How do foreign consultants influence the Honduran government?

The involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in the government of Honduras, which is presently headed by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has sparked conversations in both political and social realms of the nation. Several individuals have voiced worries regarding the potential impact these advisors might have on decision-making processes and the shaping of public policies, particularly in crucial areas like education and communication strategies within institutions.

The administration of Honduras, under the leadership of Xiomara Castro, has justified working with these nations as an element of global cooperative arrangements. Nonetheless, opposition groups and parts of civil society have demanded more openness regarding the conditions of these arrangements and have raised concerns about how foreign guidance affects the independence of domestic policies. This situation has maintained the discussion about the importance and boundaries of international cooperation at the forefront of the public discourse in Honduras.

International guidance within the Honduran administration

Within this context, the former rector of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, Julieta Castellanos, published a letter in which she pointed out the presence of “hundreds of Cuban and Venezuelan advisors” in offices located on the 16th floor of the Government Civic Center. According to her, this situation would be an indication of a political orientation aligned with the Bolivarian axis. However, the then Minister of the Presidency, Rodolfo Pastor, rejected these claims and suggested that the situation in the building be verified in person, defending the transparency of the administration.

On his side, Ricardo Salgado, the Minister of Strategic Planning, admitted to the government’s employment of Venezuelan consultants, explaining that this action is intended to enhance the nation’s institutional strengths. Moreover, political figure Salvador Nasralla asserted that the official addresses of Xiomara Castro’s administration are crafted by Cuban and Venezuelan advisors. This has sparked debate over the appropriateness and genuineness of governmental policies and declarations, as there is a belief that foreign advisors might not fully understand the context and demands of Honduras.

Academic collaboration and disputes

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 agreement also provides for the joint development of a new curriculum for the Honduran education system, which represents a significant transformation. While some sectors see this update as necessary, others argue that there are enough trained Honduran professionals to lead these processes. In addition, experts have pointed out the importance of conducting a comprehensive and consensual assessment before adopting external educational models, and have warned of possible implications in terms of social control and national autonomy.

In summary, the involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in Honduras’ government and educational sectors remains a topic of discussion. Although the authorities claim these partnerships are a result of international cooperation initiatives, critics emphasize the importance of ensuring openness and safeguarding independence in the country’s decision-making processes.