Granted, the writer really only has one source forecasting environmental damage from the canal, and who knows whether that fellow knows what he’s talking about. The other sources are merely expressing concern about the absence of an environmental impact study, not concerns about environmental damage. Even so, proceeding without the study and in the face of at least one informed guy’s reservations is a concern.

I also liked Jaime Incer Barquero’s admission that he actually hasn’t spoken with Ortega, since even he has to go through Rosario first. This is the way it works in Nicaragua now. However, I’m pretty sure that Ortega talks with anyone he wants to, which tells me that Incer Barquero isn’t among those with an inside track. It could follow that bitterness over his exclusion is coloring his opinions.

But overall this piece adds to the discussion, and I therefore appreciate it.