Stories about Latin America from October, 2009
Safeguarding the world's cultural heritage
Many organisations working to preserve global cultural heritage - both tangible and intangible - have been using online media to support their efforts.
Puerto Rico: The National Strike (update)
Early this morning thousands of people began to flood the main avenues and highways of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, as part of the national strike that aims to paralyze the country for one day. Citizen media covered its developments.
Dominican Republic: Restricted Access to the Beaches?
Many beachgoers in the Dominican Republic are worried that the new Constitutional Article will restrict public access to beaches by giving more rights to private owners.
Cuba: The Prague List
Diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense highlights a list compiled by Cuban human rights activists that identifies 307 existing political prisoners: “The list…is not meant to be inclusive, but it does provide a general idea of the scope of repression on the island…”
Puerto Rico: Ready for the National Strike
Puerto Rico and its bloggers are getting ready for the national strike next Thursday, October 15, which aims to paralyze the country for one day.
Cuba: Yoani Sanchez Denied Visa
Havana Times reports that Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez has been denied a visa to leave the island, even though she “continues to be allowed to publish her Generation Y page with her acrid criticisms of the Cuban government”; diaspora blogger Uncommon Sense says that shouldn't stop people from honouring her:...
Bolivia: The Battle Over Machia Park
Located in the Cochabamba Tropics in Central Bolivia, Machia Park is home to the Inti Wara Yassi animal refuge. It is now under threat by a proposed road and many are mobilizing to oppose the project.
Guatemala: Reports of the Formation of Guerrilla Group
There are reports that a guerrilla group has been formed in Guatemala, and is being led by a Spanish citizen, who goes by the nickname “The Monk.” According to Guate 360 [es], this new movement has the support of 28 indigenous communities and is a response to the systematic violation...
Guatemala: The Caves of Candelaria Camposanto
The caves of Candelaria Camposanto are a tourist attraction in Northern Guatemala, and Nelson Benjamín Pérez shares photographs of a trip inside these caves [es].
Bolivia: National Team Plays to the Competition
“Bolivia is a small team that gets bigger with the big teams and gets smaller with the small teams,” writes Jaime Galarza of Once a Once [es] a day after Bolivia's 2-1 victory over Brazil in a World Cup Qualifying Game held in La Paz, Bolivia.
Guatemala: Neighborhood Active with Popular Festivities
“My neighborhood is always active with popular festivities,” writes Luis Figueroa of Carpe Diem [es] in reference to a recent religious procession and local music in Villa de Guadalupe in the capital city of Guatemala.
Costa Rica: Photo Exhibit by Indigenous Children
In Costa Rica, Roy Rojas recommends a photo exhibit taken by children from the indigenous communities of Rey Curre and Las Vegas [es] called “The Community Through the Eyes of its Children.”
Uruguay: The Vote by the Diaspora
Mario Blanco of Asi ta'l mundo, Botija [es] wonders why Uruguayans living abroad have not yet been given the right to vote in elections. He also links to a campaign called Voto x Uruguay that is calling attention to this cause.
Peru: Renewed Attention on the Shining Path
Seventeen years after the capture of Abimael Guzmán, leader of the Peruvian terrorist organization Shining Path, a new movie and book, as well as several suspicious attacks, have brought new attention on the group.
Brazil: Pictures of the Rio2016 celebration
Thousands partied on Copacabana beach to celebrate Rio de Janeiro's choice as the 2016 Olympics host. See some of the pictures showing the party around the world.
Caribbean: Obama & the Nobel Peace Prize
Barack Obama can now add another prestigious title to his already impressive resume: Nobel Laureate. Caribbean bloggers react.
Cuba: Blogging Community
Repeating Islands and Cuarderno Latinoamericano take interest in a mainstream media article examining Cuba's growing blogging community.
Costa Rica: Streaming Video Discussions on Citizen Journalism
Last night 300 users tuned in to the video streaming from the Spanish Cultural center, where three journalists with extensive experience with citizen media from Spain, Costa Rica and Cuba: Rosa Jiménez Cano, Cristian Cambronero and Lazaro Rodriguez spoke about the transformation of journalism as it adapts to the new...
Cuba: H1N1 & Hygiene
“The voice of the announcer calls on us to wash our hands often, use handkerchiefs when we sneeze and maintain good personal hygiene, but the reality forces us into filth”: Cuba's Generation Y worries about the H1N1 virus.
Argentina: Mourning the Death of Folk Singer Mercedes Sosa
Argentines are mourning the death of folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who passed away on October 4th. Many came out to pay their final respects to the singer affectionately known as "La Negra."
Mexico: Reactions to Drug Decriminalization Law
In the midst of the AH1N1 virus paranoia, the Mexican government approved the Ley de Narcomenudeo that decriminalizes drug consumption in small dosages. Now, 5 months later, many are wondering if any of its intended changes have been met.
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