The Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association builds bridges of friendship between Bainbridge Island in Washington State and Ometepe, Nicaragua
Our History
For more than 30 years, we have constructed schools and water systems together, learned each others’ languages and customs, and been welcomed into each others’ homes.
Much has changed since 1986, when Kim Esterberg first set foot on Ometepe in search of a sister island and Moyogalpa Mayor Diego Martinez told Kim that what Ometepe needed most was respect. What has not changed is the vision of a long-term, sustainable relationship—a mutually beneficial partnership of equals. This mutuality of respect is what we hold true to as we continue on into our second quarter-century.
New focus on Ometepe coffee
After many years of work, coffee grown on Ometepe is now recognized as a distinct type because of the environment where it is grown. The "denomination of origin" — similar to the way wine and cheese marketing is restricted to specific geographic areas — is intended to boost marketing efforts.
Congratulations, Francisco!
Francisco Antonio Hernández, who coordinates all of the Sister Islands Association's programs for the special needs community on Ometepe, is shown as he prepared to defended his master's thesis about the Sister Islands' work with the deaf community on Ometepe. He scored 90% — a reason to celebrate.