• Subject: News from Nicaragua

Date:     Tue, 22 May 2001 20:25:20 -0700
From:     Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon

May 22, 2001
 

DEAR FRIENDS of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú,

Two months have passed since our last update. The lapse in communication, however, does not mean there have been no developments in Nicaragua, or specifically with Dorothy and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú. In recent weeks the Nicaraguan government has conducted a real-life soap opera, Latin America dictator style.

Below you will find our familiar format: 1) Update; 2) Analysis; 3) Suggested Actions; and 4) Contact Information.

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1) UPDATE:

DOROTHY IS FINE. She has been working hard in both Managua and Mulukukú to implement the new requirements (see below) of the Clinic. She is well, and she remains undeterred by continued attacks by top officials of Nicaragua's government (see below).

THE MLO WOMEN'S CENTER IS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. Dorothy finally received the inspection report from the Ministry of Health along with a list of new requirements. She and the Clinic have 3 months to meet the requirements and are now open on probation.

THE MOST DEMANDING REQUIREMENTS include the hiring of a physician, a pharmacist and a lab technician. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) also mandated a number of structural and electrical changes, including new wiring, pumped water, and some remodeling. MINSA has admitted that these requirements are unprecedented, but says they will be the standard from now on. Dorothy sees these changes as beneficial, but expensive. They will add at least another $10,000 to the Clinic's expenses for the year 2001.

DOROTHY REPORTED ENCOURAGING RESULTS from recent pap tests, which indicate progress in the Clinic's treatment of women with pre-cancerous cervical tumors. Many of the tumors have disappeared altogether.

SO THE PRECIOUS FRUITS of our successful emergency mobilization are flourishing. Many people have said, "how nice to win one for a change." We should get used to it. Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon authored a recent summary of our emergency efforts for the Nicaraguan magazine ENVIO. It will be available soon on this website.

DOROTHY'S SUCCESS REMAINS IMPORTANT TO MANY NICARAGUANS. It provided a rallying point for all the women's groups, clinics, NGO's, health workers, and human rights activists against persistent attacks from their own government. A strong precedent was reinforced: uniting, fighting back, and winning. All too necessary practice, though, because the government of President Arnoldo Aleman does not seem to have learned from the experience.

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST DOROTHY AND OTHERS CONTINUE. President Alemán and his right hand man, Internal Affairs Minister José Marenco, have recently resumed their attacks on Dorothy, as part of a broader assault on the same civil society that defended Dorothy in her hour of need.

DR. VILMA NUÑEZ, the heroic and internationally acclaimed director of the independent Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) has been charged with being connected to an armed leftist group, the FUAC (Andrés Castro United Front). Minister Marenco not only made this charge to the media, but he turned over what he claimed was "proof" to Justice Department officials. For good measure, he also charged Dorothy Granada and another MLO Women's Center leader, Grethel Sequiera, with being part of the FUAC. In the latter cases, Marenco did not even attempt to offer any proof, or take any official action. In the case of Vilma Nuñez, the Justice Department found no proof at all in the documents Marenco provided them.

Government conspirators also tied Vilma Nuñez into a bizarre scenario in which FUAC rebels were supposedly commissioned by Conservative (opposition) politicians to kill Dr. Nuñez. Patently false, said both Nuñez and the accused politicians, but not funny since Vilma and her family have been the target of death threats for over a year. Although Vilma Nuñez has been "exonerated," a group of international human rights observers is now in Nicaragua investigating these attacks, including the attacks on Dorothy Granada.

The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights celebrated its 11th Anniversary this week, and a beautiful poem dedicated to Vilma Nuñez was published in the Opinion section of El Nuevo Diario.

DOROTHY'S RESIDENCY PERMIT WILL NOT BE RENEWED, said both President Alemán and Minister Marenco in recent days. It is due to run out on September 9. Dorothy has stated publicly that this is a decision that the Nicaraguan government has the right to make, as compared to the government's earlier attempts to deport her without a hearing, which several Nicaraguan courts found to be illegal. And she says she will not sue the government for libel.

"I DON'T HAVE THE ENERGY TO CARRY OUT LEGAL BATTLES against the Internal Affairs Minister," was Dorothy's response in a recent newspaper interview to the renewed government attacks. "It's not worth the pain, nor my time. My work is with the patients and the people of the community of Mulukukú."

THE SUPREME COURT HAS NOT ACTED on the government's appeal of Dorothy's legal victories. Credible sources believe the Court, for its own reasons, may decide not to decide. In this case, although Dorothy would be denied the ultimate legal protection that a favorable Supreme Court decision would provide, her legal victories would still stand. But Internal Affairs Minister Marenco also publicly announced that he would push the Supreme Court to rule against Dorothy. A Supreme Court ruling against Dorothy would require her immediate departure from Nicaragua. Even so, Dorothy's advisors do not believe it would be helpful for messages to be sent to the Supreme Court justices at this time.

HYPE, HYSTERIA AND CYNICISM greeted recent charges by both President Arnoldo Alemán and Cardinal Obando y Bravo, who each reported they are facing threats of assassination. Alemán may be trying to justify two heliports that have been built at public expense at family homes, which are the subject of one of several corruption investigations he is currently facing. He has implied that the FSLN (Sandinista Party), which leads in election polls, is behind the death threats.

PRO-CHOICE WOMEN ACCUSED OF PLOTTING TO KILL ALL PRIESTS, bishops and Cardinals. This is the incredible, and as of yet totally unsupported, charge of Cardinal Obando y Bravo. A Central America-wide conspiracy of reproductive rights activists is claimed by the arch-conservative Nicaraguan cardinal. Interestingly, this coincides with the emergence of such groups as Catholics for Choice, as well as a stepped up campaign by George W. Bush's White House to cut off aid for family planning services worldwide.

U.S. GOVERNMENT INTERVENES IN NICARAGUAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN. U.S Ambassador Oliver Garza has made it clear several times recently that the Bush Administration would not welcome a Sandinista victory in the upcoming elections. While graciously stating that the U.S. will accept the results of the election, he has hinted several times that the U.S. is concerned about the destabilizing impact of a Sandinista victory and that the U.S. would likely reduce its economic assistance to Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan media has reported that Ambassador Garza has huddled with Liberal and Conservative politicians as they search for a formula which might allow them to mount a joint effort against the Frente Sandinista. Recent polls show the FSLN winning in the first round.

CONTRAS MEET AT WHITE HOUSE. Leaders of the former counter-revolutionary army, armed and trained by the U.S. government, met recently with Elliott Abrams, the former under-secretary of state for Latin American affairs Abrams exhibited a visceral hatred of the Sandinistas and all people's movements throughout his period in office, and was one of the people responsible for the illegal undermining of the FSLN government. Other close associates of the elder Bush were apparently present at the meeting in the White House, together with officials of USAID and the State Department. John Maisto, formerly US Ambassador to Nicaragua and now a member of George W. Bush's National Security Council staff, also attended the meeting.

THE NICARAGUA NETWORK REPORTS that "this is just the latest in a series of alarming developments which have included the Bush Administration's nominations of John Negroponte as Ambassador to the U.N. and of Otto Reich to be Assist. Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs." Negroponte held key roles in the wars against Vietnam and Nicaragua, while Reich is an adamant advocate of the continuing U.S. blockade of Cuba. According to the Nicaragua Network, "the formal papers for these nominations have not yet been presented to the Senate and hearings are not expected until June. Therefore activists have time to set up meetings with Senators and start letter-writing campaigns to stop the nominations from being confirmed by the Senate." For more information about Negroponte and Reich and why they should be opposed, send an e-mail with your request to the Nicaragua Network at nicanet@afgj.org or call them at 202-544-9355.

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2) ANALYSIS:

As the November elections draw closer, the baseless accusations and desperate actions of the Alemán government can be expected to continue, possibly abetted by others who oppose progressive change in the region. Dorothy herself and the MLO Women's Center in Mulukukú will likely continue to be attacked. Nongovernmental organizations, particularly those whose mission is to empower women, seem to be the favored targets of the ultra-right.

Those organizations whose job it is to expose and stop this harassment, the human rights groups, are themselves being strategically targeted in order to weaken this line of defense. President Alemán's continuing efforts to force Dorothy Granada to leave Nicaragua may again become a significant rallying point for those who are fighting for human rights and a fair election. Even though, as Dorothy says, it is the government's role to rule on the residency requests of foreigners, this should not be done arbitrarily or for political purposes.

DOROTHY IS PLANNING TO RETURN TO THE U.S. IN SEPTEMBER in order to conduct a national speaking and fundraising tour on behalf of the MLO Women's Clinic in Mulukukú. By the time she is ready to return to Nicaragua early in 2002, there will hopefully be a government more appreciative of her great contribution to the health care of poor Nicaraguan women and their families.

Clearly, it is important for our network to be vigilant in the coming months. It is likely that specific emergency actions will be called. In the meantime, it is important that we let human rights groups in Nicaragua know that we are ready and willing to support them whenever they call on us to do so.

Also, we should begin planning now to make Dorothy Granada's fall speaking tour a huge success. [The Tour de France may be history,  but Dorothy's Tour will be gearing up! –Daniel]

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3) SUGGESTED ACTIONS:

SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT TO DR. VILMA NUÑEZ, director of the independent Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights. Let her know that you appreciate all her good work in support of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú, as well as labor unions and poor and working people throughout Nicaragua who are struggling for justice in their lives. Tell her you know that she is facing many threats and false charges from those who wish to continue to tyrannize the Nicaraguan people. Tell her that she has your admiration and support, and that you are ready to come to her defense whenever she asks you. Even a woman of great courage will find such messages to be heartening. After all, even her family is facing terrible threats. An avalanche of such messages at this time could make a real difference. Messages in English will be fine. Please send copies to the Women's Empowerment Network. See contacts below.

SEND DONATIONS FOR THE MLO WOMEN'S CENTER At least $10,000 new expenses have been imposed by the Nicaraguan Health Ministry. These costs, which must be paid immediately, are over and above the considerable ongoing expenses of the Women's Clinic. Make out all tax-deductible donations to the Women's Empowerment Network.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE DOROTHY CAN FIND MORE FUNDS? Please let us know if you have names of progressive and family foundations that might support Dorothy's work, or other donors that Dorothy should contact.

SIGN UP FOR DOROTHY'S NEWSLETTER. Many of you who receive our email updates are not necessarily on our mailing list. We are just about to send out a special newsletter, with a special report from Dorothy. Please let us know if you want to be on our mailing list.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DOROTHY THIS FALL? We will begin soon to plan Dorothy Granada's fall speaking tour. Let us know if you are interested in hosting her.

A BEAUTIFUL NEW VIDEO has been put together by Dorothy and two of the best videographers in Nicaragua. We are currently working on a dubbed English translation, which will be available soon. The 20-minute documentary shows the work of the MLO Women's Center in Mulukukú, along with the incredible support that Nicaraguans demonstrated for Dorothy during her recent trials. It will be available for $25.00. Let us know if you want a copy.

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4) CONTACT INFORMATION

Dra. Vilma Nuñez, Director
Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH)
Email: cenidh@nicarao.org.ni.
Fax/phone: 011-505-266-84-05

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The Friends of Dorothy Granada and the MLO Women' Center in Mulukukú have formed a nonprofit organization, the Women's Empowerment Network, based in Santa Cruz, California. We are now receiving tax-deductible donations. Dorothy wishes to thank Rev. Edward Copland and St. Boniface Episcopal Church for providing fiscal sponsorship for U.S. donations during the past several years. But now all donations should be made out to, and sent to:

Women's Empowerment Network
309 Cedar, PMB 547
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 

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For Justice and Dignity,
Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon

Friends of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú (Women's Empowerment Network)

Tel/fax: 831-768-7004
Jill Winegardner / Gerry Condon

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end of update of 5/22/01

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• Subject: Update on Dorothy Granada and Nicaragua

Date:     Tue, 12 Jun 2001 10:33:52 -0700
From:     WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

June 12, 2001
 

DEAR FRIENDS of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú,

With Nicaragua's national elections scheduled for November 4 and opinion polls predicting a return to power of the Sandinista Party (FSLN), the Nicaraguan people are being buffeted by a series of political crises, some of which appear intended to quash the possibility for free and fair elections. This is the context for the continuing attacks against Dorothy Granada and the MLO Women's Center in Mulukukú. Dorothy and the Clinic staff continue, however, to respond to the needs of their community with great love, incredible stamina and no small amount of creativity. They also continue to find support from many Nicaraguans, both inside and outside of government.

Below you will find our familiar format: 1) Update; 2) Analysis; 3) Suggested Actions; and 4) Contact Information.

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1) UPDATE:

GALVESTON MEDICAL DELEGATION ARRIVES IN NICARAGUA
A medical-dental delegation of 31 people from the First Presbyterian Church of Galveston and the Medical and Dental Schools of the University of Texas arrived in Nicaragua on the evening of June 5, and headed the next afternoon to Mulukukú. This delegation has its roots in a visit to Nicaragua in October 1995 of a group of 6 people from the church and medical schools. They were searching for a community where they could send a delegation every year, where the need would be great and where patients would receive follow-up care. From1996 to the present they have come every year. They also sent a special delegation to Posoltega after Hurricane Mitch in 1998. And, according to Dorothy Granada, "they have permanently accompanied us with supplies, medicines and equipment."

OBSTACLES THROWN IN PATH OF MEDICAL DELEGATION
The Nicaraguan Health Ministry (MINSA) attempted to impede the work of the medical/dental delegation by placing unprecedented requirements upon it and specifically denying permission for it to work in the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú. The director of Matagalpa's regional health authority (SILAIS), Dr. Julio Cesar Acevedo, is a leader of the governing Liberal Party in Matagalpa and a close friend of the President. He stated that the delegation must comply with the following:

1) The 25 bags containing medicines and supplies must be donated to the Ministry of Health in the presence of a notary public on arrival in Nicaragua.
2) The delegation must work under his direction.
3) The delegation is absolutely forbidden to attend patients in the Maria Luisa Ortiz Women's Center, since the clinic is not approved by MINSA.

SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL DELEGATION ALLEVIATES CRISIS by avoiding some obstacles and mitigating others. Nelson Artola, president of the Human Rights Commission of the Nicaragua's National Assembly, called on the Health Minister Mariángeles Argüello "not to undermine this legitimate right of the inhabitants of Mulukukú, a place forgotten by the government." (LA PRENSA, 6/1/01) Artola also announced that he would meet with the Human Rights Procurador and the U.S. Embassy to solicit their help.

FUNDECI, the NGO headed by Miguel D'Escoto, also came to the rescue. With their assistance, the Women's Clinic contacted the SILAIS director for RAAN, the Atlantic Autonomous Region of which Mulukukú is actually part. Dr. Cairo Gutierrez Paniagua promptly sent the delegation permission to set up 25 kilometers from Mulukukú in two locations, Santa Rita and La Bodega. According to Dorothy, "I'm sure it won't be possible to see the number of people that the delegation normally sees at our clinic (usually 2,500) and there will be no lab. However, the delegation is very experienced with high quality practitioners and I know we'll do good work." Later she reported that "URRACAN radioed out from Siuna and announced the delegation's visit and we expect to be busy." URRACAN is the autonomous university of the Atlantic Coast region.

"SINCE SANTA RITA IS MORE CENTRAL to several mountain communities," reported Dorothy Granada, "the larger group along with dentists will be there. The dentists will be teaching extractions to health promoters and will continue with the preventive program of painting children's teeth with fluoride in organized programs such as pre-schools and nutrition programs. The delegation will do primary care, paps, pre-natal and reproductive care. Women who need treatment with the cryo-surgical unit or Leep apparatus for pre-cancer of the cervix will be treated at the Mulukukú clinic on Friday afternoons. The delegation will eat and sleep in the Women's Center."

NICARAGUAN CITIZENSHIP FOR DOROTHY?
The Human Rights Commission of Nicaragua's National Assembly is proposing that the Ministry of Gobernación grant Dorothy Granada Nicaraguan citizenship, even though this same ministry has stated that it will refuse to extend Granada's residency permit when it expires on September 9. "We are going to demand that the Ministry of Gobernación (Internal Affairs) prolong the residency of Dorothy Granada here," stated commission president Nelson Artola, after a May 29 meeting with Granada. "Not only are we considering this a question of gratitude as a nation to extend her residency, but that there should be a proposal for her to have Nicaraguan nationality on her merits," stated Artola. "Perfectly she could be a potential candidate to acquire Nicaraguan nationality in recognition of these merits," he reiterated.

"INCREÍBLE, CON MUCH GUSTO ACEPTARÍA," (Incredible, with much enthusiasm I would accept), exclaimed Granada (LA PRENSA, 5/30/01). "I have 13 years in Nicaragua and I am going to reapply to extend my residency permit in late July, and hopefully, by that time, the minister can change his way of thinking. [If not] I prefer to go by my own will and not to be expelled," she said. "If he does not renew my residency I will have to leave. The reasons that the Minister of Gobernación has for not wanting me in the country anymore are not very clear to me. I have never intervened in the internal affairs of Nicaragua. This is what the Minister believes but it is not true, it is pure lies. There are various accusations but no proof, and if he is not going to renew my visa, it is because of prejudice and political reasons, not because I committed a crime," stated Granada. The legislator, Nelson Artola, also said that he would propose the legalization of the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú.

NATIONAL CRISIS GROWS IN NICARAGUA
For two weeks running, university students and workers have clashed with police in the streets of Managua over an extremely unpopular increase in the city's bus fare. The Supreme Electoral Council, charged with overseeing free and fair elections, is torn from within by partisan divisions. The Group of Six and the Organization of American States have both expressed concerns over whether a fair election will be possible in which the outcome will be respected. And representatives of the U.S. government are openly attacking the possibility of a Sandinista win at the polls, threatening to cut off aid, and, implicitly, to re-ignite a contra war in that country if they deem it necessary. For more information on these developments, as well as ways that you might respond to inappropriate actions of the U.S. government, we suggest that you check out the Nicaragua Network's Nicaragua Hotline at: nicanet@afgj.org or call them at 202-544-9355.

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2) ANALYSIS:

The political crisis in Nicaragua will likely grow more dangerous as the November election approaches. The right wing, in Nicaragua and the U.S., will not accept a Sandinista victory. President Bush, whose father oversaw the ouster of the Sandinistas in 1990, can be expected to support overt and covert attempts to disrupt the democratic processes in Nicaragua. All of us who care about Nicaragua, about democracy and human rights, need to be alert and active. President Alemán's attacks on Dorothy began last November after the Sandinistas scored many municipal electoral victories. He views women's clinics, nongovernmental organizations, and even human rights groups, as a base for opposition to the rule of his Liberal Party. In this atmosphere, Dorothy Granada and the women's staff of the Mulukukú clinic will remain quite vulnerable, and could easily get caught in the political crossfire, if they are not actually targeted for further repression. These will be tough times for Nicaragua and Mulukukú, a former contra training base, where political divisions run deep and can easily flare up into violence. They will need our support more than ever.

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3) SUGGESTED ACTIONS:

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DR. VILMA NUÑEZ
In our last update, we asked people to send messages of support to Dr. Vilma Nuñez, president of the independent Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH). Dr. Nuñez has herself recently been accused by the government of being part of an armed leftist organization, the FUAC (along with Dorothy Granada and Grethel Siquiera of the MLO Women's Center). She and her family have also been the target of continuing death threats. Several of you let us know that your email messages to Dr. Nuñez bounced back. We have a new e-mail address (see Contact Numbers, below) and have successfully sent messages to it. Please send your messages of support to Dr. Nuñez for her courageous stand for human rights and especially for her support of Dorothy and the people of Mulukukú.

DOROTHY'S FALL TOUR
Thanks to those of you who have already responded with interest in sponsoring a part of Dorothy's fall tour of the U.S. Dorothy will be in the U.S. from September through at least early January. She will spend much of that time traveling, speaking, and raising much needed funds for the MLO Women's Center in Mulukukú. We will start organizing the tour in the coming weeks. Any others of you who would like to be involved in hosting Dorothy in your community for a fundraising/educational event are welcome to contact us at this e-mail address, jwinegardner@igc.org. SEND DONATIONS FOR THE MLO WOMEN'S CENTER
At least $10,000 new expenses have been imposed by the Nicaraguan Health Ministry. These costs, which must be paid immediately, are over and above the considerable ongoing expenses of the Women's Clinic. Make out all tax-deductible donations to the Women's Empowerment Network and send to the address below.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE DOROTHY CAN FIND MORE FUNDS? Please let us know if you have names of progressive and family foundations that might support Dorothy's work, or other donors that she should be in touch with.

SIGN UP FOR DOROTHY'S NEWSLETTER. Many of you who receive our email updates are not necessarily on our mailing list. We are just about to send out a special newsletter, with a special report from Dorothy. Please let us know if you want to be on our mailing list and send us your mailing address.

A BEAUTIFUL NEW VIDEO has been put together by Dorothy and two of the best videographers in Nicaragua. We are currently working on a dubbed English translation, which will be available soon. The 20-minute documentary shows the work of the MLO Women's Center in Mulukukú, along with the incredible support that Nicaraguans demonstrated for Dorothy during her recent trials. It will be available for $25.00. Let us know if you want a copy.

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4) CONTACT INFORMATION

Dra. Vilma Nuñez, Presidenta
Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH)
Email: cenidh@nicarao.org.ni.
Fax/phone: 011-505-266-84-05

Nicaragua Hotline
Nicaragua Network
nicanet@afgj.org
202-544-9355.

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The Friends of Dorothy Granada and the MLO Women' Center in Mulukukú have formed a nonprofit organization, the Women's Empowerment Network, based in Santa Cruz, California. We are now receiving tax-deductible donations. Dorothy wishes to thank Rev. Edward Copland and St. Boniface Episcopal Church for providing fiscal sponsorship for U.S. donations during the past several years. But now all donations should be made out to, and sent to:

Women's Empowerment Network
309 Cedar, PMB 547
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 

*********************************************

For Justice and Dignity,
Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon

Friends of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukukú (Women's Empowerment Network)

Tel/fax: 831-768-7004
wempowermentn@yahoo.com

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end of update of 6/12/01

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