DOCSLIB.ORG

Central America Can Benefit Exportations

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Central America Can Benefit Exportations El Desarrollo en Centroamérica: Inversión y Cooperación Regional como Estrategias de Recuperación Económica Free Trade Agreement between Belize and Central America can benefit exportations Janina Choj Galen University 1 Glossary CACM Central American Common Market DGFT Directorate-General for Foreign Trade Belize FTA Free Trade Agreement PSA Partial Scope Agreement SICA Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana (The Central American Integration System) SIECA Secretaría de Integración Económica Centroamericana Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration The economic subsystem of SICA 2 Introduction • Belize is an independent country, located on the Caribbean coast of Central America (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). • Bordered to the south of Mexico, to the north and west of Guatemala and by the Caribbean Sea to the east (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). • Belize has a bilateral relationship because of its strategic geographical location (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). • Belize is the only Latin American country where English is the official language (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). 3 Continued • Estimated population as of July 2020 is 399,598 (The World Factbook, 2020). • The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Belize was worth 1.88 billion US dollars in 2019 (The World Factbook, 2020). • Belize has a developing free-market economy (Bolland& Griffith, 2020). • Historical trade links to the Caribbean. Member of CARICOM with participation in the CSME (DGFT, 2019). • Member of the Central American Integration System (SICA). • Strategic location next to large markets: Guatemala, Mexico and the USA (Thomas, 2013). 4 Continued • The country has an open, private sector led economy based primarily on tourism, agriculture, and services (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). • Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner (The World Factbook, 2020). • Second foreign exchange earner are exports of sugar, bananas, citrus, marine products, and crude oil (The World Factbook, 2020). • Imports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco (The World Factbook, 2020). 5 Central America • Lies between Mexico and South America (Bolland & Griffith, 2020). • Consists of 7 countries: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. • Central American countries are relatively small but quite large as a group and face many common policy challenges (Rodlauer & Schipke, 2005). • Central America population is equivalent to 2.31% of the total world population (Worldometer, 2020). • Guatemala - highest GDP over the years (Worldometer, 2020). • Nicaragua - lowest GDP over the years (Worldometer, 2020). • Main recipient of Central American exports – USA (DGFT, 2019). 6 Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana –SICA • Constituted under the Protocol of Tegucigalpa in 1991. • SICA Member States are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic as Associated Member State. • Aims at establishing a region of peace, freedom, liberty, democracy and development through political, economic, social, cultural and environmental integration processes (SICA, 2020). • Main objective is to encourage regional integration in the Central America region (SICA, 2020). 7 Belize’s relationship with SICA • Belize was accepted as a full member of SICA in 2000 (Thomas, 2013). • Joined SICA at a political level in 2013 (Thomas, 2013). • Belize is a member of SICA at a political level. Not a part of SIECA that supports economic integration of Central America (Herzog, Oseni, Solotaroff, & Knippenberg, 2020). • Belize only participates in the General Secretariat and its institutions (DGFT, 2019). 8 Case Summary • The ongoing Pandemic, COVID-19, has induced chaos and disruptions by exerting significant effects on a country’s economy. • Policymakers must recognize the important role that trade can play in a country’s economy. • Belize is strengthening its links with its Central American neighbors through its membership of SICA. • Belize was outside of CACM. Tariffs were still applied to trade between Belize and all other SICA countries. • Belize was not eligible to join any FTA that Common Market members might sign with other countries or regions. 9 Methodology • Descriptive case study • Mixed method approach: I. Quantitative method design Data on Belize’s Trade Status (2017-2019) II. Qualitative Method design Secondary data to analyze the problem (World Bank, DGFT, The World Factbook) 10 Research Objectives • To determine the potential exportation benefits from integrating Belize’s economy with Central America through SIECA and a free trade agreement to enjoy bilateral exportation. • To identify ways in which Belize can enhance participation in the Central American region. 11 Case Study Problem • Export trade between Belize and Central American region has been minimal despite trade opportunities. • There are barriers that prohibit or interfere with free trade between Belize and Central America. • The gap for imports and exports is increasing. • Central American economy can contract this year due to restrictions on movement, decline in remittances, tourism, and a drop in agricultural prices. • Goods should be allowed to transit freely between countries of a similar region. • Countries should focus on exploring new markets and innovation. 12 Literature Review Benefits of a Free Trade Agreement • Elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers between or among countries (Jisoo Yi, 2015). • Free trade gives liberty to buy from a worldwide market, greater choices, lower prices, high quality in available goods and fosters economic development in developing countries (Dzaleva & Lazaroski, 2007). • Improvement in efficiency due to the effect of economies of scale that induce an increase in the size of the market (Pettinger, 2019). • Firms reduce unit fixed costs of production by being able to produce a higher number of units (Pettinger, 2019). 13 Literature Review Benefits of a Free Trade Agreement • Foreign competition forces local firms to offer competitive prices, to be productive and innovative, while free trade gives them opportunity to expand their market and stimulate domestic growth (Lamaja, 2015). • Contribute to greater economic activity, job creation, and deliver opportunities for big and small businesses to benefit from greater trade and investment (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2019). 14 Literature Review Impact of free trade agreements on a country’s economy • Helps to address behind-the-border barriers that would impede the flow of goods and services (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2019). • Promotes regional economic integration and build shared approaches to trade and investment between a country and its trading partners (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2019). • Can contribute to the economic growth of less-developed economies (Stevens, Irfan, Massa, & Kennan 2015). 15 Literature Review Benefits of Central America Integration with Belize • The relatively small size of Central American economies makes regional integration even more important (Thomas, 2013). • An integrated Central America would represent a market potential of 46.8 million people, which can facilitate trade with strategic partners like Mexico, Colombia, Caribbean countries, and the United States (Clavijo, 2015). • Having an image of an economically integrated region stimulates interest from large groups that want to invest in the region as a single market (Clavijo, 2015). 16 Data Analysis • Looking at Belize’s Trade Status • Belize’s total exports (2017-2019) • Belize’s total imports in (2017-2019) • Principal export destinations • Principal import destinations • Top exported products • Trade with Central American Countries (2017-2019) 17 Belize’s Exports 2017-2019 Exports 2017-2019 (USD) Exports (USD) 2017 Exports (USD) 2018 Exports (USD) 2019 $80,000,000.00 $70,000,000.00 $60,000,000.00 $50,000,000.00 $40,000,000.00 $30,000,000.00 $20,000,000.00 $10,000,000.00 $0.00 Country Source: Computed from Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), 2019. Figure 1. Belize’s Exports (2017-2019). 18 Principal Exports Destinations 2019 (USD) 1% Exports 2019 (USD) United Kingdom 1% 1% 1% 1% United States 1% 1% Ireland 1% Jamaica 1% 1% 4% Trinidad and Tobago 2% Barbados 3% Guatemala 39% Netherlands 5% Bahamas Spain 5% Germany Japan 7% United Arab Emirates St. Lucia 8% France 18% Belgium Guyana Portugal Rest of the World Source: Computed from Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), 2019. Figure 2. Belize’s Export Destinations (2019). 19 Top Exported Products 2019 Exported Products 2019 (BZE) 1% 1% 11% Sugar 1% Fresh Banana 2% 1% 2% 33% Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate 2% Petroleum Oils 3% Frozen Rock Lobster and Other Sea 4% Crawfish Conch 5% Red Kidney Beans 5% Molasses 10% 19% Brans, sharps and other residues, of maize (corn). Source: Computed from Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), 2019. Figure 3. Belize’s Top Exported Products (2019). 20 Belize’s Imports 2017-2019 Imports (USD) 2017-2019 2017 2018 2019 $450,000,000.00 $400,000,000.00 $350,000,000.00 $300,000,000.00 $250,000,000.00 $200,000,000.00 $150,000,000.00 $100,000,000.00 $50,000,000.00 $0.00 Country Source: Computed from Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), 2019. Figure 4. Belize’s Imports (2017-2019). 21 Principal Import Destinations 2019 (USD) Imports 2019 (USD) United States 13% China 1% 1% Mexico 2% 2% Guatemala 2% Panama 3% 44% Hong Kong 8% Honduras India Trinidad & Tobago 11% El Salvador 13% Rest of the World Source: Computed from Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), 2019. Figure 5. Belize’s Import Destinations (2019). 22 Belize’s External Trade with Central America Belize’s Exports to Central America 2017-2019 9,000,000.00 8,000,000.00 7,000,000.00 6,000,000.00 2017 5,000,000.00 4,000,000.00 2018 3,000,000.00 2019 2,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 0.00 Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama 2017 16,542.00 1,570,022 6,565,483 8,159,278 71,784 3,789,225 2018 287,481 113,956 8,596,041 5,061,719 8,951 709,182 2019 117,351 195,132 7,349,530 5,092,016 1,483 825,440 Source: Computed from Trend-Economy, 2020.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Declaration by the Heads of States and Governments of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Dominican R
    DECLARATION BY THE HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENTS OF BELIZE, COSTA RICA, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA, PANAMA AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FACING THE PANDEMIC OF COVID-19 CENTRO AMERICA ALLIED AGAINST CORONA VIRUS 12th, March, 2020 The Heads of States and Governments of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Dominican Republic having a extraordinary virtual session under the pro tempore Presidency of SICA, with Honduras in the charge. Considering That the World Health Organization, with globally alarming levels of spread and severity of cases by COVID-19, has declared this disease to be a pandemic. This implies the necessity of regional agreements on containment against its spread for the safety of our inhabitants. The Resolution COMISCA 01-2020 adopted during the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA), held on 3rd of March, 2020, relative to the situation of threats of COVID-19, and the regional reaction in public health against the pandemic, where joint actions are established. That faced of the threats of COVID-19, the General Secretariat of SICA and the Executive Secretariat of COMISCA have made efforts to establish regional, intersectoral approach in response to the pandemic DECLARE 1. The importance given by the Governments of the member states of SICA for the tutelage and protection of the human security, public health and common good for population in th e region, mainly in view of the expansion of COVID-19, which requires adopting joint meas ures and coordination to face it. 2. To the nations of the region, that our national health systems attend to the pandemic acco rding to the protocols guided by the World Health Organization / Pan American Health Org anization (WHO / PAHO), taking national measures through the Ministries and Secretaries of Health, including binational and cross-border collaboration of health services for compre hensive care of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and other public health probl ems.
    [Show full text]
  • Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua): Patterns of Human Rights Violations
    writenet is a network of researchers and writers on human rights, forced migration, ethnic and political conflict WRITENET writenet is the resource base of practical management (uk) independent analysis e-mail: [email protected] CENTRAL AMERICA (GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA): PATTERNS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS A Writenet Report by Beatriz Manz (University of California, Berkeley) commissioned by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Status Determination and Protection Information Section (DIPS) August 2008 Caveat: Writenet papers are prepared mainly on the basis of publicly available information, analysis and comment. All sources are cited. The papers are not, and do not purport to be, either exhaustive with regard to conditions in the country surveyed, or conclusive as to the merits of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Writenet or UNHCR. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms ................................................................................................... i Executive Summary ................................................................................ iii 1 Introduction........................................................................................1 1.1 Regional Historical Background ................................................................1 1.2 Regional Contemporary Background........................................................2 1.3 Contextualized Regional Gang Violence....................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • State and Economy in Nicaragua
    E. V. K. FitzGerald role of the state and planning under the Sandinistas', A Mixed Economy in Transition he argues that other structural changes (such as land reform and public investment) 'may lead to a future One of the main features of Nicaragua since 1979 has situation in which the position of the state in the been theSandinista commitment toa 'mixed Nicaraguanpolitical economy can beradically economy' while retaining both political hegemony and transformed'. the monopoly of armed force. This concept is officially It is clearly too early, in historical terms at least, to seen as having three dimensions: the balance between evaluate the feasibility of the Sandinista model - state and private property in the corporate enterprise particularly in view of US attempts at economic and sector; the maintenance of a large petty commodity military destabilisation [ICJ 1986]but it is possible sector in almost all branches of the economy; and the to identify some key characteristics of the model and establishment of non-aligned international trading analyse its mutation since 1979. In this article, I shall relations [Miplan 1980; SPP 1987]. The apparently try to show how the relation between the state and the long-term character of this social construct makes market shifted in response to both war and economic Nicaragua distinct from many other experiences of the problems; how the basis of the planning system construction of socialism, although it is consistent changed from a 'dual economy' model to one based on with more recent reform initiatives [FitzGerald and the articulation of distinct forms of production; and Wuyts 1988].
    [Show full text]
  • Nicaragua's Constitution of 1987 with Amendments Through 2005
    PDF generated: 19 Feb 2021, 13:07 constituteproject.org Nicaragua's Constitution of 1987 with Amendments through 2005 © Oxford University Press, Inc. Translated by Max Planck Institute Prepared for distribution on constituteproject.org with content generously provided by Oxford University Press. This document has been recompiled and reformatted using texts collected in Oxford’s Constitutions of the World. constituteproject.org PDF generated: 19 Feb 2021, 13:07 Table of contents Preamble . 3 TITLE I: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES . 4 TITLE II: THE STATE . 5 TITLE III: NICARAGUAN NATIONALITY . 6 TITLE IV: RIGHTS, DUTIES AND GUARANTEES OF THE NICARAGUAN PEOPLE . 8 Chapter I: Individual Rights . 8 Chapter II: Political Rights . 13 Chapter III: Social Rights . 14 Chapter IV: Rights of the Family . 16 Chapter V: Labor Rights . 18 Chapter VI: Rights of the Communities of the Atlantic Coast . 19 TITLE V: NATIONAL DEFENSE . 20 TITLE VI: NATIONAL ECONOMY, LAND REFORM AND PUBLIC FINANCES . 21 Chapter I: National Economy . 21 Chapter II: Land Reform . 23 Chapter III: Of Public Finances . 24 TITLE VII: EDUCATION AND CULTURE . 25 TITLE VIII: THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE . 27 Chapter I: General Principles . 27 Chapter II: Legislative Branch . 28 Chapter III: Executive Branch . 36 Chapter IV: Of the Office of the Controller General of the Republic . 43 Chapter V: Judicial Branch . 44 Chapter VI: Electoral Branch . 47 TITLE IX: POLITICAL ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION . 49 Chapter I: Of Municipalities . 49 Chapter II: Communities of the Atlantic Coast . 51 TITLE X: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION, ITS REFORM AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAWS . 52 Chapter I: Of the Political Constitution . 52 Chapter II: Constitutional Control .
    [Show full text]
  • Special Monitoring Mechanism for Nicaragua Preliminary Overview of Results
    INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Special Monitoring Mechanism for Nicaragua Preliminary overview of results June 24, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF THE MESENI’S ACTIONS III. ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE MECHANISM’S MANDATE A. Precautionary and provisional measures B. Technical assistance to the Verification and Security Commission C. Monitoring the human rights situation in Nicaragua D. Keeping the international community informed E. Strategic communication and dissemination strategy F. Technical assistance and capacity building for civil society G. Petitions and cases H. Monitoring the recommendations 2 I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (hereinafter “the Commission,” “the Inter- American Commission,” or “the IACHR”) has followed with special attention the progressive deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua, in particular since the start of acts of violence as of April 18, 2018. 2. On May 3, 2018, the IACHR announced it had established a Rapid and Integrated Response Coordination Unit (hereinafter referred to by its acronym in Spanish, SACROI) to focus special attention on the human rights situation in Nicaragua through its various mechanisms.1 Given the protests that did not cease against state repression, the President of Nicaragua indicated he was open to convening a National Dialogue, in which the Catholic Church would be participating as a mediator. The Church requested the Commission to visit the country as one of the main conditions for establishing the dialogue forum.2 On May 13, 2018, the state of Nicaragua indicated its consent for the Commission to conduct a working visit “in order to observe in loco the human rights situation in Nicaragua, in the context of the events of April 18 to the present date.”3 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview
    Updated June 30, 2021 Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) almost every country in recession. As a result, poverty and are diverse and include economic, political, security, and inequality have increased throughout the region, and many humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured countries may struggle with protracted economic strong economic linkages between the United States and recoveries. The economic setback associated with the LAC, with the United States a major trading partner and pandemic contributed to increased protests in the region in source of foreign investment for many regional countries. late 2020 and 2021. Beginning in late April 2021, mass Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. protests in Colombia against a pandemic-related tax reform economic relations with 11 countries in the region. LAC is turned into broader anti-government protests. also a large source of U.S. immigration, both authorized and unauthorized; economic and security conditions are Concern about democracy and human rights has increased major factors driving migration trends. in several countries in 2021. Haiti is experiencing heightened insecurity and political unrest against President Curbing the flow of illicit drugs from LAC has been a key Jovenel Moïse, who has ruled by decree since January component of U.S. relations with the region for decades. 2020; legislative and presidential elections are scheduled The flow of illicit drugs—including heroin, for September 2021. The government of Nicaraguan methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Mexico and cocaine President Daniel Ortega has arrested prominent opposition from Colombia—poses risks to U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador El Salvador Guatemala Guyana Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay
    UNHCR organizes vocational training and brings clean water system to the Wounaan communities in Panama Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador El Salvador Guatemala Guyana Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) UNHCR / M. H. VERNEY OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS l Throughout the Americas UNHCR witnessed a rise in l The Regional Solidarity Resettlement Programme of the the number of regional and extra-regional asylum-seekers Mexico Plan of Action was revamped and confirmed as a and refugees travelling within broader migratory key strategy in providing durable solutions to Colombian movements. refugees in the southern cone. A resettlement l Mexico appointed child protection officers in its National programme for women-at-risk began in Argentina and Migration Institute to protect unaccompanied minors Chile. trapped in massive mixed migratory flows in Central l After receiving a total of 225 Palestinian refugees for America. resettlement, Brazil and Chile began taking active steps to l In Nicaragua, one of the most advanced asylum laws in the assist with their local integration. region was passed by the National Assembly in July 2008. l UNHCR continued to engage with regional entities such l The right to asylum was incorporated into the new as Organization of American States (OAS) and Constitution of Bolivia. MERCOSUR. UNHCR Global Report 2008 281 Working environment Refugees and others of concern to UNHCR continued to be on the agenda at regional forums such as the OAS or the The global economic crisis caused a decline in remittances to Specialized Migratory Forum of MERCOSUR. Training and the region, especially to the Central American countries promotional activities were undertaken in cooperation with whose economies are highly dependent on them.
    [Show full text]
  • Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040
    Diversified, Resilient, Low-carbon, People-centred VOLUME I POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS, FINANCIAL MECHANISM & IMPLEMENTATION An inclusive and prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality of life for all its citizens “ based on sound education and social protection, low-carbon resilient development, new economic opportunities, justice, and political empowerment. ” Executive Summary Background The Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 is Guyana’s twenty-year, national development policy that reflects the guiding vision and principles of the ‘green agenda’: “An inclusive and prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality of life for all its citizens based on sound education and social protection, low-carbon and resilient development, providing new economic opportunities, justice and political empowerment.” The central objective is development that provides a better quality of life for all Guyanese derived from the country’s natural wealth – its diversity of people and abundant natural resources (land, water, forests, mineral and aggregates, biodiversity). The vision of the ‘green agenda’ is centred on principles of a green economy defined by sustainable, low-carbon and resilient development that uses its resources efficiently, and sustained over generations. The development philosophy emphasises the importance of a more cohesive society based on principles of equity and tolerance between ethnic groups – recognising that diversity of culture and heritage is the underlying strength of the country’s human capital. Development objectives therefore seek to improve the health, education and overall well-being of Guyanese citizens, to lift people out of poverty through an economy that generates decent jobs and that provides opportunities for sustaining livelihoods over the long term. For decades, geopolitical events, natural disasters and global commodity price swings have weighed upon Guyana’s development.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts About Nicaragua, “Land of Fire and Water”
    Facts about Nicaragua, “Land of Fire and Water” ◦ Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Its area is about 50,000 square miles, which is close in size to the state of Virginia (Virginia is about 43,000 square miles). ◦The capital of Nicaragua is Managua. ◦ Nicaragua is known as the land of fire and water because it has numerous volcanoes and lakes, as well as two coastlines. ◦There are 19 active and extinct volcanoes on the Pacific side of the country. See web cam images and animations of some of Nicaragua’s volcanoes: http://web- geofisica.ineter.gob.ni/webcam/ Locations of some of Nicaragua’s volcanoes ◦ Spanish is the official language and is spoken by most people in Nicaragua. English and some native languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. ◦ Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas. Most people in the country work hard, but many struggle to have enough to take care of all their basic needs. ◦The school year in Nicaragua is from early February through late November. Because of a limited number of teachers, schools, and resources, the school day is divided into two shifts and all students attend either in the morning or the afternoon. 1 ◦About 4 out of every 10 children in Nicaragua stop attending school by the age of 15, most often because they need to work to help support their families. ◦The country flag has three horizontal stripes: a white stripe in the middle with a blue stripe above and below it. In the center is the national seal, consisting of a triangle which represents equality and justice.
    [Show full text]
  • Eradicating Poverty and Unifying Guyana
    NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Eradicating Poverty and Unifying Guyana A Civil Society Document - AN OVERVIEW - I GUYANA - BASIC INFORMATION • Guyana, with an area of 83,000 square miles or 215,000 square kilometres, is located on the northern coast of South America, and is the only English-speaking country on that continent. It is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Surinam, on the south and south-west by Brazil, and on the west and north-west by Venezuela. • Guyana is physically divided into four types of landforms: (i) a flat coastal, clayey belt which is about 4.5 feet below sea level, and in which most of its agricultural activity occurs; (ii) a sand belt, to the south of the coastal belt, which includes the Intermediate Savannas; (iii) an undulating, central peneplain which comprises more than half of the country’s area, and in which are located lush, almost pristine, tropical forests, and extensive mineral deposits. This landform stretches from the sand belt to the country’s southern boundary and encompasses, also, the Rupununi Savannas which border Brazil; and (iv) the highlands which are to be found in the midwestern area. This portion of the Guiana Highlands includes the Pakaraima mountain range. • Guyana has a plentitude of natural resources: fertile agricultural lands on the coastal plain and in the riverain areas; vast areas of tropical hardwood forests of various ecosystems and with a multitude of plant and animal species; abundant fish and shrimping grounds, both in its numerous rivers and in the Atlantic Ocean to its north; and a wide variety of minerals, including gold, diamonds, a range of semi-precious stones, bauxite and manganese.
    [Show full text]
  • Nicaragua: Revolution and Restoration
    THE NEW GEOPOLITICS NOVEMBER 2018 LATIN AMERICA NICARAGUA: REVOLUTION AND RESTORATION RICHARD E. FEINBERG NICARAGUA: REVOLUTION AND RESTORATION RICHARD E. FEINBERG EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since independence, Nicaragua has suffered periodic internecine warfare, deep distrust between contending factions dominated by powerful caudillos (strongmen), and interventions by foreign powers. While the United States was frequently a party to these conflicts, local Nicaraguan actors often outmaneuvered U.S. diplomats. At the end of the Cold War, internationally supervised elections yielded an interlude of relatively liberal democracy and alternation of power (1990-2006). To the consternation of the United States, Sandinista Party leader Daniel Ortega regained the presidency in 2007, and orchestrated a successful strategy of coalition-building with the organized private sector and the Catholic Church. Supported by the international financial institutions and the Venezuelan Chavista government, Nicaragua achieved strong economic performance with moderately inclusive growth. President Ortega used those economic resources to gradually capture or suppress—one by one—many of the nation’s political institutions, eroding institutional checks and balances. Ortega’s strategy of co-opting all centers of power extended to the military and national police. The restoration of traditional caudillo politics and the fusion of family-state-party-security forces were all too reminiscent of the Somoza family dynasty (1934-1979). Frustrated by Ortega’s narrowing of democratic
    [Show full text]
  • Declamtion of Intervention Déclaration D'intervention
    INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTlCE DECLAMTION OF INTERVENTION (Article 63 of the Staiute) OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR filed in the Registry of the Court on 15 August 1984 CASE CONCERNTNG MILLTARY AND PARAMILITARY ACTIVITIES IN AND AGAINST NICARAGUA (NICARAGUA v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) COUR INTERNATIONALE DE JUSTICE DÉCLARATION D'INTERVENTION (article 63 du Statut) DE LA REPUBLIQUE D'EL SALVADOR - enregistrée au Greffe de la Cour le 15 août 1984 AFFAIRE DES ACTIVTTES MILITAIRES ET PARAMILITAIRES AU NICARAGUA ET CONTRE CELUI-CI (NICARAGUA c. ÉTATS-UNIS DAM~RIQUE) General List No. 70 DECLARATION OF INTERVENTlON OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR INTERVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 63 OF THE STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSïïCE 15 August 1984. 1. I have the honour to refer to the Application of 4 Apnl 1984 filed by the Republic of Nicaragua against the United States of America. The Government of Nicaragua, in a malicious and improper fashion, has assured the Court that El Salvador dms not consider itself the object of armed attack from Nicaragua. In view of these false allegations, the Republic of El Salvador has no alternative but to participate in the proceedings resulting from Nicaragua's Applicat~onof 9 April 1984. Pursuant to Article 63 of the Siatute of the Court and Article 82 of the Rules of . Court, the Republic of El Salvador hereby intemenes by right in the current phase of the proceeding'; resul ting from Nicaragua's Application of 9 April 1984. El Salvador makes this intervention for the sole and limited purpose of arguing that this Court does not have junsdiction over Nicaragua's Application or the claims set forth therein, that for multiple reasons the Court should declare itself unable to proceed concerning such Application and claims, and that such Application and daims are inadmissible.
    [Show full text]