By Aracelly Denise
Last Saturday, The Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO) joined forces with the Canadian Nicaraguan Association to raise money and awareness for Nicaraguan refugees currently undergoing hardship in Costa Rica. As a sponsor for the event CHRIO, Collective Human Rights Defenders “Laura Acosta” International Organization (COHURIDELA), Frequencía 5FM and LIUNA 183 supporting this worthy event. The fundraising event aimed to raise as much money as possible in order to be able to provide much needed resources to Nicaraguan refugees including but not limited to: food, clothing, shelter, medical supplies and toiletries.
Nicaraguan Refugees have continued to ask for asylum in Costa Rica, as well as in other countries, as they have had to flee from Nicaragua due to the current political, economic and social crisis plaguing the country. Since the conflict first began back on April 18th 2018, due to nationwide protests against President Daniel Ortega’s proposed social security reforms which he later abandoned, there have been more than 448 deaths and approximately 3, 000 people injured. With so many dead and injured protests in Nicaragua have evolved since April.
Protesters no longer see fit that President Ortega simply retract his once intended social security reforms, but instead call for his immediate resignation or at the very least for earlier elections to take place prior to their scheduled 2021 date. Both requests have been deemed unconstitutional by Daniel Ortega and as such they have been adamantly refused by him and his Sandinista government. The president of Nicaragua has classified the opposition and the civic protesters as “terrorists” who only seek to undermine the democratic integrity of the country. As a result, of this continued and prolonged turmoil, which has led to an unprecedented number of civic disappearances and nearly 200 unjustified arrests, many Nicaraguan citizens have seen themselves forced to escape the country and seek refugee elsewhere.
Therefore, the Corn Cultural Event not only aimed to raise much needed funds for Nicaraguan refugees but also raise awareness regarding the ongoing crisis. The event was an enormous success thanks to all the people who came out to demonstrate their support. Throughout the evening there was the participation of many performers including traditional folk dancers: Gema, Ali, Nelly Baldelomar, Yamaris, Alex and Jessica. The night also featured musical performances from the Colombian band “Con Pasión” and songstress Sophie. As the night went on guests were able to participate and learn traditional dancing and enjoy a delectably prepared Nicaraguan meal. Throughout the night there were also several speakers including: Lester Meneses, CHRIO’s Communications Associate & Public Relations Director Aracelly Denise Granja, Ottawa Representative William Montealegre, CHRIO Founder and International Mission’s Director Mario Guilombo and Frequencia 5FM Radio Host Alfredo Jimenez. The night came to a close with a raffle and a video compilation of the devastating events that have transpired in Nicaragua thus far.
The event highlighted that the Latin Community is one and is not indifferent nor does it differentiate between regions/nations it supports the plight of its community all the same.
Throughout the evening there was the participation of many performers and several speakers.
(Photos: Ornella Marquez)