Article by PBI-Canada

On April 13, PBI-Honduras posted: “PBI accompanied ASODEBICOQ in its meeting with the communities of the El Listón sector, in the department of Santa Bárbara.”

“People from various communities in the sector met to continue strengthening these common spaces and organizing the communities in their leadership for the defense of the common goods of the region.”

PBI-Honduras adds: “Kevin, president of the Board, highlights the capacity of the communities to organize: ‘There is a light on the road, but it will depend on us. The magic wand is the struggle of the communities, which PBI accompanies.’”

ASODEBICOQ refers to the Association for the Defense of Common Goods of Quimistán (which is a municipality in the department of Santa Bárbara).

Radio Progreso reported that the department of Santa Bárbara is “threatened by more than 15 hydroelectric projects and 23 concessions for mining.”

That same article notes: “In the municipality of Quimistán, there is an imminent danger from the installation of the Santa Lucia hydroelectric dam, which is advanced by 90%. And, despite the fact that there is a strong rejection by the population, they currently intend to build a second hydroelectric dam also on the Cuyagual River.”

ASODEBICOQ is opposed to the construction of the Santa Lucia I and Santa Lucia II dams. It has called on the Government of Honduras to stop the construction of the dams because the project violates the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, an International Labour Organization Convention, also known as ILO-convention 169.

Kevin from ASODEBICOQ has also commented: “We couldn’t organize demonstrations and occupations before, but since PBI has been supporting us, we have been able to do this. There have been threats but they are less now because they know that foreigners are watching what is happening in the municipality. So, we are safer. PBI is also part of Quimistan. We are like sisters and brothers.”

PBI-Honduras has accompanied ASODEBICOQ since May 2018.