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Utila East Wind, Free
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Utila, Bay Islands,
Honduras.
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Crisis
in Honduras Oct
29, 2008-June 29, 2009 Articles
and editorials from The Utila East Wind which chronicle the events that
preceded the removal of former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya.
Hugo Chavez
and His War with the Empire OCTOBER 29th
2008 Early this year Chavez called
upon Latin American leaders to move their cash reserves out of U.S. Banks
citing an impending financial crisis. Latin leaders and others, who
heard the call, may or may not have listened to his advice. However, Uncle
Sam was listening and will now likely argue that these instructions were
the catalyst for the biggest bank run in World History. In recent months, Hugo Chavez has
turned down his rhetoric and is now trading words for substance. He has found friends in old
American adversaries like Russia and Iran and is building economic, social
and military ties with these countries that will complicate any attempt
for the US to isolate Venezuela. The Venezuelan Military, through
billions of dollars in investment, is emerging as a serious force in Latin
America and the Caribbean. Ak-47 factories, the purchase of submarines,
fighter jets and missiles are being facilitated by Russia. On the economic front, Chavez has
just announced the formation of what will be “the largest petroleum
consortium on the planet” in partnership with Russia. The fear generated by this
development is that this consortium will allow for the manipulation of
oil, gas, currency and financial markets. Further more, creating this
consortium, a bank and possibly an oil exchange will diminish the US
Dollar’s status as the global oil currency and reduce demand for the US
dollar. There is no doubt that Hugo
Chavez is making strategic moves to advance his war on the Empire and the
creation of ALBA is another tool that will be used in his cause. ALBA. A NEW DAWN What is
ALBA? ALBA (The Bolivarian Alternative
for the People of Our America) is an organization with the goal of
attaining the political, social and economic integration of Latin America
and the Caribbean. Currently the member nations include Cuba, Venezuela,
Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Vincent and Grenadines
and Honduras. The ratification of ALBA (in
Spanish “dawn”) by Congress has caused much speculation as to the
future of Honduran relations with the USA. The heart of the controversy is
not so much the concept of ALBA but with the masterminds behind it. Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro
founded ALBA in 2004. The first agreement made under the ALBA is an
ongoing trade deal. Cuba has sent 20,000 medical personal and thousands of
teachers to Venezuela’s poorest regions and in return Venezuela sends
96,000 barrels of per day to Cuba. Since ALBA’s creation, Hugo
Chavez has been on a drive to find new membership and allies including the
Sandinista leader and President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega. After entering
ALBA, Nicaragua benefited by Venezuela forgiving 31 million dollars of
debt. There is speculation that there
will be a military wing to ALBA and when commenting of the function of the
proposed Army of ALBA, President Daniel Ortega said, "an attack on
any member country of ALBA would be considered an attack against all
countries." It is not clear what the benefit
of Honduras joining ALBA will be and we will not really know what ALBA is
for some time. But, it is now possible to imagine people being gathered to
fight a war in Bolivia or exported to Cuba to cut cane fields, to pay an
oil debt. On the other hand, Hugo Chavez may lead us in the creation of an
Utopian society and rid Latin America of poverty, corruption, capitalism
and hunger. This remains to be seen. Why ALBA? Current trade agreements between
Latin American countries and the United States are being perceived as one
sided and in favor of large Corporate interests. The ALBA is said to be in
favor of trade between member Nations and structured in a way that all
member Nations are equal. The ALBA Bank provides funding for development
and social projects that are in line with ALBA principals. The reason ALBA, with its
anti-American stance, has gone so far seems to stem from US Foreign
Policy. The Iraq war, both politically and financially, has undermined the
way the World sees America. The war has caused the United States to lose
focus and ignore their southern neighbors. Further, many see the Iraq War
as an illegal act due to the fact that WMD’s were never found. The Iraq War and the continued
occupation have created the perfect environment for a Hugo Chavez to rise
in Latin America as a symbol of resistance and reform with his Bolivarian
Revolution. RED DAWN Next month the Russian Fleet will
be visiting the Caribbean and conducting military exercises with the
Venezuelan Navy in the largest display of Russian military might since the
Cold War. It is no coincidence that this
operation is being conducted at one of the United States weakest moments,
The Presidential Elections. The vessels in the armada include
the nuclear-powered heavy missile cruiser “Peter the Great”, attack
submarines and anti-submarine ships and aircraft. Escorted by the fleet is
a Russian oil drilling ship.This fleet will be conducting drills and
making port calls in undisclosed locations in the Caribbean Basin. This announcement coincides with
Cuba’s declaration that their oil reserves are double that of the USGS
(U.S. Geological Survey) estimates. New estimates by Cubapetroleo double
Cuba’s oil reserves at 21 Billion Barrels, an amount almost equal to
total US Oil reserves. Cubapetroleo has stated that the USGS
surveys did not accurately understand Cuba’s offshore geology and it can
be proven that Cuba’s off shore area is much larger than thought. Russia has been clear in its
displeasure in what it sees as NATO expansion along its borders. The
arrival of the Russian Armada in the Americas is thought of as a measured
response to U.S and NATO activities related to Russia’s bordering
countries. However, the activities of the Russian Fleet, while here,
remain to be seen. THE EXORCIST If Hugo Chavez is right and
George Bush is indeed “The Devil” then the people of America will have
the chance to defeat "The Beast". On November 4th either John
McCain or Barak Obama will be elected as the new President of the United
States of America and on January 20th 2009 Chavez’s Devil will be gone. The question is will the next
President bring new wisdom and rekindle the respect that The United States
once had around the World or will “The Devil” enter into the new
President and give Chavez his much needed enemy. Time will tell.
War on Drugs
War on Peace March 12,
2009 at 04:03 pm After many months of late night landing on the airport, in
late January, the small Caribbean Island Utila (a former British
Colony) woke up to an incredible scene. Honduran Naval vessels
were in the harbour, helicopters in the air, soldiers spreading
throughout the streets and over 1500 kilos of cocaine and a Venezuelan
plane on Utila’s airport. Over the last months it had been strongly rumored that
Utila Airport was being used as a distribution hub in the cocaine
transport system from South America and since then there have been two
more Venezuelan registered planes captured. One plane was found in Colon
and one crashed in Yoro. Also, a fishing boat was captured in Honduran
waters by the U.S. Navy with more than 3000 pounds of cocaine, which was
tracked from Venezuela. Venezuela has been sited by the U.S. State Department as a
“major drug-transit country” and is now the “main outlet” for
Columbian cocaine traveling to the USA and Europe. Further to this, there
are growing implications that the FARC Terrorist Group is funneling the
cocaine from Columbia through to Venezuela to finance their efforts with
little intervention from the powers that be. In reaction to the report,
Venezuela’s Bolivarian President Hugo Chavez stating that the problem
lies in the hands of North American Countries and was quoted as saying
that President Obama should “clean up the mess”. Here in Honduras, outgoing
President Manuel Zelaya has called for the legalization of drugs and was
quoted saying “instead of pursuing drug traffickers, societies should
invest resources in educating drug addicts and curbing their demand.” Evo Moralez, President of Bolivia
is on the same page and has called for the legalization of the coca plant
(the base ingredient of cocaine). His reasoning being is that in rural
areas of Columbia, Peru and Bolivia the coca plant has been a staple for
hundreds of years and is used in natural medicines, teas and dietary
supplementation. To indigenous people the criminalization of the coca
plant would be similar to the criminalization of barley. Both are just
plants. It is the chemical refinement of coca that creates cocaine and the
fermentation of barley that brings alcohol. The plants in their natural
state are beneficial to humans. In the USA there is also a
growing voice calling for drastic changes in drug policy. The Drug Policy
Alliance, who’s supporters include global heavy hitters like George
Soros, are making their voice heard in the Obama Administration and the
Alliance actively support decriminalization/legalization/education
strategies in the USA and abroad. To find a global solution is
difficult. It is very doubtful that any society that has seen the
devastating effects of cocaine would consider the legalization of cocaine
as a solution to the problem. But the fact that most prison systems are
overloaded with simple drug users while the major players, the real
players, remain invisible to us all leaves little doubt that change is
needed. A good historical reference to
the current situation is the Prohibition of Alcohol in the USA
(1919-1933). Gang warfare and racketeering in this era was at an all time
high. Once repealed, even the supporters of Prohibition saw its failures. John
D. Rockefeller Jr. stated in an open letter in 1933 “When Prohibition
was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public
opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would
be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has
not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally increased; the
speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has
appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition;
respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has increased to
a level never seen before.” There is no question that alcohol
is full of damaging effects, both physical and social, but in this modern
age only Muslim Countries practice Prohibition of alcohol. And these same
countries are considered, by most people in the Western World, as extreme
in their repression of basic human rights. Fundamentalists from all
religions see little difference between a drinker, a crack head or a
heroin addict. They are all failing God and themselves. This point of view
may be the truth as drugs and alcohol can be very damaging to the body,
but used responsibly they can be beneficial. Laws should be created to bring
peace to a society not to divide it. They should promote individual
freedom not suppress it. The Ten Commandments (just ten) are the building
blocks that have created some of the greatest Societies in history both
Christian and Muslim. These Ten Commandments are the Laws that have been
the keys to the success of mankind over the last 5000 years. Unfortunately, many Modern Laws
seem not to have the same effect. These laws can destroy a person’s life
and render them unemployable for one small mistake. They can render a
family bankrupt for being unable to understand the fine print on a
contract or make someone obscenely wealthy as a bonus for making their
Company fail. The incident on Utila was a small
move in a giant game, a game involving Mafias, Cartels, Terrorist Groups
and Governments. The vast amounts of money created by this 800 Billion USD
per year business can make or break revolutions, bring down Governments or
finance secret wars. With so much division on how to deal with the problem
World States could become further polarized and things become worse if
middle ground is not found. Legalize cocaine, No. But, do not
punish the weak and fill our jails with them. This is a waste of
resources. Educate everyone, Fathers, Mothers, Teachers, politicians and
Children to the dangers of all drugs, including alcohol. Save prison for
the rapists and murderers and for the Masters who are behind the These
Drug and Terror Wars. Remember without Law, there can be no crime. Chavez and Clinton to face off at OAS Meeting June 1, 2009 at 07:00 am On
June 2nd the Organization of American States will be meeting in San Pedro
Sula, Honduras with Hillary Clinton and Hugo Chavez ready to collide on
many issues. Cuba, human rights and freedom of the press are subjects they
could spar on ‘till kingdom come, but the real battle is now being
revealed and the stakes are high. Hugo
Chavez makes no secret of the fact that he is a Marxist or of his
desire to expand his Revolution beyond the borders of Venezuela while
Hillary Clinton represents the new political face of the Obama
Administration, one more of partnership than domination. The
Obama Administration and Chavez’ Revolution are similar in one respect.
They both want a sympathetic government in Honduras and to benefit from
Honduras’ vast natural resources. While Chavez would like to absorb
Honduras into a State within the Bolivarian Revolution through the ALBA
scheme, the Obama Administration would like to re-secure itself as the
most influential country within Honduras, return to the status quo and
continue the integration of Honduras into a Constitutional Democracy
similar to and connected with the US system. Over
the last years American Foreign Policy and military resources have been
focused in the Middle East and most of their diplomatic resources have
been used in that region. Latin America has for over a hundred years
been considered under the sphere of control of the United States as sited
in the Monroe Doctrine and the rest of the world has not been interested
in challenging this philosophy, with the exception of Cuba. Now however,
there are New Stars rising in the world of global influence and the USA is
being challenged on all fronts. Hugo
Chavez is a Bright and Shining Star in the political sky over Latin
America, willing to insult Kings and Presidents, take on and take out
Multinational Corporations, consolidating power and crushing opposition,
all to further his Bolivarian Revolution. However, he has not been able to
rise by himself. The alliances Chavez has formed have fueled his power,
influence and support, but alliances come at a price and the price has not
yet been paid. Hugo’s
strategy to unify Latin American and Caribbean Countries within ALBA (trans.
“Dawn”) (The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas) and
his success in doing so has impressed his Masters and every step he takes
forward on his plan; they are becoming more and more visible. Looking
at the map you can see that ALBA expansion is not random. Cuba and
Venezuela were the first countries to become ALBA States with Bolivia,
Nicaragua, Dominica, St Vincent and Grenadines and Honduras following
suit. The potential for ALBA States to become a real Union, complete with
a standing army, could result in ALBA having control of the entire
Caribbean Basin and its rich oil/aquatic reserves, and control of shipping
routes. This is the prize. As
is, the threat of these small States to pose a Military threat to the USA
is unlikely, but the Economic threat is now real. ALBA mandate states that
any development of natural resources must be done by ALBA State Companies.
This means that future development within the Caribbean Basin would be
controlled by ALBA. By excluding non ALBA Countries, including the USA,
Chavez and his allies would be able to dominate Latin America
economically. So
who are these allies? One is Iran, the arch enemy of the USA. Iran
has been granted Observer Status in ALBA and is expanding its diplomatic
influence in Bolivia and Nicaragua by constructing massive Embassy
Compounds. Iran is investing in hydroelectric plants, strategic port
projects and reportedly aiding Hezbollah in gaining a foothold in the
Americas. Is
seems unlikely that a Fundamentalist Islamic State and predominantly
Catholic Countries would be allies, but Chavez has been able to sideline
the Church in Venezuela and is replacing religious Zeal with the Zeal seen
in Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution. Iran is more than happy to see
both The United States and the Catholic Church marginalized and sees a
Chavez Alliance as necessary in order to weaken the USA and force it from
its doorstep and out of The Middle East. The
other ally is Russia. This alliance has grown in strength as a reaction to
American Foreign Policy including the expansion of NATO along Russian
Border Countries, the Declared Independence of Kosovo and most
controversial is the proposed American Missile Shield in Europe. The
Shield’s stated use is to protect Europe and the USA from an Iranian
nuclear threat. However, in Russia these changes are seen as a major
change in strategic balance between the USA and Russia, a balance that has
existed since WWII. Militarily,
Russia’s countermeasure was the invasion/liberation of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia regions of Georgia. Economically, Russia has joined with
Venezuela in the formation of an Oil and Gas Consortium that will rival
OPEC and run under the Petroleos de Venezuela (the national oil company of
Venezuela). With
Russia partnered with Venezuela and Iran as an observer member of ALBA
both Countries will have preferential status within ALBA markets and full
access to natural resources. The USA as a non member will be excluded from
developing further in the ALBA Block, an uninterrupted economic zone
covering an area from South America to the US-Cuba border, just minutes
south of Cay West, Florida. We
know that Hugo Chavez has not and cannot challenge the influence of the
United States in Latin America alone. Until now, he has rallied his
partners by protesting American Foreign Policy under the Bush
Administration. But, with Barack Obama now in power, these alliances will
demand more from Chavez than insulting rhetoric. Economic results will now
be necessary to keep Hugo’s Axis spinning. A
moderate Obama Administration creates problems for Chavez and now it will
be less likely more Latin American States will take the plunge and join
ALBA without significant economic gain. This means it will be more costly
financially and more challenging ideologically, for Hugo Chavez to
assimilate Countries into the ALBA. However,
a secret report from Israel was leaked to the Associated Press stating
that Iran and Venezuela have created a 200 Billion USD fund to persuade
more Latin American Countries to join the Revolution. “Since
Ahmadinejad’s rise to power, Tehran has been promoting an aggressive
policy aimed at bolstering its ties with Latin American countries with the
declared goal of ‘bringing America to its knees,’” the report
concludes. Considering the possible truth of the finances committed to
sparking Revolution throughout Latin America, the World needs to take
seriously, the potential for serious conflict. Here
in Honduras, President Manuel Zelaya signed the Presidential Decree
admitting the Country into ALBA. This move was seen by many as an act
against the will of the people of Honduras. Further, Zelaya, whose mandate
expires this November, is proposing a Referendum to replace the Honduran
Constitution and some say this move will open the way for him to continue
as President after his mandate ends. President Zelaya has followers who
are organized, well financed and willing to do what it takes to see that
he remains in power, if the opportunity arises. He has replaced top
Military Brass and is now wrestling with the Supreme Court of Honduras
pushing for a referendum that has already been ruled illegal by the Court.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of Honduras and
indeed Latin America for decades to come and with so many interests
competing for influence it is difficult to predict the outcome. It
is for this reason that Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State of the
United States of America, is coming to Honduras for the OAS General
Assembly Meeting, to be held at the Arab Club in San Pedro Sula. She will
be here to show “The Americas” the new face of the USA and attempt to
prove to Latin America it is better off with a more social, if not,
Socialist partnership with The United States than a Marxist/Communist
future under Hugo’s Revolution. Time
will tell. Chavez states “The Strike has started”. Honduras
“Surrounded” Hugo Chavez, President of
Venezuela, Sandinista President Daniel Ortega, President Rafael Correa of
Ecuador and the Cuban Foreign Minister all met under the ALBA Flag in
Managua, Nicaragua late last night. This emergency meeting was held to
form a strategy regarding the fate of Manuel Zelaya, the recently ousted
President of Honduras. ALBA (eng. DAWN) is an
international trade organization started by Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro,
which has evolved in Latin America into a Socialist Block contrary to the
United States of America that calls for the integration of all Latin
American Countries into a single economic block. Honduran Presidential elections
are due to be held in November this year, bringing an end the term of
President Zelaya. However, a plan was initiated that would, through
a Referendum, allow a fourth ballot to be placed on the Presidential
Ticket. This Ballot would give voters the option to instead of voting for
a new president to vote for a Constitutional Assembly to replace the
constitution and allow Zelaya to remain President. This is where the real trouble began. Zelaya still would not comply. Later, the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs General Vasquez was removed by Zelaya due to the General's
unwillingness to go against the Constitution and assist in the illegal
Poll demanded by the President. After the dismissal, the Commanders of the
Army, Navy and Air force resigned. The Supreme Court later ruled that the dismissal was
illegal and reinstated the Vasquez to his post. Meanwhile in Caracas, Hugo Chavez, upset with the problems
created by the Honduran Supreme Court, Congress, Military and over 100,000
protesters who marched against the illegal ballot started a propaganda
campaign stating that ALBA would mobilize. During his speech Hugo Chavez
reiterated, "This is an armed revolution" and to
"Summon our people to the great battle for the full independence of
our America, only the union will make us free” and to "Summon our
people to the great battle for the full independence of our America, only
the union will make us free”. This Venezuelan Army Day speech was
delivered to military cadets from Honduras marching with Cuban, Nicaraguan
and Bolivian Military. The international community is
unsure of the situation in Honduras and they are taking a very condemning
position. As the facts come to the surface and the world sees that
not only America meddles in the internal politics of sovereign states,
Honduras will hopefully able to peacefully elect a new president in the
elections scheduled for November 29th. Links to
related articles from the Utila East Wind 1500
kilos of Cocaine Venezuelan Plane Busted on Utila January 28th
2009 War
on Drugs War on Peace March12th 2009 Roatan
Rioters Burn Books at ZOLITUR May 7th 2009 Venezuelan
Narco Plane Crashes on Utila. Another 1500 Kilos down May 10th
2009 Chavez
and Clinton face off at OAS Meeting June 1st 2009 Zelaya
calls for immediate membership for Cuba at OAS Assembly OAS
Assembly President Rodas replaced amid confusion. OAS
votes to revoke resolution on Cuba Rumors
of Coup d'etat in Honduras denied by officials June 5th 2009
Army
asked to secure Congress. Fear of Violent Intervention June 23rd
2009 Chavez
announces Armed Revolution. ALBA Military elements participate June 24th
2009 Tanks
Rolling to the Capitol as President dismisses Top General June 24th
2009 Honduras
nears Chaos as Military Units Circle Presidential Palace June 25th
2009 Chavez
blames "Bougoise" Calls to Mobilize in Honduras June 26th
2009 Honduran
President denies Resignation. Chavez "We Will Mobilize" June 28th
2009 Chavez
states “The Strike has started”. Honduras “Surrounded” October 29th
2009
Utila still shaking. 11 earthquakes since the Big One. Latest 12 miles from Utila.
Utila 01:20 June 9th 2009 The earthquakes are continuing almost daily. The latest was late last night when a strong 5.7 Mag earthquake shook homes and created worry. The epicenter of the quake was just 12 miles south of East Harbour, Utila. Since the May 28th 7.3 mag earthquake there have been eleven more earthquakes of 4 magnitude or more to date. In between these events, aftershocks can be felt lightly grumbling quite often. Updates will be posted.
7.3 Earthquake Rocks Honduras. Two more Quakes today 4.6 and 4.8
Utila 2:20 MAY 28 2009 In the darkness of night at 2:20 am the effects of a 7.3 Magnitude
earthquake were felt across Central America. The epicenter of the Major
Earthquake was just 63km north of the largest of the Bay Islands,
Roatan at a depth of 10km. Here on the island Utila, people awoke to their homes shaking violently
with shelves emptying, tv’s crashing down and an intense rumble droning
on and on. Soon after, strong aftershocks were felt and people from
the low lying areas began evacuated their homes and fled for high ground,
fearing an approaching tsunami. 
The Churches and football field were filled with frightened families standing in disbelief and wondering if it is yet safe to return home. Once the aftershock subsided the evacuees received the Green Light and returned to thier homes. On Utila, one home was destroyed in Campo Nado and there are reports of structural damage to wood and concrete homes and intensive damage to interiors of homes. There is now at least five confirmed deaths reported in Honduras and there is heavy damage to the Democracy Bridge in El Progresso. There are also, reports of major structural damage to buildings in San
Pedro Sula. In Belize, at least three homes have been destroyed and a
water tower collapsed in Indepencia. UPDATE.... Two more earthquakes have occurred in Honduras as of
this morning. One inland south of the port town La Ceiba another west of
Utila island in the Caribbean Sea. The quakes were a magnitude of 4.8 and
4.6 respectively. The major earthquake from the day before has now been upgraded to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake. No new damage has been reported on Utila.
. Venezuelan Narco Plane Crashes on Utila. Another 1500 Kilos down
Again, Utila has come to the center on the War on Drugs with another Venezuelan aircraft busted with 1500 kilos of cocaine, but this time there was a different ending. Starting at 9:30pm the evening before, Utilian residents heard and saw aircraft circling the island. One plane, a twin engine with its lights off the other, a large military aircraft with lights on. The military plane circled steadily around the island and the other, like a shadow in the moonlight, circled frantically looking for a place to land while the Saturday night crowds at Utila's local bars watched it swooping desperately for a way out of its trap. It was not meant to be. Sometime around 3:00 am, the narco plane ran out of fuel and attempted to land. Its flight path took the plane into the dense jungle and jagged cliffs just north of the airport, crashed and split in two. All three crew members were Columbian. The pilot was killed and the two crewmembers were wounded and transported Roatan Hospital for medical treatment. As of today, there have been over 3000 kilos
of Cocaine decommissioned on Utila in the last six months. It seems
that Utila is now becoming a No Fly Zone, or at least, an inconvenient
location for the Narco Traffic Industry to distribute their product. time will tell
Roatan Rioters Burn Books at ZOLITUR
May 7th 2009 A mob of violent protesters took over the streets of Roatan yesterday spreading fear and crippling the tourism industry. The demonstrators were organized and turned violent quickly and took over the ZOLITUR Free Zone office in Coxen Hole. Once inside, they destroyed everything they could, removing all documents and computers then burning them on the road. Shots were fired by Police and protesters with at least two policemen injured and it is reported that at lease one protester was injured from gunfire. Police had made as many as 40 arrests. But, it has been reported that these protesters were later freed by the rebels who invaded the police station and stole weapons. The root of the violence is suspected to be that the ZOLITUR Free Trade Zone is excluding native Hondurans from working on the island without permit from ZOLITUR and will prevent the free movement of Hondurans on The Bay Islands. Cynthia Solomon Today the island is calm, but it is said that the leaders of the rioters have given 24 hours for their demands to be met or they will seal off the island from air and sea.
1500 Kilos of cocaine, Venezuelan plane busted on Utila
January 28th 2009 UTILA. Local residents of the small Caribbean Island of Utila woke up to a
surprise that to them, was not all that surprising. Over the last months
it had been strongly rumored that Utila Airport was being used as a
distribution hub in the cocaine transport system from South America.
Weekly, airplanes were heard landing in the late night hours at Utila's airport
and when the people who were curious about these night flights went
to investigate, they were met by masked gunmen advising them not to
pass. However, this time it was not only the narco-traffickers in the air. A large airplane could be heard through the night and it is thought to have been an American C-130 Hercules that had been tracking the Venezuelan registered airplane on its route to the island. Islanders and tourists alike woke up to an incredible scene with
Honduran Naval vessels in the harbour, helicopters in the air and
soldiers spreading throughout the streets of Utila. The crime scene was
heavily guarded but this reporter was able to access the runway where
lines of battery operated incandescent light There is rumors that as many as seven people have been detained, but officially the police are stating that there is no one in custody.
UPDATE... Cocaine in flames UPDATE.... January 30 2009 The cocaine has now been
burned at the same location that it was found. It is said that over 1700
kilos was torched under heavy security. To date there have been no
arrests. The military has troops scattered about the town and the
community hopes that an arrest is made soon. One of the suspects was able
to escape the massive dragnet by taking the morning ferry to La Ceiba.
Witnesses saw a suspicious passenger jumping on the ferry. The suspect was
cut up and soaking wet, but there was no police presence to question the
suspect nor was there police waiting in La Ceiba. This
reporter also witnessed a very brief interrogation by investigators at
Munchies, a popular local restaurant. Upon the police realizing my
presence they donned their balaclavas and forced me against the wall
demanding my identification. Other press and witnesses were near by and I
was quickly released. These suspects were allowed to leave without
presenting any identification. There
is plenty of speculation as to who has been aiding in these flights but
many residents think that no one will ever be arrested. On
another note, the airplane had a Red Cross insignia on its tail wing on
the day of the incident and it now revealed that underneath was a
Venezuelan Flag.
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May 10th 2009 UTILA 
bulbs
lined the sides of the runway guiding the Cessna Conquest to
it's night landing. At the beach investigators were cataloguing the
packages and loading them onto trucks and two speedboats were just
offshore with one capsized in the surf. Scattered along the beach was
an estimated 1500 Kilos of cocaine, fuel drums and pumps. 
