The election victory of the Sandinista government in November 2006 brought to an end 16 years of neoliberal governments. Since that time, Nicaraguan society has been radically transformed and Nicaraguans now enjoy a society where the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are prioritised, with 58% of the budget spent on health and education. Universal free health care and education are now provided throughout the country, poverty and extreme poverty have been more than halved and there have been huge strides in the field of gender parity.

Yet against this background Nicaragua is constantly demonised by mainstream media, Nicaragua’s right wing opposition and those who accept its mischaracterisations at face value. Since the violent, U.S.-directed coup attempt in 2018, it has been very difficult to find objective analysis of the political situation in Nicaragua in mainstream media, much less any examination of the Revolution’s achievements. In disregarding what is actually happening in the country, the media is ignoring and excluding the lived experience of ordinary Nicaraguans, as if their daily lives are irrelevant to any judgment about the direction the country is taking.

During this event, speakers will describe what life is really like in Nicaragua today as opposed to the media hype – and we hope they may inspire you to visit for yourself!

Speakers: John Perry has lived in Masaya, Nicaragua for 20 years and writes about Central America for The Nation, London Review of Books, Monthly Review, Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, and others.

Abigail Espinoza Muñoz is from Masaya, Nicaragua and is an active member of the Sandinista party (FSLN) and a former councillor in Masaya.

Roger McKenzie, International Editor, Morning Star. Roger visited Nicaragua in July to take part in the celebrations for the 44th Anniversary of the Revolution. During his visit he took part in a number of meetings and visits around the country.

Chair: Tony Burke. Tony is a member of the NSCAG Executive Committee and also a member of the London Print Branch of Unite.

Event organised by the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group. Although this is mainly an in-person event, we are able to link people in remotely via Zoom. Please let us know if you wish to be linked in to the event remotely by emailing Louise on nscag@nicaraguasc.org.uk - she will then send you the zoom link for the event.

Attendance is free but donations, which will go towards the work of the NSCAG, are also welcome.