Quaker-founded NGO to close in Nicaragua
ProNica, founded by US Quakers, is to close
A US Quaker-founded NGO has closed after almost fifty years of working in Nicaragua due to the country’s desperate problems under president Daniel Ortega.
The organisation, ProNica, has had to shut its operations in the US and Nicaragua after years of working with grassroots organisations to help some of the most disadvantaged people in the country. According to a statement released by Yarrow Ries, executive director of ProNica Inc, ‘We simply cannot effectively operate within the confines of the present situation in the country. Instead we are focusing our efforts in a two-fold endeavour.’
This includes ‘actively seeking an NGO to direct our donors to in order to continue their support’ and archiving ProNica’s history. The statement says: ‘After the closing of Quaker House and our office in Managua, we began the formal process of closing the NGO… we are awaiting our final audit and hope to have the closing finalised by the end of the year.’
Nicaragua has faced increasing problems under the authoritarian regime of president Daniel Ortega, including raids on NGOs and media outlets, as well as anti-government protests. At least 60,000 people have gone into exile, with many fearing torture or murder if they return.
According to Yarrow Ries, ProNica’s board of directors has passed a final resolution to close the US office on 31 December 2019. He says: ‘We are no longer accepting donations online, but are working to secure a passthrough organisation that will serve as a temporary intermediary until we find a Nicaraguan NGO willing to work with our partner organisations.’
The organisation started in 1985 when Quakers José and Soledad McIntire moved there from Florida. The pair brought nursing skills and experience from Peace Brigades International and the American Friends Service Committee. According to the website, the service ‘arose from a deep concern over the international exploitation of the Nicaraguan people and resources, and a wish to respond in practical and constructive ways’.
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