The Honduran government and foreign advisors: key points in the current debate

The participation of Cuban and Venezuelan advisors in the Honduran government, currently led by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has been a topic of discussion in the country’s political and social spheres. Various actors have expressed concern about the possible influence of these advisors on decision-making and the direction of national public policies, especially in strategic sectors such as education and institutional communication.

The Honduran government, led by Xiomara Castro, has defended collaboration with these countries as part of international cooperation agreements. However, the opposition and sectors of civil society have called for greater transparency in the terms of these agreements and have questioned the impact of foreign advice on the autonomy of national policies. This scenario has kept the debate on the relevance and scope of international collaboration at the center of the Honduran public agenda.

International guidance within the Honduran administration

Within this context, the former rector of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, Julieta Castellanos, published a letter in which she pointed out the presence of “hundreds of Cuban and Venezuelan advisors” in offices located on the 16th floor of the Government Civic Center. According to her, this situation would be an indication of a political orientation aligned with the Bolivarian axis. However, the then Minister of the Presidency, Rodolfo Pastor, rejected these claims and suggested that the situation in the building be verified in person, defending the transparency of the administration.

On his behalf, the Minister of Strategic Planning, Ricardo Salgado, admitted to the government employing Venezuelan consultants, explaining that this action is intended to enhance the nation’s institutional capabilities. Additionally, politician Salvador Nasralla alleged that the formal addresses of Xiomara Castro’s administration are crafted by Cuban and Venezuelan advisors, which has led to criticism about the appropriateness and genuineness of governmental policies and communications, considering the view that foreign advisors might not fully understand Honduras’s reality and necessities.

Collaborations in learning and debates

In the realm of education, 123 educators from Cuba arrived in Honduras in December 2022 as part of a collaborative arrangement between the two nations. These teaching professionals were distributed across 128 towns to introduce the literacy initiative “Yo sí puedo” (Yes, I can). The National Party of Honduras labeled this move as ideological intrusion and called for increased clarity in the agreements made with the Cuban instructors.

The contract also includes collaboration on creating an updated curriculum for the education system in Honduras, symbolizing a major change. Although certain groups consider this revision essential, others believe there are sufficient qualified Honduran experts to manage these initiatives. Furthermore, specialists have emphasized the need for a thorough and agreed-upon evaluation prior to implementing outside educational frameworks, and have cautioned about potential effects on social governance and the country’s independence.

In conclusion, the presence and participation of Cuban and Venezuelan advisors in the Honduran government and education system continues to generate debate. While the government argues that these alliances are part of international cooperation strategies, critical sectors insist on the need to guarantee transparency and the defense of autonomy in national decision-making.