Stories about Latin America from May, 2009
Uruguay: Photos of the Funeral of Mario Benedetti
Mario Blanco took photos of the funeral of Uruguayan writer, Mario Benedetti [es], who recently passed away.
Cuba: Blossoming Blogosphere
“A lot has changed in the ‘Made in Cuba’ blogosphere,” reports Generation Y, for whom there is “no greater happiness than to see the rise of so many plural, different and free spaces.”
Cuba, U.S.A.: In Solidarity
Blog for Cuba and El Cafe Cubano support Cuba Solidarity Day.
Ecuador: The Legacy of Indigenous Leader Mama Tránsito
Many Ecuadorians are mourning the passing of one of its indigenous leaders, Rosa Elena Tránsito Amaguaña, better known as "Mama Tránsito." Her role in society as an activist and defender of indigenous rights has made her an inspiration for her perserveance and courage.
Paraguay: Skateboarding Day in Asunción
Guri is looking forward to the activities of Skateboarding Day in Asunción, Paraguay [es] on June 21.
Guyana, Cuba: Day Against Homophobia
“What did it mean that there were no openly lesbian women where I lived in Guyana, a little over 20 years ago?” asks Signifyin’ Guyana, as she acknowledges the recent International Day Against Homophobia; Repeating Islands, meanwhile, notes that the occasion was recognized in Havana.
Honduras: Trusting Congress to Reform Constitution
Some opponents of the proposal to rewrite the Honduran Constitution say that Congress can instead reform the document to meet the current needs. However, Mundo J [es] asks whether citizens trust Congress enough to be able to fix the Constitution.
Honduras: Punta Izopo National Park
Raquel of Un Año Sin Invierno [es] recommends visiting Punta Izopo National Park in Honduras where one can spot crocodiles and take part in other ecotourism activities.
Uruguay: The Passing of Writer Mario Benedetti
Uruguayan writer and poet Mario Benedetti passed away on May 17 at the age of 88. Benedetti is extremely important to Uruguayan society, especially because of his history as an exile and as an outspoken critic during the military dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s. However, his works transcend borders and he was beloved all across the region. Bloggers remember the man and what his writings meant to them personally and to the region.
Haiti, Dominican Republic: Repercussions
Wadner Pierre republishes an article from Haiti Liberte that examines the repercussions of the decapitation of a Haitian man by another from the Dominican Republic.
Peru: Launch of New “Contenidos Locales” Site
Enzo Abbagliati of Cadaunadas [es] announces the launch of the new “Local Content [es]” site that collects much of the content created at the varios public libraries that part of the Biblioredes project in Chile.
Mexico: Using the Word “Joven”
Mexicans use the word “joven” when they want a waiter's attention. Even though the word means “young person” no matter the age, it took Lesley Téllez of the Mija Chronicles a little getting used to.
Manifiesto de las Comunidades de Internautas de Bolivia | Palabras Libres
Mario Durán of Palabras Libres [es] publishes the “Manifesto from the Internet Communities in Bolivia” that was created to coincide with Internet Day and the Digital City held in La Paz. The document promotes greater digital inclusion for all Bolivians.
Guatemala: Rosenberg Video Causes Uncertainty and Speculation
A video was recently released by slain Guatemalan lawyer Rodrigo Rosenberg where he accused President Alvaro Colom, the First Lady and 2 close associates of being responsible for his murder. The reactions by the Guatemalan blogosphere and twittosphere has even led to the arrest of one for inciting financial panic. However, there is speculation that even more could be targeted for spreading information and opinions about the case, which has been prominent using the hashtag #escandalogt. As details emerge, it is certain that it will continue to be a highly discussed topic.
Dominica, Cuba: Bird Festival
“I just discovered—to my absolute delight—that the VII Festival of Caribbean Endemic Birds is being celebrated throughout the region”: Repeating Islands provides details.
Jamaica, Dominican Republic: Whale Watching
“Most well meaning individuals who seek out whale watching and other ecotourism activities are not aware of the potential danger that wildlife watching can cause”: Jamaican diaspora blogger Labrish expains.
Cuba: Human Rights Council
Havana Times reports that “Cuba has been re-elected for a second three-year period as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council” in a move that Cuba Journal calls “a rebuff to the policies of the United States” by UN members.
Bolivia: First Impressions of Bolivian State Run Airline
Jose José of A Pesar de Ser Abogado [es] writes about his first impressions using BOA, the new state-run airline in Bolivia.
Ecuador: Bilingual and Intercultural Education in Loja
A bilingual and intercultural education conference [es] was recently held in Loja, Ecuador. Angel Gualán also introduces the blog [es] that will report on issues pertaining to this type of bilingual education.
Colombia: Where is the Water?
Angelgoth asks “where is the water? [es]” and writes about the difficulties of receiving water in the area of Bellavista near La Loma in Medellín, Colombia. Residents had the chore of finding water or asking friends and neighbors to share.
Paraguay: Short Film “Sebastian's Voodoo” Finalist at Cannes
Paraguayan animator Joaquín Baldwin is a finalist for his film “Sebastian's Voodoo” in the category “Short Film Corner” at the Cannes Film Festival. Mike Silvero of Sin Ánimo de Ofender [es] shares the film and information about his past awards.