Visits to San Francisco Libre

Over the last twelve months we have been extremely fortunate in being able to maintain a regular flow of visitors to San Francisco Libre from the association.

In December 2000 four people visited the town carrying letters and money for continued support of the many projects both large and small, identified by our representative in Nicaragua, Chris Baird. They also recruited  aregular correspondent from the town who keeps us informed of the daily lives of the people of San Francisco Libre.

In the spring of 2001, Paul Starkey, Chair of the Association, visited the town accompained by two representatives of 2-TEN FM to look at the possibilities of securing a broadcasting license and establishing a local radio station. Plans continue to be developed around installing a radio station in the newly completed Community Centre. We hope to have news by the summer of 2002.

In August 2001, Bente Madera from RISC (Reading International Solidarity Centre) visited Nicaragua as part of a fair trade delegation. She then spent a few days in San Francisco Libre, again carrying messages and money.

In November 2001, four members of the Association visited Nicaragua as International Observers for the presidential elections (See Nicaragua Election Briefing). They called on San Francisco Libre after their official duties were over, meeting many old friends including Cruz, Glenarban and Doña Carmen.

Paul Starkey plans to visit again in March 2001, and Hanna Starkey hopes to spend some days in the town in May during her travels around Central and South America. We always encourage people to visit San Francisco Libre and can provide ideas and contacts for people who may be interested to do so.