Louella Mahabir

Well, I'm 26 yrs old, I live in Trinidad and foreign languages is one of my passions as well as reading, writing, meeting new people and travelling. I hold a BA in spanish/french from the University of the West Indies and I appreciate being able to see (and participate in) the work that Global voices is doing. I have always been a believer in spreading the word, and Global voices has me in awe of what they are achieving!

Email Louella Mahabir

Latest posts by Louella Mahabir

Colombia: President and Indigenous Leaders Meet to Discuss Cauca Conflict

President Juan Manuel Santos met with the indigenous people of the Cauca to hear their grievances and to talk about the ongoing conflict in this department. Thousands of indigenous people came from several regions of the country with the intention of speaking with the President and to push an initiative of peace. The meeting ended without having reached substantial agreements.

23 August 2012

Peru: Conflict in Espinar Creates Rift in Ruling Party

On June 4, the conflict between the Espinar community and the mining company Xstrata Copper took a toll on Peru's ruling party with the resignation of officialist congresswoman Veronika Mendoza, followed by two other congressmen. This brought to light wide differences that were already brewing within the ruling party.

11 June 2012

Peru: Iquitos Faces Aftermath of Record Floods

Reported floods swept the Amazon region in Peru for more than a month, reaching and bypassing the record height of floods recorded in the past. They have now slowly begun to recede. In this post we share citizen videos, photos and reports about the after effects of these floods.

23 May 2012

Ecuador: Citizens React to Verdict Against Newspaper El Universo

On Thursday, February 16, the highest Ecuadorian court upheld a verdict in favour of President Rafael Correa in a libel case against newspaper El Universo, one of the major dailies in this South American country. Ecuadorian netizens are divided between those who celebrate the verdict and those who define it as a serious offence towards freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

19 February 2012

Colombia: Mining Debate Continues as New Minister is Appointed

Colombians are using social networks, blogs and YouTube to comment on issues related to mining in the country, like its effects on the environment, the appointment of a new Minister of Mining, and the murder of Father Reinel Restrepo, leader of a movement against the exploitation of mines.

3 October 2011

Peru: ‘Mistura 2011′ Ends Amid Praise and Criticism

In Lima the 'Mistura' festival of gastronomy just came to an end. It attracted a total of 400,000 visitors, and 9 famous chefs lead by Ferrán Adriá signed the 'Declaration of Lima.' It is hoped that Mistura 2012 will reach one million visitors. Most Peruvians support this event, but there are also some criticisms.

22 September 2011

Chile: Netizens Pay Tribute to Plane Crash Victims

The disappearance of an airplane near the Juan Fernandez archipelago has stirred social networks in Chile: among the 21 passengers and crew were members of the NGO Levantemos Chile, and five employees of Chile National Television, including famous presenter Felipe Camiroaga.

6 September 2011

Mexico: Following Javier Sicilia's Footsteps

Mexican bloggers write about activist Javier Sicilia's activism and his Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity. His activities and the organisation he runs generate contrary opinions, for which the only common denominator is the hope that the situation in Mexico may change for the good of all.

21 August 2011

Peru: Peace Restored in Puno Following Agreements

Through the enforcement of recent statutes put in place by the executive, little by little peace is being restored in the Puno region after recent conflict and social unrest (both related to mining) that resulted in the death of 6 and more than 30 wounded and millions in material losses. Social networks are buzzing with commentary.

30 June 2011

Peru: Residents of Puno Resume Protests

Once again the inhabitants of the Puno region have taken to the streets in protests, this time against the contamination caused by the mining of minerals. Six people died as a result of the protests on the day when Peru celebrates the Day of the Peasant.

26 June 2011