The United States ambassador to Nicaragua, Kevin Sullivan, recorded an emotional farewell message from his mission as a US government diplomat in Managua. Sullivan recalled the places he knew and highlighted the Nicaraguan culture.
In addition, he recalled the help that his country has provided to the people of Nicaragua in difficult times such as hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic and the donation of more than 2 million vaccines to combat the pandemic.
He also assured that the United States supported the political dialogue between the opposition and the Sandinista regime because of the 2018 social protests and described the state attack against social protests as “brutal repression”, but that Nicaragua will become a “vibrant and inclusive”.
Related news: The era of ambassador Kevin Sullivan: The gallopinto, the political crisis and the 222 exiles
Article 66 shares the transcript of the farewell message from the United States ambassador in Managua, Kevin Sullivan:
After four and a half years, the time has come for my family and I to say goodbye to Nicaragua. We have really enjoyed meeting so many of you students, teachers, small and large businessmen, peasants and workers, artists and technicians, religious and journalists participating in exchanges, ventures, research, exports, trips and workshops. So many dreams, so many efforts that we try to support.
Know Nicaragua
We also loved getting to know almost every corner of this amazing country. We will always keep in our memory the bustling towns of the north: Estelí, Matagalpa, Jinotega, nestled in the mystical mountain ranges. And the colorful communities on the Caribbean Coast whose rich cultural diversity leaves a unique impression. We are also going to remember our visits to the emblematic cities of Granada, León and Chinandega, each one with its particular historical legacy and natural grace framed by the volcano churches that characterize Nicaraguan identity so much.
And the sprawling city of Managua with its spirited energy and unmistakable monuments now filled with memories of all kinds. And, of course, we are going to miss the splendid views of the Pacific coast and the impressive arrival of turtles that we saw as a family. We have experienced many things together in recent years.
Humanitarian aid
I was especially proud of the way the United States responded to Nicaragua’s needs after two Category 4 hurricanes hit the country in just over a week in 2019. The help we provided strengthened highly vulnerable communities.
Then came a pandemic that had consequences both in Nicaragua and in the United States and during which we provided the clearest possible information about the dangers of the virus. We also provide millions of free vaccines, along with other support for care and prevention.
sociopolitical crisis
I also remember how we supported the political dialogue that brought together various leaders for a noble purpose and offered great hopes for the country… but was cut short too early. The brutal repression that occurred, both before and after, has left deep scars, which must be healed if Nicaragua is to become the vibrant and inclusive country it is destined to be.
And, of course, the dramatic release, on February 9 of this year (2023) of 222 unjustly detained people, will live in our memory, which we are very happy to have facilitated. This operation demonstrated our deep commitment to the welfare and legitimate aspirations of all Nicaraguans to live in freedom.
the arrival of his son
As a family, we have also experienced many things in the last four years, but the arrival of Santiago, “el gallopintero”, was undoubtedly the most important event. With the love and support of many Nicaraguan friends and teachers, and of course many beans, our baby born in the time of the pandemic has grown to become a happy and healthy three-year-old “chavalo”.
Santi has come to love both the Nicaraguans and their gastronomy. I am sure that he, like us, will take a lot of Nicaragua with him in his heart. As Mari, Santi and I prepare to return home to Washington, we send our best wishes and deep gratitude to all the Nicaraguan families for their support and friendship.
As American baseball icon Yogi Berra said: “It’s hard to make predictions, especially about the future! But we will always keep them in our hearts and prayers. I am sure that we will see each other again in the coming years. See you soon!
