logo
Irish aid for Guatemala more vital after Trump's cuts, says charity

Irish aid for Guatemala more vital after Trump's cuts, says charity

Independent09-03-2025

Donald Trump's cuts to US development funds in climate-struck Guatemala make aid from the island of Ireland more vital, an Irish charity has said.
The funding cuts would 'skew the playing field even further' and threaten the work of local partners helping with humanitarian projects, aid workers said.
In 2023, the US gave more than 60 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to the Central American nation.
Now, with more than 90% of USAID contracts expected to be cut, it will create further challenges in a country vulnerable to climate change's extremes.
Martin Larrecochea, Trocaire country director for Guatemala, said that this would 'of course' put more pressure on the Irish charity to fill the gap.
He said that Guatemala is 'highly dependent' on US aid, meaning projects and programmes on disaster risk reduction and food security 'are going to suffer'.
Some of the local partners Trocaire works with on development initiatives have already been affected by the withdrawal of US funding and have asked them for more support.
'Of course there will be a higher demand,' he told the PA news agency.
'The US was one of the big donors for projects in relation to disaster risk reduction and food security… so that space will be empty in some way.
'I think that Trocaire is one of the important players on this, and we hope to be able to continue doing this with the support of people from Ireland.'
Chris O'Connell, a policy adviser with Trocaire, said that the US funding cut would have a 'huge impact' on humanitarian work in Guatemala.
'Because of the generalised reduction in funding across the sector, it's going to impact everything, it's going to reduce everything,' he said.
'All of this skews the playing field even further in favour of powerful corporations, in favour of wealthy – and often in places like Guatemala – highly corrupt elites, those are going to be the beneficiaries.'
Located on the eastern border of Mexico, Guatemala is suffering from longer dry seasons and heavier rains, affecting the haul of crops grown and sold.
The sharp edge of extreme weather events have particularly affected the country's indigenous population, the Mayans, who are among the country's poorest.
In central Guatemala, a small remote village of 24 Qʼeqchi Mayan families has had to adapt to shifting weather patterns.
Called 'La Paz', meaning peace, it reflects the community's longing for safety after the country's violent conflict 40 years ago.
They worry that stronger storms are putting their lives in danger and hotter dry seasons are pushing any opportunities further out of reach.
Miriam Estela, 13, has started going to secondary school this year as her family struggles with failed cardamom and maize crops, forcing her father Julio to travel to different parts of Guatemala to look for work.
Julio said Miriam, who likes mathematics and to analyse how to reduce climate change, wants to study teaching or engineering.
'Of course,' Miriam told PA when asked whether she wants to keep going to school.
'I like to study and am going to try to move forward according to what I like to study.'
Asked whether she thinks it is fair that Guatemala is suffering the brunt of climate change but did not cause it, Miriam's mother, Ilma, said: 'I don't think it's fair.
'It's a problem that is affecting the family, not just mine, but in the community as well, and not just because of a lack of food, but we have diseases, sickness affecting the children such as diarrhoea, fever, coughing.'
Miriam's father, Julio, said he worries for his children's future as climate change continues.
'I don't want my daughter to be in the same situation that I'm going through,' he said.
'Sometimes it's hard to distribute the money that I earn, it's not good enough to support my family. Julio Junior is studying in fifth grade. What he wants is for his children to be in a better position, and he's thinking of how to bring money into our house as well.
'Even though they don't know how climate change is coming or when we're going to have sun, when we're going to have rain or a storm, I do worry about the future of my children because they don't know what awaits them in the future.'
Leonardo Cajbom, 44, is the Mayan spiritual leader for the village and is angry at how unbearable the heat has become in recent years.
Cajbom's father was one of around 200,000 people killed during the country's conflict, where US-backed government forces 'disappeared' and killed Mayans.
He was two years old when his father was killed, and it was only in 2014 that his father's body was identified and buried in La Paz.
Asked whether he believed an older generation of Mayans fought to stay alive during the brutal genocide in the 1980s while the next generation now battled again for survival amid climate change, he said the difference was that people now had a chance to protect themselves.
'During the conflict, humans suffered more because they were killed,' he said.
'Now with climate change, they can protect themselves. During the conflict, you were not able to protect yourself because they used to hide into caves, and they used to kill you so you were not able to protect yourself.'
Several initiatives have been implemented to try to help the community prepare for severe weather events, including mapping the area to see where rivers flood.
A bridge across the river built five years ago replaced a wooden boat, and new radio equipment means they can be warned more quickly about a destructive weather event.
Dr Conchita Reyes, social coordinator at Caritas Verapaces, said that the earth in La Paz is already cracking and that during the rainy season, the river levels threaten to reach the bridge into the village.
She said that climate change mostly affects impoverished communities and is an issue 'we all need to pay attention to' because it is damaging farming and spreading diseases while also causing malnourishment in children.
'The community of La Paz is a community that, as its name suggests, has a very peaceful way of adopting measures that have helped them to reduce the damage of climate change, which goes with their culture of respect for the land.'
Trocaire, which helped build the bridge and introduced a gender equality programme to encourage women to help make decisions on behalf of the community, is also helping Mayans in their struggle for land rights.
During Guatemala's conflict, many Mayans moved from their land to safer regions, and when they returned, some found their land had been taken or sold.
Irish Aid also helps Trocaire fund initiatives advocating for Mayans' fight to keep their lands and oppose attempts by corporations to acquire their land for palm oil plantations, agribusinesses, or other projects.
In the town of El Estor, locals are afraid that mining will impact Lake Izabal, their farms and their health.
Many said that if Donald Trump can deport Guatemalans, they can tell US companies they are not allowed to mine the land in their area.
'We are migrating as Guatemalans to the United States, but what are they doing in the US? They are evicting our colleagues,' Gabriel Xi Pochan from Rio Sauce said.
'The president is deporting our colleagues, but now he's asking permission to take our minerals. Now is the moment we have to say 'No more'.
'If this is how he is doing it, we have the right to say we don't want companies from the US.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Two Israeli ministers sanctioned by UK for ‘inciting extremist violence'
Two Israeli ministers sanctioned by UK for ‘inciting extremist violence'

South Wales Argus

time19 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Two Israeli ministers sanctioned by UK for ‘inciting extremist violence'

Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's security minister and finance minister respectively, will be subject to a travel ban and asset freeze. The UK is taking the action to ramp up pressure on Israel alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway. Mr Lammy said the two Israeli ministers had been 'inciting violence against Palestinian people for months and months and months, they have been encouraging egregious abuses of human rights'. In a joint statement with foreign ministers from the four other countries who have announced sanctions, the Foreign Secretary said the two senior Israelis had also incited 'serious abuses of Palestinian human rights'. The statement added: 'These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.' Mr Smotrich and Mr Ben-Gvir both belong to right-wing parties which help to prop up Benjamin Netanyahu's fragile coalition government. Both have been criticised for their hardline stance on the war in Gaza. Mr Smotrich has campaigned against allowing aid into Gaza, and also supported the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Meanwhile, Mr Ben-Gvir has called for Gaza's people to be resettled from the territory. Asked if the Israeli government's actions in the Palestinian territories amounted to ethnic cleansing, Mr Lammy told reporters at the Foreign Office: 'I was clear to the House of Commons back in September that we did believe that there was a clear risk of a breach of international humanitarian law, and that's why we made a decision to suspend arms (sales). 'Today we are making a decision also to stand against those who encourage abuses of human rights, also to stand against those who encourage violence against Palestinian people.' The Foreign Secretary did not directly answer when asked why similar action had not been taken against Mr Netanyahu, and called on the Israeli government to 'disavow and condemn' the language used by the two ministers. David Lammy (Carlos Jasso/PA) Asked whether the UK would encourage Mr Netanyahu to sack the ministers, Mr Lammy said: 'The Israeli government will make their own determination.' But from the UK's perspective, he said: 'We have to be clear that we act when we see these egregious individuals encouraging – encouraging – abuses of human rights in this way.' The UK and its allies have increased pressure on Israel in recent months amid ongoing aid shortages in Gaza, as well as suggestions it could launch a new large-scale offensive into the territory. Reports suggest only scarce amounts of aid are making it into the hands of Gazans, amid a new aid initiative backed by the US and Israel, which has replaced the previous UN-run programme. The slow flow of food and medicines has prompted warnings of famine and starvation among the territory's population. In May, Mr Lammy paused negotiations towards a UK-Israel trade deal as the Government sought to pressure Israel to abandon its planned offensive into Gaza. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney also wrote a joint statement last month warning that Israel's leaders risked 'breaching International Humanitarian Law', and calling for more aid to be allowed into Gaza. Mr Netanyahu responded by claiming the three leaders were on the 'wrong side' of history. In September last year, the Government halted 30 out of around 350 arms sales licences to Israel, for fear they may be used for war crimes. Ministers insist that this means F-35 fighter jets used by Israel no longer receive replacement parts from the UK, and no British-made bombs or ammunition are used in Gaza. Lord David Cameron has previously said he considered sanctioning both Israeli ministers in his final days as foreign secretary in Rishi Sunak's Conservative government.

Stunning private islands off UK coast offering ‘slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000
Stunning private islands off UK coast offering ‘slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000

Scottish Sun

time39 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Stunning private islands off UK coast offering ‘slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000

ISLE BE SEEING YOU ISLE BE SEEING YOU Stunning private islands off UK coast offering 'slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PICTURESQUE private island off the coast of the UK is available to buy - and it's just £108,000. The stunning Irish Islands of Dunnyneill, located on Strangford Lough, are home to range of gorgeous flora and fauna. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dunnyneil Island is located 2.5km from the Irish coast Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 It is believed to have been a seventh century trading post Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 The interconnected islands are available to buy for just £108,000 Credit: Tim Martin estate agents Surrounded by blue waters and coated in lush greenery, the islands are located just 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Killyleagh, Ireland. Comprised of two islands, it was once a former seventh century trading emporium frequented by merchants. Owning the islands gives you the chance to buy a piece of history, as merchants from Russia, Germany, Iceland and France used to visit the island. The main island is described as being "formed from a small drumlin with a boulder clay core." It sits around 16 metres above sea level and is roughly D-shaped. The second, smaller island, has a steep cliff facing towards the mouth of the Lough. At low tide the islands are linked by a causeway. Advertising the islands, estate agent Tim Martin, provides the following description: "This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's history on the shores of Strangford Lough." The island's name uses the word 'Dun' which refers to a fort, while the rest of its name alludes to hostages - although thankfully the historic name is no longer accurate. Those interested in the island can purchase them for £108,000 with no stamp duty - unless you are purchasing as a buy to let, or as an additional property. Emily Barker opens up on move to Ireland Photos of the island clearly show the gorgeous greenery surrounded by clear blue waters, with an easy to navigate path encircling the islands. It's a great opportunity for nature lovers to make the most of Ireland's picturesque scenery. The beaches provide easy access to the serene water below - making it the perfect spot for water sports. In one of the photos of the island, visitors can be seen pushing a canoe into the water. Another shows visitors taking a dip in the shallow waters as they make the most of the island paradise. 6 During low tide the islands are connected by a causeway Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 Its beaches offer easy access for those looking to enjoy the water Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 It is home to a unique range of flora and fauna Credit: Tim Martin estate agents One of the main selling points for the island is its gorgeous views - with one photo showing the breath-taking sunsets owners could expect from the island. Sailors from East Down Yacht Club are known to travel past the island, with it being classified as a "sailing landmark" in the area. Those interested in purchasing the island can reach out to Tim Martin's Comber office via email or phone. Over the years, the island's topography and history have been the subject of study thanks to its unique geography. The discovery of imported ceramics, as well as evidence of either glass or metalworking on the island, suggests the site was particularly important during the early medieval period.

NatWest axes 55 bank branches across UK with nine in Wales to close
NatWest axes 55 bank branches across UK with nine in Wales to close

Wales Online

timean hour ago

  • Wales Online

NatWest axes 55 bank branches across UK with nine in Wales to close

NatWest axes 55 bank branches across UK with nine in Wales to close The banking giant has closed more than 1,455 branches since 2015 NatWest will be closing 55 branches across the country (Image: PA ) Banking giant NatWest has announced plans to close down 55 branches across the UK, adding to the 54 branch closures already confirmed for 2025. The new closures will consist of 52 bank branches and three mobile vans - with nine sites in Wales affected. These latest closures follow the trend of major banks axing their branches because of more people using online banking. According to the latest data from consumer champions 'Which?, the NatWest Group, which also consists of Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,455 branches since 2015. ‌ The closures include 48 branches that were shut in 2024, and nearly 20 branches which were closed down permanently in 2023, reports the Mirror. ‌ A NatWest spokesperson said: "Over 80% of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97% of retail accounts with us are now opened online. "Our customers appreciate the speed and convenience of digital banking for everyday transactions, and often, when it comes to making bigger, more complex decisions they value speaking to our skilled and experienced colleagues. Article continues below "Like any business, we strive to meet our customers' changing needs and expectations and we've been responding to the industry wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here They added: 'While we are increasingly engaging our customers digitally, our branch network remains important to us. We are also significantly investing in refreshing our network. "We expect to invest over £20m in our network across the UK in 2025 to improve customer service, enhance the look and feel of our branches, and reduce the environmental impact of our buildings, as well as continuing to invest in shared solutions like the Post Office and Banking Hubs. We will also provide temporary support for transitions to our new network in selected locations through our 12-week Community Pop-Ups." Article continues below A total of nine locations across Wales are planned to be shut down in the closures announced today. These are: Cardiff - Canton, 277 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF5 1WX, 16/9/2025 Cwmbran, 36-37 Gwent Square, Cwmbran, NP44 1YW, 1/9/2025 Llangefni, Glanhwfa Road, Llangefni, LL77 7WY, 4/9/2025 Cardiff - Llanishen, Westminster Chambers, 50-52 Station Road, Cardiff, CF14 5QP, 11/9/2025 Mold, 48-50 High Street, Mold, CH7 1BA, 21/10/2025 Neath, 35 Green Street, Neath, SA11 1DB, 13/10/2025 Prestatyn, Lower High Street Car Park, Prestatyn, LL19 9LG, 29/9/2025 Abergele, Tesco Car Park, Abergele, LL22 7AA, 29/9/2025 Welshpool, Tesco Welshpool Car Park, Welshpool, SY21 7BL, 29/9/2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store