Stories about Latin America from July, 2014
Why July 25 Is a Tragic Date in Puerto Rican History
Constitution Day is celebrated on July 25, but it is also the date of the U.S. invasion in 1898 and the murder of two young pro-independence activists.
Oil Spill in the Peruvian Amazon First Poisons Children, Then Employs Them
Once again the indigenous Kukama community watches as its lands are polluted by an oil spill; in this case, state oil company Petroperú is responsible.
Honduras Generates Employment with Community Activities
Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandes launched the program “Desarrollemos Honduras” (Let's Develop Honduras) alongside civil servants and community members. Hernandes explained that if a house has a damaged or a dirt floor, it should be replaced with a cement floor; or prioritize according to the family needs, and: Cambiar los...
These ‘Poets With a Cause’ Are Defending Social Justice in Crisis-Hit Puerto Rico
"Poetas en Marcha is Felipe the janitor, Sofia the overworked and underpaid secretary, the young adults laughing while having a beer after their final exams, the noble lady selling fruit."
Reasons to Take a Trip Once in a While
On her blog Historias de una mujer lobo (Stories of a female werewolf), Natalia Cartolini reflects on the reasons why a trip can be beneficial as, in her opinion, “the fact of visiting new places or meeting new people from another perspective is important at any moment. It doesn't matter...
Venezuela Suspends -and Brings Back- Flights to Netherlands Antilles
On Friday June 25, 2015, Venezuela government announced the suspension of all flights between Venezuela and the Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Curazao, Bonaire, Saint Marteen and other islands). According to Venezuelan newspaper El Universal, the action would be a consequence of the detention of Venezuelan Army general Hugo Carvajal –former director...
Hollaback's AtréveteBA Fights Street Harassment in Buenos Aires
The website features a map that displays areas where harassment is most frequent and includes personal stories uploaded by victims.
Colombian Sentenced to Prision and Fined for Comments Online
On a judicial ruling that sets a dangerous precedent in Colombia, the Supreme Court of Justice refused to reconsider an appeal taken on the verdict that orders 18 months of imprisonment and a 9,5 milon pesos fine (about US$5,1000) for netizen Gonzalo López for comments published on El País newspaper...
Cuba's Customs Clamps Down in “Illegal Imports”
On September 1, 2014 the Customs Service of the Republic of Cuba will begin enforcing new regulations intended to combat illegal trafficking of merchandise by relatives, friends and ‘mules’ (a slang term for couriers of goods from overseas through airports and port facilities). Iván's File Cabinet considers this “one more...
Three Anti-World Cup Activists Accuse Brazil of Political Persecution, Unsuccessfully Seek Asylum From Uruguay
Eloisa Samy, a lawyer who has defends activists, was "preemptively" arrested before the World Cup final, accused of forming an armed gang. She was later released, then arrested again.
The Purple House, a Collective in Colombia's Medellín ‘To Create, Enjoy and Find Ourselves’
Morada, or Casa Morada, is an initiative born in a complex neighborhood of the Colombian city of Medellín. Learn about its various projects that combine art, education and participation.
Venezuela Clears the Tower of David, the “World's Tallest Slum,” of Squatters
The Venezuelan government has finished evacuating thousands of squatters from the Tower of David, which overlooks Caracas’ slums, and is the tallest and most distinct building in the capital city's skyline. The one-time office tower is a symbol of how prosperous Venezuela once was and its current dilapidated state reflects growing inflation and...
Global Voices is Looking For a Passionate Leader to Shape Our Portuguese-Language Coverage
Global Voices is looking for a bilingual online news leader to run our coverage from Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome & Principe and Timor-Leste.
Dozens of Activists in Brazil Were Arrested Not for Protesting the World Cup, but for Possibly Planning to Do So
Thirty-seven people were preemptively arrested ahead of the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro because police believed they might protest violently in the future.
How to Become a Good Father
Panamanian Joel Silva Díaz elaborates what many people wonder, especially men: how to be a good father. On his personal blog he describes his challenges with his own father and his goals as a father: …Recuerdo que veía como un juego el buscar un tema de conversación, debido a mi...
Simply, Thank You!
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is over and Argentina didn't win this time. A week after the final match, there are still lots of reflections and comments about the performance of the Argentinian national team. This time, we find a hearfelt comment by Manuel de León, where he expresses his...
Reflections After 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014
Mexican student Álvaro blogs about his sentiments and opinions about 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. He reflects on the poor performance of Mexico and Brazil national teams, but highlights what he considers a strategy failure of Brazilian president Dilma Rouseff. Días antes del comienzo del mundial, Dilma se imaginaba este...
A Documentary That Allows Transgender People's Voices to Be Heard
Though gays and lesbians are gradually gaining more acceptance in Puerto Rico, the same cannot be said yet of transgender people. That is why a film like Mala Mala, a documentary in which trans people speak freely about their stories, is so important. The film, directed by Dan Sickles (@dan_sickles) and...
Colombia: “What Do You Love About Medellin Downtown?”
On his Facebook page, Colombian journalist Juan Mosquera reflects on the problems of downtown Medellin: #AmamosElCentro El centro de Medellín tiene problemas, cada día más palpables y agudos, que no sólo obedecen a la siniestra presencia de los intereses de la delincuencia. Lo lees, lo escuchas, lo ves, casi lo...
Global Voices Is Looking for a Passionate Leader to Shape Our Latin America Coverage
Global Voices is looking for a bilingual online news leader to run our Latin America editorship.
The Engineer, Documentary About the Man Unearthing the Dead in El Salvador's Gang Wars
The documentary “The engineer” tells the story of the man that unearths the dead in El Salvador's gang wars. Israel Ticas has been trained as a civil engineer, and as forensic criminologist, every day brings with it the promise of new bodies, victims of a remorseless Salvadoran gang culture, dumped...