Latest posts by Jen Fumero
Peru: The Amazon and the Diversion of the Huallaga and Marañón Rivers
Law 29,760 -also known as 'Corina Law'- was published this July in Peru, qualifying as a "public need and of national interest" the diversion of the Marañon and Huallaga rivers "for hydro-power and agricultural purposes." The projects associated with this law have caused much opposition because of the strong environmental impact they would have on the Amazon Rainforest.
Peru: Football, TV Ads, Mining and Social Networks
On Tuesday, July 19, while Peruvians suffered with the semifinal match between Peru-Uruguay for the Copa América, netizens who were watching the game had a reason to tweet with anger: an advertising spot aired during halftime which used the traditional rivalry between Peru and Chile to find supporters against increasing the mining windfall tax.
Argentina: Puyehue Volcano Ash Unstoppable in Argentine Territory
Ash from the Chilean volcano Puyehue is affecting a large part of the Argentine territory, causing officials to declare a state of emergency in the Patagonia area. The eruption will probably become one of the greatest natural disasters that the country has gone through in recent years.
Panama: Wikileaks Reach Panamanian Government
The diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks have wreaked havoc in global politics. Panama is not an exception. A cable that links the government party CD - Democratic Change - with the Colombian drug dealer David Murcia has triggered outrage among Panamanian citizens.
Colombia: The Vallenato Legend Festival
Vallenato is one of the most popular and representative music genres in Colombia. There is a whole culture around Vallenato, and the city of Valledupar is paralyzed by the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata (Vallenato Legend Festival), a festival that takes place during late April.
Peru: Hydroelectric Projects in the Amazon Under Discussion Again
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) requested the suspension of Brazil's Belo Monte hydroelectric dam, reopening the debate in Peru on similar projects and their impact on the Peruvian Amazon communities. In Peru, the most publicized hydroelectric megaprojects are the Inambari and Pakitzapango centrals, included in the Peru-Brazil Energy Agreement signed last year.
Chile: Refinery Reopens in Spite of Intoxication in School
The Chilean Ministry of Health closed down a school on March 23, 2011, after 40 cases of citizens and students near a refinery suffering poisoning by sulfur, copper and other sulfur-containing materials. A court sentenced the shutdown of the plant, but it allowed its reopening in less than 24 hours after Codelco, the company that owns the refinery, lodged an appeal. Children were allowed to go back to school on April 4.
Venezuela: H1N1 Cases on the Rise
The H1N1 virus has hit Venezuela. While writing this post, on March 28, the number of people infected with the virus is 415. Using Twitter, Venezuelans are sharing their frustration at the increasing number of cases as they tweet the latest official information and encourage each other to take precautions.
Racism in Latin America
During the International Year for People of African Descent -as declared by the United Nations- a video from Chile and another from Colombia spread through social networks show cases of racism in Latin America.
Peru: Wikileaks and the Presidential Campaign
One of the unexpected consequences of the cables released by Wikileaks has been its impact on the Peruvian presidential campaign. Juan Arellano compiles some reactions and analysis to the cables and their effect on the current Peruvian presidential campaign.
El Salvador: Citizen Reactions to disclosure of wages in the Legislative Assembly
The disclosure of Legislative Assembly employee wages, some a lot higher than expected, has sparked outrage among Salvadoran bloggers.
