By Dorothy Granada

(Dorothy Granada is a US-born peace activist and nurse who has lived and worked in Nicaragua for many years. She has been honored many times for her work with women and children by the Nicaraguan government, the Central American Parliament, and the North Caribbean Autonomous Region, among others. The hospital in Matiguas is named after her. She lives in Matagalpa.)

If you missed Parts I , II or III of this series, you can read them here, here and here. This is the final part.

The work changes with the Sandinistas back in power

With the Sandinista victory in the elections of November 2006, the government health center was opened with physicians, nurses, aides, supplies and medicines.  But they had no ambulance.  The Minister of Health came to visit the community.  When I met her, I asked for an ambulance for the Health Center.  A short time later a new ambulance, with a driver, arrived.

Some of the clinic staff and I met with the director of the newly opened government health center saying that we would cease doing primary care and asked him what services he lacked that we could fill.  After much discussion, we agreed that the Health Center would send a physician daily to visit the women in our Casa Materna and attend their births in our birthing room.  Our clinic would continue doing Pap exams and follow-up on all women. Also, a combined team would visit out-lying communities regularly. For these visits, the Health Center would provide a physician for consultations and a nurse to administer vaccinations.  We would do Pap exams on women and identify vaginal and pelvic problems. The latter would be referred to the physician. Our staff offered educational programs for each community visit.  We also provided medicines, transportation, and lunch for the combined team.

The Contra war in our area didn´t end until 2008, though violence against Sandinistas continued. Many of the ex-Contra became bandits terrorizing families in the countryside.  Around 2007 about 100 families had taken refuge in Mulukukú because it was unsafe to remain in their homes and farms. Some farmers had been kidnapped and ransomed more than once having to sell their animals, even their farms.

But the work was going well. The staff grew more competent. The staff member in nursing school was about to graduate. The coordination with the government Health Center was functioning.  No women died in child-birth. Cervical cancer was detected and treated, thus, preventing deaths. We never pressured a woman to have a Pap test but there were a few who agreed only after visiting the clinic two or three times.  Children were thriving. Delegations of health workers from the U.S. and Nicaragua came regularly.  Each patient requiring a specialist or hospitalization received what a physician ordered.  My task then was to secure continued support and turn leadership over to Nicaraguan staff.

In 2008, President Daniel Ortega, in the Plaza of the Revolution, presented me with the Order of Ruben Dario.  I understand that it is one of the highest recognitions. I read my poem LA CAMPESINA NICARAGUENSE, EL CORAZÓN DE NICARAGUA.  I am still honored.

It was late in 2010. The Cooperative, of which I was a member, was applying for a large loan, $250,000, from CARUNA, a Venezuelan lending company.  There were to be loans to women in the community to establish businesses and create a business to support the work of the Cooperative.  In secret and unknown to me, the Cooperative members had several meetings.  One day I was abruptly advised by the vice president of the Cooperative that the clinic was to be privatized and that I was no longer needed. Not even a thank you for 20 years of hard work. So be it. I packed up my dogs, cat and furniture, gave my house to the neighbor woman who had kept house for me for many years and moved to Managua.

I learned that the loan from CARUNA came through.  No community women were helped to start businesses.  The loan money was divided among only a few in the Cooperative, not all the members.  Property that was bought with solidarity money was sold and, again, divided among a few. Thus ended the Mulukukú chapter.

As the years had passed and the quality of life of most people had improved, revolutionary fervor had dissipated.  With the exception of a yearly July 19th celebration, there was little spoken of the revolution, its goals and victories. However, I had often spoken of the sacrifices that had paid for what the community enjoyed and tried to instill clinic staff with respect for all. In staff meetings when a problem arose, I had asked the staff to seek a revolutionary-based solution.  I tried to equalize decision-making and restrict my privileges as much as possible.

Why was I so unceremoniously thrown out of the community and wrenched from my work? I have tried to understand.  I was born and lived poor much of my younger life so I have some understanding of the mentality that is bred by poverty.  If there was food for tomorrow and rent for this month, we were doing well.  If someone gave us a gift of food or clothing, we thanked them but didn’t expect it would happen again. We were among the better-off poor since there was always a bowl of beans and a tortilla and we, my mother and I, were never hungry, though she may have served me the last bowl of beans and ate none herself.  We always had a roof over our heads.  Long-term security was unknown.  We lived from month to month, not day to day. as many did.

Most campesinos in the area of Mulukukú were dependent on the good or bad will of the Patron [boss or landowner].  They were used to being at the bottom of the system.  Many men were day laborers. Then, suddenly came the Revolution bringing truckloads of food and clothes.  Parcels of land were given to those who had never known ownership, nor had their fathers or grandfathers.  Technicians with seed, fertilizer and special knowledge arrived.  Solidarity workers, most not knowing Spanish but with big smiles. helped the community members meet their basic needs.  There was enough material and an abundance of good will to enable a life of dignity and hope.  Just as suddenly as it arrived, the revolution was gone.

But, by 2010 all Cooperative members had their own homes.  Many had regular incomes with projects provided by solidarity. Some children were in university. The Cooperative had property through efforts of solidarity.  They had gained some prestige by programs and services. The Cooperative was about to receive the great sum of $250,000 in a loan from CARUNA.  They gave no great thought as to how the loan would be repaid.  I later learned that repayment was inadequate and the Cooperative requested that the debt be forgiven.  I don´t know the end of that story.

The conclusion that I have come to is that the Revolution brought the community great material benefits.  However, efforts were inadequate to provide for the spirits of the people to grow, to realize what a great advance the Sandinista Revolution made in the history of human struggle. The Revolutionary Government was in power only 11 years, a very short time.  In the community there were no circles of reflection.  No centers to call forth creativity, song, dance, poetry, nor efforts to realize beauty, appreciate the miracles of the nature around us nor to love and care for Mother Earth.

Eleven years of revolutionary leadership was too short a time to change a people who had been ground down by centuries of neglect and abuse. The women with whom I had worked turned their backs on helping others and returned to their own personal and family needs, although they had each gained from the revolution.  Eleven years is a short time but seeds were sown.  The Literacy program of 1980 reduced illiteracy from 60% to 13%, land ownership was given to campesinos, the terrible Guardia Nacional was no more.

After Mulukukú

After leaving Mulukukú at the end of 2010 and feeling unanchored with no support community in Nicaragua outside of Mulukukú, where I had totally immersed myself for 20 years, I lacked close ties with the solidarity community and had only one friend in Managua with whom I remained in contact.  I rented a small, newly built house from a Guatemalan friend, former guerrillera and ATC leader.  I moved to Managua with my dog, Freya, a German-Belgian Shepherd.  The house was painted blue to honor Frida Kahlo.  The next months passed tending my garden of vegetables and flowers, listening to classical music tapes, and allowing my wounded spirit to heal.  What will I do with my life next?

Nearly a year had passed when Erasmo Jarquin, Director of the Health Department of Matagalpa, arrived at my door.  Erasmo reported that though health services were greatly improved, women were dying in childbirth in the most remote mountainous areas of Matagalpa. Traditional midwives were the only ones attending the women.  These midwives inherited the practices and wisdom of centuries of foremothers.  Midwives learned their skills by accompanying their mothers and grand-mothers.  They knew of plants that would encourage a tired uterus, help a tense woman to relax and encourage healing of torn flesh. The midwives had no way of detecting some problems of pregnancy, such as rising blood pressure, that could result in serious events during a birth and endanger lives of both mothers and unborn infants.  The scope of skills of these valiant women was great but limited and sometimes patients had to be transferred to a health clinic. In the rainy season swollen rivers often prevented transfer of women experiencing a troubled birth or, for other reasons, the transfer was too late. Some mountain communities were isolated with difficult, sometimes impossible, access.  Women in labor with their unborn children died needlessly or a newborn survived but her or his mother did not, thereby reducing the newborn´s chances of survival.

The campesina mother is the heart of the family.  When several children, even with a father, are left motherless including a newborn, with no access to mother´s milk, a series of crises often begins. Traditionally, a newly birthed mother and newborn have the help of her mother, grandmother, sisters, or other women. A close, extended family is necessary for survival. The majority of families are poor and were made poorer by the Contra war and its aftermath.

The war, officially ceased in 1990, but continued for more years in some areas of the countryside. The war had been conducted mainly in the countryside, displacing and thus destroying traditional family structure. Men were kidnapped to be made into Contra soldiers or killed. Others were drafted into the army. The Contra planted mines in fields so it was difficult or impossible to work crops. The Contra frequently raped women and girls often resulting in pregnancy. The war left much destruction behind.

Erasmo asked me help improve the knowledge and skills of the midwives and I immediately agreed.  With Freya, household goods and a few potted plants I moved to the city of Matagalpa.  The first task was to find support.  I turned to the Women´s Empowerment Network, who worked with us in Mulukukú, and they agreed to help.  Next, staff was needed.  I learned that Karla Rojas and her husband, Victor Rocha, were living in Matagalpa.  They both agreed to work to develop the project. Karla and I had worked together for years and I knew her capabilities.

Erasmo and Chief Nurse of the Health Dept., Yolanda Vallejos, identified the five most vulnerable areas of Matagalpa Department.  Erasmo´s assistant, Dr. Henry Davila, had already begun a plan of education.

The work with MINSA lasted 13 years. We supported the work with women and children that the Health Department was well on the way to taking to more and more of the country.  They have done miraculous work in saving women’s lives.  Last year there were NO maternal deaths in the Dept. of Matagalpa.  Besides helping programs already on their way, our emphasis on the prevention and recovery from violence was the most important.  Much remains to be done.  The culture of thousands of years of machismo doesn’t change in a few years and poor women and their children are still the most vulnerable.

In August 2019 I was Nicaragua’s recipient for recognition of our work by the Commission of The Woman, Child, Youth and Family of the Central American Parliament.  In October 2022, the Regional Council of the Autonomous North Caribbean Coast presented me with the Order of Autonomy for “Humanitarian work in favor of the Health, Solidarity and Respect of Human Rights of Women of the countryside.” I am honored to have the hospital in Matiguas carry my name!

The revolution has done wonders in a short time and that growth continues despite the unceasing efforts of the U.S. to strangle Nicaragua.

My main concern is that the spiritual, human values that brought about the revolution do not receive the same attention as do the physical improvements.   When families can afford it, their children each have a fancy telephone.  Why not classes in song, poetry, painting, creative dance, caring for the natural world?  Too much technology, not enough spirit.  A human being is more than flesh and bones.

Though the revolutionary government has made enormous advances, as you well know, to eliminate poverty and provide the means of the majority to live in dignity, there is still much to be done.  I have seen areas in Matagalpa with small houses crowded together at the edge of the waste disposal pond.  No fence to keep small children or animals from falling in.  No evidence of latrines.  Yet, the Alcaldia has begun construction on an enormous multi-million-dollar sports stadium on the site of the old garbage disposal. Not that it will make any difference, but I am going to ask Sadrach [Zeledon, the mayor] how this can happen when there is still much to be done for the poorest.

How can I express how I feel about Nicaragua?  My heart is too full.  The love, awe and respect that I have for the heroic struggle, the suffering, the sacrifice, the victories of so many thousands of children, women and men.  Some heroes are still suffering – the forgotten who are drunks in the parks, women and men suffering diseases, nightmares never leaving their consciences awake or asleep that began when they were in the mountains, dying too young.  The heroes who suffer poverty.  I am grateful for the solidarity, for the sacrifices of Ben Linder, for Brian Willson, the European nurse whose name I forgot, but who lives in my heart with others.

Each of us has only one life.  Our task is to live this life the very best we can.  Do we choose life, goodness, kindness, tenderness and beauty?  Do we understand that we are all related to every other human as well as to all the natural world? We are one family.  Fr. Daniel Berrigan said that we make peace half-heartedly, while they make war totally.

Ni un paso atras!

(If you have memories of your work in solidarity with Nicaragua, write an article for NicaNotes! Contact Katherine Hoyt at kathy@afgj.org. Many of us are getting old. It’s time to write it all down!)

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Briefs
By Nan McCurdy 

Restoring Mangrove Forests on Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
To guarantee the conservation of mangrove forests, which cover 252,775 acres in Nicaragua distributed along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources MARENA to date has established 111,865 red mangrove propagules (which will give rise to new plants). Environmental restoration has been carried out in the Natural Reserves of Juan Venado Island in León, Estero Padre Ramos in Chinandega, La Flor Wildlife Refuge in Rivas, Bilwi, Corn Island and Pearl Lagoon in the Caribbean Regions. Mangroves produce a large amount of organic matter, filter the water that supplies the aquifers, are home to countless birds and marine species, and are a barrier against natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tsunamis. The environmental restoration workshops are aimed at enriching areas affected by natural phenomena with native flora species and increasing vegetation cover in Nicaragua’s protected areas. (La Primerisima, 27 October 2024)

FSLN Encourages Process to Strengthen Caribbean Autonomy
The coordinator of the Regional Government of the Southern Caribbean, Rubén López, highlighted the achievements reached in the 37 years of autonomy, a process promoted from the beginning by the Sandinista National Liberation Front. During a forum on Oct. 25 in the city of Bluefields, he referred to the fundamental role of the FSLN in the birth and development of autonomy, noting that “the FSLN is the father of autonomy and will continue to accompany this process, guaranteeing its growth and strengthening.”

He stressed, that thanks to this process, progress has been made in key areas such as free education, health, infrastructure and electrification, notably improving the quality of life in coastal communities. He called for unity among the various ethnic groups in the region, emphasizing that “autonomy is a young project that still requires continuous efforts towards consolidation.” He urged overcoming the barriers of mental colonialism and inter-ethnic divisions, noting that the Caribbean Coast’s greatest strength lies in its cultural and spiritual diversity. “Autonomy belongs to all of us, and it is our responsibility to strengthen it for future generations,” he added. López sent a message of hope, stressing that important advances have been made, and the struggle to achieve full autonomy and a good life for all the peoples of the Caribbean continues.

The activity was also attended by prominent personalities who addressed the relevance of education as a central axis for the strengthening of regional autonomy. (La Primerisima, 26 October, 2024)

Nicaragua: Solidarity after Attempt on the Life of Former Pres. Evo Morales
On Oct. 27, President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo released a statement of solidarity with Bolivia after an attempt on the life of former Bolivian President Evo Morales. The statement said that the Government and the Sandinista National Liberation Front sent their “fraternal and always supportive greetings” to the families and people of Bolivia, noting that they had “learned of the difficult situations experienced by the Bolivian families, and the attack on Evo Morales and his companions [who suffered 14 shots by an unidentified gunman.]” The President and Vice-President added, “As part of the community of Latin America and the Caribbean, we salute everything that contributes to understanding, security, tranquility and harmony in Bolivia.” (La Primerisima, 27 October, 2024)

IPSA with 15 Modern and Well-Equipped Laboratories
The Institute of Agricultural Protection and Health (IPSA) has a network of laboratories nationwide, including three central, six regional, four border and two mobile laboratories for sanitary emergencies, a number unique in Latin America and the Caribbean. The modern laboratories are equipped with physical infrastructure and certified technology to provide permanent phytosanitary, veterinary, food microbiology and chemical/biological residue diagnostic services. The laboratories strengthen phytosanitary surveillance at the national level, complying with food quality and safety requirements. IPSA is an active member of the Inter-American Laboratory Network with permanent participation in the exchange of interlaboratory tests, providing confidence and compliance with the competitive implementation of a quality management system. (La Primerisima, 28 October 2024)

Subsidies for Water, Energy and Transportation Guaranteed in Budget 2025
Nicaragua’s draft Budget for 2025 continues to prioritize social investment, with particular emphasis on the infrastructure, education and health. Likewise, investments that have an impact on productivity and economic growth will be reinforced, such as road, port and airport transportation infrastructure; expansion of potable water and sanitation systems; electric power; construction and expansion of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families; and sports and municipal development infrastructure. Central Bank President Ovidio Reyes, in his presentation of the proposed 2025 budget to the National Assembly, said that some objectives of the budget are to maintain the sustainability of public finances in the medium and long term, contributing to increased financing of social and productive investment programs and projects that benefit all sectors of society. He also said that estimated expenditures were US$4.22 billion, 15% more than the previous year. The Public Investment Program for 2025 shows an increase of 35% compared to the previous budget.

Reyes said that the Bank will continue to support and strengthen policies, plans, programs and projects that dynamize the different productive chains of the agricultural sector, small and medium enterprises; the care of natural and cultural heritage, and the attention to and development of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Priority will also be given to people with disabilities and senior citizens; gender equity and equality, as well as to the empowerment of women and girls; subsidy programs to protect the real income of the most vulnerable families; and to continuing to guarantee the security of the people and their patrimony and of the sovereign security of the country.

Subsidies aimed at protecting the real income of the most vulnerable sectors will continue, guaranteeing low and stable rates, such as the subsidy for public transportation, drinking water and sanitation, particularly the subsidy for electricity, drinking water and telephone for retirees. Subsidies will continue to be granted for social housing. The allocation of resources in the draft budget reaffirms the commitment to reducing poverty and inequality as well as to improving the quality of life of low-income families through the financing of social spending for development. This guarantees free education and health care in all its forms and modalities, social security and housing. The consultation process on the budget will last 20 days. It must be submitted for discussion and approval before December 15, 2024. (La Primerisima, 29 October 2024)

European Solidarity Committee Rejects Imperialist Aggressions 
The European Committee of Solidarity with the Sandinista Popular Revolution rejected all types of interference, including unilateral and illegal coercive measures and blockades by US imperialism and European allies towards Nicaragua and the other progressive governments of Latin America. The final declaration issued at the ninth European meeting of solidarity with the Revolution declared support for the right to self-determination of the country’s people and the defense of their national sovereignty.

The transformation towards a multipolar and polycentric world alien to hegemonies and unilateralism and free of neocolonial, imperial and fascist impositions was deemed essential. The committees and organizations of solidarity with Nicaragua and the Sandinista Revolution present at the meeting were from Euskal Herria (Basque Country), Madrid, Zaragoza, Asturias and Catalunya, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark and Italy. They met on October 18, 19 and 20 in Leverkusen, Germany, at their ninth European meeting. The event paid tribute to the internationalist Berndt Koberstein, Tonio Pflaum and also to Nicaraguan Jacinto Suarez. Suarez was for many years the Secretary of International Relations of the Sandinista Front who encouraged the creation of these solidarity meetings in support of the Revolution from Europe. In its final declaration, the meeting adopted several points related to Nicaragua. The declaration supported the proposal of Father Miguel D’Escoto for reform of the United Nations, denounced the non-payment of the compensation that the World Court ruled in 1986 that the United States owed Nicaragua, and denounced a media blockade that creates “hoaxes and false information about Nicaraguan current affairs, the advances and triumphs of the Sandinista Revolution” adding that this also happens in the cases of the Cuban and Bolivarian Revolutions.