All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

MANAGUA

Background

EUM Program Coordinator
Byron Rsao, Tel. 505-252-7711; TsaoBF@state.gov

Inventory System
Embassy Managua's inventory system consists of a spreadsheet of all commodities donated to the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) and the Nicaraguan Navy. A sticker with an INL inventory number is placed on each commodity for ease of tracking. Through regular program monitoring, site visits are performed to assure that commodities were properly labeled.

The NNP and the Navy document the distribution or redistribution of commodities to other cities of the country or to other units through written correspondence. In the case of services, post maintains attendance lists and logistics information of any training provided to monitor these services.

Staff Member EUM Responsibilities
In September 2008, a new INL Program Assistant was hired to manage financial and other logistical issues. The responsibilities of the position include the monitoring INL-donated equipment and the drafting the End Use Monitoring Report. The new INL Program Assistant performed site visits to track and inspect INL-donated equipment, update INL inventory lists, and obtain reports from the NNP on the status of commodities donated that could not be inspected.

Other USG Agency Assistance
The DEA provided support by conducting visits to verify the use and condition of equipment donated by INL to the NNP. A Maritime Engineer jointly funded by INL Managua and NAS Panama provides support to monitor and supervise the refurbishment of three naval boats in the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua.

Counterpart Agencies
Nicaraguan National Police
Nicaraguan Navy

Both counterparts cooperated extensively in the End Use Monitoring process by providing access to their facilities so Embassy officers could view their own inventory information to help compare with INL's inventory list. The NNP was very helpful in making the on-site inspections a quick and easy process by having all donated assets accounted for and on-site during the scheduled visits.

Receipt
The procedure used to document the provision of the items provided to the NNP and the Navy are word documents with a specific listing of the items donated with serial numbers and/or vehicle motor numbers, signed by INL and by the recipient's representative.

Monitoring Procedures

On-Site Inspections
Scheduled and unscheduled on-site inspections were performed at nine (9) sites
and cities visited. One thousand three (1,003) items were subject to inspection. Fifty-two (52) % of the donated items were monitored.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status
Through comparison of records and discussions with police officials another 20% of donated item were monitored in 2008.

Status-Commodities

Computer Equipment
Two hundred ninety-six (296) equipment packages, including CPU, UPS backup batteries, monitors, scanners and stabilizers, were donated to the NNP Drug Interdiction. One hundred fifty-three (153) computer packages are in the Managua Police headquarters. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. One hundred thirty-four (134) computer equipment packages are in good condition and being used. Eight computer equipment packages are in poor condition.

One hundred fifty-three (153) computer equipment packages are in Managua Police headquarters. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. One hundred thirty-four (134) computer packages are in good condition and being used. Eight computer equipment packages are in poor condition.

Twelve (12) computer equipment packages are in the NNP Managua Police station warehouse and in poor condition.

Seventeen (17) computer equipment packages are in the Managua International Airport. This equipment is used by the NNP Airport Unit to write, print, file, sharer and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. Fourteen (14) computer equipment packages are in good condition. Three are in poor condition.

Twenty-five (25) computer equipment packages are in the Vetted Unit headquarters. These computers are used by the Vetted Unit to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information related to international drug trafficking, corruption and money laundering. All of the equipment is in good condition.

Twenty-one (21) computer equipment packages are in the Peas Blancas Drug Unit. These computers are used by the Peas Blancas Border Inspection Station NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. Eight computer equipment packages are in good condition; thirteen are in poor condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in the Carazo police station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print file, share and exchange data information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Eight (8) computer equipment packages are in the Juvenile Affairs headquarters. These computers are used by the NNP Juvenile Affairs officials to support them during DARE or Second Step demand reduction program training sessions and conferences. The computers are also used to write, print, file, share, and exchange data information relevant to their demand reduction activities. Four computer equipment packages are in good condition; four are in poor condition.

Eight (8) computer equipment packages are in the Chinandega Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in Chontales Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Six (6) computer equipment packages are at the Estel Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in Granada Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Six (6) computer equipment packages are in Leon Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages in Madriz Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in Masaya Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Six (6) computer equipment packages are in Mastagalpa Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and
counterparts. All are in good condition.

Six (6) computer equipment packages are in Segovia Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Six (6) computer equipment packages are in RAAN Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in Rio San Juan Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Five (5) computer equipment packages are in Rivas Police Station. This equipment is used by the NNP to write, print, file, share, and exchange data and information regarding narcotics interdiction and law enforcement issues with the relevant units and counterparts. All are in good condition.

Communications Equipment
One hundred twenty-nine (129) portable base radios were donated to the Drug Interdiction Unit. Twelve (12) radios are in Peas Blancas. Only two radio bases are in good condition and being used. The other 10 handheld radios are in poor condition.

Seventy-six (76) radios are in the warehouse at Managua Police headquarters. Seventy (70) of those radios are in poor condition. One radio base is in good condition and 5 power source radio bases are in good condition.

Thirty-one (31) radios are in Managua Police headquarters. Twenty-one (21) are in poor condition and 10 are in good condition. Twenty-six (26) radios are located at Managua International Airport. Only 12 radios and 2 radio bases are in fair condition and being used for communication between officers. The other 12 are in poor condition. Seven (7) radios are in Chinandega police station. All seven are in poor condition.

Four (4) radios are in Jinotega Police Station. These radios are in fair condition. They are used by officials to communicate with each other. One radio is in poor condition. Seven (7) radios are in the Leon police station. All 7 are in poor condition.

Four (4) radios are in Matagalpa Police Station. Two radios are in fair condition and are used by officers to communicate with each other. Two radios are in poor condition. Four (4) radios are in Rivas. All four radios are in poor condition.

Cameras
Thirty-six cameras were donated for drug interdiction, two for demand reduction, and nine (9) for the vetted unit.

Four (4) cameras are located in the Managua Police Headquarters. They are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses, or buildings and drug seizures for police records. One is in fair condition and the other three are in poor condition.

Eleven (11) cameras are in the Managua International Airport. These cameras and equipment are used by the Airport National Police to guard different strategic points within the Airport to prevent drug smuggling or handling. Nine (9) cameras are in good condition. One camera is in fair condition.

Nine cameras are in the Vetted Unit headquarters. They are used by the Vetted Unit to carry out its day-to-day functions related to international drug trafficking, corruption, and money laundering. All cameras are in good condition.

Two (2) cameras are in the Juvenile Affairs headquarters. They are used to take pictures of their activities carried out under demand reduction. Both cameras are in poor condition. Two (2) cameras were donated to the Mobile Inspection Unit. They are used by the MIU to take pictures during their undercover inspection. Both cameras are in good condition.

One camera is in the Corn Island police station. The cameras are used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses, buildings, and of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Granda Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also to take pictures of any drug seizures for their records. The camera is in poor condition.

Four (4) cameras are in the Peas Blancas Drug Unit. The cameras are used by the Peas Blancas official to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, cargos, or people that cross the border and are also used to take pictures during drug seizures. Two cameras are in good condition; one is in fair condition, and one is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Jinotega Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and also any drug seizures. The camera is in good condition

One camera is in the Leon Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or buildings, and any drug. The camera is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Madriz Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or building, and any drug seizures. The camera is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Masaya Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or building, and any drug seizures. The camera is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Rivas Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or building, and any drug seizures. The camera is in poor condition.

One camera is in the Zelaya Central Police Station. It is used by the NNP to take pictures of suspicious vehicles, people, houses or building, and any drug seizures. The camera is in poor condition.

Canines
Two canines located at Peas Blancas are used to detect drugs in luggage, freight and people. One was sent to Managua for retirement and one is ill and is currently located at a local veterinary.

Miscellaneous Equipment
The Ion scanner is in Managua International Airport. It is used to detect drug traces in luggage and is in good condition. One Mobile Vapor Tracer was donated to the Mobile Inspection Unit. It is used by the MIU to detect drug residues in vehicles during inspections. The vapor tracer is in good condition. A power generator is in Peas Blancas Drug Unit. Given the unstable nature of the Nicaraguan power grid, it is crucial for the Peas Blancas Border Inspection Station to maintain an independent power source in the form of a generator to ensure an uninterrupted inspection effort even during the frequent blackouts in the country. The generator is in good condition. One Buster Contraband Detector and 4 accessories in Peas Blancas Drug unit are located at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A high volume of cargo traffic passes through this border crossing, making it a peculiarly important area to conduct narcotics interdictions operations. In such operations, the buster is used to detect trace amounts of drugs as well as find false compartments in trucks attempting to pass drugs through the border. The buster is in bad condition and was recently sent to the United States for repairs, along with one piece of peripheral equipment that is in poor condition. Three pieces of equipment are in good condition.

Vehicles

Nicaraguan National Police
Sedans
109
Van
6
Ambulance
2
Truck
1
Double Cabin
19
Motorcycles
111

Demand Reduction-Juvenile Affairs
Sedans
1
Pickup
1
Motorcycle
8

Vetted Unit
Motorcycles
5

Vessels

Vetted Unit
Boston Whaler
1
121

Status-Services

Demand Reduction Services
Demand reduction services include combat TIP Training of police to learn how to handle TIP cases and how to operate the help telephone lines to assist TIP victims.

Drug Awareness Programs
The programs include the training of police officers and teachers, the education of preschool level students; and awareness campaigns for students in primary and secondary school.

Program Impact

Communications Equipment
The communications equipment helped improve communications and the sharing of information between the different units and police stations, and to help in the investigation of national and international drug trafficking.

Vehicles
The vehicles and motorcycles provided to the NNP were a key factor in the NNP's record narcotics seizures in FY-2008 of about 19.5 MT of cocaine, 53.84 kilograms of heroin, and the arrest of 136 drug traffickers. The NNP also seized $4,742,147 in U.S. currency and denied 109 traffickers assets worth a total of $9,147,397. Of significance, Nicaraguan authorities also seized 18,000 dosage units of pseudoephedrine as it was being smuggled out of the country.

Maritime Support
With substantial support from INL Managua, the Nicaraguan Navy was able to proactively patrol Nicaraguan territorial waters and aggressively deploy their limited assets to respond to tactical information provided by US law enforcement agencies (USILEA). This assertive maritime posture and coordination with US ILEA resulted in the seizure of over 9,000 kilograms of cocaine; about 50% of FY-08 cocaine seizures. Of the nine documented maritime events, eight occurred on the Atlantic Ocean.

Services
Through the Demand Reduction project, material for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, established in Nicaragua in 2001, has now been translated into the Miskito language and widely used on the Atlantic Coast. In 2008, the United States worked with the NNP's Department of Juvenile Affairs to evaluate and expand a pilot effort for the Second Step (Segundo Paso) demand reduction at-risk youth program designed for younger children. The program thus far has proven to be a success amongst the students, teachers and parents.

Problems and Corrective Action Plans (CAP's)

Unmonitored Resources
About 28% of inventory, including computer equipment, vehicles and radios were not monitored due to staff shortages. For two years, there was only one dedicated INL Locally Employed Staff (LES) member, a Program Analyst. This individual was responsible for carrying out an extremely wide array of duties, including budgeting, reporting, and inventory , making it very difficult for the individual to conduct regular inventory monitoring visits. In September 2008, a new INL Program Assistant was hired to manage the program budget and overhaul the INL Managua End Use Monitoring system. In 2009, another INL Program Assistant will be hired as a Logistics Specialist who will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring inventory.

Repair and Maintenance of Commodities
Maintenance of computer equipment and cameras in particular are a problem because the parts for repair can be extremely difficult to find or cost more than buying brand new equipment. INL will consult with the NNP on a case-by-case basis about the viability of buying necessary parts overseas or completely replacing the units when necessary.

Lack of Use or Misuse of Commodities
Three NNP project vehicles were found to be misused. They were erroneously transferred with NNP officers who departed from the anti-narcotic units to which they were originally assigned. INL has addressed this issue with the NNP and is in the process of getting the vehicles returned to the Drug Unit.

Disposal of Commodities.
Much of the equipment donated prior to 2002 has been disposed of by the NNP in what they call their graveyard or have had their parts used to fix newer equipment.

The Suzuki motorcycles, 41 Yamaha motorcycles and the 3 Toyota Tercels will not be included in the 2009 End Use Monitoring Process because they have reached the end of their useful life. A GMC pick-up, Dodge Caravan, and Nissan Quest will also be removed from inventory. All of these vehicles are in poor condition and beyond repair.

INL will write a letter to the NNP to offer assistance in disposing of the computer equipment and vehicles as needed.

Other Problems
There are some gaps in the INL Managua inventory records due to a historical lack of funding for staff to conduct regular End Use Monitoring visits. INL Managua is in the process of hiring a new Program Assistant whose primary responsibilities will be to maintain up-to-date inventory information and carry out quarterly monitoring site visits to maintain accurate records.

Document: FY2009 Section 1022(a) Report

Program: Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance

NATION: Nicaragua PROJECT SUPPORT EFFORT: Navy Pier, Wharf Repair, & Barracks PROJECT CODE: 9493 FUNDING ($K): $1,640K DESCRIPTION: Corinto Navy Base - Small boat pier and repair of Wharf and Barracks to support assigned troops PROJECT TASK: Design and construct boat Pier. Repair Wharf concrete and facing. Design and construct barracks facility

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs The USG policy focus in Nicaragua is to enhance GON law enforcement agencies' ability to detect and intercept shipments, detain traffickers, and stop the laundering of illegal profits from the drug industry as well as support preventative programs to protect youth from drugs and recruitment into gangs. Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S. continued to support Nicaragua's efforts in interdiction, and encouraged the GON to undertake more fundamental challenges to corruption and money laundering. During 2009, the United States provided counternarcotics assistance to the NNP and continued funding to expand the NNP Vetted Unit, a unit that investigates international drug trafficking, corruption (in drug trafficking and money laundering investigations) and money laundering. This unit worked closely with anticorruption units in the Attorney General's office and other vetted units in the region to coordinate cross-border counternarcotics operations. The USG also supported the NNP's Mobile Inspection Unit (MIU), a unit deployed to establish random checkpoints on strategic vehicular routes. The USG continued support to the Nicaraguan Navy by finishing the refurbishment of a large naval boat and provided 12 engines, spare parts, and maintenance for several go-fast patrol boats for maritime interdiction on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The USCG provided mobile training to the Nicaraguan Navy in the areas of maritime law enforcement and engineering and maintenance, enhancing their ability to maintain operational readiness and to conduct counternarcotics patrols in their littorals. The USG also constructed barracks on Corn Island as well as a pier and maintenance facility in Bluefields to assist the GON counternarcotics efforts. The USG also provided training in maritime law enforcement, small boat operations, maintenance and logistics, engineering and leadership to the Nicaraguan Navy in 2009. In August 2009, the USG sponsored training in cybercrime issues for three officials to improve Nicaragua law enforcement capacity to track crimes using technology. Nicaraguan cooperation via the maritime bilateral agreement facilitated the removal of over 1,142 lbs of cocaine, the seizure of one vessel engaged in smuggling, and the detention of seven suspected smugglers by the U.S. Coast Guard. The USG also sponsored delegations of police officers, prosecutors and judges at several regional conferences to build capacity in anti-gang activity, maritime counternarcotics, and general police work in 2009. The USG supported the Nicaraguan Navy in maritime training exercises and continues to provide some budgetary assistance for NNP transportation and communication expenses. Under the Merida Initiative agreement, the NNP will participate in three projects; Central American Fingerprint Exchange (CAFE), the Central American Vetted and Sensitive Investigative Units (SIU), and Improved Policing and Police Equipment.

Document: U.S. Army Leads Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in Guatemala

Program: Exercises

The U.S. Army is working hand-in-hand with the Central American Armed Forces Conference to enhance stability and cooperation throughout the region with their annual Peace Keeping Operations Exercise here.

The current three-week-long exercise consists of various training venues and culminates with a final command-post exercise Aug. 15-17 where students will get a chance to put into practice all the information and skills they learned during the annual Peace Keeping Operations Exercise

This is the third and final phase of annual exercises designed specifically for this region.

The conference, known as CFAC, is comprised of The Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras and was established approximately a decade ago.

This annual exercise equips CFAC troops with the knowledge and tools to effectively execute peacekeeping missions and respond to natural disasters, within United Nations standards, throughout the region.

During this 16-day phase, a class consisting of 86 students representing the various countries, learn everything from convoy and security operations to medical evacuation and public affairs procedures all within United Nations guidelines.

The exercise took approximately 3 months of coordination and planning and the team is already looking to plan future exercises, said Kempf. “Next year, the focus country will be Chile, and in 2011, it will be in Brazil.”

The overall goal is to enhance interoperability and improve security and cooperation of the people in the region

Document: Acting U.S. Surgeon General Visits USNS Comfort, Humanitarian Mission in Nicaragua

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Teams aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) welcomed Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson, currently serving as the acting U.S. Surgeon General, as he came to visit Comfort and observe Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09) July 4 and 5 here.
...
The admiral visited each of the medical, dental, veterinary and engineering sites Comfort teams will operate during the mission’s final stop here.
...
The Continuing Promise mission has done much more than provide health care to the host nations. It has also provided training to improve responses to a potential natural disaster.

Document: Honduras-based U.S. Army Helicopters Supporting Continuing Promise Mission in Nicaragua

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Joint Task Force- Bravo (JTF-B), a U.S. Southern Command task force based at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, sent both aircraft and personnel to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in support of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
...
CP09 is a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission through Latin America and the Caribbean that partners U.S, military, NGO volunteers and host nation personnel to provide free medical, dental, veterinary, educational and engineering services and programs to communities throughout the region.
...
“We brought two UH-60L Blackhawks and one HH-60 Blackhawk (MEDEVAC) from Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras,” said Army Capt. Charlie Hall, the officer in charge of the JTF-B contingent on the ship.
...
JTF-B is transporting both Comfort personnel and patients, some from remote locations around Corinto, between the ship and the shore each day. This type of support is not new for the unit. Their mission is to support and conduct joint, combined and interagency operations to enhance regional cooperative security.

Document: Operation Smile Helps Children During Continuing Promise Mission in Nicaragua

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity, is working hand-in-hand with U.S. military personnel, other non-governmental organizations, foreign nationals and host nation personnel aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) as part of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
...
Operation Smile is providing physical examinations and reconstructive surgeries for children and young adults with cleft lips, cleft pallets and other facial deformities. The team pre-screened 93 patients and has planned 64 operations, said Carl Treleaven, an Operation Smile volunteer and former member of their board of directors.
...
The Operation Smile team on board Comfort consists of 53 people, to include non-medical volunteers, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, a speech therapist, nurses, a pediatrician, an orthodontist and others.
...
The medical treatment facility on board Comfort offers 250 patient beds, eight operating rooms, X-ray machines, CT scanners, a pharmacy, dental suites, and physical therapy among other services.
...
Operation Smile is not a stranger to this region; in the last 16 years, their medical volunteers have provided more than 4,200 exams and more than 2,000 surgeries in Nicaragua according to the organization’s officials.

Document: Continuing Promise Mission in Nicaragua Brings Sailor Back to His Roots

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Tapia’s role during this mission is to work with local law enforcement to ensure medical staff and patients are in a safe environment at the medical sites set up by the CP09 team, coordinate crowd control so that most people can benefit from the services offered at these sites, and to make sure medical staff members have a translator available in order to perform at their maximum capacity.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

The objective of U.S. foreign assistance to Nicaragua is to partner with the Nicaraguan government, institutions, and civil society to encourage broad-based economic growth, and to close the gaps in basic education, health, and infrastructure services. The United States will focus on increasing food security through advances in agricultural production, infrastructure, and sales in 2011. Finally, the United States will work with the Government of Nicaragua (GON) to foster regional security, strengthen its capacity to respond to transnational threats, and reinforce the professional stance of the Nicaraguan military.

Peace and Security: U.S. assistance for effective law enforcement and military modernization in Nicaragua is critical to national efforts to control its remote territories and to combat narcotics, gang violence, illegal trafficking and transnational crime. U.S. assistance will increase the military’s capacity to participate in international peacekeeping operations, improve its capability to respond to natural disasters and conduct search and rescue operations, and increase its maritime security capability. The United States has historically also been a lead donor for land mine removal. It continues to support the destruction of Nicaragua’s remaining Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). The Army and National Police have largely remained independent, non-political forces, although police actions following the November 2008 municipal elections have raised concerns that the government is increasing its control over the National Police. In the Atlantic coastal region, the Nicaraguan military is the first and only responder to drug traffickers. The Nicaraguan navy leads other Central American navies in drug seizures. These institutions face challenges from criminals who seek to increasingly operate with impunity. With its porous borders and endemic poverty, Nicaragua is highly vulnerable to the influence of well-financed drug trafficking organizations. U.S. assistance will be used to provide boat spare parts, maintenance and aviation support, and support for the modernization of the Nicaraguan military, helping it to establish control over remote areas. This will be accomplished through information-sharing, training, and supplying vessels to Nicaraguan law enforcement counterparts. As part of the Merida Initiative, the United States will provide assistance through the Western Hemisphere regional program to improve the capabilities of both the Nicaraguan Navy and the Nicaraguan National Police, which have achieved impressive narcotics interdiction numbers in recent years, providing training for law enforcement personnel and supplying key hardware for interdiction, transnational crime, and anti-gang programs. The United States will also support land mine victim assistance programs and activities related to MANPADS destruction.

Governing Justly and Democratically: U.S. assistance will focus on maintaining democratic space and strengthening critical democratic processes and practices that promote rule of law, democratic political parties, transparent and accountable elections, an open civil society, free media, and an independent judiciary. These activities will complement those expected to be carried out under the Merida Initiative, including activities targeted towards communities vulnerable to crime. U.S. programs will include strengthening civil society; improving local governance through greater community participation and ownership in municipal decisions coupled with increasing responsiveness from municipal governments; and strengthening and diversifying coalitions for legal reforms to defend democratic space and advocate for an independent judiciary. An infrastructure program will complement the municipal governance program, thus providing incentives to participating local governments and strengthening democratic practices through increased community participation, ownership, and action. To promote political party competitiveness, U.S. assistance will support political party strengthening and election reform in the run-up to the Nicaraguan Presidential elections in November 2011. U.S. assistance will also support youth organizations to help build a culture of democracy and re-engage them in the political process. Finally, U.S. programs will help strengthen the independent media.

The path to better governance in Nicaragua relies on the empowerment of citizens and the strengthening of civil society organizations at both local and national levels. A true democracy will emerge only if organized civil society and other key democratic institutions gain the strength they need to exert effective pressure on the actions of political players. The U.S. intends to use FY 2010 funds to expand its support for civil society, media, political parties, professional associations, and other actors who seek to promote the balance of powers, and to maintain democratic space in Nicaragua in the run-up to the 2011 national elections. New governance activities will support a core group of local non-governmental and public sector associations to strengthen civil society advocacy and involvement in municipal decision-making. An increased number of associations receiving support will be achieved through the expansion of governance activities to more municipalities using increased FY 2010 funds.

During the lead-up to Nicaragua’s municipal elections in November 2008, the United States provided small grants to civil society organizations (CSOs) and media outlets for 35 projects aimed at promoting democratic citizen participation in the elections, and organized community leader forums in 15 key municipalities. The forums generated candidate commitments to slates derived from community priorities. National NGOs fielded hundreds of watchers outside the voting centers who documented illegal practices, including harassment of and assault on opposition representatives and supporters.

U.S. assistance to local and national CSOs sustains and bolsters their efforts to keep democratic space open and ensure continued participation in electoral contests. Increased FY 2010 resources will strengthen CSOs’ ability to address critical electoral reforms, follow up on election irregularities, and prepare for the Nicaraguan Presidential elections in 2011.

Investing in People: The United States will help improve access to quality health services, including health promotion and prevention, with special attention to Nicaragua’s geographic and socio-economic equity issues. U.S. assistance will improve pre-service training and curriculums in medical and nursing schools, and will strengthen the institutional capacity of public and private sector clinics and non-governmental organizations. Family planning activities will focus on reaching the underserved with high-quality voluntary services. Nicaragua will receive funding to support the national HIV/AIDS strategy and the goals of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The HIV/AIDS assistance will concentrate on prevention of HIV/AIDS among the most at-risk populations. In education, USAID assistance will focus on improving the quality in primary education through enhanced teacher training at schools and major national universities, including the incorporation of the model school/active learning approach. The United States will narrow its model school program to a select group of schools to assure the continued availability of “centers of excellence” for training teachers and testing the model. The United States will also strengthen the policy environment supporting innovation, including the use of standardized testing.

Economic Growth: Trade capacity building activities will help maximize the country’s benefits under the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) while minimizing to the extent possible the reverberations of the 2009 world financial crisis. The focus will be on improving the competitiveness of small- and medium-size enterprises in all markets. In Nicaragua, food security issues continue to center on the availability of and the ability to purchase sufficient and nutritious food. The United States will expand its agricultural program to eliminate barriers to market-led agricultural development; diversify crops; and leverage resources for rural infrastructure in areas such as water, transport and energy. U.S. assistance will target businesses and agribusinesses, seeking to create new job opportunities in industry and the service sectors and to form alliances and linkages up and down the value chain. In environment, U.S. programs supporting market-based environmental conservation will focus on building strong horizontal and 637 vertical linkages in sustainable tourism and environmental service sectors. U.S. infrastructure program will complement ongoing programs with targeted and complementary investments in productive infrastructure such as energy, roads, irrigation or food collection centers. Civil society participation will play a prominent role in these activities.

Nicaragua has a small, open, but fragile economy with balance of trade deficits, in which agriculture is the principal source of income for half of the population. It has benefited from CAFTA-DR. U.S. programs range from macro policy and business environment to direct assistance to producers and small entrepreneurs, with the core objective of helping Nicaraguans benefit from increased trade and economic growth opportunities. The United States will advance CAFTA-DR’s complementary policy agenda by helping the GON draft, vet and present five new bills to the National Assembly. A new Trade Capacity Building (TCB) activity will provide targeted and in-depth assistance to a core group of businesses and enterprise service providers in order to improve competitiveness in local and regional markets. The increased resources in FY 2010 for trade and investment will fund a 57 percent increase in the number of enterprises assisted as a result of expanded TCB activities.

Economic and social infrastructures are critical elements of national growth and development, and the quality of infrastructure in Nicaragua is among the lowest in Central America. Two-thirds of its 16,932 kilometers of roads are in marginal or poor condition. Only 22.3 percent of Nicaraguan households have access to a 638 paved road. Only 55 percent of the population has access to electricity at the household level. The rural water and sanitation coverage are 65 percent and 82.5 percent (including latrines), respectively. Rural access to health and education services does not meet the national average, due in part to lack of adequate infrastructure for these programs.

FY 2010 resources will fund infrastructure activities in municipal governance, health, education, and economic growth. The funds shown here under the Infrastructure Program Area are expected to be invested in energy and transport activities. Given the timing of FY 2010 funds, the FY 2010 target is indicative of the number of beneficiaries in two communities.

With the extreme fluctuations in worldwide food and fuel prices in 2008, leading to widespread concern about food security for the world’s poor, Nicaragua, where agriculture is the principal source of income for half of the population, was proposed as one of six countries in Latin America to participate in the U.S.’s Food Security Initiative. Nicaraguan commercial producers benefit from rising prices; however, since almost half of the Nicaraguan population live on less than $2 a day, access to food is a major issue. In FY 2008, 92 percent of the targeted households were reached, owing to acceptable delays in the completion of small and medium-sized infrastructure investments. Additional resources in FY 2010 for agriculture will lead to increased benefits and expanded participation of rural households in this program. The FY 2010 target reflects the first year of the Food Security Initiative of the United States; higher targets are projected for out years.

Humanitarian Assistance: Nicaragua is prone to natural disasters, and has suffered from hurricanes, flooding, disease outbreaks and rat infestations in just the past three years. The United States will fund both preparatory and relief activities to facilitate immediate response activities when disaster strikes. These resources should be seen as seed resources, which would be greatly supplemented by resources and disaster response from the USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the U.S. military in instances of major disaster.

Linkages with the Millennium Challenge Corporation In July 2005 Nicaragua signed a $175 million compact that aims to reduce poverty in the departments of Leon and Chinandega through promoting sustainable economic growth. The compact addresses three areas identified as the main barriers to growth in the two departments: insecure property rights, under-developed transport infrastructure, and low levels of value-added economic activity. By completion, the compact is expected to have designed 285 kilometers and built 80 kilometers of roads; helped 5,000 producers in Leon 639 and Chinandega increase incomes through the production of high-value goods in livestock, agriculture and forestry; improved local water management and watershed protection; and clarified the land tenure and title situation.

Document: Southern Partnership Station Returns to Nicaragua

Program: Exercises

High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) anchored off the coast of Bluefields for the second time in as many months yesterday to begin a nine-day training mission during Southern Partnership Station (SPS).

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission goal is primarily information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region. SPS is comprised of Navy training and support teams, Marine Corps training teams, foreign naval officers and civilian contract mariners on a Military Sealift Command platform.

While in the area, training teams from Navy Expeditionary Training Command, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group will be teaching courses to members of the Nicaraguan Navy and Marine Corps. The courses provide instruction in boarding team tactics, armed sentry operations, port security, martial arts and small boat engine repair.