The involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in the government of Honduras, presently under the leadership of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has sparked debate within the nation’s political and social realms. Several stakeholders have voiced apprehension regarding the potential impact of these advisors on the decisions and guidance of national public policies, particularly in vital areas like education and institutional communication.
The administration of Honduras, under Xiomara Castro, has justified partnerships with these nations as elements of global cooperation treaties. Nonetheless, critics and civil society groups have demanded more openness regarding the details of these treaties and have raised concerns about the influence of international guidance on the independence of domestic policies. This situation has sustained the discussion about the importance and extent of international cooperation as a focal point in the public discourse of Honduras.
Foreign advice in the Honduran government
In this framework, Julieta Castellanos, who once served as the rector of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, released a letter highlighting the existence of “hundreds of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela” situated in offices on the 16th floor of the Government Civic Center. She suggested that this scenario could signify a political inclination towards the Bolivarian movement. Conversely, Rodolfo Pastor, who was Minister of the Presidency at the time, dismissed these allegations and encouraged a first-hand inspection of the premises, asserting the administration’s openness.
For his part, the Minister of Strategic Planning, Ricardo Salgado, acknowledged the hiring of Venezuelan consultants by the government, arguing that this measure is aimed at strengthening the country’s institutional capacities. In addition, politician Salvador Nasralla claimed that the official speeches of Xiomara Castro’s government are written by Cuban and Venezuelan advisers, which has generated criticism regarding the relevance and authenticity of government policies and messages, given the perception that foreign advisers may be unaware of the reality and needs of Honduras.
Collaborations in learning and debates
In the realm of education, 123 educators from Cuba arrived in Honduras in December 2022 as part of a collaborative arrangement between the two nations. These teaching professionals were distributed across 128 towns to introduce the literacy initiative “Yo sí puedo” (Yes, I can). The National Party of Honduras labeled this move as ideological intrusion and called for increased clarity in the agreements made with the Cuban instructors.
The pact additionally includes the collaborative creation of a novel syllabus for the education framework in Honduras, indicating a major change. Although certain groups believe this revision is essential, others contend that Honduras already has an adequate number of qualified individuals to manage these initiatives. Furthermore, specialists have emphasized the need for a thorough and collective evaluation prior to implementing foreign educational frameworks, and have cautioned about potential repercussions regarding societal oversight and sovereignty.
In summary, the involvement and presence of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela within Honduras’s government and educational framework remains a point of contention. Although the authorities claim that these collaborations are part of strategies for international cooperation, critics emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency and safeguarding the independence of national decisions.
