· January, 2010

Stories about Latin America from January, 2010

Puerto Rico: Bloggers discuss Roe v. Wade

The 37th anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973) spurred bloggers in Puerto Rico to express their opinions about a ruling that still sparks controversy. The decision made abortion legal in the United States, and it was extended to Puerto Rico due to the Island's political relationship with the US.

31 January 2010

Haiti: Wired Money May Help Rebuild Before Aid

With phone lines being restored in Haiti, money sent from families abroad “by wire” is again arriving, and helping reconstruction even where international aid has not arrived. Remittances from family members living abroad represented at least thirty percent of Haiti's Gross National Product before the January 12 earthquake.

30 January 2010

Video: Call for Aid in the Peruvian South due to Flooding

The state of emergency the city of Cusco and surrounding areas has moved many locals to make videos and upload them to the web, trying to get mass media to pay attention to the drama lived by villagers throughout the area who are now homeless, isolated and without food, water or electricity.

28 January 2010

Peru: Heavy Rains and Mudslides in Cusco

Heavy rains and flooding have been affecting the region of Cusco, Peru, leaving thousands of local residents affected. The tragedy has left unanswered questions about the region's preparedness for these types of natural disasters.

27 January 2010

Peru: The Loss of Local Rock Radio Stations

Peruvian radio stations catering to fans of rock music are being taken off the air, with business reasons often cited as the reason. However, many bloggers say there is still a market for the music.

27 January 2010

Haiti: Youth Step It Up for Earthquake Relief

As Haiti's government raised the confirmed earthquake death toll to 150,000 earlier this week, there is particular concern for the well-being of the country's most vulnerable - its young people. But youth within and outside of Haiti are contributing to efforts to raise aid and awareness.

26 January 2010

Chile: Modern Day Human Rights for the Mapuche

The Museum of Memory in Chile documents human rights abuses during the Pinochet dictatorship. During its inauguration, 2 Mapuche women interrupted President Bachelet's speech, reminding the country that there are still present-day concerns for human rights in their indigenous community.

25 January 2010

Guatemala: United for Haiti After Earthquake

In 1976, an earthquake killed nearly 23,000 people in Guatemala. Now, 34 years later, Guatemalans are united to help Haitians with their own earthquake tragedy, through a wide variety of fundraising efforts and other signs of solidarity.

24 January 2010

Video: Drug legalization and life post-prohibition

There are groups of people advocating for the legalization of drugs, but what would that actually mean? From Hungary to Colombia, from youth to teachers, from cops and clergy, individuals and groups are taking to citizen media to put forth their arguments regarding this potentially controversial subject.

22 January 2010

Peru: Metallica Rocked in Lima

Internationally-known rock bands do not play in Lima, Peru very often. When do they do, as the case of Metallica, interest and profits reach high levels. However, not all are pleased to see the band in the country.

22 January 2010

Haiti: Restoring Communications and Local Media Networks

Haiti's communication infrastructure was seriously damaged after being devastated by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12. It can be very empowering for people in Haiti to be able to narrate their stories in their own words. With this is in mind, Feminist International Radio Endeavour (FIRE) and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters have launched projects to help restore local media projects.

20 January 2010

Announcing the Technology for Transparency Network

Rising Voices, the outreach and citizen media training initiative of Global Voices Online, has launched a new interactive website and global network of researchers to map online technology projects that aim to promote transparency, political accountability, and civic engagement.

19 January 2010

About our Latin America coverage

Melissa Vida
Melissa Vida is the Latin America and Spanish-language editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Fernanda Canofre
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.