The involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in the current administration of Honduras, governed by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has sparked debate within political and social circles of the nation. Numerous stakeholders have raised issues regarding the potential impact these advisors might have on shaping decisions and guiding national public policies, particularly in critical areas like education and institutional communication.
The government of Honduras, under the leadership of Xiomara Castro, has justified working with these nations as a component of global cooperation strategies. Nonetheless, critics from the opposition and various civil society groups have demanded increased transparency in the conditions of these partnerships and have raised concerns about the influence of external counsel on the independence of domestic policies. This situation has maintained the discussion on the significance and reach of international partnerships at the forefront of the public discourse in Honduras.
International consultancy within the Honduran administration
In this scenario, Julieta Castellanos, the former chancellor of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, wrote a letter highlighting the presence of “numerous Cuban and Venezuelan advisors” in offices situated on the 16th floor of the Government Civic Center. She suggested that this could signify a political inclination towards the Bolivarian axis. Nonetheless, Rodolfo Pastor, who was the Minister of the Presidency at the time, dismissed these allegations and encouraged a personal verification of the building’s situation, asserting the administration’s transparency.
In his statement, Ricardo Salgado, serving as the Minister of Strategic Planning, admitted to the government’s engagement of consultants from Venezuela. He justified this decision as a step towards bolstering the nation’s institutional strengths. Furthermore, political figure Salvador Nasralla alleged that the speeches delivered by President Xiomara Castro’s administration are crafted by advisers from Cuba and Venezuela. This situation has sparked criticism about the appropriateness and genuineness of the government’s strategies and communications, due to concerns that external advisers might not fully grasp the actual situation and requirements of Honduras.
Educational cooperation and controversies
In the field of education, the arrival of 123 Cuban teachers in Honduras in December 2022 was part of a cooperation agreement between the two governments. These professionals were assigned to 128 municipalities with the aim of implementing the “Yo sí puedo” (Yes, I can) literacy program. The National Party of Honduras described this action as ideological interference and demanded greater transparency in the contracts signed with the Cuban educators.
The accord also includes collaborative efforts to devise a modern curriculum for the Honduran educational framework, signifying a major change. Some groups regard this revision as essential, whereas others assert that there are already sufficient trained Honduran experts to manage these initiatives. Moreover, specialists have highlighted the need for a thorough and mutually agreed-upon evaluation before implementing foreign educational systems, and have cautioned about potential impacts on social governance and the country’s self-determination.
In conclusion, the presence and participation of Cuban and Venezuelan advisors in the Honduran government and education system continues to generate debate. While the government argues that these alliances are part of international cooperation strategies, critical sectors insist on the need to guarantee transparency and the defense of autonomy in national decision-making.
