I am aware that there is currently a plan in motion to build several Charter Cities, or "ciudades modelos" in various parts of Honduras in order to attract businesses and international investments. I acknowledge that Honduras is in need of economic change as 60% (2010 figure) of the population are below the poverty line.

However, I strongly disagree with the idea of building Charter Cities. The notion is based on building these cities on "uninhabited land". In reality, however, the areas which are set to accomodate these cities are home to indigenous and other local populations. In the Bay of Trujillo alone, half of all the Garifuna communities in Honduras reside. The construction of these new cities would thus come at a detrimental cost to these local populations, as well as violate a range of cultural, territorial, and human rights.

As a country attempting to move away from the political and judicial turmoil of post-coup d'état 2009, Honduras should be working to include and respect the country's population.

I hope that you will take these considerations into account and work to respect the rights of the Garifuna communities.

Sincerely,
Nannie Skold

We only screw up once.