No, have YOU forgotten? Zelaya was unconstitutionally removed from office without benefit of an impeachment process, a plebiscite or national referendum. Discarding one bad apple when the whole barrel is rotten speaks volume of the perfidy of Honduran politics. What followed Zelaya is more of the same.
When I come to Honduras, I rent a vehicle and always have friends drive in the city, to avoid getting lost in a bad area. I never ride the bus. Other than that, we do go out at night to restaurants and clubs, malls and the pool parlor. We have one taxi driver that we call whenever we take a cab. I have never had anything but good experiences meeting wonderful, friendly people who welcome me with open arms and kisses and hugs. Oh, but stay away from Comoyaguela. The police are crooked there and will demand bribes.
They are doing a great work in Copan, but they are not the only Domestic Violence Center in Honduras. I am president and Co-Founder of Heart of Christ Ministries in Talanga, Francisco Morazan. We have had (and still do have) a center for victims of domestic and sexual violence for six years. Also, there is a center in Juticalpa, Olancho, that opened three years ago as a colaboration between an NGO from Canada and the Alcaldia (Mayor). There was a center in Tegucigalpa and the Office of the Woman along with the national comission against domestic violence was in the process of building another center in Teguc. And the office of the woman in Roatan has been working these last four years to try and get one open there. Not sure how that turned out. - Gracie Murphree, Heart of Christ, www.heartofchristhonduras.org
Comparing Honduras and Somalia is a distinction without a difference. Both can be deadly, but in different ways. Meanwhile, this is what the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory says about Honduras. It's a mouthful:
"Crime is endemic in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by visitors and residents alike. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug cartel activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. There were 6,236 homicides in Honduras in 2009, a rate of 77 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Since 1995, 98 U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras; however, only twenty-eight cases have been resolved. As of July 2011, four U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras in 2011; nine in 2010; 18 in 2009; seven in 2008; four in 2007; eight in 2006; and nine in 2005.
Kidnappings have also been on the rise in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. Seven U.S. citizens were reported kidnapped in 2010; 12 in 2009; three in 2008; three in 2007; four in 2006; and three in 2005.
U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but nonetheless, foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Weapons abound in Honduras and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. There have also been reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.
Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. For more information, please see the section below on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Avoid driving at night. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses. Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.
Kidnappings for ransom have occurred in affluent areas where individuals may be targeted for their connections to the business community. Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted because of their citizenship, they may be at increased risk for targeting than the average local citizen because of their presumed wealth. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens in early 2009 took place while the victims were sitting in their cars outside their homes or schools. In some cases, investigators believe that the kidnappings were arranged by people who knew the victims. Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, local authorities and the Embassy should be contacted immediately.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. In 2004, an American citizen was murdered while attempting to flee an armed robbery in progress and another American was shot while resisting a carjacking. Several American citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States: do not wear excessive jewelry; do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.
The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Problems with the judicial process include corruption and an acute shortage of trained personnel, equipment, staff, and financial resources. The Honduran law enforcement authorities’ ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduran police generally do not speak English. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number deployed is small and coverage is limited.
The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. Official Americans are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.
The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.
Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.
The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Travelers in those areas should use extra caution."
This is such an important article. The hysteria and hype about Honduras is only adding to a downward spiral and it is important to spread the word that although there are certainly risks in Honduras, the reasons to come and help, far outweigh the reasons to stay home and worry. I am a director for a small NGO working in the town of El Porvenir, just east of La Ceiba. We currently and regularly have 16 international volunteers in-country (from everywhere from Slovakia to Germany to the US and Canada). We are careful and do not take our safety for granted but we have had very few problems. Hondurans are some of the kindest and friendliest people I have ever met. Our volunteers benefit from spending time in our community equally as much as the children benefit from the programs that the volunteers are staffing.
I too almost didn't read this article for the same reason as you had, there have been so many with similar titles and all saying the same thing. But I did read it and have been so disturbed ever since. It was so sad about Senor Landaverde, how he almost knew he was going to die. The part about the the girl who was stoned to death, I know there must be a lot more to that story. She was one of the girls who came to pick up Pinot when he was released, witnessing his murder. She was probably a gangbanger, but still, what a barbaric way to die. No one knows what happened to the other girl. This story barely skims the surface. There is probably a whole book in there waiting to be told, but probably never will be. Somehow, my heart is just gasping at all this pain. I pray for Honduras that they will come thru all this darkness into the light someday. So many tears, so much evil. So sad for this beautiful country.
I remember how my dad always used to tell me that anyone can grab a guitar and play it; but to do it in front of a bunch of people is another matter altogether. To hold an audience in sway and be able to get everyone within earshot dancing to a concert, and to be able to make the silence between songs enjoyable by telling anecdotes... that is something only a showman can do. I will never forget the first time I saw Guillermo Anderson, about 20 years ago, in the stadium in Tegus under the sun. In those early days he mostly stuck to social commentary and protest themes--after all it was the Eighties; to this day he refuses to play "Rey de la Rebusca"-- while sitting around-- a catchy song about a fellow not unlike the Artful Dodger in Dickens' memorable "Oliver Twist." He is without a doubt one of my favorite showmen! And his tireless work in the ecological and conservancy fronts are a great example for us all. Thank you Guillermo, you are one of the best Hondurans I have ever met.
Honduras is not Guatemala and while that may be an experience for a PCV in Guatemala if you look at the comments on that article all of the former PCV volunteers in Honduras believe it is a prudent decision to withdraw.
Add to mission calendar please for January and February
81
Tuesday, 17 January 2012 16:33
Linda Gilbert
January 28 - February 25/Tela, Honduras. Construction, education, medical mission by Hands to Honduras-Tela of Shelburne, Vermont. Contact: Linda Gilbert,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Money does not grow on trees up here. I wish Hondurans would start using some common business sense. I noticed the huge gas tax there as another hinderance to economic growth.
Charge the security tax only to Honduras citizens, assuming that only wealthy citizens fly, and since they have been avoiding paying taxes thus far, this will be a way to get them.
Pepe please use your veto once more. Maybe they could just put a box in the airport asking for donations. Then whoever wants to give more to Honduras, they can give. Chiste
Marco, I think you have said it all. If the powers that be do not get this message then maybe it is time to close up shop and move on to another country.
Sadly, I do not think that that the people in charge in Honduras (not necessarily the Government) really care one way or the other if tourists come or not. Every year they run off more business, new jobs, support for the poor and now the tourists. If being "arrogant" ever becomes an Olympic sport then the leaders of Honduras could win the gold. I love the country and the people but I give up on the leaders who run it.
Will the last logical, sane, or intelligent Honduran to leave the country please remember to bring the Honduran flag?
Mexican graduates of the U.S. Army School of the Americas have played a key role in the “low-intensity conflict” in the States of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. At least 13 top military officials involved in the conflict are SOA grads. They include Col. Harold B. Rambling Torres , Brig. Gen. Carmelo Teheran Montero, Col. Jose Luis Ruvalcaba , Brig. Gen. Carlos Demetrio Gaytan Ochoa, Col. German Antonio Bautista , Gaston Menchaca Arias, Miguel Leyva Garcia, Enrique Alonso Garrido, Manuel Garcia Ruiz, Adrian Maldonado Ramirez, Edmundo Elpidio Leyva Galindo, Renato Garcia Gonzalez, and Jose Ruben Rivas Pena (Nuevo Amanecer Press and Covert Action Quarterly).
COL Augusto Moisés García Ochoa,1977, Jungle Operations Suspected drug-trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news magazine as one of the 32 Mexican officers under investigation in drug trafficking (Proceso).
TCL Rene Herrera Huizar, 1980, Operaciones de Patrulla. Suspected drug trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news magazine as one of 32 Mexican military officers under investigation by the Mexican government for suspected ties to drug-trafficking (Proceso).
GEN Juan López Ortiz, 1959, Infantry Arms; 1959, Infantry Tactics Ocosingo Massacre, 1994: Troops under his command massacred five persons
in the Ocosingo market; the prisoners’ hands were tied behind their backs before the soldiers shot them in the back of the head (Covert Action Quarterly).
GEN Luis Montiel López, 1962, Counterinsurgency Intimidation of human rights activists, 1992: Forces under Gen. Montiel's command falsely accused human rights activists in Chihuahua of "aiding drug traffickers" in an attempt to intimidate them.
(Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights: Civilians at Risk: Military and Police Abuses in the Mexican Countryside)
GEN Fernan Perez Casanova, 1962, CIO Contrainsurrecia. Suspected drug-trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news
magazine as one of 32 officers under investigation by the Mexican government for suspected ties to drug-trafficking (Proceso).
Jose Ruben Rivas Pena, 1980, Comando y Estado Mayor
Called for the formation of paramilitary groups: Rivas Pena wrote the army’s “Campaign Plan Chiapas 94” which calls for the “training and
support for self-defense forces or other paramilitary organizations.”
(NACLA Report on the Americas). Rivas Pena is also credited with saying: “The Vatican is the indirect cause of the conflict in Chiapas, which is
directly sponsored by a contaminated current of Liberation Theology.” (Nuevo Amanecer Press).
The U.S Army School of the Americas has only been rechristened. It bears a fancier, less incriminating moniker. Its protocols and strategic objectives have not changed. It’s still the School of Assassins. It is doubtful in the extreme that it is not involved, directly or indirectly in Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America.
Anyone interested in the SOA’s sinister history can log on to http://www.soaw.org/
Marco, I suggest that the Conference on Honduras be held in Paris. The city is 2,000 years old and getting younger. It's cultured and sophisticated, it boasts elegant architecture, beautiful parks, great entertainment, fabulous food. The French are proud of their heritage. They have dignity: They don't throw garbage in the streets or on its impeccably paved and well-manicured highways. Paris is safe -- day or night. There are no scorpions. Malaria and dengue are unknown. Tap water is safe to drink. Of course, attendees can always drink Perrier. Best of all, France does not have an exit tax. The French would rebel if one was ever imposed.
And, if you need an interpreter, I'm available....
"Crime is endemic in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by visitors and residents alike. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug cartel activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. There were 6,236 homicides in Honduras in 2009, a rate of 77 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Since 1995, 98 U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras; however, only twenty-eight cases have been resolved. As of July 2011, four U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras in 2011; nine in 2010; 18 in 2009; seven in 2008; four in 2007; eight in 2006; and nine in 2005.
Kidnappings have also been on the rise in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. Seven U.S. citizens were reported kidnapped in 2010; 12 in 2009; three in 2008; three in 2007; four in 2006; and three in 2005.
U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but nonetheless, foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Weapons abound in Honduras and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. There have also been reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.
Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. For more information, please see the section below on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Avoid driving at night. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses. Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.
Kidnappings for ransom have occurred in affluent areas where individuals may be targeted for their connections to the business community. Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted because of their citizenship, they may be at increased risk for targeting than the average local citizen because of their presumed wealth. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens in early 2009 took place while the victims were sitting in their cars outside their homes or schools. In some cases, investigators believe that the kidnappings were arranged by people who knew the victims. Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, local authorities and the Embassy should be contacted immediately.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. In 2004, an American citizen was murdered while attempting to flee an armed robbery in progress and another American was shot while resisting a carjacking. Several American citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States: do not wear excessive jewelry; do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.
The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Problems with the judicial process include corruption and an acute shortage of trained personnel, equipment, staff, and financial resources. The Honduran law enforcement authorities’ ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduran police generally do not speak English. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number deployed is small and coverage is limited.
The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. Official Americans are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.
The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.
Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.
The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Travelers in those areas should use extra caution."
Eve Horowitz
Director / www.honduraschildren.org
Sadly, I do not think that that the people in charge in Honduras (not necessarily the Government) really care one way or the other if tourists come or not. Every year they run off more business, new jobs, support for the poor and now the tourists. If being "arrogant" ever becomes an Olympic sport then the leaders of Honduras could win the gold. I love the country and the people but I give up on the leaders who run it.
Will the last logical, sane, or intelligent Honduran to leave the country please remember to bring the Honduran flag?
COL Augusto Moisés García Ochoa,1977, Jungle Operations Suspected drug-trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news magazine as one of the 32 Mexican officers under investigation in drug trafficking (Proceso).
TCL Rene Herrera Huizar, 1980, Operaciones de Patrulla. Suspected drug trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news magazine as one of 32 Mexican military officers under investigation by the Mexican government for suspected ties to drug-trafficking (Proceso).
GEN Juan López Ortiz, 1959, Infantry Arms; 1959, Infantry Tactics Ocosingo Massacre, 1994: Troops under his command massacred five persons
in the Ocosingo market; the prisoners’ hands were tied behind their backs before the soldiers shot them in the back of the head (Covert Action Quarterly).
GEN Luis Montiel López, 1962, Counterinsurgency Intimidation of human rights activists, 1992: Forces under Gen. Montiel's command falsely accused human rights activists in Chihuahua of "aiding drug traffickers" in an attempt to intimidate them.
(Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights: Civilians at Risk: Military and Police Abuses in the Mexican Countryside)
GEN Fernan Perez Casanova, 1962, CIO Contrainsurrecia. Suspected drug-trafficking, 1997: Listed by a leading Mexican news
magazine as one of 32 officers under investigation by the Mexican government for suspected ties to drug-trafficking (Proceso).
Jose Ruben Rivas Pena, 1980, Comando y Estado Mayor
Called for the formation of paramilitary groups: Rivas Pena wrote the army’s “Campaign Plan Chiapas 94” which calls for the “training and
support for self-defense forces or other paramilitary organizations.”
(NACLA Report on the Americas). Rivas Pena is also credited with saying: “The Vatican is the indirect cause of the conflict in Chiapas, which is
directly sponsored by a contaminated current of Liberation Theology.” (Nuevo Amanecer Press).
The U.S Army School of the Americas has only been rechristened. It bears a fancier, less incriminating moniker. Its protocols and strategic objectives have not changed. It’s still the School of Assassins. It is doubtful in the extreme that it is not involved, directly or indirectly in Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America.
Anyone interested in the SOA’s sinister history can log on to http://www.soaw.org/
And, if you need an interpreter, I'm available....
How about Casablanca?