POWER PROTESTS RATTLE ROATAN

UPDATE

6:00pm November 6th 2008 

The protests on Roatan have now been suspended. President Manuel Zelaya, personally arrived to The Bay Islands and power has been restored. Blockades are also being removed. Details of the settlement will be reported as available.

NOVEMBER 5th 2008 (UTILA EASTWIND)

Protests have resumed on Roatan. Blocades are now located in stratigic locations throughout the island including the Airport, seaports, French Harbour and the ZOLITUR office. Stay tuned for updates as they happen.

There is no longer power on the island and tension is running high. Threats of looting and further activities are being reported and people are being advised to stay in their homes.

The U.S. Embassy has issued this advisory:

U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa
Avenida La Paz
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section
Date: November 5, 2008
Subject: Warden Message Disturbances in Roatan Continue

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa alerts American citizens residing in and traveling to the Bay Island of Roatan about ongoing protests throughout the island. The Embassy has reports of widespread demonstrations and road closures related to the rise in the price of electrical services provided by the island utility company, RECO. The demonstrations are also affecting RECO ability to respond to power outages on the island.

The Embassy once again strongly recommends U.S. citizens to remain in their homes and not try to pass roadblocks, as there have been incidents of violence in the past. U.S. citizens should avoid travel in affected areas and should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio, and avoid large gatherings. Additionally, we encourage residents of the island to make preparations for possible continuing power outages.

UTILA, OCTOBER 15th 2008

Roatan has been paralyzed over the last two days with makeshift roadblocks being set up around the island and at the entrance of the RECO power plant. 

Power rates have increased substantially over the last months due to the completion of the privatization of RECO which transfered ownership into the hands of American businessman Kelsey Warren. The people of Roatan have since seen their power rates shoot up as much as 100% and this is the core issue of the protests. 

The current situation has affected tourism with passengers of "The Norwegian Pearl" cruise ship being prevented from leaving the dock and all commercial traffic by air and sea were canceled yesterday due to the protests.

The Government's response has been to bring in the COBRA specialty police, who are now positioned at the RECO power plant  and other locations around Roatan to protect people and property. Hopefully a solution to this problem will be found soon. 

This is an ongoing news story so look to the Utila Eastwind for updates as they happen.

UTILA EASTWIND STAFF