On Sunday February 20th 2011, a diverse group of indigenous activists, environmentalists, students and concerned citizens gathered in Panama City to protest changes to the mining code. The new 'Law 8' grants foreign companies bold new rights of acquisition and exploitation.
Schedule of action against amendments to the mining laws, Saturday 19th February - Thursday 24th February.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, February 21, 2011
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