1. Central America is an important site of transnational processes, particularly the unfolding of hegemonic, transnational agenda of neoliberalism and polyarchy (Robinson 2000)

2. Labour issues Conditions as bad as in Somoza’s regime Workers future’s controlled by multinationals Maquillas (Industrial Assembly factory) the second source of employment in Nicaragua

3. Women are most affected by new labour conditions Dismissal Sexual Harassment Problem exacerbate for women because of male dominated structures of power in Nicaragua

4. Plan Puebla Panama (PPP) Eight countries 64 million people Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. IDB: Inter-Development Bank, mexican government and The U.S. Government

5. Presented as The provider of development, infrastructure and jobs for the region Sustainable development for these nations

6. It will cost 20 billion dollars and would take 25 years to implement Who will pay?

7. Infrastructure; highways, ports, power and gas grids, hydroelectric projects, etc. Improvement of quality of life: Promote tourism, healthcare, and education Industrial development:provide low-wage jobs for the inhabitants (expansion and construction of Machillas)

8. Contamination Toxicity Erosion of workers’ rights

9. Three primary outcomes To lure local populations of their lands: push and pull effect To permit the exploitation of cheap labour To resolve the problem of migration of undocumented Social problems

10. Exercise Three groups: Construct a political candidate for the next national elections in Nicaragua(September 2006) Knowing what we know about Nicaragua, how would this candidate improve the political, social and economic situation of the country?