The Republic of Nicaragua, spanning 130,370 square kilometers, is the largest country in Central America. Noteworthy among its geographic features are its lakes, especially Nicaragua Lake, also known as Cocibolca, and Managua Lake or Xolotlán, which borders the nation’s capital.

The country is also characterized by a volcanic chain that stretches from north to south. Nicaragua is home to 50 volcanoes, seven of which remain active: San Cristóbal, Telica, Cerro Negro, El Hoyo, Momotombo, Masaya, and Concepción.

With these unique geographic features, Nicaragua has earned global recognition as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” underscoring its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, whose volcanic activity is evident across much of Latin America.

According to recent demographic data, Nicaragua has a population of 7,317,798, ranking it 106th among the world’s 196 nations, with a moderate population density of 53 inhabitants per square kilometer.

The country’s economy is primarily based on light manufacturing, services, and agriculture. In recent years, under the leadership of revolutionary commander Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua has attracted foreign direct investment, accounting for 6.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Central Bank of Nicaragua recently released its macroeconomic outlook, maintaining its 2024 growth projection between 3.5% and 4.5%. Positive momentum is anticipated to continue across most sectors, particularly in services.

The agency also predicts that employment levels will remain stable in 2024, with labor market imbalances from the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced workforce participation, gradually diminishing.

Independence Struggle

On September 15, 1821, Nicaragua, alongside Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica, signed the Act of Independence, declaring freedom from the Spanish Captaincy General of Guatemala, which spanned from Costa Rica to present-day Chiapas, Mexico.

With Spain’s departure, Nicaragua and Central America initially became part of the newly formed Mexican Empire, which lasted only a few years. The nations of the isthmus then formed the Federation of Central American States, which later dissolved due to the conflicting interests of the provinces’ leaders.

On April 30, 1838, Nicaragua declared complete separation from the Central American Federation, entering history as an independent republic.

On July 19, 1979, the Sandinista Popular Revolution triumphed over the violent dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza and his family, who had held power in Nicaragua since 1934. The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN in Spanish), which led the armed struggle, upheld the ideals of national hero Augusto César Sandino, who fought against U.S. occupation in Nicaragua from 1926 to 1933.

The FSLN remains the historic vanguard of the Nicaraguan people, with its key historic leaders, represented by Commander Daniel Ortega, constructively steering the course of 21st-century Nicaragua.

On November 7, 2021, Commander Ortega was re-elected by popular vote for a fifth term, his fourth consecutive since 2007.

Nicaragua in ALBA-TCP

Nicaragua formally joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) on February 23, 2007, three years after the regional mechanism was created by then-Presidents Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and Fidel Castro of Cuba on December 14, 2004.

The neoliberal policies applied in Latin America and the Caribbean, which excluded large segments of the population from the benefits of economic growth and deepened social inequality, prompted President Daniel Ortega to support the country’s entry into this integrationist bloc.

In his view, overcoming the neoliberal model and its catastrophic effects on the region requires a “strategic alliance between the states and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, based on principles of solidarity, cooperation, complementarity, and mutual aid, and founded on the recognition and appreciation of our identity, participatory democracy, and equitable economic development.”

For Nicaragua, joining ALBA-TCP symbolized the aspirations for independence among American nations, whose roots run deep in the history of the Americas, from Indigenous resistance to the present day. This historical journey includes figures like Tupac Amaru, Tupaj Katari, Guaicaipuro, Diriangén, and Miskut; Francisco de Miranda, Simón Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre, Francisco de Morazán, José Martí, Eloy Alfaro Delgado, and Augusto C. Sandino. Reflecting on this legacy, the Sandinista leader once observed that “Latin America rises up, carrying forward the banners of freedom and justice passed down by those who came before us.”

This October 28, Cuba commemorates the death of revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos, a founding leader of the Rebel Army alongside Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Raúl Castro, and Juan Almeida during the National Liberation War against the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship.

Cienfuegos, was also known as “The Commander of the People,” “The Lord of the Vanguard,” the “Hero of Yaguajay,” or “the hero with the wide-brimmed hat.”

On October 28, 1959, he lost his life in an aviation accident caused by adverse weather while returning from Camagüey to Havana.

This Monday, marking 65 years since his passing, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel honored Cienfuegos’ legacy on X, underscoring his patriotism, commitment to justice, and unwavering loyalty to the Revolution and Fidel Castro.

“#FidelForever: Camilo emerged from the people and had the opportunity to develop and amplify his extraordinary talents. But when I see our young people working on a lathe, when I see them in a lab, when I see them working 10, 12, 13, even 14 hours, I am ever more convinced that there are many Camilos within the people,” the Cuban leader wrote.

Caracas, October 27, 2024 – The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) has the potential to contribute significantly to BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in the realm of global economics, it was affirmed by Jorge Arreaza, ALBA-TCP’s Executive Secretary, this Sunday.

Speaking on Situational Analysis, a program hosted by Hinterlaces President Oscar Schémel, Arreaza emphasized that ALBA-TCP, with the support of its development institution, the Bank of ALBA, offers a framework focused on the economic needs of nations rather than economic elites. “Venezuela and Nicaragua could be valuable allies to BRICS, as we have a coalition focused on the people and on life, not solely on government agendas,” he stated.

Arreaza further highlighted that ALBA was the first alliance to embrace multipolarity, standing in opposition to imperialism within its own region. “It’s an alliance based on solidarity, complementarity, and cooperation—not competition or destructive interactions with other blocs,” he added.

The ALBA bloc, he noted, has its own currency (the Sucre) and has developed unique cooperation mechanisms, such as Petrocaribe, while building economic capacities for new initiatives.

Regarding the current geopolitical landscape, Arreaza described it as “hyper-imperialism,” dominated by military, productive, and financial power. As the first two pillars falter, he remarked, the focus of power groups is increasingly shifting toward military strength.

Beyond Politics

On Venezuela’s situation, Arreaza described the Bolivarian Revolution as more than a political process—it’s a deeply rooted spiritual movement driven by dedication and a sense of community. This spirit, he said, has helped the nation overcome twelve years of hardships brought on by external pressures and conflicts.

“We’re the only country that has endured a political, diplomatic, economic, media, commercial, and energy war. We’ve withstood what no other nation has,” he declared.

Arreaza also referenced the United States’ actions against Venezuela under former President Donald Trump, asserting that it was the historical resilience of the Venezuelan people that helped them overcome such challenges.

“President Nicolás Maduro is striving to preserve Venezuela’s historical legacy from Guaicaipuro to the present, advancing a communal government model that represents a different form of democracy,” he concluded.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a key member of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), offers far more than idyllic beaches. With a population of around 110,000, this archipelago boasts a rich cultural heritage, a growing economy, and a stable democratic political system.

Located in the southern Caribbean, the nation includes a main island, Saint Vincent, along with several smaller islands. Its culture is a blend of African, European, and Amerindian influences.

Culture and Tourism

The sounds of Calypso and Soca fill the streets during vibrant festivals like Carnival, while local crafts showcase the creativity and skill of the Vincentian people.

This premier Caribbean tourist destination attracts visitors worldwide. Bequia Island, known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning marine biodiversity, is particularly popular among divers and nature lovers.

Government System

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent nation, a member of the British Commonwealth and CARICOM. Its government operates as a parliamentary democracy.

Led by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is committed to social and economic development, as well as promoting equality and social justice.

Challenges

The capital, Kingstown, located on narrow coastal lowlands, is vulnerable to natural disasters and volcanic activity.

Urban growth increases pressure on the city, which faces periodic flooding. Regional cooperation for natural disaster mitigation is a shared goal among ALBA-TCP members.

In 2021, member nations of the regional bloc approved the establishment of a humanitarian bridge with the Bank of ALBA support to aid Vincentian citizens after the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, which had remained dormant for 30 years.

Economy

The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines relies on agriculture, tourism, and trade. Banana, coconut, and sweet potato production is essential to the livelihoods of many local communities.

Since joining ALBA-TCP on April 16, 2009, the country has strengthened regional solidarity, voiced its opposition to the imposition of unilateral coercive measures by the United States, and promoted cooperation in health, education, and energy while participating in cultural exchange programs.

The nation has also benefited from support for infrastructure and community development projects.

Proposals to ALBA-TCP

Prime Minister Gonsalves has described ALBA-TCP as an extension of his country’s constitutional principles. “It is an organization of faith and reason, advocating for economic justice and workers’ equity,” he remarked at the 23rd Summit of ALBA-TCP Heads of State and Government held in Venezuela last April.

During this summit, the Prime Minister proposed the creation of a shipping company to facilitate trade among ALBA-TCP countries, which could also include non-member nations, thereby strengthening regional unity.

Caracas, October 26, 2024 – The Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines accredited in Venezuela, Gareth Bynoe, accompanied by the Venezuelan Deputy Minister for the Caribbean from the People’s Power Ministry for Foreign Affairs and President of the Bank of ALBA, Raúl Li Causi, along with Edith Peraza, General Director of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), presented an offering to the Liberator Simón Bolívar on Friday to mark the 45th anniversary of the Caribbean nation’s independence.

At the National Pantheon Monument Complex, the Mausoleum of the Liberator in Caracas, both diplomats reaffirmed the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between their nations as the national anthems resounded.

The path to independence for this island nation was gradual; among several milestones, the British granted associated state status, enabling self-governance for internal affairs. This was followed by the dissolution of the PPP party, with leadership assumed by the Saint Vincent Labour Party (SVLP). Full independence from Great Britain was finally achieved on October 27, 1979, after a referendum.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has since become a strategic ally in defending the sovereignty of nations, with a categorical rejection of unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States.

As a member of regional integration mechanisms such as the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC in Spanish), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is firmly committed to these ideals.

Cancillería Venezuela

Located at the northern tip of South America and bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela is renowned for its vast oil reserves—the largest in the world—along with an abundance of other mineral resources. The country boasts immense biodiversity and is celebrated for the legacy of its liberators, such as Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda, whose revolutionary efforts and ideals inspired independence movements throughout the region.

In 1811, Venezuela became one of the first Spanish-American territories to declare independence from Spain. However, it was not until June 24, 1821, in the Battle of Carabobo, that the decisive victory of Bolívar’s patriotic forces against the Spanish royalists secured Venezuela’s freedom.

The population is characterized by a rich cultural identity born from the blending of indigenous peoples, European colonizers, and enslaved Africans.

As a founding member of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), along with Cuba in December 2004, Venezuela spans 916,445 square kilometers on the mainland, with numerous islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest urban center is Caracas, located in the north-central part of the country.

According to its 1999 Constitution, Venezuela is a decentralized Federal Republic with a presidential system of government, led by the President, who serves as both Head of State and Head of the National Executive. Following the passing of Commander Hugo Chávez, the co-founder of ALBA-TCP along with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Nicolás Maduro Moros was elected by popular vote as the country’s President in 2013.

A Megadiverse Nation

Venezuela ranks seventh globally in terms of biodiversity.

The country’s varied landscapes include the Andean mountains in the west, the tropical rainforests of the Orinoco Basin in the south, the vast plains of the Llanos, the Caribbean coastline, and the Orinoco River delta in the east.

The country is home to Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, and the Orinoco River, the second-longest river in South America. Venezuela also boasts the longest coastline on the Caribbean Sea, making it an attractive destination for tourism development.

The economy relies heavily on raw material exports, particularly oil and gas, given its exceptionally resource-rich soil.

According to the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA in Spanish), the nation’s proven oil reserves stand at 300.878 billion barrels—the largest in the world.

Additionally, Venezuela has proven natural gas reserves of 197.1 trillion cubic feet, placing it eighth globally, with potential for an even higher ranking.

Venezuela also ranks second in the Americas for gold reserves (161.22 metric tons), according to the World Gold Council, trailing only the United States. The country also possesses substantial deposits of iron, magnesium, kaolin, quartz, diamonds, bauxite, marble, uranium, coltan, and other minerals.

Contributions to ALBA-TCP

As a founding and key member of ALBA-TCP, Venezuela has shared the advancements of the Bolivarian Revolution with fellow member countries, although this support has been curtailed by the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States and its European allies since March 2015.

Caracas has contributed to ALBA-TCP members through initiatives like the Petrocasa housing program and the training of community-based doctors via the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM in Spanish) and the Mission Miracle program, which provides ophthalmological care to low-income individuals.

The Bank of ALBA, established in Caracas on January 26, 2008, during the VI ALBA-TCP Summit, is a financial institution dedicated to promoting economic and social development, fostering integration, reducing inequalities, and combating poverty and social exclusion.

The Petrocaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, another initiative spearheaded by Venezuela within the ALBA framework, was launched on June 29, 2005, in Puerto La Cruz by Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. This agreement provides energy supplies and favorable financing to member states.

“ALBA-TCP has demonstrated great capacity in standing at the heart of truth, defending the right of peoples to development, independence, peace, democracy, freedom, sovereignty, and ultimately, the right to life,” affirmed President Nicolás Maduro when speaking about this regional mechanism.

Covering nearly 111,000 square kilometers, the Republic of Cuba is the largest island in the Antilles, the most expansive nation in the Caribbean, and the second most populous after Haiti, with a population of 11.2 million. Approximately 2.13 million people reside in the capital city, Havana.

Cuba is an archipelago consisting of the main island, the Isle of Youth (formerly known as the Isle of Pines), and 4,195 smaller keys, islets, and islands. The country is divided into 15 provinces and one special municipality.

Alongside the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, Cuba is one of the four Greater Antilles.

Cuba defines itself in its Constitution as a socialist state organized as a Republic with its political party, the Communist Party of Cuba.

The country has a National Assembly, responsible for appointing the president and Head of State, a position currently held by Miguel Díaz-Canel. The unicameral Cuban Parliament, called the People’s Power National Assembly, is the highest body of state authority.

Díaz-Canel was elected in 2018 as President of the Councils of State and Ministers and became President of the Republic of Cuba in 2019, following the approval of the new Constitution. He was re-elected as the nation’s leader on April 19, 2023, during the Constituent Session of the Tenth Legislature of the National Assembly.

Since 2003, Díaz-Canel has been a member of the Political Bureau and is currently also the First Secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee.

The Cuban Revolution

José Martí (1853-1895), a philosopher, journalist, and poet born in Havana, is Cuba’s National Hero. As a revolutionary leader, he spearheaded and inspired the uprisings against Spain in pursuit of independence. In 1892, Martí founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party and its publication, Patria.

Although the Republic of Cuba was officially established on May 20, 1902, it merely exchanged Spanish rule for neocolonial dependency on the United States. In 1952, a coup d’état led to the authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista, a U.S.-backed ally. Batista fled the country on January 1, 1959, after over two years of combat led by the July 26th Movement, a revolutionary organization headed by Fidel Castro. This revolution remains in power today with strong popular support.

On February 7, 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy implemented a unilateral embargo against Cuba through the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, severing all trade ties with the island and imposing economic isolation to pressure the overthrow of the revolutionary government.

The U.S. economic embargo has significantly impacted Cuba’s economy, limiting its access to international markets and hindering its ability to conduct financial and commercial transactions with other countries. Additionally, it has restricted foreign investment and access to the technology and resources essential for economic development.

In November 2023, for the 31st time, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to condemn the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, with 187 member countries expressing their support for Cuba.

The Cuban government and people’s steadfast resistance and dignity in the face of aggression from the world’s largest power have made the island a beacon of inspiration for other nations fighting against imperial pressure to undermine their sovereign self-determination processes.

In the largest of the Antilles, 75% of the territory consists of plains, followed by low elevations and mountains, primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions. These geographical features support diverse agricultural production for both domestic consumption and export, including sugarcane, bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mangoes, rice, corn, papayas, beans, potatoes, tobacco, and coffee. Cuba also stands out for its production of pork, beef, milk, and poultry.

Regarding mineral wealth, Cuba ranked as the fifth-largest producer of cobalt and the tenth-largest producer of nickel in 2019.

Cuba is a top tourist destination, drawing visitors with its turquoise beaches, European-influenced architecture, warm hospitality, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Contributions to ALBA-TCP

Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016), the father of the Cuban Revolution, co-founded the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) alongside Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez (1954-2013). On December 14, 2004, in Havana, they signed a Joint Declaration and the Agreement for the Application of the Integration Platform.

Among Cuba’s contributions to the regional bloc is the successful implementation of the Cuban literacy method “Yo Sí Puedo” (Yes, I Can), which led to UNESCO’s declaration of Venezuela (2005), Bolivia (2008), and Nicaragua (2009) as territories free from illiteracy. Cuba is recognized globally by the United Nations as a model of educational excellence.

During the most critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba provided its “Soberana 01” vaccine to ALBA countries, and Cuban medical personnel offered solidarity by assisting in patient care and vaccination efforts in some member states.

President Díaz-Canel described ALBA-TCP as the “miracle alliance” that has brought seemingly impossible projects to life and achieved remarkable social progress that has benefited its citizens.

He also emphasized that the organization has provided a long-awaited response to the region’s challenges, stating, “It is the alliance that allows us to face challenges and threats together.”

On December 14, 2014, Saint Kitts and Nevis joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), and from this regional platform, it has made significant contributions to the advancement of regional integration.

This northern Caribbean nation, with an area of 261 square kilometers, is deeply committed to the vital role of unity that the Alliance plays in the lives of its peoples and in fostering democracy, trade, and the sovereignty of its 10 member countries.

Basseterre is the capital, and the current Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Terrance Drew. The country’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, although sugar was historically a key industry in its development.

Brotherhood and Integration

During the 23rd ALBA-TCP Summit, held in Venezuela in April 2024, the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Norgen Wilson, called on member states to strengthen cooperation in various fields, such as science and technology.

In his view, these two sectors will enable a more strategic development of the region. He also emphasized that the brotherhood and integration represented by the regional bloc are essential in these times, as imperialism seeks to hinder the growth of South America and the Caribbean.

At the ALBA meeting in Caracas, the diplomat highlighted the importance of the Alliance as a platform for promoting regional unity and cooperation.

“It is crucial for us to support ALBA-TCP because it fosters unity and cooperation, and we all know that as sovereign states, we have the right to make our own decisions,” he remarked.

In its foreign policy, the archipelago of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), ALBA-TCP, and other international and regional organizations.

Additionally, it hosts the headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, which issues the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC dollar), the common currency for the OECS countries.

An Island Rich in Tradition

This island nation has a rich history of traditions, passed down through generations.

According to the website “Traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis,” the country places great importance on its carnival, known as “The Cradle of Caribbean Carnival.”

During this festival, the streets come alive with vibrant parades filled with music, dance, and colorful costumes.

This festivity has outlasted colonization, evolving into a unique cultural expression that celebrates the history and Caribbean spirit of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Moreover, each community celebrates its patron saint with festivals that showcase local crafts, traditional theatrical performances, and sporting events.

Both visitors and locals come together to enjoy delicious food, live music, and exuberant dances. These festivities not only honor the saints but also strengthen community bonds and pass on cultural heritage to future generations.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a devoted promoter of brotherhood, the traditions of the region’s peoples, and peace, alongside all the nations that form part of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America.