The involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in the administration of Honduras, which is presently run by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has sparked debate in political and social circles within the nation. Numerous stakeholders have voiced apprehensions regarding the potential impact these advisors might have on the decision-making process and the trajectory of the country’s public policies, notably in critical areas like education and government 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.
International consultancy within the Honduran administration
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.
On behalf of the government, Ricardo Salgado, the Minister of Strategic Planning, admitted to contracting advisors from Venezuela, stating that the intention behind this decision is to enhance the nation’s institutional capabilities. Moreover, politician Salvador Nasralla asserted that the speeches delivered by Xiomara Castro’s administration are crafted by advisers from Cuba and Venezuela. This has sparked debate concerning the validity and sincerity of governmental strategies and statements, as there is a belief that these foreign consultants might lack understanding of the situation and requirements specific to 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 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.
Finally, the involvement of Cuban and Venezuelan consultants in the Honduran administration and educational framework remains a topic of discussion. Although the authorities claim that these collaborations are part of global cooperation efforts, opposing groups emphasize the importance of ensuring clarity and safeguarding independence in domestic policy-making.