Stories about Latin America from March, 2012
Ecuador: ‘March for Life’ Says ‘No’ to Large-Scale Mining
The Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has decided to promote large-scale mining in his country, but in spite of the economic benefits, indigenous communities and other civil organizations do not support these projects. Hence, The 'March for Life' is a protest against large-scale mining in Ecuador.
Brazil: Demonstration Demands President Veto on Forestry Code
On March 7, Brazilian activists organized an act (#vetadilma) urging President Dilma to veto changes on the new Forestry Code. Biologist Pablo Pessoa published photos and videos of the act, and wrote...
Chile: Photos of the First Student Protest of the Year
Brittany Peterson and Kena Lorenzini [es] share photos of the first student protest of the school year in Santiago, Chile.
Colombia: New Pension System ‘Colpensiones’ Sparks Protests
After the government announced the transfer of the Social Security Institute [es] (ISS), a public pension fund, to Colpensiones [es], the new state entity that will administer the pension system starting...
Cuba: Antúnez Released
Uncommon Sense reports that “Cuban human rights activist Jorge Luis García Pérez Antúnez was released from jail Wednesday, three days after he was arrested.” Pedazos de la Isla supplies more...
Colombia Orders Arrest of Colombian Ambassador to Peru Jorge Visbal
Colombia's Attorney General ordered the arrest [es] of Colombian ambassador to Peru, Jorge Visbal Martelo, for alleged links with paramilitary groups. After the order Visbal resigned [es] and is expected to...
United States: Errors During the Republican Campaign
Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney are not only competing to become the Republican candidate who will face Barack Obama this coming November, but also for whom commits the greater number of errors in a speech or interview. In his recent visit to Puerto Rico Santorum declared that speaking English was a prerequisite for it to become the 51st state.
Colombia: A “Football for All” Bill Proposed in Congress
Since the biggest TV cable operators could not reach a deal with the Colombian football administration for the rights of the domestic tournament matches until 2016, a Senator proposed a...
Brazil: Ministry Silences Report on Human Rights in Belo Monte
Brazilian journalist Leonardo Sakamoto comments [pt] on a news [pt] about a report he wrote for the government that denounces human rights abuses [pt] in the region affected by the...
Cuba: Debate on Yoani Sánchez's Twitter Account
An opinion article published in the Mexico City-based daily newspaper La Jornada has called Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez a "fraud" because of her high levels of activity and popularity on Twitter. Critics and supporters weigh in.
Colombia: Barranquilla Short Film Festival Call for Entries
Friday March 17th is the last day to submit a 30 minute or less short film or documentary for the XII International Short Film Festival A la Calle in Barranquilla,...
Cuba: 50 Years of the “Libreta”
“Citizens are divided between those who fear that its disappearance will result in hunger among the poor and those who believe that it is cheaper to subsidize people than products”:...
Honduras: The Effects of Open-Pit Mining
Poet, activist and blogger Fabricio Estrada blogs [es] about the effects of open-pit mining in the town of San Ignacio, Honduras. His posts includes numerous photos of the town.
El Salvador: Netizens Cover Legislative and Mayoral Elections
Netizens covered the legislative and mayoral elections held on Sunday, March 11, through blogs and on Twitter with the hashtag #eleccionesSV. As results were reported, bloggers analyzed what the new National Assembly will look like after a victory of the conservative party ARENA.
Bolivia: A Serious Bid to Lift UN Ban on the Coca Leaf?
Bolivia's government is seeking the international depenalisation of the coca leaf with the support of coca growers and others within the country, but faces both internal and foreign challenges.
Cuba: Preparing for the Pope
Havana Times says that “everything seems to be ready to welcome the Pope, who will visit Cuba from March 26 to 28″, while babalu cautions that “with the upcoming Papal...
Cuba: Dual Citizenship
“Lynden Pindling International Airport is the place of metamorphosis, the place to assert the dual nationality that is not recognized in their own country”: Generation Y blogs about an unlikely...
Intercontinental Cry Will Launch Spanish Edition
Ahni announces the upcoming Spanish edition of Intercontinental Cry [es], which will go live on March 31, 2012. “The main objective of IC Espanol is, of course, to provide Spanish...
Brazil: Citizens Say No to Aquarium in Fortaleza
Citizens of Fortaleza are urging the governor of the Brazilian state of Ceará, Cid Gomes, to halt an Aquarium project which has had no public bidding. Critics argue it will...
Brazil: Bloggers Sued for Denouncing Corruption in Alagoas
Mário Júnior and Alexandre Fleming, on Blog do Fleming, denounced [pt] in July 2011 that the Secretary of Budget and Planning and Economic Development, Energy and Logistics, Luiz Otavio Gomes...
Colombia: FARC Announces End to Kidnappings, Release of Hostages
On February 26, the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) announced they would release ten military hostages they currently hold. Despite hope the announcement generated, there are doubts and other uncertainties over what will happen now.
About our Latin America coverage
