Stories about Development from March, 2009
Poland: Roadworks in Warsaw
Polandian writes that road construction in Warsaw is bringing the city to its knees.
Barbados: Nature Sanctuary Issue
Barbados Free Press believes that the Prime Minister's “million-dollar support” for the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary “is a ploy…there is no dispute that the Thompson DLP Government intends to develop the lands around Graeme Hall.”
Tanzania: Ride at your own risk
In a post titled, “Flyovers In Dar? Ride At Your Own Risk…” Jaduong discusses the plan by the Tanzanian government to build flyovers in Dar-es Salaam.
Hong Kong: Ng-hao big-naug or you are dead!
On Tuesday, March 18, a local police shot at a Nepali homeless man twice at close range and one of the bullets end up in the head, leading to the man's death. The police report soon after the shooting said that the police officer went to check out the hillside...
Bangladesh: Non-profit Wonder
“Have you ever heard of an international organization that self finances 80% of its work? Want to know how they do it?” Read BRAC Blog for details. Based in Bangladesh, BRAC is one of the world's largest non-governmental development organizations.
Global: Bubbles, Bailouts and Stimulus Plans
Identifying the economic woes of the United States is crucial. But we should also understand that other countries are also grappling with bankrupt companies and shrinking economies. Many countries are also implementing their own stimulus plans. What are some of the examples used by bloggers around the world when they discuss the bubble economies, bailout of banks and stimulus plans of their countries?
Israel: Renovations Transform Yaffo (Jaffa)
“Every few weeks I take a bike ride through Yaffo (or Jaffa or Yafa) Tel Aviv's much older and much neglected sister, to watch it is changing before my eyes,” writes Tel Aviv Rooftop. Visit the blog to see photos and read descriptions of the city's renovation.
Bermuda: Transparency Progress
Vexed Bermoothes says that the Attorney General's promise that the Bermudian public will have the opportunity to comment on a draft freedom of information law (which should allow for modifications before it goes to Parliament for debate) is “positive news.”
The Pope in Cameroon (1): Yaoundé Clean Up Controversy
Pope Benedict XVI is visiting Cameroon from 17 to 20 March 2009. This has led the government to take some radical clean-up measures, which have caused a lot of controversy in the Cameroonian blogosphere.
Brazil: Lula and Obama meet as economic crisis hits Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is the first Latin American leader to have met the US President Barack Obama. The meeting took place in Washington, this Saturday March 14. The leaders have talked about Global economic crisis, trade, environment, energy and biofuel technology, and building a more constructive relationship with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the global crisis has begun to hit Brazil hard.
Guatemala: Opposition to Mining Operations
A recent BBC story reported on skin infections showing up in several indigenous communities in Guatemala. Many from the community and other activists are placing blame on an open-pit mining company for the health problems. These new findings are the latest in a series of arguments about the negative effects of mining. Bloggers have joined the online debate that say that mining is damaging and dangerous for local communities and the environment.
Iraq: Increasing Violence and Fragile Security
A new wave of bombings is rocking Baghdad after a period of relative quiet. Salam Adil digs into the Iraqi blogosphere for the reactions of bloggers on the recent developments on the ground.
Russia: New Minister of Agriculture
At CrisisCrunch, Adrian Erlinger writes about Yelena Skrynnik, Russia's new minister of agriculture.
Jordan: Bloggers Come Together in Celebration
Jordanian bloggers came together to mark the second Blog About Jordan Day on March 12, an initiative started in 2008 by Qwaider. Jordanian and expat bloggers wrote about Jordan's perks and advantages, about its problems and future, and some were inspired to reflect on their personal attachment to the country.
Global recession and its discontents
Today the world seems flat. From Asia and Africa to Europe and the Americas, the people of the world are experiencing the traumatic effects of a global economic recession. This post is an attempt to describe the social impact of the great financial crisis as seen and felt by ordinary citizens around the world.
Angola: Where is clean water?
Nina, blogging from Luanda, discusses the problem of access to clean water in Angola.
China: Green GDP suspended
Bullogger reposted a local news about the central government's decision to suspend the release of Green GDP index in China in order to stimulate the economy (zh).
Haiti: On the Agenda
“Countless visitors profess a desire to improve life for Haitians and to promote democracy but they seldom deliver. That does not excuse the Haitian authorities and Haiti's bourgeoisie class who have kept Haitians living in extreme poverty”: Still, Wadner Pierre wonders “what visitors to Haiti really want for Haitians.”
From Bangladesh with Love
BRAC Blog informs that BRAC, the largest non-profit (NGO) development organization in Bangladesh, has set up an office in Liberia and deployed its trained and experienced staffs to carry out development activities which includes helping rural farmers grow better crops to feed their families and sustain their livelihoods. It will...
Madagascar: Amidst Turmoil, Media Misinformation and Hard Truths
More than a month and a half into the crisis in Madagascar, confusion grows crescendo as the power struggle between the president and a former mayor vying for the presidency extends, leaving many wondering when the political stalemate will end.
Americas: Celebrating Women's Day
Bloggers from across Latin America also commemorated International Women's Day with posts about the day which is celebrated every March 8 throughout the world. Some also took the opportunity to reflect on some of the issues facing women, but also featured initiatives that are working to alleviate some of these problems.
