Re: Nicaragua
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2022 2:24 pm
Briefs
By Nan McCurdy
Please see below for information on a delegation you could join in April!
China to Invest in Electricity and Telecommunications
The People’s Republic of China will invest up to US$564.1 million in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Nicaragua, as reported by Minister of Energy and Mines Salvador Mansell on Feb. 8. China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC South) will invest US$357.4 million, of which US$251.3 million in the Mojolka hydroelectric project on the Tuma River, Department of Matagalpa, and US$106.1 million in the El Hato solar project in Terrabona, Department of Matagalpa. They will also invest US$101.6 million for new power transmission lines between the municipalities of Terrabona, Mulukukú and Boaco. Another US$40 million will be invested in the commercial management and electricity distribution systems and US$8 million for the construction and modernization of the National Load Dispatch Center. CCCC South will also invest US$49 million in the electric mobility project: promoting the introduction of electric vehicles in the country, accelerating the deployment of the charging infrastructure, and creating local capacities for the operation and maintenance of the new technology. In telecommunications, they will invest US$8 million in a Data Center to operate the telecommunications network and expand coverage with microwave systems in remote sites with limited coverage, such as San Juan de Nicaragua. The Energy and Mines Ministry is already working with ZTE and Huawei and with the Chinese government and the Russian Federation to promote social and commercial projects through loans and attracting investors. “The great advantage is that we already had these projects ready and the current infrastructure allows it, so this will give us great opportunities,” said Mansell. The government will continue to promote a series of electric infrastructure projects with the support of the People’s Republic of China, Korea, India and the Russian Federation. (Radio la Primerisima, 8 Feb. 2022)
Nicaragua Expanding Electricity Generation
Nicaragua is expanding its capacity for generating electricity with financial assistance from several international sources. The country has extensive experience in the use of solar energy and has also passed laws for its implementation. In 2006, in the Caribbean Coast Region, only eleven communities had electricity; today all municipalities in that region have electricity. The government is also promoting the Microgrids Study of the North Caribbean Coast which aims to contribute to clean energy micro-grids. These will be developed in localities without access to electricity to create early warning systems and contribute to economic development. They will improve the lives of vulnerable people by providing a reliable, clean and affordable system that will expand opportunities for education, employment, health, and community safety. The project is being funded with an investment of US$10 million from the Inter-American Development Bank. At a Latin American level Nicaragua has one of the most diverse energy matrixes in the region: at the beginning of the year 75% of generation was based on renewable sources (solar, hydro, wind, geothermal and biomass). In addition, the installation of a natural gas-based plant in Puerto Sandino by the North American company New Fortress Energy is progressing. A new solar plant installed on Corn Island in the southern Caribbean has a capacity of 2.2 MW of electricity. The US$251.3 million Mojolka hydroelectric project in the Department of Matagalpa, to be executed by China Communications Construction Company Limited, will build a 103 MW capacity plant and a solar energy project, El Hato, will be financed by the People’s Republic of China in Terrabona, Matagalpa. (Informe Pastran, 14 Feb. 2022)
Nutritional Census Shows Great Results
The Nicaragua Ministry of Health issued a report on the 2021 Nutritional Census carried out to study the nutritional status of children between the ages of 0 to 14 in rural and urban areas of the country. The report states that “the census surveyed 1,292,122 boys and girls in 2021, finding that between 2016 and 2021 acute malnutrition of children between the ages of 0 to 6 years was reduced 25% and chronic malnutrition fell 32%. Acute malnutrition between the ages of 6 and 14 fell 26.5% and chronic malnutrition was reduced by 8.6%.” MINSA Health Services Director General, Carlos Cruz explained that “with this data, programs like Zero Hunger, Family Gardens, School Lunches, Food Production Packages and the Family Support Plan will be strengthened, enhancing the efforts to eradicate malnutrition through adequate nutrition guidelines, vaccination and periodic weight and height monitoring of children.” (Nicaragua News, 14 Feb. 2022)
National Radiotherapy Center Remembers Nora Astorga
Health authorities from the National Radiotherapy Center paid tribute to the heroic guerrilla fighter Nora Astorga on February 14th, the 34th anniversary of her death. In this center that bears her name, Astorga’s legacy is reflected: thanks to the investments made, up to 40,000 radiation treatment sessions a year are carried out, attending daily about 200 patients from different parts of the country. In 2020, the second linear accelerator to fight different types of cancer was inaugurated there with an investment of US$5 million. (Radio la Primerisima, 14 Feb. 2022)
Hospital Acquires High Resolution Cardiology Unit
The authorities of the Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military School Hospital inaugurated the first High Resolution Cardiology Unit in Nicaragua which will help people who for years have been waiting for cardiac procedures of this magnitude. With this, the military hospital becomes a pioneer and unique in the management of cardiac pathologies treated with state-of-the-art technology. The deputy director of the hospital, Colonel Dr. Noel Vladimir Turcios, said that four years ago this hospital signed an agreement with the international organization World Heart Caregivers that develops programs and first class sustainable cardiac medicine. The unit is made up of a multidisciplinary team of specialists such as cardiovascular surgeons, electrophysiologists cardiologists, interventional cardiologists of congenital diseases, adult and pediatric cardiovascular anesthesiologists, specialists in cardiac imaging and diagnostic studies. “All the members of the cardiology unit are Nicaraguans who are updated on a daily basis to be at the forefront of medical knowledge and modern techniques to respond to the treatment of complex cardiac pathologies that previously could not be treated in the country,” said Turcios. (Radio La Primerisima, 15 Feb. 2022)
University Fees Cheaper under New Public Administration
According to agreements made by the National Council of Universities (CNU), the National Polytechnic University (UNP), reported that, under the new administration, the debt of all students who have outstanding payment commitments is forgiven, so that they can enroll without any problem. The University also announced that registration will be US$10 (in Córdobas) on all campuses and monthly tuition at the central campus will be US$30 and $25 at regional campuses. (Radio La Primerisima, 14 Feb. 2022)
Third Rubén Darío International Festival of the Arts a Success
On February 13 in Estelí, Rivas and Matagalpa, the III Rubén Darío International Festival of the Arts “Aquí nos Ilumina un Sol que no Declina” (Here We Are Illuminated by a Sun that Doesn’t Set) came to a close. It was a weekend marked by a cultural and artistic splurge in each of the venues; with the representation of around 700 national, local and international artists, as well as the participation of 100 protagonists in cultural and creative fairs. The festival was full of art and Rubén Darío with varied cultural agendas such as: painting and engraving exhibitions, fashion design and shows, traditional and modern dances, puppet theater, poetry recitals, musical concerts and film screenings. Of these three consecutive festivals, this 2022 festival has exceeded expectations, with more participation in all the activities. The government is committed to generating cultural spaces that promote art, dynamize the economy, and immortalize the poet Rubén Darío. (Nicaragua News, 14 Feb. 2022)
For Humanitarian Reasons Hugo Torres Trial Had Been Suspended
A court had ordered some time ago the definitive suspension of the oral proceedings and public trial against Jorge Hugo Torres Jiménez, who was accused of “performing acts that undermine the independence and sovereignty” of the country. Representatives of the Public Prosecutor’s Office had made the request on humanitarian grounds, due to the health of Torres. Torres died Feb. 12 in a hospital in Managua of cancer. In a press release, the Prosecutor’s Office said that from the moment Torres presented deterioration in his state of health he was transferred to a hospital in the capital to be adequately attended. There he was always accompanied by his children and his son-in-law. The Public Prosecutor’s Office said it will continue to contribute to maintaining security and respect for the norms of peaceful coexistence, as well as tranquility, tolerance and respect for the law. See Public Ministry Report: HERE (Radio La Primerisima, 12 Feb. 2022)
Organizations outside the Law Lose Legal Status
On Feb. 14 the National Assembly approved a decree that cancels the legal status of six non-governmental organizations which were operating outside the laws. The organizations are: María Elena Cuadra Women’s Movement, PEN International-Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights (ANPDH), the Center for the Promotion of Youth and Children, the Blanca Araúz Foundation for the Promotion of Women and Children and the Ibero-American Foundation of Cultures (Fibras). In a statement, the Ministry of the Interior said that these organizations failed to comply with their obligations under the laws that regulate non-profit organizations: they did not release their financial reports according to the fiscal periods and with detailed breakdowns; their boards of directors are not active; and they have not reported previous donations from abroad, which has hindered the control by the Department for the Regulation of Non-Profit Organizations. The Department of Non-Profit Civil Associations of the MIGOB will proceed to cancel the respective registration of each of the six associations. The legal representative of each will be informed so that they deliver the legal books, the seal and other documents. Regarding their assets, if their disposition has not been previously established in the event of a possible liquidation, they will become property of the State in accordance with the law on the matter. (Radio La Primerisima, 15 Feb. 2022)
Five US Agents Found Guilty on Feb. 9 and 10
Nicaraguan courts found four opposition leaders guilty on Feb. 9 for the crime of conspiracy to undermine national integrity, bringing to14 the number of US agents found guilty. Medardo Mairena was found guilty of conspiracy or “treason.” Pedro Mena, José Antonio Peraza and Alexis Peralta were also found guilty. [In February 2019, a Criminal Court judge sentenced Medardo Mairena to 216 years for the murder of four police officers and a school teacher and the kidnapping of 9 police officers on July 12, 2018, in the municipality of Morrito, Rio San Juan, and other crimes committed during the coup attempt. He was also found guilty of ten kidnappings, organized crime, and aggravated robbery. Mairena’s actual sentence was to have been 30 years because that is the maximum allowed by Nicaraguan law. Also sentenced to 210 years was Pedro Mena. Co-defendant Orlando Icabalseta was sentenced to 159 years. All benefitted from the 2019 Amnesty Law.] Alexis Peralta was found guilty of violating the cybercrime law. José Antonio Peraza was a member of the political council of the National Blue and White Unity, and former director of the Movement For Nicaragua; he was found guilty of conspiracy. A fifth agent, Miguel Mendoza, was found guilty on Feb. 9 for leading mobs of criminals in the destruction of Managua’s public infrastructure in 2018. In one of those events a Guatemalan journalist was crushed to death when the crowd pushed over a large metal tree. More recently from his social networks he disseminated fake news and made calls for violence and military intervention against his own country. (Marcio Vargas on Channel 4’s Izquierda Visión 9 Feb. 2022; various small media outlets on Facebook, 10 Feb: NicaNotes 2019)
https://afgj.org/nicanotes-02-17-2022
By Nan McCurdy
Please see below for information on a delegation you could join in April!
China to Invest in Electricity and Telecommunications
The People’s Republic of China will invest up to US$564.1 million in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Nicaragua, as reported by Minister of Energy and Mines Salvador Mansell on Feb. 8. China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC South) will invest US$357.4 million, of which US$251.3 million in the Mojolka hydroelectric project on the Tuma River, Department of Matagalpa, and US$106.1 million in the El Hato solar project in Terrabona, Department of Matagalpa. They will also invest US$101.6 million for new power transmission lines between the municipalities of Terrabona, Mulukukú and Boaco. Another US$40 million will be invested in the commercial management and electricity distribution systems and US$8 million for the construction and modernization of the National Load Dispatch Center. CCCC South will also invest US$49 million in the electric mobility project: promoting the introduction of electric vehicles in the country, accelerating the deployment of the charging infrastructure, and creating local capacities for the operation and maintenance of the new technology. In telecommunications, they will invest US$8 million in a Data Center to operate the telecommunications network and expand coverage with microwave systems in remote sites with limited coverage, such as San Juan de Nicaragua. The Energy and Mines Ministry is already working with ZTE and Huawei and with the Chinese government and the Russian Federation to promote social and commercial projects through loans and attracting investors. “The great advantage is that we already had these projects ready and the current infrastructure allows it, so this will give us great opportunities,” said Mansell. The government will continue to promote a series of electric infrastructure projects with the support of the People’s Republic of China, Korea, India and the Russian Federation. (Radio la Primerisima, 8 Feb. 2022)
Nicaragua Expanding Electricity Generation
Nicaragua is expanding its capacity for generating electricity with financial assistance from several international sources. The country has extensive experience in the use of solar energy and has also passed laws for its implementation. In 2006, in the Caribbean Coast Region, only eleven communities had electricity; today all municipalities in that region have electricity. The government is also promoting the Microgrids Study of the North Caribbean Coast which aims to contribute to clean energy micro-grids. These will be developed in localities without access to electricity to create early warning systems and contribute to economic development. They will improve the lives of vulnerable people by providing a reliable, clean and affordable system that will expand opportunities for education, employment, health, and community safety. The project is being funded with an investment of US$10 million from the Inter-American Development Bank. At a Latin American level Nicaragua has one of the most diverse energy matrixes in the region: at the beginning of the year 75% of generation was based on renewable sources (solar, hydro, wind, geothermal and biomass). In addition, the installation of a natural gas-based plant in Puerto Sandino by the North American company New Fortress Energy is progressing. A new solar plant installed on Corn Island in the southern Caribbean has a capacity of 2.2 MW of electricity. The US$251.3 million Mojolka hydroelectric project in the Department of Matagalpa, to be executed by China Communications Construction Company Limited, will build a 103 MW capacity plant and a solar energy project, El Hato, will be financed by the People’s Republic of China in Terrabona, Matagalpa. (Informe Pastran, 14 Feb. 2022)
Nutritional Census Shows Great Results
The Nicaragua Ministry of Health issued a report on the 2021 Nutritional Census carried out to study the nutritional status of children between the ages of 0 to 14 in rural and urban areas of the country. The report states that “the census surveyed 1,292,122 boys and girls in 2021, finding that between 2016 and 2021 acute malnutrition of children between the ages of 0 to 6 years was reduced 25% and chronic malnutrition fell 32%. Acute malnutrition between the ages of 6 and 14 fell 26.5% and chronic malnutrition was reduced by 8.6%.” MINSA Health Services Director General, Carlos Cruz explained that “with this data, programs like Zero Hunger, Family Gardens, School Lunches, Food Production Packages and the Family Support Plan will be strengthened, enhancing the efforts to eradicate malnutrition through adequate nutrition guidelines, vaccination and periodic weight and height monitoring of children.” (Nicaragua News, 14 Feb. 2022)
National Radiotherapy Center Remembers Nora Astorga
Health authorities from the National Radiotherapy Center paid tribute to the heroic guerrilla fighter Nora Astorga on February 14th, the 34th anniversary of her death. In this center that bears her name, Astorga’s legacy is reflected: thanks to the investments made, up to 40,000 radiation treatment sessions a year are carried out, attending daily about 200 patients from different parts of the country. In 2020, the second linear accelerator to fight different types of cancer was inaugurated there with an investment of US$5 million. (Radio la Primerisima, 14 Feb. 2022)
Hospital Acquires High Resolution Cardiology Unit
The authorities of the Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military School Hospital inaugurated the first High Resolution Cardiology Unit in Nicaragua which will help people who for years have been waiting for cardiac procedures of this magnitude. With this, the military hospital becomes a pioneer and unique in the management of cardiac pathologies treated with state-of-the-art technology. The deputy director of the hospital, Colonel Dr. Noel Vladimir Turcios, said that four years ago this hospital signed an agreement with the international organization World Heart Caregivers that develops programs and first class sustainable cardiac medicine. The unit is made up of a multidisciplinary team of specialists such as cardiovascular surgeons, electrophysiologists cardiologists, interventional cardiologists of congenital diseases, adult and pediatric cardiovascular anesthesiologists, specialists in cardiac imaging and diagnostic studies. “All the members of the cardiology unit are Nicaraguans who are updated on a daily basis to be at the forefront of medical knowledge and modern techniques to respond to the treatment of complex cardiac pathologies that previously could not be treated in the country,” said Turcios. (Radio La Primerisima, 15 Feb. 2022)
University Fees Cheaper under New Public Administration
According to agreements made by the National Council of Universities (CNU), the National Polytechnic University (UNP), reported that, under the new administration, the debt of all students who have outstanding payment commitments is forgiven, so that they can enroll without any problem. The University also announced that registration will be US$10 (in Córdobas) on all campuses and monthly tuition at the central campus will be US$30 and $25 at regional campuses. (Radio La Primerisima, 14 Feb. 2022)
Third Rubén Darío International Festival of the Arts a Success
On February 13 in Estelí, Rivas and Matagalpa, the III Rubén Darío International Festival of the Arts “Aquí nos Ilumina un Sol que no Declina” (Here We Are Illuminated by a Sun that Doesn’t Set) came to a close. It was a weekend marked by a cultural and artistic splurge in each of the venues; with the representation of around 700 national, local and international artists, as well as the participation of 100 protagonists in cultural and creative fairs. The festival was full of art and Rubén Darío with varied cultural agendas such as: painting and engraving exhibitions, fashion design and shows, traditional and modern dances, puppet theater, poetry recitals, musical concerts and film screenings. Of these three consecutive festivals, this 2022 festival has exceeded expectations, with more participation in all the activities. The government is committed to generating cultural spaces that promote art, dynamize the economy, and immortalize the poet Rubén Darío. (Nicaragua News, 14 Feb. 2022)
For Humanitarian Reasons Hugo Torres Trial Had Been Suspended
A court had ordered some time ago the definitive suspension of the oral proceedings and public trial against Jorge Hugo Torres Jiménez, who was accused of “performing acts that undermine the independence and sovereignty” of the country. Representatives of the Public Prosecutor’s Office had made the request on humanitarian grounds, due to the health of Torres. Torres died Feb. 12 in a hospital in Managua of cancer. In a press release, the Prosecutor’s Office said that from the moment Torres presented deterioration in his state of health he was transferred to a hospital in the capital to be adequately attended. There he was always accompanied by his children and his son-in-law. The Public Prosecutor’s Office said it will continue to contribute to maintaining security and respect for the norms of peaceful coexistence, as well as tranquility, tolerance and respect for the law. See Public Ministry Report: HERE (Radio La Primerisima, 12 Feb. 2022)
Organizations outside the Law Lose Legal Status
On Feb. 14 the National Assembly approved a decree that cancels the legal status of six non-governmental organizations which were operating outside the laws. The organizations are: María Elena Cuadra Women’s Movement, PEN International-Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights (ANPDH), the Center for the Promotion of Youth and Children, the Blanca Araúz Foundation for the Promotion of Women and Children and the Ibero-American Foundation of Cultures (Fibras). In a statement, the Ministry of the Interior said that these organizations failed to comply with their obligations under the laws that regulate non-profit organizations: they did not release their financial reports according to the fiscal periods and with detailed breakdowns; their boards of directors are not active; and they have not reported previous donations from abroad, which has hindered the control by the Department for the Regulation of Non-Profit Organizations. The Department of Non-Profit Civil Associations of the MIGOB will proceed to cancel the respective registration of each of the six associations. The legal representative of each will be informed so that they deliver the legal books, the seal and other documents. Regarding their assets, if their disposition has not been previously established in the event of a possible liquidation, they will become property of the State in accordance with the law on the matter. (Radio La Primerisima, 15 Feb. 2022)
Five US Agents Found Guilty on Feb. 9 and 10
Nicaraguan courts found four opposition leaders guilty on Feb. 9 for the crime of conspiracy to undermine national integrity, bringing to14 the number of US agents found guilty. Medardo Mairena was found guilty of conspiracy or “treason.” Pedro Mena, José Antonio Peraza and Alexis Peralta were also found guilty. [In February 2019, a Criminal Court judge sentenced Medardo Mairena to 216 years for the murder of four police officers and a school teacher and the kidnapping of 9 police officers on July 12, 2018, in the municipality of Morrito, Rio San Juan, and other crimes committed during the coup attempt. He was also found guilty of ten kidnappings, organized crime, and aggravated robbery. Mairena’s actual sentence was to have been 30 years because that is the maximum allowed by Nicaraguan law. Also sentenced to 210 years was Pedro Mena. Co-defendant Orlando Icabalseta was sentenced to 159 years. All benefitted from the 2019 Amnesty Law.] Alexis Peralta was found guilty of violating the cybercrime law. José Antonio Peraza was a member of the political council of the National Blue and White Unity, and former director of the Movement For Nicaragua; he was found guilty of conspiracy. A fifth agent, Miguel Mendoza, was found guilty on Feb. 9 for leading mobs of criminals in the destruction of Managua’s public infrastructure in 2018. In one of those events a Guatemalan journalist was crushed to death when the crowd pushed over a large metal tree. More recently from his social networks he disseminated fake news and made calls for violence and military intervention against his own country. (Marcio Vargas on Channel 4’s Izquierda Visión 9 Feb. 2022; various small media outlets on Facebook, 10 Feb: NicaNotes 2019)
https://afgj.org/nicanotes-02-17-2022