An article from today at www.World4Honduras.com

Mitch Cummins and Judith Allred - Special to the Express-News



My dismay is over the position that the United States has taken regarding the transition of power here in Honduras. I’m not going to argue whether it was a coup or not. My first question to the world leaders is, where was your indignation when the then-President Zelaya violated the Honduran Constitution, the rulings of the Supreme Court, the Congress, the Attorney General and the National Prosecutor by proceeding with an illegal action referring to changing the prohibition of presidential reelection?

The Honduran Constitution provides for the three “separate but equal” branches of government as does the United States. Just as in the U.S., these three branches offer a system of checks and balances.

President Barack Obama has stated that the U.S. is talking to hostile governments, but said he would not speak with the Honduran interim government. Why didn’t he get the constitutional facts before announcing his condemnation of Zelaya’s removal? Knowing all the facts, how could the United States support the suspension of a long and valued ally from the Organization of American States, condemnation by the UN, and suspension of aid by the U.S.? Reinstating the Chavez-inspired Zelaya would legitimize his illegal actions.

Allegedly, Zelaya says now he would attempt the same thing, only using different methods. Do the world leaders not see a scenario of paid crowds creating chaos to back more lawless actions? What is stopping the U.S. from changing their present position, instead stating their policy is support for countries like Honduras who follow their democratic constitution?

In the months prior to his removal, Zelaya placed himself above the law. He proposed the removal of term limits, identified as treason in the Honduran Constitution which states that this cannot ever be amended. Though required, he failed to submit a budget for the year of 2009. He gave up maritime territory that damaged the Honduran economy, fishing being the country’s important and traditional industry. In this way he gave up probable petroleum rights. He threatened his own coup when Congress hesitated to appoint his preference of judges.

Where were the voices of democracy when Zelaya defied these branches of government? When Zelaya publicly said many times that he was ignoring their rulings and was going forward with his illegal referendum, where were questions from the OAS, UN, or individual countries? When Zelaya led a mob and broke into a military base to steal voting materials that had been legally confiscated by the Attorney General, where was the outrage?

Some ask what would we do if the U.S. military entered the White House, arrested the president and exiled him. I ask this question, what would we do if the United States President defied rulings of its Supreme Court. I have to believe that the American public would be as outraged as the Hondurans were by Zelaya’s actions.


Everyone I know breathed a sigh of relief when they realized on June 28 that Zelaya had been removed from office. The country is more relaxed than it was prior to June 28. Removing Mel Zelaya from office was constitutional and democratic, except for his exile. That, instead of imprisonment may have prevented violence and bloodshed. Now, as long as the interim government’s legitimate actions are not supported, it emboldens those bent on creating havoc, many who are paid and come from other countries.

I’ve lived in Honduras, on the island of Roatan full- time since 2002. I’ve been very involved in community issues, served on various commissions on the island and have met several ministerial level executives of the Honduran government during these years. Being in the communication business, in contact with thousands of Hondurans, I’m very informed.

Every one of the hundreds of foreigners living in Honduras that I’ve talked to has been appalled at the U.S. position. They also express extreme pride in the Honduran people. I’m confident that when the story is fully understood, the Honduran actions will be held up as an example of how a little and poor country can stand up to defend their democracy against powerful external forces. Honduras is definitely the new “Cradle of Democracy.”

The Bay Islands, in the Caribbean off the north coast of Honduras, is a beautiful, tranquil set of islands. We’ve had no disruption of services. The cruise ships are coming. The direct flights from the U.S. are still arriving as scheduled. The dive shops are still diving and the white sandy beaches are still beckoning. Come down and visit. Support the “Little Country That Could”.

Mitch Cummins is Roatan, Honduras’s computer and communications company owner.
Judith Allred, a San Antonio resident, lives part time on the island of Roatan and is director of the Roatan Daycare Center.

Low season rates

Lowseason rates at the Blenny house and cabin if diving or doing courses at Tyll's Dive.

New divemasters

Congratulations to Sarah (England), Monique (Holland) and Ryan (USA,) who all have completed their divemastertraining in the last few days.
Sarah had to go back home. Monique will be staying and get som guiding experience, Ryan went up to Marble Hills to work for a while. They all did a good job.