Ambassador Llorens, Cardinal Rodriguez, and William Brands Visit La Moskitia

Last week, Ambassador Hugo Llorens and Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, a world recognized leader of the Catholic Church and the current head of Caritas, travelled together to Puerto Lempira, Gracias a Dios (“La Moskitia”) one of the major drug interdiction areas in Central America. Joining them were USAID’s Mission Director, William Brands and the Vice Minister of Honduran Social Investment Fund (FHIS).

The group, joined by the Mayor of Puerto Lempira and Governor of Gracias a Dios, visited several USG-funded activities, including a school built and equipped by the U.S. MIL Group and a USAID-funded hospital. The visit highlighted the importance of the USG assistance to Honduras to combat the illegal drug trafficking in the region and to support activities that improve quality of life. Additionally, USAID also announced plans to support an outreach center through the Mérida Initiative in a partnership with the GOH and the Catholic Church. The new outreach center will be similar to other USAID-funded centers already established in the most vulnerable gang areas in Honduras. These centers are aimed at increasing community involvement and after-school activities for youth in such areas as art, music, sports, and vocational education. Meetings were also held with the leadership of the Miskitos and a live radio interview was broadcast throughout the region.