Helping Nicaragua From Abroad
Donation protected
*****April 22nd UPDATE *****
+550 Killed
+3200 Injured
+800 Missing / Disappeared
+50,000 Living in Exile
+No independent media
HELPING NICARAGUA FROM ABROAD
With the current crisis in Nicaragua ongoing, I am being forced to leave the country for my safety and that of my family. I have been on the front lines repeatedly working as a freelance reporter attempting to sell news stories to those who care to share the atrocities with the world. I have put my life at risk on several occasions during some Facebook Live Posts to share the truth of what is going on.
Reporting on May 30th (Mother´s Day) 2018
Reporting on May 30th, (Mother´s Day) 2018
CENSORSHIP
In attempts to bring real independent reporting, corporate media has subjected to threats on twitter and online social media to shut down the truth of what is going on in Nicaragua. On June 19th, a Facebook Live post that showed the sad reality of paramilitary forces taking over the streets showed (2) individuals point shotguns at me while reporting. At the request of corporate media and complicit action of facebook, the video which went viral with over 100,000 views was taken down. (2) other posts were also subsequently taken down. (May 30th & June 19th) A few days later, my camera equipment was confiscated and destroyed.
May 30th, 2018
June 19th, 2018
THE THREAT IS REAL (LABELED A TERRORIST)
One of the many ways an oppresive government silences the opposition is to called the enemies of the state. This creates fear in the population and gives a greenlight to the National Police and Paramilitaries to go after those individuals. We have seen this in many countries that go after politicians, intellects and students who want peaceful change. After many of my reports and independent coverage, this label of ´potential terrorist´ has been given to me. This is one of the main reason that staying in Nicaragua would be dangerous as I could be sequestered, jailed or worse. Leaving and helping from abroad gives me an opportunity to fight another day.
Sandinista Sympathizer Facebook Account
FUTURE DESTINATION
I feel very fortunate to have been born in the United States to a Nicaraguan Mother and Peruvian Father. As is saddens me to leave Nicarauga. I have chosen Peru as my destination as it will allow me to get my citizenship. I have been in contact with the Nicaraguan commUNITY in Peru and will assist in their vigils, ongoing projects and initiatives around the country. Peru will also allow me to dive deeper into the healing process after all of the atrocities I have seen and lived these past (3) months.
Vigil for Nicaragua / Miraflores, Lima, Peru - June 29th
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
As I am leaving Nicaragua with just (1) Backpack and (1) Suitcase of belongings, I am leaving everything else behind. To get on my feet I need economic support to get me up and running. I have a few things in place and hope to manage these new changes.
1. Assistance in re-location from Nicaragua
2. Assistance in housing and economic needs to a displaced family in Managua
(We will host families in need at KM. 14 Carr. Masaya near Ticuantepe)
3. Online via Skype Healing & Trauma Relief Sessions
(Some Healing Sessions by Joe Jung in Berlin)
4. Continued Meditation Programs via Skype
5. Life Coaching and Empowerment Sessions
6. Karma Yoga, Cacao Ceremonies & Meditation Classes Worldwide
7. Additional Funds will be used for documentary work of these atrocities
WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS?
As a documentary filmmaker, all efforts will be made to create video projects documenting the atrocities that are being committed at the hands of the Government, Paramilitary forces and National Police. We already have raw footage that has not been shown and we will source more footage from those on the ground who continue to report. You can read about my previous work called BUSCON which shows the side of child exploitation in Latin America at the hands of Major League Baseball. This projects received several awards and was received well by then President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez and such names as Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal.
http://www.festivaldecineglobal.org/drgff2010/www/noticias037_en.asp
WHAT HAVE WE ALREADY DONE TO SUPPORT?
- We have provided countless hours in outreach to those in need via online and on the ground.
- Support and assistance for those with mental and emotional needs during this crises.
- Provided used camera and video equipment to those on the front line to document the atrocities.
- Personally documented and interviewed individuals in the line of fire and in harms way.
- Donated packaged and ready made food to University students and those at the barricades.
- Donated Medical supplies to the Catholic Church (Cathedral) who have been attending the wounded.
- Purchase of fuel & driver costs for transportation in and out of Managua to reach the affected areas.
- Donation at the Local Zoo for the animals who are being left without care.
- We have been marching and doing AcroYoga during the protests to show play and calmness in these anxious times.
AcroYoga Revolution Album
https://www.facebook.com/alcaldeanthony/media_set?set=a.10216556556530855.1073741949.1366897002&type=3
AcroYoga Nicaragua Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/296422923887236/
Peaceful Protest March - 2018
Peaceful Meditation w/ UNAN Students - May 2018
WHO IS ANTHONY ALCALDE?
Anthony Alcalde was born in New Jersey to a Nicaraguan Mother and Peruvin Father. He began his journey as a healer and teacher in 1998. He currently teaches various styles of Yoga in Nicaragua and Internationally. As a yoga, acroyoga instructor, thai yoga practitioner and movement educator, he finds balance through giving and receiving.
Anthony is also an accountant, public speaker, and an award winning documentary filmmaker. From his work you will see his passion for social justice issues and the relationship it has to his country of heritage.
Anthony is raising these funds because he believes and sees a bright future for Nicaragua. He has been on the front lines reporting and assisting those who are less fortunate and in need of help. He knows that there is lots of hope in the future and young people of Nicaragua. He is dedicated to seeing this vision as he continues to share his practice of Yoga and Meditation with the commUNITY.
He is already at peace with himself and believes in creating a peaceful Nicaragua one donation at a time. Anthony Alcalde currently resides in Nicaragua .
Lets help Anthony achieve this goal.
www.anthonyalcalde.com
IG: @anthonyalcalde
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FOR MORE INFORMATION READ BELOW:
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WHAT IS THE BACKSTORY?
The protests against the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, began on April 12 when hundreds of university students took to the streets to march in defense of Nicaragua’s Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. The slow response from the government, allowed a forest fire rage out of control for nine days in southern Nicaragua scorching about 13,500 acres (5,500 hectares).
Six days later, the protest grew to thousands of people, as students joined a larger pushback against Ortega's attempt to increase social-security taxes and reduce pension benefits for the elderly.
HOW DID IT ALL START?
The crisis started rather unexpectedly when pro-government gangs violently crushed a small demonstration against reforms to Nicaragua's pension system announced on the 18th of April, 2018.
These pro-government groups, popularly known as "grupos de choque" (shock forces) had in the past been used to repress anti-government protests and had discouraged many Nicaraguans disgruntled with President Ortega from taking to the streets.
WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE?
The regional human rights body, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), says at least 127 people have been killed and thousands injured as the protests have grown and attempts to suppress them intensified.
The country is littered with roadblocks and barricades. There are almost daily reports of clashes turning lethal - with protesters blaming the security forces and "shock forces" for the violence, while the authorities accuse "specific political groups" of liasing with criminal gangs of spreading chaos.
Human rights groups have warned that Nicaragua is "quickly and dangerously slipping back into some of the darkest times it has seen in decades".
MOTHERS DAY MARCH - MAY 30
The ugliest day so far was May 30, Mother’s Day in Nicaragua, when AK-47–toting police indiscriminately opened fire on a peaceful march to honor the dead. As police sprayed the crowd with bullets, government sharpshooters positioned on the roof of the national baseball stadium went headhunting with sniper rifles. Before the sun rose, 16 more Nicaraguans were dead, and another 88 were injured.
WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS?
University students are at the forefront of the protests but the movement prides itself on having the support of Nicaraguans from all walks of life and of all political affiliations.
Demonstrations have been held across Nicaragua, including in some strongholds of the governing party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)
The Catholic Church and Nicaragua's business sector have also joined in calls for early elections.
IS THERE HOPE FOR NICARAGUA?
If there is any bright spot for Nicaragua, it’s the student-led movement. Their bravery, solidarity, and leadership in the nationwide push for justice and democracy has inspired a nation. And despite the death and destruction, it’s a movement fueled by optimism—the burning hope that Nicaragua can become a democracy and that better days lie ahead. It may seem like a distant fantasy in a season of turmoil and destruction, but it’s the hope that keeps people in the streets.
HOW WILL DONATIONS BE MANAGED?
- We have a trusted friend and AcroYoga Teacher KIMBERLY SONNTAG from GERMANY who her and partner JORDAN FRANKLIN WELTMAN / beneficiary of the funds in the UNITED STATES will be administering the account. As Nicaragua is not one of the supported countries on the GoFundMe list, our trust and faith is in this relationship as KIMBERLY has spent time in Nicaragua with various communities and understands the day to day struggles.
- Our beneficiary will be forwarding the funds to our Account here in Managua to make sure we can get the funds readily available for use to those in need. As sometimes our bank transfer takes a few days, there might be a delay in processing but work on the ground will continue.
- All receipts will be retained in order to ensure proper accounting of these donations & support.
+550 Killed
+3200 Injured
+800 Missing / Disappeared
+50,000 Living in Exile
+No independent media
HELPING NICARAGUA FROM ABROAD
With the current crisis in Nicaragua ongoing, I am being forced to leave the country for my safety and that of my family. I have been on the front lines repeatedly working as a freelance reporter attempting to sell news stories to those who care to share the atrocities with the world. I have put my life at risk on several occasions during some Facebook Live Posts to share the truth of what is going on.
Reporting on May 30th (Mother´s Day) 2018Reporting on May 30th, (Mother´s Day) 2018CENSORSHIP
In attempts to bring real independent reporting, corporate media has subjected to threats on twitter and online social media to shut down the truth of what is going on in Nicaragua. On June 19th, a Facebook Live post that showed the sad reality of paramilitary forces taking over the streets showed (2) individuals point shotguns at me while reporting. At the request of corporate media and complicit action of facebook, the video which went viral with over 100,000 views was taken down. (2) other posts were also subsequently taken down. (May 30th & June 19th) A few days later, my camera equipment was confiscated and destroyed.
May 30th, 2018June 19th, 2018THE THREAT IS REAL (LABELED A TERRORIST)
One of the many ways an oppresive government silences the opposition is to called the enemies of the state. This creates fear in the population and gives a greenlight to the National Police and Paramilitaries to go after those individuals. We have seen this in many countries that go after politicians, intellects and students who want peaceful change. After many of my reports and independent coverage, this label of ´potential terrorist´ has been given to me. This is one of the main reason that staying in Nicaragua would be dangerous as I could be sequestered, jailed or worse. Leaving and helping from abroad gives me an opportunity to fight another day.
Sandinista Sympathizer Facebook AccountFUTURE DESTINATION
I feel very fortunate to have been born in the United States to a Nicaraguan Mother and Peruvian Father. As is saddens me to leave Nicarauga. I have chosen Peru as my destination as it will allow me to get my citizenship. I have been in contact with the Nicaraguan commUNITY in Peru and will assist in their vigils, ongoing projects and initiatives around the country. Peru will also allow me to dive deeper into the healing process after all of the atrocities I have seen and lived these past (3) months.
Vigil for Nicaragua / Miraflores, Lima, Peru - June 29thHOW CAN YOU HELP?
As I am leaving Nicaragua with just (1) Backpack and (1) Suitcase of belongings, I am leaving everything else behind. To get on my feet I need economic support to get me up and running. I have a few things in place and hope to manage these new changes.
1. Assistance in re-location from Nicaragua
2. Assistance in housing and economic needs to a displaced family in Managua
(We will host families in need at KM. 14 Carr. Masaya near Ticuantepe)
3. Online via Skype Healing & Trauma Relief Sessions
(Some Healing Sessions by Joe Jung in Berlin)
4. Continued Meditation Programs via Skype
5. Life Coaching and Empowerment Sessions
6. Karma Yoga, Cacao Ceremonies & Meditation Classes Worldwide
7. Additional Funds will be used for documentary work of these atrocities
WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS?
As a documentary filmmaker, all efforts will be made to create video projects documenting the atrocities that are being committed at the hands of the Government, Paramilitary forces and National Police. We already have raw footage that has not been shown and we will source more footage from those on the ground who continue to report. You can read about my previous work called BUSCON which shows the side of child exploitation in Latin America at the hands of Major League Baseball. This projects received several awards and was received well by then President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez and such names as Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal.
http://www.festivaldecineglobal.org/drgff2010/www/noticias037_en.asp
WHAT HAVE WE ALREADY DONE TO SUPPORT?
- We have provided countless hours in outreach to those in need via online and on the ground.
- Support and assistance for those with mental and emotional needs during this crises.
- Provided used camera and video equipment to those on the front line to document the atrocities.
- Personally documented and interviewed individuals in the line of fire and in harms way.
- Donated packaged and ready made food to University students and those at the barricades.
- Donated Medical supplies to the Catholic Church (Cathedral) who have been attending the wounded.
- Purchase of fuel & driver costs for transportation in and out of Managua to reach the affected areas.
- Donation at the Local Zoo for the animals who are being left without care.
- We have been marching and doing AcroYoga during the protests to show play and calmness in these anxious times.
AcroYoga Revolution Album
https://www.facebook.com/alcaldeanthony/media_set?set=a.10216556556530855.1073741949.1366897002&type=3
AcroYoga Nicaragua Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/296422923887236/
Peaceful Protest March - 2018Peaceful Meditation w/ UNAN Students - May 2018WHO IS ANTHONY ALCALDE?
Anthony Alcalde was born in New Jersey to a Nicaraguan Mother and Peruvin Father. He began his journey as a healer and teacher in 1998. He currently teaches various styles of Yoga in Nicaragua and Internationally. As a yoga, acroyoga instructor, thai yoga practitioner and movement educator, he finds balance through giving and receiving.
Anthony is also an accountant, public speaker, and an award winning documentary filmmaker. From his work you will see his passion for social justice issues and the relationship it has to his country of heritage.
Anthony is raising these funds because he believes and sees a bright future for Nicaragua. He has been on the front lines reporting and assisting those who are less fortunate and in need of help. He knows that there is lots of hope in the future and young people of Nicaragua. He is dedicated to seeing this vision as he continues to share his practice of Yoga and Meditation with the commUNITY.
He is already at peace with himself and believes in creating a peaceful Nicaragua one donation at a time. Anthony Alcalde currently resides in Nicaragua .
Lets help Anthony achieve this goal.
www.anthonyalcalde.com
IG: @anthonyalcalde
---------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFORMATION READ BELOW:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS THE BACKSTORY?
The protests against the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, began on April 12 when hundreds of university students took to the streets to march in defense of Nicaragua’s Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. The slow response from the government, allowed a forest fire rage out of control for nine days in southern Nicaragua scorching about 13,500 acres (5,500 hectares).
Six days later, the protest grew to thousands of people, as students joined a larger pushback against Ortega's attempt to increase social-security taxes and reduce pension benefits for the elderly.
HOW DID IT ALL START?
The crisis started rather unexpectedly when pro-government gangs violently crushed a small demonstration against reforms to Nicaragua's pension system announced on the 18th of April, 2018.
These pro-government groups, popularly known as "grupos de choque" (shock forces) had in the past been used to repress anti-government protests and had discouraged many Nicaraguans disgruntled with President Ortega from taking to the streets.
WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE?
The regional human rights body, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), says at least 127 people have been killed and thousands injured as the protests have grown and attempts to suppress them intensified.
The country is littered with roadblocks and barricades. There are almost daily reports of clashes turning lethal - with protesters blaming the security forces and "shock forces" for the violence, while the authorities accuse "specific political groups" of liasing with criminal gangs of spreading chaos.
Human rights groups have warned that Nicaragua is "quickly and dangerously slipping back into some of the darkest times it has seen in decades".
MOTHERS DAY MARCH - MAY 30
The ugliest day so far was May 30, Mother’s Day in Nicaragua, when AK-47–toting police indiscriminately opened fire on a peaceful march to honor the dead. As police sprayed the crowd with bullets, government sharpshooters positioned on the roof of the national baseball stadium went headhunting with sniper rifles. Before the sun rose, 16 more Nicaraguans were dead, and another 88 were injured.
WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS?
University students are at the forefront of the protests but the movement prides itself on having the support of Nicaraguans from all walks of life and of all political affiliations.
Demonstrations have been held across Nicaragua, including in some strongholds of the governing party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)
The Catholic Church and Nicaragua's business sector have also joined in calls for early elections.
IS THERE HOPE FOR NICARAGUA?
If there is any bright spot for Nicaragua, it’s the student-led movement. Their bravery, solidarity, and leadership in the nationwide push for justice and democracy has inspired a nation. And despite the death and destruction, it’s a movement fueled by optimism—the burning hope that Nicaragua can become a democracy and that better days lie ahead. It may seem like a distant fantasy in a season of turmoil and destruction, but it’s the hope that keeps people in the streets.
HOW WILL DONATIONS BE MANAGED?
- We have a trusted friend and AcroYoga Teacher KIMBERLY SONNTAG from GERMANY who her and partner JORDAN FRANKLIN WELTMAN / beneficiary of the funds in the UNITED STATES will be administering the account. As Nicaragua is not one of the supported countries on the GoFundMe list, our trust and faith is in this relationship as KIMBERLY has spent time in Nicaragua with various communities and understands the day to day struggles.
- Our beneficiary will be forwarding the funds to our Account here in Managua to make sure we can get the funds readily available for use to those in need. As sometimes our bank transfer takes a few days, there might be a delay in processing but work on the ground will continue.
- All receipts will be retained in order to ensure proper accounting of these donations & support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Anthony Alcalde
Organizer
New York, NY
Kimberly Sonntag
Beneficiary
