When Civil Unrest Stalls Conservation: Part II

The U.S. Embassy in the Honduras capital city of Tegucigalpa released the following Warden Message on October 14:

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa alerts American citizens residing in and traveling to the Bay Island of Roatan about ongoing protests throughout the island. The Embassy has reports of widespread demonstrations, road closures and possible violence due to a significant rise in the price of electrical services provided by the island’s utility company, RECO.

The Embassy has confirmed reports of demonstrators taking over the island’s major roads, including the roads to the airport, the cruise ship port, downtown, and to the areas of West End, Sandy Bay, Flowers Bay and Santos Guardiola. There are also confirmed reports of burning tires, checkpoints set up by protestors, and possible anti-American sentiment. The Embassy received a report of a threat of violence directed towards an American trying to pass through a checkpoint.

The Embassy strongly recommends U.S. citizens to remain in their homes and not try to pass roadblocks, as there have been incidents of violence in the past. U.S. citizens should avoid travel in affected areas and should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio, and avoid large gatherings.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.