The Controversial Nicaragua Canal
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Officially opening in 1914, the Panama Canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific creating a short-cut for ships. It was the biggest infrastructure project of its time. But originally the United States wanted to build the canal in Nicaragua.\\xa0The plans shifted largely after French engineer Philippe-Jean Bunau-Varilla convinced U.S. lawmakers otherwise.
\\nWell now\\xa0the\\xa0Nicaragua canal plans are back on the table. Nicaragua plans to build a $50 billion canal to connect the Caribbean and Pacific. Supporters argue it will create more than 250,000 jobs. But small farmers and environmentalists say the project will destroy Lake Nicaragua.
\\nOn this edition, we\\u2019ll take a look at the economic, political and environmental controversies surrounding the Nicaragua canal. Reporter\\xa0Reese\\xa0Erlich\\xa0has the story.
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- Maria\\xa0Mercelin,\\xa0fisherman\\u2019s wife \\n
- Michael Healey,\\xa0head of an agribusiness association \\n
- Monica Lopez,\\xa0anti-canal activist and lawyer \\n
- Lionel Teller,\\xa0former Nicaraguan ambassador to the EU \\n
- Rosibel\\xa0Lope,\\xa0owner of snack bar on\\xa0OmetepeIsland \\n
- Jairo\\xa0Carrilon,\\xa0anti-canal coalition leader \\n
- David Quintana,\\xa0spokesperson for Foundation for Nicaraguan Sustainable Development \\n
- Benjamin\\xa0Lanzas,\\xa0member of the canal\\u2019s governing body \\n
- Juana Juarez,\\xa0resident of\\xa0Ometepe\\xa0Island \\n
- Osvaldo\\xa0Navas,\\xa0Ometepe\\xa0Island leader\\xa0 \\n
- Antonio Granados,\\xa0land owner whose property lies directly along the canal route. \\n