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Some Memories:
On the first day of Spring this year I set out on my travels to Central America. My first stay was in Panama City for the Annual International Assembly of SICSAL, International Network of Christians in Solidarity with the people of Latin America, 'Oscar A. Romero'. (See details). There were 43 delegates from most countries of Latin America, North America, Europe and some from Australia and one from Japan.
The work of the assembly consisted of reflections, intercommunications and inputs on the many unjust situations in the world, especially injustice to workers - as 50% of the world's work force and paid less than the minimum wage. Concerning the displaced people, migrant workers, unemployed, oppression of women and exploitation of children a resume was made of what was done by SICSAL and Latin American Groups in each region. The delegates from Spain promoted in their country that those who had a salary - middle class and rich, wou
Plans were made to take on the following topics for '97/'98:
1. Neoliberalism
2. Peace Processes
3. Human Rights
4. Ecumenism
5. Support for the indigenous people
6. Anti militarism especially against the military bases and military school of the Americas
When other Solidarity Groups and networks have campaigns on these topics it was agreed to support them rather than start new campaigns.
There was a proposal that a woman become co-director of SICSAL, a woman whose name is Soledad Trinidad and she is from the Dominican Republic was elected.
Inputs were given on the sufferings from violence and abuses of human rights in Columbia by the delegates from that country. Solidarity Campaigns were supported.
The Peace Accords in Guatemala were discussed and the need for a just peace to become a reality for this cause. There is a worr. Panama is preparing to enter a new stage of its history without military bases and without the presence of North American power in its territory. To support this there is a campaign against North American military bases in other countries, Spain, Japan, Philippines and Cuba.
Each country is encouraged to organise protests at the embassies of North America and to write letters to your governments.
The campaign against the blockage of Cuba was supported.
On the final day the whole Assembly went to the entrance of Howard Military Base in Panama City - viewed suspiciously by the vigilante guards. There was a vigil held remembering those who had died and were martyred in the cause of freedom in each country, including Ireland.
Guatemala
When I visited Guatemala in February, the Peace Accords had been signed and the country was drawing a breath after years of war.
I stayed with the Clares in Jacotales in Zone 6 of the city. This area is now densely habitated with the thousands of people who came from the rural areas during the war. The terrain is mainly made up of very steep ravines and as it was generally accepted as 'no man's ' land. The people squatted on these steep slopes and set up their shacks. This is usually referred to as ' an invasion'. When the rains came these dwellings were often washed away. Some reforms have been taking place and allotments sold of leased to the people by the Housing Bank. I spent some time in The Hospice of San JosŽ which is for terminally ill and Aids patients. I visited Antigua's lovely city and chatted with the indigenous people as they sat weaving their brightly coloured fabrics and marketed their wares.
Before leaving Felipa and myself set off for Tikal (which is miles away from the capital) to rest, and the wonder of the Mayas is beyond imagining.
Leaving Guatemala I travelled by bus to El Salvador where it was 30°C+. The election campaigns were in full swing and the workers and poor people generally hadn't much hope for change. (Thankfully, the results were good and now there are great expectations). There was a feeling of disappointment and gloom over the Archbishop accepting the position as Military Brigadier General.
It was great to meet all those I knew and also our new sisters as I visited the various projects. I met Clare Cody from Waterford Kituchu fair trade shop and Fionn from Cork who is working on ecology projects. I also met Seán who is working on a University for Campesinas which runs at weekends - as the Campesinas are working the land during the week. It has 3 faculties; Law; Education; and Agriculture
Some time was spent in San Bartolo - where the new church is a hive of activity every day and is linked with the Justice and Peace activities of the new office in Concepcion. Their recent project was to protest against the (military) School of the Americas - how it trains soldiers in the use of torture. They and others are calling for it to be closed completely. These are just some brief memories, I have lots more.
SICSAL is a solidarity network
SICSAL was founded in 1980 with the support of preachers, religious people and Christian lay people in El Salvador. This initiative was welcomed by Mons. Sergio Mendez Arceo, bishop of Cuernavaca and properly recognised as ÒThe Patriarch of SolidarityÓ.
The year SICSAL was founded, Latin America, and ro of AmericaÓ, had been murdered in El Salvador.
In this atmosphere of martyrdom, fight new pastoral letters and continental affirmation, SICSAL celebrated its first Meeting in Mexico under the theme 'The Church that has its origin in the People and Insurrection'.
From them on the successive meetings allowed to share experiences , mark out common lines and give certain unity to the new international Christian solidarity with Latin America.
· SICSAL is basically formed by the REGIONAL BASIS: committees, organisations or people who work in solidarity an· The MANAGING BOARD of the SICSAL is formed by the president and co-president, the representatives of the regional basis, the members of the permanent team and the representatives of the Episcopal support group.
· The Managing Board meets twice a year and the GENERAL ASSEMBLY is held annually.
· At the moment, SICSAL is presided by the bishops Monsignor Samuel Ruiz Garcia (San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico) and Monsignor Pedro Casaldaliga (Sao Felix de Araguaia, Brazil). They were preceded by its founder Sergio Mendez Arceo (Cuernavaca, Mexico), Leonidas Proano (Riobamra, Mexico) and Mathias Schimidt (Ruy Barbosa, Brazil).