Stories about Latin America from June, 2009
Brazil: Amplified conversations to fight the Digital Crimes Bill
In another demonstration of cyberactivism and acvistim, Brazilian Internet users are gathering around a cause: to fight Senator Azeredo's Digital Crimes Bill. This legal project, which intends to intervene severely in the way people use the Internet in Brazil is being heavily criticized by Brazil's academic field, left-wing parties and the Internet community.
Latin America: The Problem of Child Labor – Part I
Child labor is a sad reality in Latin America, and often many residents throughout the region become so used to seeing working children that they don't even realize it. Awareness campaigns and other steps are being taken to change all of this. In observance of the World Day Against Child Labor 2009, which will be held on June 12, members of the Global Voices Latin American team helped to find related blog posts and links about this issue in their own countries for part one in this two part series
Cuba, U.S.A.: Spy Games
Cuban bloggers are abuzz about the case involving accused spies Kendall Myers and his wife Gwendolyn.
Cuba: Flamenco!
Havana Times blogs about flamenco dancing in Cuba.
Mexico: Mourning for the Children Who Died in Daycare Fire
Ana Maria Salazar is reporting from Hermosillo, Mexico where 43 children died in a fire at a day care facility. She writes about those who gathered at a mass to mourn this loss [es].She also asks, “how can this be avoided so that it won't happen again?”
Americas: Looking Forward to Central America Free Software Festival
The Central American Free Software Festival will take place on June 17-21 in Estelí, Nicaragua. This will be the first opportunity for many enthusiasts of open-source and free software from across Central America to come together to share experiences, promote their projects, establish common objectives, and to find ways to work together. The schedule of events include workshops, panels, and a “rapid-development” tournament for the creation of an application.
Peru: Teenage Web Programmer from Pisco
Juan Carlos Lujan of Sin Papel [es] profiles 19-year-old William Muro, a web programmer from Pisco, Peru, who is now making a living by designing applications for the iPhone.
Peru: Video Interview with Hilaria Supa
Carlos Quiroz interviews Peruvian indigenous Congresswoman Hilaria Supa on video during her recent visit to New York City for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Venezuela: Two Years Since RCTV is Off the Air
It has been more than two years since the Venezuelan television station RCTV had its transmission license cancelled. Kira Kariakin of K-Minos [es] looks back at the events, and notes that another station, Globovision is now also under threat.
Bolivia: The Operations and Role of USAID
Miguel Centellas of Pronto* writes about the controversy behind the operation of USAID in Bolivia. The post generated discussion and debate in the comments section.
Peru: Responsibility for the Casualties in Amazon Conflict
Many bloggers are criticizing Peruvian President Alan García and his government for their failure to enforce treaties and agreements that require the consultation with local communities before any action take place on their lands. As a result, the roadblock protests to protect their rights and the subsequent attempt to clear these blockades, led to clashes in the Amazon city of Bagua. This conflict claimed the lives of indigenous residents, as well as police. The coverage in many media outlets has also attracted criticism for their handling of the information.
Dominican Republic: First Flu Death
Repeating Islands notes that the DR has reported its first death from the H1N1 virus.
Guatemala: Technology and Web Topics in 120 Second Videocast
120 Segundos is one of the newest projects by the Maestros del Web community. The name for the community comes from a literal Spanish translation to the term Webmaster and consists of a technology, programming and design related website as well as one of the most active Spanish speaking forums. A year ago they started producing video content for the web, condensating online content to make 120 second information pods in Spanish.
Air Bus AF 447: Sorrow, lack of information and sensationalism
Blogs around the world have been sending their condolences to the families suffering the wait for any sign of the vanished Air France Airbus AF 447. Much criticism and discussion is also taking place about the disrespectful way in which the media have been covering the loss of the lives of the 228 on board, and the lack of information regarding the disaster.
Peru: Clashes Break Out in the Amazon Region
The continuing tense situation in the Amazon Region of Peru has taken a turn for the worst with reports of clashes between indigenous protestors and the police. These protests have continued for quite some time, as residents are concerned that the government wants more control of their land for mining and oil exploration. Unofficial reports have deaths occurring on both sides, and bloggers have been following the developments closely with frequent updates on their sites.
Peru: Death Toll Rises From Clashes in Jungle Region
Isabel from Las Burbujas Recargadas [es] is concerned and angry about the recent developments in Peru's northern jungle where the death toll increases from clashes between indigenous communities and the police.
Cuba: Thanks, but no thanks
Generation Y considers the lifting of the long-standing OAS ban on Cuba to be “like another hand offered, a new door opened, only to face the Cuban government’s unwillingness to accept it.”
Cuba, USA: OAS Says “Yes”
After 47 years, the Organization of American States has lifted its ban on Cuba's admission from the group, with most member states restoring ties with the island nation. The United States, which still maintains a trade embargo against Cuba, was the notable exception. But the opinions of other hemispheric leaders won out. Cuba is free to be part of the OAS - despite its leadership's statements suggesting that it has no interest in returning. A few bloggers are making their feelings known...
Jordan: Air France Tragedy and the Bermuda Triangle
Jordanian Hareega is outraged with the conspiracy theories being discussed in Arabic Press over the Air France plane crash. “I don't know much about flying routes, but I'm sure a plane flying from Rio de Janero directly to Paris can never pass through Bermuda triangle!! Also, some Arabs need to...
Brazil: Land reform or deforestation boost for the Amazon?
Brazilian president Lula da Silva has a controversial bill that will legitimize land-grabbing in the Amazon prior to 2004 on his hands. Will the law help the forest escape further deforestation or is it going to benefit land owners only, and be the last straw for an Amazon rain forest already on its way to destruction?
Bolivia: Farewell to Aymara Hip Hop Artist Abraham Bojorquez
The sudden death of Bolivian hip-hop artist Abraham Bojorquez was especially hard on residents of El Alto, the city from which he hailed. A victim of a traffic accident, Bojorquez left behind many fans around the world, but also left behind a legacy of lyrics that reflected on the struggles and the hopes of a young city that has been through so much. Many Bolivian bloggers shared their condolences.
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