Hearts of Courage, Faces of Peace: Rebuilding and Resistance in Post-Dictatorship Honduras

Abstract

This chapter explores and describes the complex tapestry of peace and the challenges that have emerged in Honduras following the era of dictatorship. It aims to shed light on the nation’s path towards the establishment of democratic institutions amid a backdrop of political and economic turmoil. The research is based on an investigative journey through Honduras, exploring four distinct regions, each with its unique story and struggle. In the Aguán Valley, the focus is on the community’s fight against extractive corporations, highlighting the campesinos’ defense of their land from the encroachment of palm oil magnates. The Island of Roatán offers insights into the Garifuna’s efforts to safeguard their territories from the ambitions of developers. Meanwhile, Choloma serves as a view into the textile workers’ challenges, encompassing their labor difficulties. Lastly, the capital city, Tegucigalpa, provides a stage for engaging with a beverage union, and discussions with the US and Canadian embassies and governmental representatives surrounding the Castro presidency and progress. Through this comprehensive examination, the chapter endeavors to present an overarching view of Honduras’ continued struggle for peace, sovereignty, and justice in the aftermath of dictatorial governance.