an uprising in Puerto
HI Folks,
For the last three days there has been an uprising in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. It is ending now. Carolyn and I are not currently in Puerto Cabezas, and so are in no danger.
The Juista Tara (head judge, more or less) of the Miskito people, Brother Hector Williams a local preacher, in months past filed paperwork with the approval of the three indigenous tribes of Indians in Nicaragua to secede the nation of Miskitia from the nation of NIcaragua. The deadline for the government of Nicaragua's response to the points listed in the documents of secession was October the 19th of this year. Three days ago.
On the 19th, there were manifestations of political support for the Juista Tara's move, including burning of tires in the streets and marching througout the city. The secession crowd attempted to take over the government building in the city of Puerto Cabezas.
The Nicaraguan governments response to this expression of political will has been swift. There was tear gas deployed, and one 75 year old man died of asphixiation. This gentlemens death is the only one so far, and since the uprising has been quelled, he is expected to be the only one.
The underlying issues for this huelga (strike) are comlex, but boil down to the Miskito Indians feeling a sense of deprivation and living in poverty. We live in an ignored corner of Nicaragua, both by the government and the rest of the world. We are pleased to report the God is still there, and working miracles amongst our Miskito brothers.
As the political climate returns to normal, the underlying issues are still there and must be met, in some way, and by some party.
These kinds of "manifestations" seem to happen once or twice a year, due to the frustration of poverty, and the lack of opportunities to pull themselves out of this state of deprivation. Please hold our beloved Miskitio people fast...in your prayers.
God Bless!
Richard Becton
For the last three days there has been an uprising in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. It is ending now. Carolyn and I are not currently in Puerto Cabezas, and so are in no danger.
The Juista Tara (head judge, more or less) of the Miskito people, Brother Hector Williams a local preacher, in months past filed paperwork with the approval of the three indigenous tribes of Indians in Nicaragua to secede the nation of Miskitia from the nation of NIcaragua. The deadline for the government of Nicaragua's response to the points listed in the documents of secession was October the 19th of this year. Three days ago.
On the 19th, there were manifestations of political support for the Juista Tara's move, including burning of tires in the streets and marching througout the city. The secession crowd attempted to take over the government building in the city of Puerto Cabezas.
The Nicaraguan governments response to this expression of political will has been swift. There was tear gas deployed, and one 75 year old man died of asphixiation. This gentlemens death is the only one so far, and since the uprising has been quelled, he is expected to be the only one.
The underlying issues for this huelga (strike) are comlex, but boil down to the Miskito Indians feeling a sense of deprivation and living in poverty. We live in an ignored corner of Nicaragua, both by the government and the rest of the world. We are pleased to report the God is still there, and working miracles amongst our Miskito brothers.
As the political climate returns to normal, the underlying issues are still there and must be met, in some way, and by some party.
These kinds of "manifestations" seem to happen once or twice a year, due to the frustration of poverty, and the lack of opportunities to pull themselves out of this state of deprivation. Please hold our beloved Miskitio people fast...in your prayers.
God Bless!
Richard Becton
posted by Casa de Servicio | 8:36 AM
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