The Carnival of Latin America and the Caribbean

Otherwise, the cartels could be expanding their operations as most successful businesses tend to do. Control of transportation networks, especially ports, is critical for business because maritime shipping accounts for the majority of illegal trade worldwide.

The significance for Guatemala is notable. The Central American country has long been a transit corridor for cocaine from South America into Mexico, but it is now becoming a drug producer — even if all the precursor chemicals found there are not immediately contributing to the drug trade. Without U.S. or Mexican assistance, the Guatemalan government will be unable to control any increased production of methamphetamine — or the violence, corruption and increased use that will accompany it.

HAITI
Many question whether Haiti quake donations put to best use
Two years after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, many complain that they haven’t seen where billions in donations were spent.

HONDURAS
Happy news

JAMAICA
A Massacre in Jamaica
After the United States demanded the extradition of a drug lord, a bloodletting ensued.

MEXICO
Remittances to Mexico are rebounding
Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. sent an estimated 8% more money back to relatives last year compared with 2010, thanks to an improving U.S. job market.

Mexico drug war deaths over five years now total 47,515
Mexican officials say nearly 13,000 people were killed in violence blamed on organised crime between January and September last year

PARAGUAY
Prime suspect in conspiracy to kill Paraguayan reporter freed

PERU
Lima’s metro
The train leaves platform one at last
Better late than never

PUERTO RICO
Ruth Fernández, Singer and Senator in Puerto Rico, Dies at 92