Stories about Latin America from May, 2009
Cuba: Cultural Events on World Day Against Homophobia
Bloggers Cuba [es] publishes information regarding the cultural events to take place on the World Day Against Homophobia on May 16 and 17.
Paraguay: Mala Visión in Guaraní Mythology
Mala Visión is a nocturnal spirit that lives in the forest and is part of the Guaraní mythology in Paraguay. Al Paraguay [es] tells about the beliefs held by his wife's family and her uncle's experience with the spirit.
Dominican Republic: Number of Twitter Users in the Country
There are more than 1,000 Dominicans currently using Twitter and it is growing in popularity according to Joan Guerrero of Duarte 101 [es].
Colombia: Day of the Internet Activities in Bogotá
Carolina Botero writes about some of the Day of the Internet activities in Bogotá [es], Colombia.
Guatemala: Tenor Mario Chang to Star in European Opera
The Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang recently won a contest in Italy and will star in the opera “Love Elixir” writes Guate 360 [es].
Cuba: First Case of Swine Flu
Both Havana Times and Repeating Islands report that Cuba has identified its first case of the Swine Flu.
Cuba: Blogging from Prison
Uncommon Sense reveals that “Cuban independent journalist Pablo Pacheco Ávila…has started a blog”, while Octavo Cerco fills in the details on how he's managing to get his voice heard from behind prison walls.
Cuba, Jamaica: Examining the Revolution
“What has the Cuban Revolution achieved for the people of the country, the Caribbean and the wider world after 50 years in power?” Jamaican diaspora blogger Mark Lee, writing at Abeng News Magazine, attempts to find out.
Brazil: When climate change meets cyber-activism
In another display of global climate change, Brazil has suffered an inversion of its usual weather for this time of the year. The traditionally dry North and Northeast regions of Brazil have been devastated by floods, whilst the usually wet south of the country is suffering a severe drought. People have gathered together in online social networks to cover the news and create an alliance to aid the populations hit by yet another natural disaster. It is cyber-activism at full speed.
Cuba: Internet Access Restrictions
Generation Y visits a Cuban hotel to determine whether rumours of increased Internet access limitations for locals are true.
Cuba: Swine Flu Reporting
Cuban diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense links to a story in which he learns that “the Cuban secret police was a wee bit hypersensitve last week when officers arrested Cuban photojournalist Sandra Guerra Pérez after she reported on swine flu outbreaks around the world and advised her neighbors on how they...
Ecuador: Lawsuit Against Oil Company for Environmental Damage
Communities in the Ecuadorian Orient are suing the multinational company Texaco, and its parent company Chevron for environmental damages and resulting health problems in their residents. However, the company claims that it has already paid for the pollution, and that the government is trying to dip its hands into their "deep pockets." It is also accused of applying pressure to the judge for a favorable decision. As a result, it has started a public relations campaign to show its side to the story.
Bolivia: Early Poll for December Elections
Miguel Buitrago of MABB analyzes one of the first surveys for the upcoming December general elections that indicate that 41% of Bolivians would vote for Evo Morales, and the next candidate comes in at 7%
Peru: Flooding in Iquitos
Floods continue to be a major problem in the city of Iquitos, Peru with the rise of the Amazon River and its tributaries. Juan Arellano of Globalizado [es] has photos of how the water is affecting houses built in flood-vulnerable areas in the Punchana district.
Global Health: “Swine Flu” In Images
Though concerns over the "swine flu" outbreak have eased, the virus continues to spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization announced today that there are now 4,379 confirmed cases of the virus in 29 countries. Here are some images of the swine flu's impact globally.
Global: Happy Mother's Day!
If one thing is true of all humankind, it is this: we all have mothers. And in many parts of the world, it is customary to celebrate our mothers with a special day: Mother's Day. Although the date varies, many countries are celebrating today, the second Sunday of May. From Denmark to Dominica, Peru to Pakistan, the United States to Uganda, bloggers of all ages are calling, visiting, or otherwise honoring their mothers today.
El Salvador: A Broke Government for Funds
When incoming president-elect Mauricio Funes takes office in the beginning of June, he will inherit a Salvadoran government without any money writes JJmar of Hunnapuh [es].
Paraguay: Experiences of an Immigrant in Rosario, Argentina
Elizabeth Gonzalez writes about her experience as a Paraguayan immigrant in Rosario, Argentina at the blog Somos Paraguayos [es] (We Are Paraguayans). She adds that many refer to her not by name, but by the nickname “Paraguas” which is often used in a disparaging manner.
Mexico: Elvira Arellano To Run for Congress
Elvira Arellano, a migrant and activist woman who had been deported from Chicago back to her native Mexico has decided to run for Congress representing Baja California writes Franc Contreras of Mexico Monitor.
Mexico: Economic Costs of the H1N1 Virus
The economic cost of the H1N1 virus is outlined by México Para Los Mexicanos [es] who adds that poverty can help explain the number of deaths attributed to the virus.
Ecuador: The Plight of the Andean Condor
Worried about the reduction in the habitat for the Andean condor in Ecuador, La Voz de Guamote [es] writes about the critical situation for this national symbol in danger.
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