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!
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.
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.
Argentina: Controversy Surrounding Labour Conditions in Production of Yerba Mate
The Province of Misiones, where the famous Iguazú falls can be found, is the current subject of controversy because of the working conditions of yerba mate workers. The AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Income) has discovered slave labour in a yerba mate field.
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.
Puerto Rico: Kike Estrada's Cartoons Live on the Internet
Enrique "Kike" Estrada is a cartoonist of an endangered species in Puerto Rico. For a cartoonist with his sense of humor, the Internet is the perfect place to exhibit his work. In this online space, he found the freedom to express his point of view. Angel Carrión interviews him.
Venezuela: Rumours About President Chávez's Health Continue
In Venezuela the rumours are far more numerous than reliable information, especially those surrounding the president. Since his cancer diagnosis made some months ago, opinions and forecasts have not stopped.
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.
Argentina: President Cristina Fernández’ Controversial Cancer Diagnosis
Many showed their support for President Cristina Fernández on social networks using the hashtag #FuerzaCristina after the operation of a supposed cancerous growth in her thyroid; users then quickly reacted to a shift in the diagnosis which indicated that the president's tumour was benign.
Colombia: Palestinian Leader Mahmud Abbas Visits President Santos
In Latin America, the countries that don't recognise Palestine are few --including Colombia. As a result, President Abbas visited Juan Manuel Santos in Bogota to discuss relations between Palestine and Israel.
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.
United States: Increase in Poverty Rate Amongst Hispanics
The American economy is at a standstill and seems stuck on that plateau. The poverty rate is affecting more than 46 million people, 15.1 percent of the population, according to the latest Census figures. Minorities, and Hispanics in particular, are amongst the most affected.
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.
United States: Latino Perspectives on the Anniversary of 9/11
This year marks the 10th anniversay of the attacks on New York and Washington that changed the course of history. While the media remembers the victims and this decisive moment in history, we find that the Latino blogosphere in the United States focused on the famous conspiracies theories.
Peru: The State of Quechua on the Internet
Quechua, one of the original languages of Peru, is on the Internet in various forms: from Google and Wikipedia in Quechua to blogs and citizen initiatives looking to maintain and encourage the presence of this language through the web.
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.
Blog Carnival: Mexico – Citizen Media on the Scene
This second post reporting on the 2011 Blog Carnival, summarizes opinions of Mexican bloggers on the way media covers violence, and above all, on the role of citizen media in this violent context.
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.
Argentine Songwriter Facundo Cabral Murdered in Guatemala
On Saturday July 9 the renowned songwriter Facundo Cabral, whose career was characterised by songs that acted as a vehicle for his messages, was murdered in Guatemala. Moved by his death, many expressed their condolences, memories and emotions on social networks.
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.
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.
Colombia: Satisfaction and Scepticism for the Victims’ Law
On June 10 the Victims' and Land Restitution Law in Colombia was approved. The law seeks to make amends with victims of violence and displacement. Some netizens have expressed their satisfaction with the law, while others show scepticism towards the measure.
