wishes to do business within Nicaragua. SCA created an advocacy program “Our Land Our Culture” to ensure that the indigenous and ethnic communities and their descendents who live outside of Nicaragua and the Atlantic Coast, but still in Nicaragua, conserve the rightful ownership of their lands under Laws 28 and 445. The program will defend Costeños interests through support, outreach, consultations, dialogues, negotiations, and legal defense. A health care program is been developed. The concept of One Stop Shop is been developed and will be implemented in the Atlantic Coast. SCA plan to build a hospital/clinic/pharmacy/health insurance, where Costeños will receive health care services in one place, without having to travel to Managua or elsewhere for their health services.
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| Lic. Joseph Smith with Miss Nicaragua, Xiomara Blandino at a Nicaraguan-American Chambers of Commerce meeting in Los Angeles, California |
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| Atendants of a business meeting with CACONACA and SCA, Sergio Jose Norori-Vice President of the Autonomous Regional Assembly of the Nothern Atlantic Region (RAAN), Lydia Carol Peters-President CEO Touch The Future LLC, Reynaldo Francis Watson-Governor of the RAAN, Dr. Pablo Avendaño Zapata-Governor of the RAAS, Renfred Paisano-Legal Advisor of the RAAN |
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