Stories from 25 October 2010
Russia: Online Activism Success Stories
While Internet analysts across the Atlantic are busy arguing whether technology brings about social and political change or not, bloggers in Russia add their humble contributions to the debate, probably unaware that the debate is taking place at all. Their victories are small and not numerous; their impact can easily be attributed to statistical error - but they certainly are out there.
Mexico: Thirteen residents executed at Tijuana rehabilitation center
Gancho reports that, “Thirteen residents at a Tijuana rehab facility were executed yesterday, in apparent retaliation for the seizure of 134 tons of marijuana last week. […] This is not the first time rehab center residents have been targeted (often, rehab centers are said to double as gangs’ centers of...
Peru: Bills on wiretapping, explained and analyzed
Miguel Morachimo writes [es] for Blawyer about two bills presented to the Peruvian Congress that relate to the interception and media broadcast of private conversations.
Paraguay: Immigrant to Spain shares her experience in guaraní
Camino al Paraguay [es] posted a video of a Paraguayan woman talking about her experience as an immigrant in Spain in guaraní.
Bangladesh: Land Grab And Protests
In Rupganj, Bangladesh land-owners protested acquiring of land for an army housing project and they clashed with the security forces leaving 50 people injured and one dead. Bloggers react angrily.
Chile: Natividad Llanquileo, voice of the Mapuche hunger strike
Natividad Llanquileo was the spokesperson of the Mapuche prisoners that were on hunger strike for more than 80 days; she is 26 years old and a law student. Media from different countries and social networks have been moved by this girl's image and steady voice that explains the hunger strike, the demands of the prisoners and the dignity of the Mapuche.
Bahamas: It's Time
Nicolette Bethel thinks “it’s time to build our own declaration of democracy”.
Jamaica: Farewell to the “Cool Ruler”
Jamaican reggae icon Gregory Isaacs, popularly known as the “Cool Ruler”, died this morning at this home in London, after a long battle with cancer. Possessing one of the most soulful voices in the reggae genre, Isaacs was probably best known for his song “Night Nurse” (from the 1982 album of the same name). The Jamaican blogosphere has been active upon hearing news of his death, to the point where the late singer has become a trending topic on Twitter.
Bangladesh: Long March To Protect Natural Resources
A number of Bangladeshi citizens started a long march from capital Dhaka to North-Western district Dinajpur in a bid to protect the country’s natural resources. ShahidulNews posts photos and videos of the long march.
Tanzania: Where To Get Tanzania Election News
Where to find Tanzania election news online: “A few weeks ago we told you we started TZelect, an Ushahidi-based platform that aims to collect and discuss reports from East African youth about election events. Recently we were contacted by a few organizations who have put together a similar platform, Uchaguzi...
Tanzania: Mobile Phone in Zanzibar Elections
The Zanzibar Electoral Commission is going to run a service whereby, on the days running up to the election, people can find out exactly where the polling station they have been allocated to is, though the service costs TSh 300 (approximately 2 cents – which means that this service could...
Tanzania: The Opposition Can Win Presidential Election
Chambi Chachage thinks that the opposition can win the presidential election in Tanzania: “It is quite clear that Dr. Wilbrod Slaa’s decision to run as a presidential candidate has tilted the balance of power. Now the debate is no longer about whether the ruling party’s candidate will get a landslide...
Zimbabwe: Blackbook Launches a Shout Box
Zimbabwe blackbook has launched a shout box, a web page were people can say their opinions, debate, ask a question and say what they want in addition to make their views recognized.
Trinidad & Tobago: “Anansi Antics”
“Is not policyholders we bailing-out, is the richest, smartest characters in the country”: Afra Raymond is tired of the “Anansi antics” when it comes to the CLICO bailout and says he expects better from the country's “elected rulers”.
Trinidad & Tobago: Odd Choice of Decor
“JUST ABOUT when you thought there was little more that could be said about the million-dollar Port-of-Spain National Academy for the Performing Arts, the building’s unusual decor this week raised eyebrows”: Tattoo explains.
Zimbabwe: When Will Zimbabwean Diaspora Return?
“When will Zimbabwean diaspora return?,” Glow asks: “…there is a niggling part of me that wonders how real change can come in Zimbabwe when such a large part of its wealthiest, most skilled and educated populace live and invest in faraway places.”
Benin: How to help flood victims
How to help flood victims in Benin: “So people are homeless, kids aren’t going to school, and disease is rampant. What can we do from our armchairs? I checked with the USAID director and several other international donors to find out what they’re doing. The relief effort is being lead...
South Africa: Musings on Inequality vs. Poverty
Andries du Toit muses on inequality vs. poverty in South Africa: “The central and most urgent issue facing South Africa is not poverty but inequality… our economy, while generating wealth for a few, is also a poverty machine, perpetuating and exacerbating steep and deeply rooted inequalities that threaten the basis...
Global Voices seeks a Deputy Editor
We're seeking a Deputy Editor to help manage daily content flow in English. Global Voices in English is a central focal point for more than 400 bloggers and translators around the world who work together to report on blogs and citizen media everywhere, with emphasis on voices that are not ordinarily heard in international mainstream media.
Puerto Rico: Student Blog Continues Coverage
The student blog Desde Adentro [ES], an alternative online paper created during the recent 60 day student strike at the University of Puerto Rico, is covering the mounting tensions between the students and the administration at the main campus.
Mozambique: regulations on text messaging services
Observatório do Direito à Comunicação [pt] reports on the regulations placed on text messaging services in Mozambique, after several protests were organised via SMS during September's ‘bread riots’.
