Stories about Latin America from September, 2008
Cuba: The Opposite Path
“In countries from Colombia to Brazil, Jamaica to Guatemala, as in the USA, people’s response to fear was to purchase weapons for self-defense. And in many places this meant not just having a gun, but a high powered one with loads of ammunition. Cuba has taken a different approach”: Cuban...
Cuba: After Ike
“it now appears that Havana and its many historic buildings will be spared from the worst of the storm that has brought devastating consequences to the island’s housing, agriculture and other economic infrastructure”: Circles Robinson blogs about Hurricane Ike; The Cuban Triangle posts photos of devastation from Holguin province and...
Costa Rica: Referendum on Gay Civil Unions
In order for a referendum to be valid in Costa Rica, 1.3 million citizens must cast their ballots. There is a movement to call a referendum regarding civil unions between homosexuals writes Fusil de Chispas [es].
Argentina: Unfinished Renovations in Neuquén
Pablo of Vivir en Neuquén Capital [es] wonders whether the renovations in Neuquén's city center is finished because when it rains that it fills with water and mud. He also posts a photo of the intersection in question.
Colombia: people falling prey to pyramid schemes
On blogs, through videos and on facebook, Colombian Diego Alejandro is exposing the deceit and scams behind pyramid schemes that masquerade as investment options. In a country where it doesn't make sense to have a savings account because the handling fees are higher than the interest gained from the savings, these get rich quick plans where citizens can pay to participate and then invite 7 other friends to enroll before they can enjoy sky high interest (between 40 and 70%) on their savings seem like a great deal.
Caribbean: Ike Strikes
The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season is not letting up. Beleaguered Caribbean islands like Cuba and Haiti barely had time to recover from the ravages of Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna when Mother Nature struck once again, this time in the form of Ike. Tensions were high with bloggers Caribbean-wide.
Colombia: Documentary of Massacre by Paramilitary Groups
La Guayabita [es] transcribes a documentary on the murder of 40 people in February 2000 in El Salado, in the region of Bolívar, Colombia, by the paramilitary groups. In the film, a survivor tells of how after the horrifying massacre, her calls for help to the National and International Red...
El Salvador: Will There Be a Presidential Debate?
Hunnapuh [es] wonders whether ARENA presidential candidate Rodrigo Ávila will participate in a presidential debate in El Salvador before the elections, especially since many of his predecessors did not.
Ecuador: Opposition and Dissent
With the political activity heating up as Ecuadorians come closer to September 28th referendum to approve the new Constitution, local bloggers reflect on the state of dissent and the role of the opposition in the political environment. Much of this focus falls on President Rafael Correa, who is portrayed as in one of the two extreme characterizations.
Bolivia: Winners and Losers of Water War Eight Years Later
Vistenos Nuevos [es] provides his thoughts on the winners and losers of the “Water War” that took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia eight years ago and the winners were the leaders of that conflict because many went on to become politicians and receive international funding.
Guatemala: Intercepting Electronic Communication
Renata Avila of Nothing is Permanent writes about the recent Constitutional Court ruling in Guatemala that allows the police to interecept electronic communications.
Ecuador: The Feast of the Virgen del Cisne
Voces Lojanas [es] writes that the Lojana culture in Ecuador is filled with joy, and is also very Catholic. The feast of Virgen del Cisne will be celebrated throughout the region with the traditional “burning” of castles.
Dominican Republic: Blood Donation Needed
Remolacha [es] is a popular blog in the Dominican Republic, which writes about national news and international entertainment. However, it also provides some public service, such as this post asking for urgent blood donation for a citizen.
Colombia: Illegal mp3 on Police Website
Camilo Uribe writes about an illegal downloaded MP3 file found on the Colombian police's website [es], after which they used a password to cover it up, but didn't remove the file. This is after they destroyed more than 70 thousand pirated dvds, cds and mp3s in the city of Medellin....
Brazil: Inventive censorship, and the case for anonymity
Bloggers debate the inventive Internet censorship strategy of using state level prosecutors and cybercrime allegations to immediately take down an informative website without the proper legal process
Puerto Rico: Daddy Yankee Endorses John McCain
Puerto Rico is in the spotlight due to a recent endorsement by recording artist Daddy Yankee. Even though he is not as well known on the island, than in other parts of Latin America, U.S. presidential candidate capitalized on his fame for campaign purposes at an event in an Arizona high school.
Cuba: Composer of Guantanamera Born 100 Years Ago
Cuba's most recognized song “Guantanamera” was written by Joseíto Fernández, who was born 100 years ago and who wrote the song when he was 20 years old, writes VivirLatino.
Panama: Political Ads by the PRD's Juan Carlos Navarro
It is primary season in Panama, and the country's largest political party PRD have unveiled campaign ads. Rob Rivera writes about one of the leading candidates, Juan Carlos Navarro and his questionable ads.
Mexico: Much More Needed Than a March
Thousands of Mexicans in attendance for the march in Mexico City protested against the government's inability to halt kidnappings and violence against citizens. Now, bloggers from the capital and in other cities across the country provide their reflections and reactions to the march. However, many do not see that much will change without other actions by civil society.
Venezuela: Return of the Student Movement After Long Absence
Luis Carlos Díaz of Periodismo de Paz [es] writes about the lack of activity from the student movement in Venezuela, but that they have returned to make statements regarding the political situation in the country.
Argentina: Beers and Blogs in Salta
Taking advantage of his time in Salta, Argentina, Jorge Gobbi is helping to organize a Beers and Blog for local bloggers [es] on Thursday, September 4.
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