HOY Hear Out Yellow

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is nemagon and why is it used?

Nemagonis a virulent pesticide derived from debromochloropropane (DBPC). It kills microscopic worms which affectthe size and damage the appearance of growing bananas. It was banned in the U.S. in 1979, butmanufacturers exported Nemagon from the 1960s through the 1980s to unsuspectingbanana producing nations in Central America, the Caribbean, and thePhilippines. Standard Fruit (Dolein the U.S.), Del Monte, and United Fruit, (now Chiquita) were some of thecompanies that sprayed crops with the pesticide produced by Dow, Shell Oil,Occidental and others.

What is the human impact of nemagon?

It is estimatedthat 22,000 to 35,000 Nicaraguans are afflicted with diseases and disabilitiesranging from skin rashes and headaches to cancer, blindness, infertility, andbirth defects. Up to 2,500 deathshave been attributed to this pesticide in Nicaragua alone.

Why are the banana workers living in the encampment?

They want to raise awareness and hope that their veryvisibly destitute living conditions will encourage the Nicaraguan government toprovide them with the compensation corporations have not. A 12-day 86-milemarch from Chinandega to Managua, the capital city, was a demonstration of theurgency of their situation. The first march was held in 2005 and thosedemonstrators were bussed home from the encampment by the government withpromises of help. In June 2007, about 1,200 workers returned. Some have noother homes. Others remain onprinciple wanting to raise awareness through solidarity.

How did the HOY project begin?

In January 2008, students participating in the BucknellBrigade, a university-sponsored service-learning trip to Nicaragua, spoke tothe banana workers and learned of their plight. The demonstrators asked the students as U.S. citizens tohelp them and tell others about their situation. Students received a 100 Projects for Peace grant from theDavis foundation which allowed them to film a documentary and start a website.

What are your plans for the future? The project? The banana workers?

We will distribute and present the film to universities,colleges, and interested organizations and make it available on youtube and ourwebsite. Our next stepis to collect monetary donations to address the needs ofthe affected by partnering with the workers and their lawyer. Building orrenting a facility to provide housing to the elderly and providing health carefor affected workers is one idea. We also are considering a sponsorship program to provide schooling andfood for children at the encampment.

Is nemagon contaminating my banana?

We’re not sure and the ramifications of nemagon-contaminatedfruit affecting consumers would be difficult to study. We are affected by somany other factors, foods, and genetic health risks that harm caused by bananaconsumption would be hard to isolate. The workers are most affected because they were dealing with poisonouspesticides in high concentrations on a daily basis and were not told to wearprotective gear during or after spraying. It still can’t be good for you. Eatorganic! Eat locally!

Is the pesticide still being used?

Of15 original banana plantations, Nicaragua is home to only two remainingplantations. While Nemagon is currently banned in Nicargua, it may still beused in other areas of the Latin and Central America. Banana workers have toldus that Nemagon and chemical very similar continue to be used under the nameParaquat. According to our research, Paraquat is even more toxic and harmful tohuman health if not .

How can i get a copy of missing seeds ?

Email us! We would love for you to present the dvd.

  Paz y luz.

[Prepared with love by the members of HOY at Bucknell University. We encourage you to contactus with any questions, comments,or ideas at hearoutyellow@gmail.com.]