This strong and effective program is notable for its emphasis on transparency and accountability, for which I commend President Aleman and his government. The government has established six reconstruction commissions, covering finance, education, infrastructure, production, health and social services. It is now developing a master reconstruction plan. It is an understatement to say that times will be tough here for a while. But the government has been doing the right things, and if it continues to do so, Nicaragua can emerge stronger than ever.
Hurricane season starts again in two months, and with it the potential for another disaster.
Included on the assessment team that visited here in January were officials with the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They concluded that regional disaster plans were not very effective in responding to Mitch. They came up with a number of recommendations. Managers should be better trained, for instance. Equipment and planning for evacuation operations should be upgraded.