Central America and the Caribbean

Central America and the Caribbean

By the end of the 1960s, most of the sundrenched Caribbean islands had gained their independence from colonial overlords. But many Central American governments were still dominated by military strongmen. In Central America, Mexico was one of the few countries to escape a military coup. The last quarter century has in many ways not been much different from years past; shaky, often dictatorial governments ; just as shaky economies dominated by a wealthy few; and American intervention more than a sometime thing.

1979 – Nicaragua turns Communist: Sandinista guerrillas win their war against Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza and establish a communist regime. The United States throws its support to the contra guerrillas in their struggle to dismantle the Sandinista government. Guerrilla warfare mars the country until Violeta Barrios de Chamorro wins the presidency from Sandinista Daniel Ortega Saavedra in 1990.

1983 – The U.S. invades Grenada: A military coup in Grenada sparks a U.S. Invasion, which ends the island’s four-year socialist experiment. About 1,200 U.S. Marines, Army Rangers, and Navy Seal commandos are involved, as well as 300-man force made up of soldiers and police from surrounding islands. Publicly, the U.S. Government justifies the invasion by citing the need to protect American students attending medical school on the island.

Jamaican flag. Photo by Elena

1989 – the U.S. invades Panama: U.S. Troops invade in late December, overthrowing Panamanian ruler General Manuel Antonio Noriega in Operation Just Cause after Noriega nullifies May election results, initial U.S. attempts to bring about his downfall through international pressure fail, as does a coup attempt. As tensions rise and Panamanian forces kill a U.S. Marine, U.S. President George Bush sends 14,000 troupes to help the 12,700 already stationed at the Panama Canal and successfully swears in a new government head. By the end of the year, the United States has 23 casualties Panama more than 500.

1994 – Haiti’s Military Junta is forced from power: A military junta seized power after the election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1990 to forestall democratic reforms and proceeded to impose a reign of terror over the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. In September 1994, the threat of a U.S. Invasion leads to the unopposed occupation of the country by an American-led multinational force. Within weeks, the coup leaders step down and President Atistide, who had been in exile in the United States, returns to Port-au-Prince and is restored to power.

1994 – Revolt in Mexico: A surprise rebellion in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas breaks out on New Year’s Day, just as Mexico officially enters the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The rebels, led bu the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, object to NAFTA, which, they claim, will be destructive to Mexican Indians. Government forces quickly put down the revolt. Report circulate of government-sponsored human rights abuses against the rebels.

View of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. The storm is coming. Photo by Elena

Central America and the Caribbean

Largest Lake – Lake Nicaragua. Nicaragua, 3,089 square miles.

Highest Point – Tajumulco volcano. Guatemala, 13,845 feet.

Largest Island – Cuba, Caribbean Seam 44,218 square miles.

Longest Canal – Panama Canal. Panama, 50,7 miles.

Largest City – Guatemala City. Guatemala.

A road to the beach. Photo by Elena.

A policeman on his moto. Photo by Elena.

A Jamaican village. Photo by Elena