Nicaragua Roundup: New terminal, telecom law, internet control

Trump's team keen to unite anti-dictatorship exiles, Nicaragua dissident

In recent developments, Donald Trump’s transition team is actively engaging with Felix Maradiaga, a key figure in Nicaraguan opposition politics. Their discussions centre on uniting exiled communities from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, aiming to bolster solidarity against authoritarian regimes. Maradiaga, previously imprisoned and now residing in the U.S., is scheduled to meet with officials from the upcoming administration responsible for Latin American policy. The coalition he represents is advocating for robust U.S. support to assist Nicaraguan migrants fleeing political repression, report The Strait Times.

New Fortress Energy set to fire up FSRU-based Nicaragua terminal in early 2025

Concurrently, New Fortress Energy announced plans to establish a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) import terminal along with a power plant in Nicaragua, anticipated to commence operations in early 2025. This initiative was revealed during their third-quarter results call, indicating ongoing investments in floating LNG projects, reports Trade Winds.

Milan pastor reflects on mission trips to Nicaragua, Panama

In a separate domain, Dan Wilford, Pastor at Milan First Baptist Church, has actively participated in various mission trips with Evangelist Sam Craig. Their recent initiatives in Nicaragua involved door-to-door evangelism, which led to 38 individuals embracing the Christian faith. Additionally, Wilford’s outreach extended to the Kuna Indians in Panama, while Craig is also engaged in supporting Native American communities in New Mexico and managing multiple missions across Mexico, as reported by KTTN.

Nicaragua passes new telecom law, sets up digital divide fund

On the legislative front, Nicaragua's national assembly has made significant strides by passing the General Law on Convergent Telecommunications, an update to a framework that has remained unchanged for 29 years. According to Telecompaper, this law, based on recommendations from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is designed to enhance national telecommunications coverage, foster competitive fairness, and ensure that operators do not impose charges for services not rendered. Moreover, it establishes a fund aimed at addressing the digital divide within the country.

Nicaraguan Congress approves law aimed at internet control

The approval of the new telecommunications law has raised substantial concerns. Passed on October 31 by the assembly, which is predominantly controlled by President Daniel Ortega’s regime, the law grants the Nicaraguan Telecommunication and Postal Institute (Telcor) the authority to require licenses for all local channels and internet content creators. Critics argue that this provision introduces legal uncertainties and serves as a political mechanism to suppress dissenting voices through content regulation. Moreover, the law enables Telcor to impose additional regulations, including licensing fees to be determined later, further raising alarm about potential censorship and arbitrary enforcement against independent media outlets, reflecting similar oppressive practices observed in Venezuela, Havana Times reports.