Christmas politics 

Never before has the governing party of Honduras found itself so weak and unprotected before its rival, the Nationalist party.  Abstentionism and division were the outstanding winners in the Liberal Party's internal elections.  Meanwhile, last Sunday, Nationalists and non-Nationalists alike demonstrated unity and determination when internal elections gave the "Arriba Honduras" movement over 80% of the votes.  Projections of results of a general election showed without doubt that if a presidential election were held now, Ricardo Maduro would be the big winner.

During the past months, press and rumourmongers alike have been observing and reporting on the Liberal Party's continuos abuse of power because Liberal election officials refuse to inscribe the country's favored presidential candidate, using as a false excuse the ongoing debate concerning his nationality. 

These actions and the attitude projected by other Liberal Party members has caused many voters to stop and think twice. Undecided voters, an estimated to 30% of the total, chose the now martyrized Maduro as their favorite.  Even Liberal voters, normally the most traditional and faithful, chose what is called a "punishment vote", one, not for Maduro, but against those thought to be ruthless opportunists and tyrants.

The leaders of the Liberal Party have behaved erroneously by staging an anti-Nationalist campaign.  They have turned Maduro into a people's martyr and themselves into despots that provoke unjust circumstances.  It would have been much wiser to attack other members of the Nationalist party with shady records.

The Liberal party has failed to mention the corrupt group of people that are also part of Maduro's movement.  In this group of people, accusations of prior corruption are not uncommon.  Perhaps, the Liberals do not follow this course of action because they are also plagued by accusations of corruption (aside from abuse of power).  Take, for example, the recently deceased President of the Supreme Court, whose widows are fighting over a large inheritance of dubious origins.

Still, no one will regret the loss of the Liberal Party more that President Flores himself.  Bill Clinton could enlighten us on the bitterness involved with handing the Presidency over to a member of the opposing party.

Overall, the panorama does not look well.  On one hand, the Liberal Party is causing the population unnecessary duress.  On the other, we have a wonderful candidate, Maduro, with his group of prior offenders/followers, making a new bid for power.

It is going to be very difficult for our country to continue accepting the parameters of political opportunists, black mailers and gossips.  We need to grow up and civilize our non-existent trust in authority, maybe by setting up an independent tribunal to investigate the background of presidential candidates.  The National Tribunal of Elections must be completely autonomous and composed of persons with more loyalty to their country, than to their party.

In this manner, Honduras is celebrating the first Christmas of the millennium.  We would like to extend our warmest regards and best wishes to our readers during this holiday season.  We also would like to pray to God to deliver us from ambitious politicians that are leeching the life and sunlight away from our beautiful Honduras.  Happy Holidays.

A very Merry Christmas to all 

By DON PEARLY 

Many cynics feel Christmas has lost its real meaning.  I am a sometimes cynic who does not agree with that.  To me it is first and foremost the birthday of Jesus Christ, and because of that it is a great time to appreciate and enjoy our friends and families.  Fortunately, people of the Jewish faith are coincidentally celebrating their high holiday known as Hanukkah, and that somehow brings most of the world together.

I absolutely love this time of year and I try to help as many people have a good time as possible.  Won't you join me wherever you may live?  Look around for a less fortunate family with or without kids to help enjoy the season.  It will do you as much good as it does them, maybe more.

DO NOT GIVE UP

Business men and woman of the Bay Islands, please keep working together to establish that much needed Chamber of Commerce.  I made the trek from Guanaja via La Ceiba over to Roatan again to attend an executive council meeting only to find that evil disease, complacency, running amuck.  At least I hope it was complacency and not a boycott situation.  Guys and Gals, we really need this vehicle in order to move forward in the world of commerce, so put those personal differences aside and get on with the program. 

WHERE AM I?

I just gave you a clue and now a few more.  The bar is manned by a super efficient and friendly bartender named Jeff.  Mary and Steve, the host and hostess with the mostest, are roaming in and out of you life at the exact, appropriate times.  The waitresses are statuesque and beautiful, and yet completely professional.  Any guesses yet?

     The entree chosen is a USDA rib-eye steak cooked to perfection.  There is an award winning Whippet puppy moving around behind the scenes.  A beautiful Blonde Fisher-gal from Alaska is there with, I believe, Grizzly Adams.  A marvelously beautiful lady is chatting with Phil, the resident PADI dive instructor and sparkplug at Anthony's Key Resort.  Jokes are being passed around and there is a general festive feeling with lots of energy flying about.

     I am once again in my glory, having a fine dinner at Rick's American Café on Roatan.  But you locals knew that, huh?  I swear I am not a stock holder or a relative but simply a fan of gourmet food at reasonable prices. 

DID YOU KNOW?

     Guanaja has been dubbed "The Permit Capitol of the World." What's a permit, you ask?  It is an extremely elusive fish that fights like a Marlin.  Come on down and hook up with one or two.

     Don Pearly is the General Manager of the Bayman Bay Club on the island of Guanaja.  His e-mail is <bayman@caribe.hn>.

The gambling problem 

There are now more than seven video bars operating in Tegucigalpa, filled with their well-programmed money sucking gambling machines.  In La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula many more of these non-casino joints show off our level of culture and development.  In the words of former director of the National Children's Foundation, Mr. Sabillon, "through political corruption" the National Congress has passed a law that accepts video gambling as an "electronic lottery" that functions daily.  This means that in our country, through some politically associated patronage, all type of gambling have been made operable.

In previous years we suggested that our country should have an island where gambling is authorized without restrictions.  National controls could be set so that gambling addicts as well as those looking for a little gambling fun can have an out-of-the-way refuge the way Monte Carlo and Las Vegas operate in the outside world.

By an island we mean a place apart from urban centers, a place that can grow and be dedicated for the sole purpose of entertainment.  This place could very well be at the beautiful beaches of Tela Bay.  It not only has magnificent hotel installations, but also has beautiful parks and a gentle, beautiful people.

Many Honduran families have been seriously damaged by these video bars, many of them designed to cheat our fellow citizens into losing pay checks, properties and even homes.  The only exception we have seen to these is the casinos dedicated solely to the entertainment of tourists.  We must pay attention to this problem before it irreparably damages our society.

The worst part of this business is the way it can quickly turn from a form of entertainment into a serious illness.  Many players don't even realize that it is a compulsive disorder as addictive as tobacco and alcohol.  It is not unheard of people stealing money from their own homes and even turning delinquent in their own businesses just to get enough money to afford the "fix" of a few hours gambling.

In the 70s and 80s, international casinos were host to a number of spies from the banking sector.  These would search out compulsive players and pass on the information to banks who would remove credit lines and deny loans on the grounds that the gambler was a "risky" investment.

We still are not aware of the existence of a Gamblers Anonymous in Honduras and urge people to create one.  A 12-step program is sometimes the only relief compulsive gamblers can find.  The ability to express the fears and pains of a gambling addiction anonymously could change a lot of lives for the better.

We know that for players, the holiday season is not good.  Anxiety accumulates around this time when those at home demand more and gambling has caused those that work to bring in less.  If anyone feels tormented by an unrelenting desire to gamble, we urge you to seek medical help.

Maybe someday, a group will form that will offer support and comfort in an addict's time of need.  We muse over the thought that this group would discuss how the government, with its new gambling laws, shows little care for the common people and the harm those laws might cause us.  It would be nice to dream the Republic could design a place for gambling entertainment and contain such activities in that place, removing the aggravating stress of temptation.

But in the meantime, for those of you who might have trouble buying Christmas presents because you lost it all in the video bars, we ask of you a favor.  Please don't gamble today.  Don't worry about tomorrow, just focus on not playing today.

Positive developments occurring on the island of Roatan 

By EVA L. BROOKS 

Roatan wants to survive!  Roatan is becoming more aware that "only the competitive can survive and prosper."  The community has come together to fight a threat to their progress, a threat that is affecting each of them and therefore all of Honduras.  Some 8,000 cruise ship passengers land here each week and every dollar they spend is taxed at 12 percent for Honduras' mainland.  Do we dare risk losing this revenue?

Roatan's economy depends on these visitors.  Almost all businesses are affected: tour operators, cab drivers, gift shops, dive shops, and restaurants.  Also affected are special tourist attractions such as Las Palmas (specially created for cruise ship tours), Carambola Botanical Gardens, the Tropical Treasures Bird Park, the Arches' Iguana Farm, Roatan's Wild Cane Historic Village and Natural Aquarium and Snorkel Trail, as well as Anthony's Key's spectacular dolphin show and Tabayana Beach Resort in West Bay.

I was present at a meeting of about 40 business leaders as they petitioned their mayor Jerry Hynds and his corporation, which functions like a city council, for two major concessions.  One, a tax break so that they could offer the cruise lines the most advantageous package.  The second and most important request was for the municipality's input in getting the Port Authority to get their dock into shape immediately.  The Port Authority is part of the federal government.

ECONOMY AT STAKE

What is at stake here is nothing less than the entire local economy.  Everyone would be affected if the cruise ships stopped bringing business to Roatan.  Here is what the business leaders had to offer: each one is willing to take a loss in profits in order to offer an attractive package to the owners of cruise lines such as Norwegian, Wind Star and Wind, and smaller boats like Regal and Commodore.

As Julio Gallindo, Marco Gallindo, Paul Boardman and others pointed out, "We are tightening our belts.  We cannot let our people down.  This economy is deeply affected.  We need help."

After further inquiries, I was able to contact William Santiago at the Port Authority in Puerto Cortes, who said that plans are underway for the extension of the dock at a cost of Lps. 8 million.  He was not clear about the time it will take to do the work.

On Nov. 28, eight of Roatan's most prominent business leaders, mayor Jerry Hynds and governor Dorn Andy Ebanks flew to San Pedro Sula to present their case to some of the port authority officials who came down from Puerto Cortes and the president of Honduras' Institute of Tourism, Ana Abrarca, who flew up from Tegucigalpa.

The following day, I had a brief conversation with Julio Gallindo at Anthony's Key.  Julio said that the meeting was very cordial and that the group left optimistically with a letter to them containing some assurances.

CRISIS AVERTED

Shortly after,  another meeting took place at John Edwards' office.  The main focus of this meeting concerned another push by community leaders to get the road paved toward Coxen Hole and toward Flowers Bay west of the pier.

It seemed the impending crisis of losing 8,000 cruise ship passengers had passed or at least been diminished.  Positive developments had occurred as a consequence of this threat.  It energized the community and made partners of some of the most prominent island entrepreneurs and their municipal government.  My sense is that this group will continue to be vigilant and guard to ensure a thriving future for Roatan.

And Roatan's future is looming large.  A chamber of commerce has been formed here recently with Yolanda Russel as its president.  It will represent the interests of all local businesses, including supervising and enhancing the taxi industry, monitoring the cleanliness of towns and tourist facilities, making everyone conscious of environmental issues, recruiting and preparing people for the tourist industry, its importance, and benefits.

And there is more!  There are very special plans, to enumerate a few: Parrot Tree Plantation is realizing a dream long in the mind  of John Edwards.  A 48-room hotel complex with the latest amenities will be built early within the next few months to compliment and enhance the already existing facilities.  The magnificent homes in a variety of styles and the recently completed coffee house will soon be joined by a new restaurant as well.

NEW ENTICEMENTS

Here are some more enticements being created:

In Sandy Bay there is David Sellon's Lawson's Rock Town site that includes swimming pool, coffee shop, and boat slips in an exquisite setting.  Between West End and West Bay, Don Going's resort community Luna Beach is a perfect combination of modern amenities within the unspoiled grandeur of Roatan's lush greenery and white sandy beach, surrounded by a spacious dock.  Luna Beach is laid out to include long wooden nature trails, a pool, a restaurant, and of course beautiful homes.

French Harbor, which for a long time has been deprived of its once very popular yacht club, is pleased to announce that this facility is being renovated and will be opening in February 2001.  It will have a marina, dive shop, small swimming pool, restaurant, and Internet cafe.  Last but not least, there is Las Palmas, the place I drive to when I am dying to visit a mall.  It is built on the ocean with ample and comfortable white deck chairs, a restaurant, and sports facilities.  Sixteen shops in traditional huts offer a unique assortment of crafts: jewelry, garments, leather goods, pottery and more.

Not to let my enthusiasm for Roatan's beauty undermine this current events story and to check on my facts, I decided to call the Honduran Institute of Tourism and talk to Minister Ana Abrarca.  She was not available at the time but Ms. Kenia Zapata, vice president of marketing, spent at least 12 minutes with me.

DIFFERENT SPIN

She had quite a different spin on Roatan's plight.  According to her, the Institute had been in touch with the Port Authority regarding Roatan's pier for quite a while, but did not have the complete cooperation of Roatan's community.  A feasibility study costing $4,000 was necessary before plans could be initiated.  Somehow the community felt that such an expensive undertaking was not called for, since they already knew what should be done was to widen the pier, reinforcing the dolphins and so on.  Furthermore, Roatan had plans to privatize the dock and pay for the work needed with both private funds and bank loans.

This controversy was never resolved, leading up to the present crisis.  The huge cruise liners carrying some 4,000 tourists will not be able to use this port that was originally built to accommodate internal trading, and as Edgardo Pares from the Port Authority explained, "its capacity does not correspond" with these mammoth 21st century cruise liners dropping anchor there.  Thus, the prospect of having 8,000 passengers from cruise ships land here each week and spend their taxable money is problematic.  I will continue to follow this story and let our readers become aware of the growing pains of an island in a developing country.

There is a lot of energy on Roatan to compete with the world market and foster tourism.  Honduras' airports are now privatized.  The telephone company Hondutel is seeking partners for privatization.  Should Honduras' docks follow suit?

Roatan's struggle is due to its geographical location.  This Island, 40 miles north of Honduras' north shore, can only be accessed by sea or air.  Yet Roatan wants and needs bridges to the world.

Eva L. Brooks is the editor of Roatan's Bahia Magazine.

CONDOLENCES 

Dear HTW: 

With great sorrow did I receive the sad news of my old friend Erling Duus passing away.  I want to express my deep condolences to his family.  I will greatly miss his visits to Utila, once called the "flower of Honduras" by a former president.

My two girls will also miss their "Uncle Duus."  He generously remembered them in his will to further their education.  That's the kind of man Erling was -- always concerned about his students and their progress out and in school.

I met Erling over a decade ago when I served on the UMCC School Board.  Erling was one of our teachers and even though we didn't always see eye to eye, we got to be good friends.

Erling was one in a million always bucking the status quo.  With fond memories, I recall our weekly get togethers where over a conch soup, baleada and divers champagne, the threesome of Erling, Brad Duncan and I would discuss the latest news.  Erling's deep laughter and sometimes sarcastic humor was infectious.  He would poke fun or question the hollies of people or organizations wherever he went.

With a smirk, I can't resist remembering Erling locking horns with the chosen-frozen -- some religious fanatics on the island.  His article on the nasty unsanitary habit of spitting also still makes me laugh. I still recall a trip on the chicken bus to Tegucigalpa when a campesino dropped a big blob only inches from my big toe.

A lot of his and also W.E. Gutman's articles triggered some rather amusing responses.  We need more courageous writers like Erling and Gutman who are not afraid to tell the truth even if it hurts.

To all the readers who are outraged about gringos criticizing our conditions here, I suggest channeling the rage toward some of the appalling conditions in this country and work on changing them.

I've lived over three decades in this beautiful country, mostly on the smallest of the Bay Islands called Utila and have seen many changes, some of them for the better, others for the worst.  We need people like Erling to stimulate people to think about the future of the country.

One of the things Erling did so well is that he could see through con artists, smoke screens, false prophets and all the "little Hitlers" he locked horns with along his path.  He was never afraid to speak his mind.

I salute you, Erling, and also W.E. Gutman, who I hope to meet someday.  I take my hat off for those who are not afraid to tell the truth untarnished, to rip the mask off the ones who think they are above the law or challenge lawmakers and enforcers when they are out of line.  More power to all of you.

We will miss Erling, my good friend, or Uncle Duus, as my girls called him. 

Gunter Kordovsky
Utila, Bay Islands

Dear Editor: 

In an earlier letter I'd acknowledged that I always read the "Prairie Populist" first when HTW came.  That's not possible anymore.  Although from time to time I review my earlier letter, asking myself if I too had contributed to Erling Duus' stress, his ulcers, his abandonment of his life.  Because in my letter I had accused him of not being a Christian, while implying that I am one.  This reflection is my confession that my actions and words do not always live up to Christian ideals.

After all, Duus was a prophet and that's not easy.  Just read the Old Testament prophets if you think it is fun.  The short biography by W.E. Gutman on Oct. 28 teaches something about Duus' background.  It also mentions some of his past writing and I believe both HTW and ourselves would benefit from more exposure to some of those essays.  The heritage of a teacher or a writer lives on after the prophet leaves and goes to another world.

Reviewing Gutman's short biography shows Duus' life was like a butterfly not knowing where to light.  Then God sent him to Honduras for our benefit and as to be expected, the "status quo" does not like to be disturbed.  In the Bible, the Old Testament book of Job says that God gives and God takes away.  He sent Duus to Honduras and after our lack of appreciation he took him away.

Cornelio P. Groothousen
Siguatepeque

Relations with Nicaragua need to be reviewed  

Once again, the National Association of Industries (ANDI) has launched another complaint over trade with Nicaragua.  Ever since the approval by Congress of a controversial maritime treaty between Honduras and Colombia a few months back, Nicaragua has been levying a 35 percent import tax on Honduran products.

ANDI President Mr. Peraza claims that Honduran producers lose almost US$2 million per day!  The only joy brought to Honduran private enterprise owners is a threat from our government to do the same with Nicaraguan products if their ludicrous measures are not amended.  This threat would be carried out next April: over 120 days and $240 million later.

It seems that Nicaragua's government has been very clear demonstrating where they stand with the integration of the Central American market.  In other words, they are unconditionally in favor of the market's integration -- so long as their rights and interests are in the highest priority.  With their ridiculous taxing of Honduran products, Nicaragua has frivolously done away with Central American integration, an event in our land's history that was supposed to be filled with good memories and general improvements for all the region.

Honduras must not be put down by this.  As a country, we should take this setback as inspiration to strengthen the integration with the other countries involved.  We cannot view our neighbors as someone we can take advantage of or not, but instead as a respectable member of our small economic community.  Our relations with Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica should be economically based, and not social.  Goals must be set in conjunction with a context based on responsibility, cordiality and precision in negotiations.

All of these must invariably aim to prevent the acts of demagogues we are used to experiencing in Latin America.  Fujimori and Sanchez bring up bad memories of that, they were leaders who directed their respective countries with emotions and not the serene, cool logic needed to make long-term goals.

We will not go off on a rant about the personality of Nicaragua's administration.  We will make mention that President Aleman was challenged, not so long ago, by Nicaragua's Congress to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

We will also mention that, historically, our southern neighbor has been the most conflictive we have had.  The frictions with Nicaragua in the past were also more violent than legal.  Little do we understand why Honduras has not demanded compensation for the Nicaraguan turbulence caused when they tried to go communist (more like "Catro-ist"); our country paid the highest price in that attempt.

Taking into account our southern neighbor's erratic, irrational activities, we fear that the past is coming back to haunt us.  We fear that the Sandinistas have not really left Nicaragua.  They are still there, with the same number of weapons, and every day gaining more power.  It seems no one has said it out loud, but Nicaragua is seriously heading to repeating its past revolution.  If they do, they will once again try to drag the rest of Central America down with them.

Because of this, and more, we strongly urge our government to review our relations with Nicaragua, bearing in mind that our people do not once again want to be contaminated by the remnants of Castro's followers in the isthmus.

HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS ANALYSIS 

Peru: end of the road for Alberto Fujimori 

Sullied beyond redemption, the old samurai commits political hara-kiri and finds shade in the Land of the Rising Sun 

By W. E. GUTMAN 

PARIS -- Only history will explain how a $15,000 bribe brought down a regime that, for 10 years, held Peru in its bloody claw.  Since the contested reelection, in May, of President Alberto Fujimori, Peru has been wading in a political quagmire without precedent.  The spectacle of a tainted, moribund administration was prelude to the inevitable end it foretold -- Fujimori's abject downfall, his hasty, craven resignation, and his bare-faced denial of any wrongdoing -- directly or by association.

The Peruvian chief of state had hurriedly left the Sultanate of Brunei -- the richest nation on earth -- flown halfway around the world to Panama, allegedly to attend the Ibero-American summit, shadowed by rumors in Lima that he may be seeking political asylum in Malaysia.  He never joined his peers at the summit, adding fodder to new speculations and hastening his demise.

His own administration had given frantic signs of panic.  Prime Minister Federico Salas spoke of the eventual resignation of the head of state.  The night before, Finance Minister Carlos Bolona, visiting Chile, had commented on the political instability in Peru, saying that chances that Fujimori would finish his term, ending in April 2001, were slim.

Every day since September, when a video was broadcast worldwide showing Peru's spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos -- a graduate of the U.S. Army School of the Americas and a known torturer -- bribing a member of the opposition into joining the coalition, Peru has added a new episode to this squalid thriller.  It is this scandal that has forced Fujimori to shorten his five-year mandate, by calling elections on April 8, 2001, in which he said he would not take part.  His hasty retreat to Panama (a now popular springboard for outlaws, terrorists, military thugs and deposed heads of state) and subsequent coddling of potential paladins in Japan where he eventually absconded -- all added to the rumor mill.

SWISS ACCOUNTS

The discovery of Swiss bank accounts to the tune of $50 million in Montesinos' name magnified the scandal and further besmirched Fujimori.  It was now impossible for Peruvians, whose nation was mired since 1992 in human rights abuses, to accept the Montesinos' transgressions as the result of mere human frailty.  After all, Montesinos had been Fujimori's right-hand man, his advisor, his shadow -- and Fujimori had steadfastly backed him up.

"This is obviously a case of corruption of which I knew nothing," Fujimori bleated unconvincingly in a recent TV interview from Japan.  "These funds, the result of illicit transactions, including laundering, were cleverly procured by people I had no reason to mistrust."  Such self-exculpatory rhetoric did not prevent Fujimori from announcing the "discovery" of a $58 million stash allegedly belonging to Montesinos.  "Pure deception," a Peruvian diplomat told this writer in Paris during a state visit by opposition leader, Alejandro Toledo, "a vulgar sleight-of-hand crafted to feign utter ignorance of -- and deny complicity in -- Montesinos' huge narcotrafficking operations."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the diplomat also alluded to rumors first raised by Colombia's weekly, Cambio, alleging that the former head of the Medellin drug cartel, Pablo Escobar, had financed Fujimori's 1990 electoral campaign.  The go-between: Vladimiro Montesinos.

RETURN TO DEMOCRACY

The ensuing "end-of-an-era" climate inevitably led to many changes, particularly among Peru's high and mighty.  Institutions put in place since 1992 soon collapsed -- or were "disinfected."  The three military chiefs of staff were relieved of their duties; the secret services dismantled.  The judiciary is in the throes of a major reorganization and new, independent jurists have since been nominated.  In fact, Peru is returning to a democracy interrupted and subverted by Fujimori's "auto-golpe" of 1992.

The resignation of Jose Portillo, accused of partisanship and widely suspected of manipulating elections, also signals important changes in the country.  To Peruvians, Portillo embodies the conniving and entrenched aberrations of the past few years, especially those associated with Fujimori's blackjack regime.

Adopted a fortnight ago, the motion to censure the president caused Martha Hildebrandt -- dubbed "Fujimori's Iron Lady" -- abruptly to resign.  This should open the way to a meticulous investigation into Fujimori's "moral incapacity."

Whether or not an inquiry confirms that Fujimori and Montesinos were abandoned by their old allies, the reason for their downfall is murky and troubling.  The leaks that led to the video's airing, in which Montesinos is seen bribing Alberto Kouri, are without a doubt the same that ultimately made public Montesinos's many bank accounts.  It's open season on speculations: Was it dissension within the military?  Was it vengeance by the CIA, which did not appreciate Montesinos' involvement in the sale of weapons to Colombian guerrillas?

A point to ponder by certain Central American governments whose fortunes -- and agendas -- may not survive close scrutiny.

INACCURATE STATEMENT 

Dear HTW: 

I am writing you in reference to a front-page article that appeared in your newspaper on Saturday, Oct. 14, "Honduran primary process significantly different from U.S." by Wendy Griffin.  The article stated, "Supporting another party, especially a small party like the Innovation and Unity Party (PINU) or the Democratic Unification Party (UD), makes a person ineligible for certain jobs with the World Bank, U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other aid projects."  This statement is incorrect for the U.S. Agency for International Development.  I do not know if it is accurate for other aid organizations.  I respectfully request that you investigate the matter and print the appropriate correction in an upcoming edition of Honduras This Week. 

Todd Amani
Director, Office of Strategy and Program Support
USAID
Tegucigalpa

HONDURAS NEEDS MADURO 

Dear HTW: 

The following is my personal response to the interview with Ricardo Maduro Joest which appeared in Honduras This Week on Nov. 18 and 25.  I am not affiliated with any particular political party nor do the views I express necessarily reflect those of my employer, Bahia magazine.

Both parts of the interview conducted by Blanca Moreno with Maduro were not only fascinating but also very informative.  Here is a man who understands the serious problems facing this country.  Clearly he has wrestled with the issues for a long time and has the ability to communicate them so that all of us can understand, start thinking about, and eventually act on them.

Most valuable is Maduro's understanding of the economy, which is the underpinning of all progress in this developing country, and his ability to inform the public of the relationship of a sound fiscal policy (whose goal should be stable prices and high employment) and inflation.

His idea to provide an electronic screen for the congress strikes this reader as excellent.  It would surely make this legislative body's functions transparent.  Consequently, it would help (over time) to decentralize power and create a more independent branch of government.

Moreover Maduro's remarks related to education and its reform were particularly cogent.  And as your editorial (HTW 8/19/00: Educational reform imperative) pointed out, educational reform must become a priority.  No country can rise out of poverty unless it educates its people so they can compete in the continuous growth of the global economy.

Maduro's ideas strike me as truly relevant: he objects to subsidies on the university level (students should be charged according to their parents' ability), which would free funds for lower educational institutions; buildings, continuing teacher education and salaries, as well as teaching materials such as computers.  Most important, we must find a way to connect teachers and parents.  They should be allies in the continuing task of a child's educational growth.

Perhaps most important is Maduro's awareness of Honduras' deep-seeded problem with efficiency.  "There is no clear concept of how to do things here," he says.  I was amused by his example of analogizing a government administrative plan with a child's Christmas wish list.  Maduro understands that a leader must plan, estimate costs, (they must correspond to the available budget), and know each facet and detail as well as supervise each aspect of whatever operation -- may that be building a bridge, schools, hospitals, living accommodations, etc., or repairing piers or roads.  Moreover, and to me this seems most important, a leader in business or government must be able to generate enthusiasm for each undertaking or project and make each person aware of how it is supposed to be done within a specified time and budget frame.

It is this writer's belief that if business and government transactions are well planned and transparent, the terrible cancer-like illness that impedes progress and destroys the work and intentions of truly good people, corruption, can be at least minimized and eventually eliminated.

I pray that Maduro will be permitted to register and win the National Party's primaries.  This country needs a man who is both an industrial engineer and an economist and is able to communicate his sound philosophy of many cogent issues in a simple way. 

Eva L. Brooks
Editor, Bahia Magazine
Roatan, Bay Islands

Monday, December 4, 2000 Online Edition 49

Intimidation tactics 

Due to the merciless blackmail exerted by the local supermarkets, times of intimidation are what local producers and suppliers are going through.  Archaic practices and the lack of business ethics allow Tegucigalpa's supermarkets to create patterns that rule the formal and informal economy market sectors.

These intimidating practices are carried out in different manners: varying prices for aisle space, boycotting of merchandise delivered, destruction of merchandise from mishandling, costs of advertising demanded of producers and merchants, price control and manipulation of smaller producers, excessive profits; "in-your-face" robbery by paying suppliers more than 90 days after the sale of their products plus self-applying a 5 percent discount for early payment, and by early they mean right after the 90-day waiting period.

These methods, drastically and directly affecting local producers and merchants, are currently being used by the city's most publicized supermarket. In the name of "free enterprise," we have to bow our heads because this supermarket is intimately tied with the "God" of Honduran television and his millionaire connections; meaning that this is where the future of many Honduran companies is decided.

What does the government do about these types of practices?  Aside from the above mentioned, it is amazing that Casa Alianza ignores the fact that in these supermarkets minors are employed without a regular salary nor social security benefits by ways of the very well-known practice, as known in New York, of "work for the tips."  Why does no one advocate for the rights of these children?

Many a time we find it hard to co-exist with such ridiculous social practices that doom us to continuous misery dictated by a few wealthy people.  We are sure that many companies operate decently and ethically.  The problem is that we must continually mention this situation so that something is done about it and thus avoid having to shout out loud in order to be heard.

Conference on Honduras: The philosophy of Opposite George 

By MARCO CACERES
(First in a series) 

On Nov. 3-4, the first annual Conference on Honduras was held in Washington, DC.  Some 100 individuals representing about 60 groups from 22 states in the United States, as well as Honduras and Germany, attended the event.  There were 26 speakers who gave presentations on a diverse range of topics having to do with either education or health care in Honduras.

The conference was styled after a professional business conference, with a total of five panels and time allocated for audience participation.  Its purpose was simply to take stock of some of the projects being undertaken to help Honduras and find ways to complement efforts by meeting to exchange information.  The event essentially provided an opportunity to "network."

To make what could be a very long story short, the conference was a success.  All of the speakers were well-spoken, knowledgeable about their projects, and passionate about their causes.  There were no "flowery speeches," but rather solid, no-nonsense presentations -- many in Power Point format.  Everyone left the conference feeling as though they'd been a part of a very special event to find ways to improve and expand support for Honduras.

A few days after the conference was over, I began receiving e‑mails from people interested in finding out about our conclusions.  I told them that we were in the process of writing a "white paper" to summarize and analyze the proceedings and to determine the "next steps."  The more I thought about this, though, the more I began to realize that there really were no "earth shattering" conclusions.  After all, this was not meant as an academic exercise or a government hearing.

The goal was not to talk about the problems that ail Honduras and come up with a magi tonic to cure them, or some sort of "five‑year plan."  The goal was to understand what things are already being done to alleviate the problems and how we can build on these activities through improved communication and coordination.

THE CONFERENCE

Thus, I suppose the main "result" of the conference is that there is a new, loosely-tied body of people that have come together under a kind of a consortium at least tentatively called the "Conference on Honduras."  The word "Conference" now refers to more than just a specific event.  It refers to a living, breathing movement of like-minded individuals from all walks of life who share a common interest, to contribute their time, energy and expertise for the betterment of Honduras.

The Conference has "adjourned," not "ended."  It will meet again next November, again in Washington.  That decision in-and-of-itself is a second tangible result.  There exists a strong belief that we should come together annually.  More importantly, in my opinion, there exists a genuine desire to meet again and, as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek would say, "Make it so."

In the meantime, the "movement" continues to mature via the Internet.  A directory of everyone who attended the conference has been created at www.projecthonduras.com/conference, with e-mail addresses, links to respective websites, and news about the conferees and their projects.  This directory is the third result.  It provides a homebase in cyberspace and facilitates group communications, so that people have the option of not working in isolation.  It encourages individuals to draw upon the strengths and experiences of others to find answers, solutions.

As I sit and compose this piece, there are several other results in the making involving individuals who met at the conference and identified "common ground."  Some of these efforts may take years to bear fruit and may be widely publicized.  Others involving something as quick as writing a check to provide funds for a project in Honduras have already happened in a discreet manner.

The point is that the so-called "Conference on Honduras 2000" does not lend itself to a traditional white paper or any other kind of documentation typically produced by a conventional conference.  The reason for this is because the results of this particular conference are a "work in progress."  The best, most accurate testimonial to the milestone event that has recently occurred is to write a series of articles regarding evolution of the Conference and the accomplishments of its participants.  And when one series comes to a natural conclusion, then there will no doubt be others that follow.

POSITIVE FOCUS

It is through these series of articles or essays that we hope to build our understanding of what is being done to help Honduras and how these things can be done better.  What things work or don't work, and why?  Through this process, we hope to pass along practical answers and constructive solutions to some of Honduras' problems, piece by piece by piece.

The underlying assumption, of course, is that there will in fact be practical answers and constructive solutions generated by the Conference.

One of the keys to ensuring that this happens is to always remain positive and focused only on those areas in which we can work together to make a difference.  That's a very reasonable sounding statement, but if you analyze carefully what it means, it's not so easy to put into practice.

It means, for example, that we will avoid being negative and critical of each other.  It means that we will choose not to discuss, one-on-one, issues that we clearly see we cannot agree on.  It means that we will opt not to deal with those problems that are beyond our abilities to directly affect.

To be effective, I believe a movement has to stay united.  We cannot do this if the persons involved do not generally like and respect each other.  Being negative and critical are human traits that tend to cause bad feelings and end up creating divisions within groups.

To be effective, it seems to me that a movement must use its time wisely.  We cannot do this if individuals dwell on ideas or beliefs that prevent them from identifying synergies that allow them to support each other's work.

LIMITS SET

To be effective, I think that a movement needs to define and appreciate its limitations.  Otherwise, there will be a tendency to try to address every single problem, and consequently risk resolving nothing.  The vision on which the movement was originally founded will lose its clarity and, in time, the movement will sadly cease to exist.  That's why the Conference on Honduras did not (and will not) discuss politics and tempting, highly emotional items such as corruption.

What I've just outlined here is the basis for a kind of philosophy to which I will doggedly insist the Conference adhere.  There is an episode of the sitcom "Seinfeld" in which George accepts the logic that, since everything he normally does turns out wrong, then it follows that everything he would do contrary to his norm should turn out right.  "Normal George" is bad, ergo "Opposite George" is good.

The philosophy is simple.  It assumes that it is human nature to be negative and critical.  It assumes that it is our nature to be argumentative and wary of our differences.  And it assumes that it is natural for us to prefer to talk about the big issues outside one's realm of influence rather than physically get involved and address the "do-able" stuff.

If we are to stand a chance in heck to make a true difference in Honduras, I submit that we have to adopt a new way of thinking and acting toward one another in order to remain a movement.  We have to learn to follow a philosophy that, to many of us, seems unnatural.  If we don't, then we will become just another group of individuals with some good intentions, but not really with any unique approach to dealing with a Third World country's problems.

Once we consistently find ourselves practicing the philosophy of Opposite George, we will be able to say, "We are different from anything else that has been tried in Honduras."  Then we will honestly be on our way to creating that "unconventional movement" we spoke of at the conference.

Marco Caceres is the founder of projecthonduras.com.

BIZARRE NAMES EVERYWHERE! 

Dear HTW: 

I found your article on "weird" naming convention (if any) of Hondurans towns a bit one-sided.

I am a Honduran living in the U.S. now and I can testify to the following names in my adoptive country: Virginville, PA; New hope, PA; Blue Ball, PA; Moon, PA; Horseheads, NY; Elmira, NY.

And when you come to think of it, Oakland, CA ("Oaks Land", at a par with Sabanagrande, isn't it?), Sausalito, CA; Palo Alto, CA (tall tree in Spanish, the amazing thing is that the original

names have been kept by the Anglo settlers!); Mesa, AZ (table, again Spanish but the legacy goes on); Clinton, NJ (never thought they would come to public limelight, eh?) White Plains, NJ; Elizabeth, NJ; Orange County, CA; Inland Empire, CA (the region exists but I do not know if it is an actual town); Palm Springs, CA.

All names, when one thinks of it, are pretty weird when literal translations are made.  But what did the founders have in mind when these names were given?  That is a story I would like to read in your magazine (for Honduras of course!).  Good job, excellent publication.

Eduardo A Sanchez
San Francisco, CA

Dear HTW: 

I enjoyed very much your reminiscences about fanciful place names.  It has been my pleasure to travel to some of those locations.  You omitted mention of El Paraiso.  I believe it was the comedian Woody Allen who said he was all for immortality as long as he did not have to die first.  Fortunately for Hondurans and visitors, a visit to Paradise does not involve that necessity.  We can go and return to tell our tale about enjoyable times there, express our appreciation of the beauty of the department and recommend the journey to our friends.

Howard V. Walker
Ontario, Canada