BRAZIL
Brazil Concerned About Hotel Price Hikes at WCup
CHILE
Chile strike at BHP Billiton’s Escondida mine ends
COLOMBIA
Colombia`s police force, corrupt and incompetent?
A small red raccoon? No, an olinguito. Olinguito: ‘Overlooked’ mammal carnivore is major discovery
Scientists in the US have discovered a new animal living in the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador. Watch the video at the link.
CUBA
Namibia pays its debt to Castro Kingdom with endangered wildlife
2 Cuban political prisoners sentenced to more time in Castro gulag
The revolución‘s Royalty and Servitude
ECUADOR
Plan to Ban Oil Drilling in Amazon Is Dropped
LATIN AMERICA
Terror Threat in Latin America
Mexican oil workers fear Pemex proposal
NICARAGUA
Colombia and Nicaragua’s Maritime Dispute Intensifies
Domestic and regional political repercussions will heavily influence Colombia’s response. The threat of a second territorial maritime loss to Nicaragua would further weaken President Juan Manuel Santos’ reelection prospects. Inaction against Nicaragua, when combined with slow-moving negotiations with the FARC rebel group could cost Santos’ political party the presidency in 2014.
PANAMA
Panama May Hit North Korea with $1 Million Fine for Illicit Arms Transport. Good luck collecting it!
PARAGUAY
Paraguay’s New President Woos Foreign Investment
The rise of the Peruvian cocaine trade has also been driven by market forces. In recent years, demand for the drug has fallen substantially in the US, which was traditionally served by the Colombian trade. Peru, on the other hand, exports the majority of its illicit product to Brazil (where it is turned into the cheaper and more addictive crack), and to Europe. Unlike their American counterparts, British appetite for cocaine almost doubled during the Noughties.
PUERTO RICO
Social Security Disability Fraud in Puerto Rico
VENEZUELA
Tyrants and their enabling laws:
Showdown looms in Venezuela over decree powers plan
Maduro, who narrowly won an April election to replace his late mentor Hugo Chavez, says he is ready to change “all the laws” if necessary to stamp out widespread graft that is denting his popularity with some core supporters.
Venezuela central bank head replaced amid corruption claims
By subscription: Venezuela’s President Seeks Expanded Powers
Ruling by decree would enable Maduro to deal with deep economic and social problems.
The week’s posts and podcast:
Venezuela’s ruined agricultural industry
Cuba: 54 years of Revolución, for what?
Venezuela: The perils of hyperinflation
Venezuela: Unleashing homophobia
Puerto Rico: DoJ, FBI Disability fraud investigation under way
Mexico: Caro Quintero, and Fast & Furious
Mexico: Will the proposed energy reform be enough?
Mexico: Oil industry overhaul?
Panama: No deal with North Korea
Mexico: From exchange student in Iran to political refugee in 5 easy steps
Podcast:
Chile and other US-Latin America issues