El Niño already making its mark on Latin America
El Niño climate phenomenon said to be approaching; many parts of Latin America already experiencing extremes of rainfall, with drought and flooding; problems could be aggravated by El Niño when…
July 2014
Venezuela: The world’s tallest slum evacuated
The infamous Torre de David in Caracas has become a diverse community - even harbouring firefighters and doctors - however, under new government housing projects the building is to be…
El Salvador: Majority of homicides occur in 63 municipalities
Majority of homicides occur in 63 municipalities; Legislative Assembly reforms self-defence article of penal code; FGR claims gang truce is not a necessary condition for peace Majority of homicides occur…
China/Latin America: China invests in Argentina ahead of default deadline
China invests in Argentina ahead of default deadline; Mexico benefits from rising wages in China; Japan’s Abe follows China’s Xi to Latin America
Arts: ‘Radical Geometry’ at the Royal Academy, Argentina and Uruguay
‘Radical Geometry’ at the Royal Academy of Arts, London exhibits a wide range of Latin American art of the twentieth century, demonstrating how the region’s artistic legacy was formed over…
Just how ‘natural’ are natural disasters? Examples from Latin America
Latin America & Caribbean are especially vulnerable to natural disasters; human interference can affect overall impact of disasters; climate change biggest manmade influence on disasters. Natural disasters are a phenomenon…
Honduras: Regional effort will tackle humanitarian crisis at US-Mexico border
Regional effort will tackle humanitarian crisis at US-Mexico border; Homicides cluster in 49 municipalities; Agricultural sector requests additional funding Regional effort will tackle humanitarian crisis at US-Mexico border In a…
El Salvador: Private sector pushes for security policy reforms
Private sector pushes for security policy reforms; Petrocaribe negotiations are scheduled; Security budget deemed insufficient for tackling violence Private sector pushes for security policy reforms Following a meeting with President…
‘Discovering’ Ayahuasca
I was taken aback when I was offered ayahuasca, and not only because I am unaccustomed to being offered free drugs. I was surprised because I had previously seen ayahuasca…
Peru: New mountain tourist trail to help educate on climate change
Peru is launching a “Climate Change Trail” around shrinking Andean glaciers; initiative to reverse trend of declining tourist numbers; site includes an educational element on impacts and dangers of climate…
China/Latin America: President Xi prepares for South American tour
President Xi prepares for South American tour; China and Nicaragua approve canal plan; Peruvian exporters court Chinese market
Mexico: Slim to break up leading Mexican telecommunications firm
Mexico: Slim to break up leading Mexican telecommunications firm; Mexico to fight against obesity; Former U.S Marine jailed in Mexico appears in court After more than two decades after acquiring…
Time to return to the Samba Football
Fifty years later, football returns to its paradise, Brazil, where the spirit of “joga bonito” immerses in every inch of its soil and the national sport constitutes the source of…
Colombia chooses environment over minerals in Orinoco wetlands
Government creates new Ramsar site of protected wetlands; mining to be prohibited in area rich in resources; move represents more balance between profit and sustainability. On 8 July the Colombian…
Venezuela: Internal conflict deepens in Chavismo
Nicolas Maduro’s authority is undermined after two close allies of the late Hugo Chavez reveal their discontent with his leadership. Venezuela: Internal conflict deepens in Chavismo Nicolas Maduro has been…
Is Peru putting its economy ahead of its environment?
President Humala announces economic stimulus package to boost investment and GDP; critics say scrapping of regulations will endanger environment. A series of economic measures aimed at boosting the Peruvian economy…