1991: The urgent need for clean drinking water
Early on, medical assistance to Ometepe was a high priority of the Sister Islands Association. Though the Sandinistas had established community health clinics, ably supported by Cuban doctors, the US trade embargo left Nicaragua without medicines and supplies.
1991: Suitcases of coffee
In 1991, a medical delegation was sent around Maderas, one of the two volcanoes on Ometepe, with a horse to carry the supplies they had brought with them. When the delegates returned to Bainbridge, they lugged back 16 very heavy suitcases filled with green coffee beans.
1990 delegates act as election observers
Big political changes were occurring during the year Christine Marinoni spent teaching English in Altagracia. Impoverished by years of the US-backed Contra War and trade embargo and facing disillusionment of campesinos who opposed the draft, the Sandinista government was forced
1989: First Ometepe delegate visits Bainbridge
Padre Juan Cuadra during his visit to Bainbridge. Padre Juan entertains Bainbridge Islanders during his visit. Bainbridge hosted its first delegate from Ometepe: Padre Juan Cuadra. Padre Juan had instilled his
The 1988 “Delegation of Eight”
Traveling round-about through Mexico City to circumvent the trade embargo and stopping first in Managua to participate in the Sister Cities Conference, the “Delegation of Eight” (in ’88) hauled 16 suitcases of medical and school supplies. They also brought funds to team up with Arlen Siu preschool families to fulfill Maria Elena’s dream – an actual preschool classroom with four walls and a roof.
1987: Friendships begin
How do new Sister Islands get to know each other when there is a war going on and an embargo against trade? One way is to send messages of friendship in the hands of travelers passing through. Mary Gleysteen relayed a suitcase of school supplies destined for Ometepe. Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin packed their video equipment to Ometepe after a visit elsewhere in Nicaragua.