By Fabrizio Casari
[This article was first published in Spanish in El Digital 19 on August 17, 2024. It is translated here by Francisco Dominguez.]
(Fabrizio Casari is an Italian journalist and political analyst.)
The new law that will regulate the activities of non-governmental organizations in Nicaragua, outlining the contours of their functions, is called “Alianza de Asociación” (Partnership Alliance). The new law redefines and specifies their legal nature, pointing out the association with the Nicaraguan State as the only possible contractual form for their work. In essence, the new law is based on two aspects, one of a juridical-administrative nature and the other of an eminently value-based nature, directly linked to the purposes of NGO work, which cannot fail to contemplate the presence of a subsidiary nature based on the principle of solidarity and cooperation.
“Nicaragua is now equipped with a legislative instrument that defends the principle of solidarity but directs it in the direction of national interests. It represents the will to be open to the contribution of honest people and the capacity to close itself to interference.”
In the first aspect, the law traces and expands previous provisions on the matter, inspired by the law passed by the neo-liberal government of Violeta Chamorro in 1995, subsequently updated after the attempted coup d’état of 2018. It reiterates the obligation of administrative transparency for all associations, and, significantly, mandates the constant monitoring of funding, strict compliance, and accurate reporting of expenditure flows. It reiterates the obligation to report on funds from abroad and from foreign institutions and the obligation to document their amount, purpose and use.
On this subject, considering the obligation derived from Nicaragua’s membership in the international forum that fights money laundering and illicit currency trafficking, little can be said. The law moves in the right direction, which sees the State as responsible for the proper functioning and correct performance of any entity, whether private, public or international, operating in the national territory.
It is on the more strictly evaluative level where the new law presents a novelty with respect to previous and even similar laws in force in other countries, namely, the associative nature with the State. In practice, the Nicaraguan State offers and requires from NGOs a collaboration plan defined as a “Partnership Alliance”.
The law specifies that the NGO’s presence, accompanied by general and detailed documentation on the projects to be carried out, must be sent to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it requires each NGO to submit detailed proposals on specific topics according to their mission or vocation. These proposals, once the public interest has been ascertained, will form the basis of the “Alliance Partnership” with the State under which the NGO’s activities are to be carried out.
Of course, the government may or may not accept the projects, but in any case, it will ensure that all its activities are carried out in accordance with the law, as a mutual guarantee. Once a project is completed in its entirety, it will be possible to move on to a new proposal. It is clear, however, that no project will be exempt from the corresponding tax obligations: which, in addition to representing a principle of legal validity, potentially avoids any kind of advantage that could give rise to possible unfair competition with national companies wishing to try their luck in similar projects.
This law is undoubtedly a novelty for all countries with the presence of non-governmental organizations, but if we examine it more closely, we find a precise conception of NGO activity. Indeed, it is about the principle of subsidiarity, by virtue of which NGOs act or should act. That is, acting to complement and assist the public works and social activities of the State with specific projects. It announces a rigorous control of the fulfilment of the approved projects and specifies the purpose of the work of the NGOs in the field, which can only take place in a context of solidarity and fraternity with the good of Nicaragua as the ultimate goal.
The updating of the law, which establishes the general framework in which NGOs should exercise their role of subsidiary support to the creation of social works, became necessary precisely because of the well-established role of socio-political destabilization that many NGOs carry out by acting as representatives of Washington’s interests.
As demonstrated in Nicaragua, but also in Cuba and Venezuela, the US government and the European Union (EU), in alliance with the church hierarchies, the large land owners and the coup-supporting right wing, played a subversive and provocative role. (….) Until 2018 the strategic role of NGOs in the subversive processes within the countries that the U.S. and the EU intend to destabilize and lead towards political crisis had not been clear.
These so-called NGOs, funded by various U.S. agencies, instead of working (…) with public and community organizations (as would have been their task) devoted themselves for years to organizing opposition, political education, building dissent and preparing social sectors and individuals for confrontation with the legitimate and democratically-elected ruling political authority.
In 2018, they clearly demonstrated in Nicaragua that, far from representing a dimension of solidarity and generosity, they were an aggressive opposition force, wolves disguised as lambs when they were in front of cameras…. Their mission, once the horror phase began, became to turn armed thugs into peaceful students and to blame their crimes on a police force that, obeying the President’s orders, was stationed in their police stations. The aim was to spread a totally distorted image of what was happening in order to positively influence international public opinion and predispose it to foreign intervention if the conditions were right. Together with the Catholic Church, the NGOs represented the hypocritical and false tip of the sword of the coup, its masked face used to justify the unjustifiable, as well as the international funding collector that functioned without control…. The dollars destined for the coup reached the accounts of the NGOs and the Church and from there they were distributed to the enlisted terrorists.
“[Some] so-called NGOs, funded by various U.S. agencies, instead of working in subsidiarity with public and community organizations (as would have been their task) devoted themselves for years to organizing opposition, political education, building dissent and preparing social sectors and individuals for confrontation with the legitimate and democratically-elected ruling political authority.”
This happens with non-profit organizations, associations and human rights organizations: real channels of financing to build and defend the interventionist project first and coup later. These NGOs were certainly not the spontaneous product of generous philanthropists from overseas: the most significant ones in Nicaragua belonged to the Chamorro family and the former MRS, which through them received money and political support from Miami and Washington.
This new law definitively brings to an end the era in which updated methods of penetration had consecrated the everlasting will of direct intervention in the political, social, cultural and media life of the country.
Today, in the face of any possible interference, Nicaragua is equipped with a legislative instrument that defends the principle of solidarity but directs it in the direction of national interests. It represents the will to be open to the contribution of honest people and the capacity to close itself to interference; it is the capacity to unmask destabilizing operations and to value the common good and popular needs. It is the respect for these, as well as for the institutional nature of the country, which puts in place welcome and solidarity, alliances and sharing. This opens the nation’s arms but sharpens its vision and prevents the transformation of cooperation into conspiracy. This is the task.
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Briefs
By Nan McCurdy
Buses for Cooperatives in Managua, Masaya and Chinandega
On August 24, the Sandinista government turned over 100 Yutong buses from the People’s Republic of China to 11 public transportation cooperatives in the departments of Managua, Masaya and Chinandega. The delivery of the buses took place in the auditorium of the 21st of January Cooperative in Managua, where license plates were also given to the carriers. The department of Managua received 66 buses, Masaya received 13 and Chinandega 21, completing 100 units that will be providing service to the population. With these new Yutong buses Nicaraguans will be able to travel more comfortably and safely. The members of the cooperatives called on the population to take care of the units, not to damage them, not to scratch the seats, and to keep them clean in order to guarantee better service. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/entregan-buses-a-cooperativas-de-managua-masaya-y-chinandega/ (La Primerisima, 24 August 2024)
Exhibition in Honor of Otto de la Rocha
In commemoration of the 91st anniversary of the birth of the songwriter Otto de la Rocha, the Mayor’s Office of Managua, inaugurated the exhibition “Painting a Song,” where more than 100 works were presented, inspired by the stories and popular songs of this famous Nicaraguan singer-songwriter-actor. The art exhibited to honor de la Rocha included chalk, pastel, acrylic, graphite pencil, charcoal, and oil created by children, youth and adults from the drawing, painting and plastic arts courses of the Houses of Culture and Creativity of the municipality of Managua. The cultural activity was presided over by the secretary of the Managua City Council Jennifer Porras López, and Georgina Valdivia, widow of Otto de la Rocha, who together with the art students and their families, enjoyed a cultural event and the exhibition of portraits. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/abren-exposicion-en-homenaje-a-otto-de-la-rocha/
First Release of Baby Turtles at Chacocente
On August 23, MARENA released 60 baby turtles of the species Lepidochelys olivacea (known as Paslama in Nicaragua and Olive Ridley in English) on the shores of the Escalante River Wildlife Refuge in Chacocente, municipality of Santa Teresa, Department of Carazo. Assisting in the release were tourists, members of the Army, and protected area rangers. This first release of baby turtles for the 2024 season in Chacocente is a result of the implementation of the national “Together We Conserve Our Sea Turtles” campaign. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/primera-liberacion-de-tortuguillos-en-chacocente/ (La Primerisima, 24 August 2024)
Nicaraguan Embassy in Washington DC Commemorates the Literacy Campaign
The Government, through the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington DC commemorated 44 years of the National Literacy Crusade with a reception organized in conjunction with the association “Things to do in DC.” The Chargé d’Affaires of Nicaragua in the United States, Lautaro Sandino, greeted the attendees on behalf of the Nicaraguan government. The hymn of the Literacy Crusade and related songs were the background of the activity that gathered about 60 people interested in the process of restoration of rights promoted by Nicaragua. Sandino stressed that at the triumph of the Sandinista Popular Revolution the illiteracy rate in Nicaragua was 55 percent, so the country became a great school and in five months with the participation of thousands of young people illiteracy was reduced to thirteen percent. He added that now illiteracy is 3.5 percent. This victory of the people is not only in education, but also in health, social and economic development. Executive Director of the “Things to do DC” Association, Gregory Bland, emphasized that Nicaragua’s hospitality, its people and government are always inspiring and that they will continue to carry out activities that allow them to learn about the history and efforts of the Nicaraguan people. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/embajada-de-nicaragua-en-washington-celebra-cruzada-de-alfabetizacion/ (La Primerisima, 24 August 2024)
Mega Orthopedic Fair in Siuna Attends Thousands
A total of 2,699 people received treatment at the mega orthopedic fair organized by the Sandinista government through MINSA at the Carlos Centeno Hospital in Siuna.
Doctors provided 4,935 treatments to patients from the Miskito, Mayagna and Mestizo peoples, coming from 593 communities and 92 neighborhoods of the municipalities of Rosita, Bonanza, Paiwas, Mulukukú, Prinzapolka and Siuna. This event brought together communities from the Mining Triangle and nearby areas, who took advantage of specialized orthopedic services, including consultations, evaluations and treatments.
The fair reaffirmed the government’s commitment to health and equitable access to quality services throughout the country. A total of 28 minor surgeries, 44 casts, 10 knee replacements, 4 arthroscopies, 3 trauma surgeries and 361 infiltrations were performed.
Likewise, 78 ultrasounds, 376 X-rays, 33 electromyography tests, 943 laboratory tests were performed and 626 people were vaccinated against COVID-19. (La Primerisima, 25 August 2024)
Deputy Gladys Báez Awarded the Order General José Dolores Estrada
During a special session in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Pancasán, the National Assembly president, Dr. Gustavo Porras, awarded National Assembly Deputy Gladys Báez the Order of General José Dolores Estrada. Baez is the second vice-president of the National Assembly and survivor of the Battle of Pancasán. Porras explained that the decoration was awarded at the initiative of President Daniel Ortega, Vice President Rosario Murillo and the National Assembly. Baez received this highest order and distinction granted by the National Assembly for her heroism, guerrilla mystique and revolutionary trajectory. Deputy Raquel Dixon stated that Gladys Báez is a legendary, patriotic and brave woman, who has stood out in different stages of the country’s history. She joined the FSLN as a militant, participated in the 1967 Pancasán struggle, joined the Rigoberto López Pérez Western Front in the insurrections of León, and is currently a deputy in the National Assembly. Báez said, “I remember the trip to Pancasán: the vehicle we were in overturned and we fell into a ravine. Efrain Sanchez, Daniel Ortega and I were in that vehicle. Daniel got us out of the vehicle.” She went on to say, “Today as I receive this maximum distinction, I consider that I receive it not personally, but rather for all the people who have fought for the dignity and sovereignty of our homeland. Fifty years after Pancasán the enemy is still the same.” (La Primerisima, 27 August 2024)
11th Extraordinary Summit ALBA-TCP Supports Venezuela
At the Eleventh Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) held on August 26, 2024, the presidents of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega; Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel; and Bolivia, Luis Arce, expressed their support for the government of Venezuela in face of attacks from imperialist powers.
Here are extracts from the final declaration of that meeting:
We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBATCP), committed to the founding principles and values of solidarity, social justice and cooperation, and in adherence to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, meeting on August 26, 2024:
Recognizing that the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a founding member country of the ALBA-TCP, a project envisioned by the Liberator Simón Bolívar and the heroes of the independence efforts of Latin America and the Caribbean and carried forward by Commanders Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías and Fidel Castro Ruz, the member countries of this great Alliance acknowledge that this nation is sovereign and independent, with high democratic standards, which, in compliance with its sacred Constitution, organized presidential elections, in accordance with the corresponding regulatory schedule.
Throughout the years of growth of this great unionist and integrationist project, we have been witnesses to the work and leadership of President Nicolás Maduro Moros at the helm of this sister nation in the face of the fiercest onslaught of transnational powers, … as well as witnesses to an unparalleled onslaught against the Venezuelan nation, through over 930 unilateral and illegal coercive measures aimed at strangling the Venezuelan economy and society.
Therefore, we hereby:
Strongly condemn any coup d’état or attempted coup d’état, as they constitute a violent, illegal and unconstitutional effort that threatens democracy, peace and life itself, as well as the destabilizing plans and actions promoted by foreign powers, which attempt to disregard the will of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed democratically and legitimately at the ballot box.Strongly repudiate the brutal communication warfare, full of hatred, intolerance, discrimination and contempt through social networks, strategically aimed at the younger generations of Venezuelan society, victims of disinformation and hyper-information to promote violence, vandalism and barbarism. ….
Demand that the international community respect the sovereignty, self-determination and democratic will of the Venezuelan people. We regret the decision of some governments that question the electoral results in Venezuela and promote discourses that do not reflect the reality of the country. It is essential that all States recognize the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs and work together to foster dialogue and constructive cooperation rather than fuel divisions.
Recognize that Venezuela is a free, independent, democratic and sovereign State that has its own institutions and laws to address its internal affairs. In this regard, we welcome the decision of the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to settle this electoral controversy, in a worthy example of full exercise of sovereignty thus guaranteeing peace and tranquility to the Venezuelan people. ….
Congratulate the Constitutional President Nicolás Maduro Moros and his people who, with resilience and adherence to justice, have been able to defeat the attempted coup d’état and we reaffirm our commitment and unrestricted support to the constitutional, legitimate and democratically elected government.
Reaffirm, once again, that Latin America and the Caribbean is a Zone of Peace. We demand the strict compliance with the obligation not to intervene, directly or indirectly, in the internal affairs of any other State and to fully respect the inalienable right of every State to choose its political, economic, social and cultural system as an essential requirement to guarantee peaceful coexistence among nations, and peace and stability in our region.
We gather to defend, today more than ever, the Venezuelan people from the tentacles of fascism and we raise our voices to reject the interference, manipulation and imperialist, colonialist and coup intentions to seize our legitimate rights and resources, and which have caused so much harm to our peoples. Defending Venezuela is to defend the dream of union and brotherhood of our heroes and peoples.
Caracas, August 26, 2024 (El Digital 19, 26 August 2024)
