Stories about Latin America from December, 2013
VIDEO: Hydroelectric Power in Southern Brazil ‘Neither Really Clean, Nor Really Cheap’
A video report produced by Coletivo Catarse takes a look at hydroelectric plants along the Uruguay River in southern Brazil and raises questions about the real costs of hydroelectric power.
Uruguay Becomes a “Sanctuary for Whales and Dolphins”
Uruguay's new law prohibiting the hunting, fishing, or mistreatment of whales and dolphins was passed unanimously by the country's legislature and put into effect by President José Mujica.
PHOTOS: Remains of Exhumed Guatemalan War Victims Returned to Families
In a new photo essay on MiMundo.org, photojournalist James Rodríguez follows residents of Pambach, Guatemala, as they receive the skeletal remains of six wartime victims who were “taken by the army after a military incursion to the village on June 3rd, 1982, during the de facto government of Efraín Ríos Montt,...
Uruguayan Trade Union Federation Backs Launch of Worker-run Airline
PIT-CNT, Uruguay's national trade union centre, has offered financial guarantees for the launch of the worker-run airline, Alas Uruguay.
Spanish Television Show Does Not Represent Reality of Expats in Santiago
Madrid native David Sigüenza [es] watched a recent episode [es] of Spanish program “Madrileños por el Mundo,” focusing on Chilean capital Santiago, “hoping to see a representation of the reality of this city, where many young Spanish people have found themselves living due to the crisis faced by our country.”...
Haiti, Dominican Republic: Discriminatory Ruling
Haiti Chery reports that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ (IACHR) preliminary findings basically state that the “Dominican Constitutional Court Ruling TC168.13 is discriminatory and violates the rights of Dominicans of Haitian descent.”
Barack Obama and Raúl Castro's Handshake at Mandela's Memorial Goes Viral
Reactions to the handshake spread like fire on social media.
Uruguay Legalizes the Sale and Production of Marijuana
With 16 votes for and 13 against, the Uruguayan Senate passed a bill regulating production and distribution of marihuana, making waves and stirring up opinion both nationally and internationally.
‘Negreo Inc.’ Tumblr Blog Exposes Demeaning Job Offers in Argentina
Negreo Inc. [es] is a Tumblr blog dedicated to compiling the harsh working conditions and low wages which Argentine companies currently offer potential employees. This ad [es], for example, is looking for “an ambitious salesman who wants to work 12 hours a day” for an income “based on results.” You...
A New Law to Shield Police in Panama?
Panamanians see the proposed Law 651 as an attempt to shield the police and increase their potential to abuse authority, especially after recent unpleasant incidents involving police officers.
The Caribbean Ponders the Legacy of Nelson Mandela
Across the Caribbean archipelago, from Trinidad and Tobago to Cuba, regional bloggers reflect on Nelson Mandela's life and legacy.
Bolivians Protest Against Cochabamba Public Transport Price Hike
Pictures and messages shared on social networks show public dissatisfaction with public transport services and suggest that locals would be willing to pay more if the service were better.
Uruguay Becomes First Country to Legalize Marijuana Market
Uruguay's Senate voted 16 to 13 to legalize the production and sale of marijuana. President Mujica is expected to sign the law, which would become effective starting next year. Estoy a favor de legalizar la Marihuana pero estaria bueno ser noticia en el mundo por nuestra Seguridad y Educacion —...
Brazil: Do You Admire Mandela? Then Support Human Rights
A banner paying homage to Nelson Mandela takes on the unanimous popularity of the South-African leader in Brazil to call those who admire his legacy to support human rights. The message was spread by the non-governmental organization Conectas Human Rights in the International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013. “Do...
Cuba Temporarily Reestablishes Consular Services in the United States
The Cuban Interest Section, the country's diplomatic mission in Washington, has temporarily reestablished its consular services until 17 February 2014. The decision comes after M&T Bank Corporation indicated they would postpone closing the Cuban diplomatic mission's accounts in the United States. The official announcement by the Cuban Interest Section is...
Bolivian Feminist Organization is the ‘Little Rock in the Government's Shoe’
This is a very conservative government as far as gay rights and abortion or anything having to do with women or women’s rights. […] This government doesn’t really see us as an enemy, but rather we’re like a little rock in the shoe, a constant irritation. Benjamin Dangl and April...
Bogotá Mayor Dismissed, Barred from Politics Over Imperfect Trash Collection
Colombia's Inspector General dismissed Bogota's Mayor Gustavo Petro and banned him from public office for 15 years, alleging Petro's mismanagement of a new public rubbish collection system.
Prison for Homeless Man Carrying Cleaning Products During Protests in Brazil
Authorities accused the man in Rio of carrying the ingredients for a molotov cocktail, though many dispute the claim.
“Digital Hooligans” from Iran Attack Messi's Facebook
Iranians posted a flood of nasty comments on the Facebook page of the Argentinian footballer ahead of the World Cup.
“Where the Sea Breathes”: A Letter from Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Oscar López Rivera has been imprisoned in the United States for 32 years. In this letter to his his granddaughter Karina he remembers the sea.
Venezuela's Municipal Elections: “Both Sides Lose”
Although the ruling PSUV party won the majority of mayoral races in the country's municipal elections, Boz from Bloggings by Boz says that Venezuela “remains divided and neither side has a clear majority.” According to the results announced by The National Electoral Council (CNE), the ruling party won 196 municipalities, while...