The first proposed budget by the United States President Donald Trump includes a substantial cut in aid to Latin America.
The budget, that was presented on 23 May 2017, still has to be approved by Congress and therefore could change. The 2018 budget for Latin America and the Caribbean has been cut by US$614 million over 2016 funding levels.
Cuba will no longer receive any funds, after having receive US$20 million in 2016. Nor will Venezuela, that in 2016 received US$6.5 million. Mexico will receive US$87.7 million, a cut of 45.3%, and the Dominican Republic will receive US$10.5 million, less than half the 2016 figure of US$21.6 million.
All of the countries have had their budgets slashed, some by a significant amount such as Nicaragua that now will receive US$200,000 compared to US$10 million in 2016. However, Colombia will receive US$251.4 million, not much less than the US$299.4 million it obtained in 2016 but somewhat more of a decrease over the US$391 million allocated for this year. It should be noted that the US government funds are dedicated to fighting drug trafficking, security, the promotion of democracy and humanitarian aid.
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Listin Diario
24 May 2017
