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!

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Latest posts by Louella Mahabir

Colombia: President and Indigenous Leaders Meet to Discuss Cauca Conflict

  23 August 2012

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

  11 June 2012

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.

Peru: Iquitos Faces Aftermath of Record Floods

  23 May 2012

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

  10 April 2012

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.

Ecuador: Citizens React to Verdict Against Newspaper El Universo

  19 February 2012

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.

Colombia: Mining Debate Continues as New Minister is Appointed

  3 October 2011

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

  30 September 2011

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

  22 September 2011

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

  11 September 2011

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

  9 September 2011

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

  6 September 2011

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.

Mexico: Following Javier Sicilia's Footsteps

  21 August 2011

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.

Peru: Peace Restored in Puno Following Agreements

  30 June 2011

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

  26 June 2011

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.