Stories from 13 January 2014
PHOTOS: Cyclone Ian Devastates Tonga
Online news site NZ Kaniva Pacific presents graphic images of the devastation caused by cyclone Ian in Tonga on 11 January 2014: In pictures: Cyclone Ian aftermath. Oxfam New Zealand has details and links for those wishing to make donations.
Where Soca Music Begins and Ends
The success of the carnival song, Differentology, by the Trinidadian artist Bunji Garlin has spurred public debate about what exactly constitutes soca music.
Madagascar's Return to Democracy Proving to Be a Bumpy One
Hery Rajaonarimampianina was declared winner of the presidential elections' second round, but the final verdict is still pending. The elections were an important step to solving the country's political crisis.
Spain's Princess Cristina Charged with Money Laundering and Tax Evasion
Although it is technically possible, few people in Spain expect to see the Infanta Cristina on trial.
Young Egyptian Journalist Uses Indiegogo for Help
Menna Alaa, Egyptian journalist who was assaulted by angry mob earlier in 2013 losing her camera during her reporting, is using Indiegogo calling for help to buy equipment to help her document the ongoing events in Egypt. The appeal reads: Menna Alaa is a Cairo based freelance journalist and student...
How New Interim President Nguendet Can Bring Stability Back to CAR
After Michel Djotodia stepped down as interim president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet was selected as the new president of the national council of the transition. Philippe Hugon opines on what needs to be done to bring stability back to CAR [fr]: Il est très important...
Colombians March in Support of Dismissed Bogotá Mayor
Supporters marched in Bogotá and in other major cities to support Mayor Gustavo Petro, who was dismissed from his duties by Colombia's Inspector General Alejandro Ordóñez Maldonado and banned from public office for 15 years. Mike's Bogotá Blog shares photos and an account of the march on January 10, 2014:...
Fighting Corruption in Comoros, Cameroon and Madagascar
The people of Comoros, Cameroon and Madagascar haven't got much faith in the honesty and integrity of the public sector, according to Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index.
Guyana Spurns USAID Democracy Project
Guyanese blogger, Sara Bharrat, writes an open letter to Roger F. Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat in Guyana, concerning the Guyana's decision to pull out of a USAID project to support local elections and political participation due to “lack of consultation.” …why should the US have to come into...
Hong Kong Media's Credibility Problem
The deteriorating press freedom conditions in Hong Kong and the prosumer culture in the new media era has twisted the result of a news credibility survey.
No Pants Subway Ride Day in Hong Kong
January 12 was set as the 2014 No Pants Subway Ride Day. The annual fun day originated from New York 13 years ago and entered Hong Kong in 2013. Yesterday was the second annual gathering in this city.
Murder of Former Miss Venezuela Reignites Discussion About Violent Crime
Actress Mónica Spear, her ex-husband and her five year old daughter were attacked by thieves on a Venezuelan highway. Spear and her ex-husband were killed.
