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Archive | July, 2010

The Rama-Kriol Territorial Government (GTRK)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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The Rama-Kriol Territorial Government (GTRK)

The Rama-Kriol Territorial Government (GTRK), based in Bluefields, is responsible for administering a territorial bloc that broadly corresponds to ancient Rama ancestral lands. As a local authority, it provides political representation to both indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Interamericana talked to the GTRK’s President, Mr Santiago Thomas, about Law 445, the demarcation process and recent acts of violence that have occurred in Rama lands.

The National Commission for Demarcation and Titling (CONADETI)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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The National Commission for Demarcation and Titling (CONADETI)

After the passing of Nicaragua’s progressive Law 445 in 2003, which demands the official demarcation of all indigenous and Afro-descendant territories, The National Commission for Demarcation and Titling (CONADETI) was created. Interamericana talked to CONADETI about law 445, the challenges of demarcation, and the problematic nature of Nicaraguan politics. This post features nearly 30 minutes of interview footage.

Bluefields Street Photography

Monday, July 19, 2010

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Bluefields Street Photography

Subject to harsh tropical elements, the Caribbean port of Bluefields carries an unmistakeable air of decay. But like any good Central American town, life here is conducted in the street, whatever its state. This photo set features an excerpt and link to a piece published on the award-winning Perceptive Travel website.

Conversations with Mr Rasta

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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Conversations with Mr Rasta

Mr Edgar ‘Rasta’ Coulsen is a native of the Caribbean town of San of Juan del Norte – an end of the world settlement perched at the mouth of the Rio San Juan. In this short video interview, Interamericana talked to him about the changes that have taken place in the region since his childhood.

A Brief History of Autonomy

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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A Brief History of Autonomy

Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast followed a very different course of development from its Pacific cousin. It was the English, not the Spanish, who made colonial strides here, drawing together the region’s indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples under the banner of the Miskito Kingdom. This article gives a brief history of the region and its on-going dream of autonomy, 1710-2003.

Law 445 and the Demarcation Process

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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Law 445 and the Demarcation Process

Nicaragua’s Caribbean provinces have been engaged in a struggle for greater autonomy ever since they were annexed in 1860. Finally, in 2003, a new law was passed demanding the demarcation and titling of all Nicaragua’s indigenous and Afro-descedant lands. That law is law 445, defined, explored and explained in this article.

Slideshow: Rio San Juan Province 2010

Friday, July 9, 2010

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Slideshow: Rio San Juan Province 2010

Nicaragua’s Rio San Juan province is one of the most verdant and entrancing locales in all Central America. Home to the vast and endlessly meandering San Juan river – a waterway that connects Lake Nicaragua in the west with the Caribbean sea in the east – the region was nearly selected as the site for a transoceanic canal. Fortunately, the concession went to Panama, and the province remains a bastion of remote intrigue, as this photo set attests.

Located in Nicaragua’s most remote and disconnected province – the North Atlantic Autonomous Region – the diminutive settlement of Waspam is the centre of the Miskito universe. This short video clip, featuring music from Miskito musician Li Lamni, was shot on take-off from town’s modest airstrip.

Mr Edgar ‘Rasta’ Coulsen is a native of the Caribbean town of San of Juan del Norte – an end of the world settlement perched at the mouth of the Rio San Juan. In this short video interview, Interamericana talked to him about the changes that have taken place in the region since his childhood.

One day, me and my compadres took a trip up the Río Istiam – a tranquil waterway that meanders inland at the isthmus between Ometepe’s two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. The river is home to abundant bird life, caimans, turtles and herds of indolent livestock. Many thanks to Jennifer Kennedy and the three Matts – Barwick, Hicks and Ashford, who appear in this video clip.

Via Via is something of a León institution, attracting Nicas and foreigners alike with its buzzing multi-cultural atmosphere, dirt-cheap bottles of rum and rousing Friday night music sets. Amalgama, featured in this video, are an institution in themselves, playing everything from rock ballads to crowd-pleasing revolutionary classics. In this clip they are accompanied by itinerant musician Richard Crandell and his Zimbabwean imbira.

As a poor chele, or white boy, rhythm was never going to come naturally to me. Nonetheless, my militant salsa instructor, Angel, patiently tried to teach me to dance. And when he could be patient no longer, he simply ordered me to the nearest disco…

Granada’s international poetry festival kicked off yesterday, 14th February 2010, with a belting set from Katia Cardenal. Performing at the Plaza Independencia, Katia sang a mixture of rousing folk songs and revolutionary ballads, including a superb homage to the Miskito people of the Atlantic coast (2nd song featured, actually in the Miskito language). Turn up the volume, pour yourself a rum, kick back and enjoy…