A MAN from Tavistock who has witnessed life in Central American countries over many years will give an illustrated talk next Wednesday (June 4) about his experiences. Author Martin Mowforth is a lecturer at Plymouth University and will be giving a talk to Tavistock Peace Action Group and visitors in the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Mr Mowforth has just had his book 'The Violence of Development' published — it describes the failure of 'development' in the region and the actions of governments and companies. In 2009 Martin was awarded a grant by Plymouth University's School of Geography to undertake the ambitious research. He and his small team visited development projects in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua. They interviewed more than 60 people including politicians, trade unionists, indigenous leaders, nuns and human rights defenders. Ginny Davie, member of the peace action group, said: 'Martin feels strongly that we should realise what is going on in Central America. He first travelled there in 1988 and has returned every year since. 'He helped set up the very active Santa Rosa Fund, which continues to support many educational projects and initiatives in Nicaragua. 'Martin has a wealth of information and experience relating to the region and his talk will be an excellent opportunity to find out more about the courage of all those who try to sustain their way of life amid so much danger.' For those who cannot make the talk, Mr Mowforth can be contacted on [email protected]">[email protected]