Month: August 2008
Paraguay: Rocky Road Ahead for Lugo
Credit:Courtesy of the APC (IPS) – Amidst anticipation and apprehension regarding the imminent political transition, Paraguay is gearing up for Friday’s inauguration of centre-left President-elect Fernando Lugo, known as the "bishop of the poor", who […]
The Street and the Ballot Box: Voices From Bolivia’s Recall Vote
Cochabamba, Bolivia – On August 10, Bolivian President Evo Morales won a resounding victory in Bolivia’s recall referendum. Regardless of what happens next, the vote invigorated Morales’ mandate in what was a broad endorsement from his base and beyond. As Toribio Terrazas, a farmer from outside Comunidad Mamenaca explained, "I want the president to continue because he is forging a good path for all Bolivians in the country." […]
Repression of Documentary Filmmakers in Chile
In the last five months there have been several incidents of arrest, detainment, and in one case expulsion of documentary filmakers by Chilean authorities. Each case is unique, but what they all have in common is that all three groups have been filming documentaries about the Mapuches. […]
Ecuador’s Constitution and Mining
If approved, Ecuador’s new constitution will force mining companies to share a minimum 65 percent of its profit with the state. This according to article 410 of the proposed constitution: "The State’s participation in the profits […]
Bolivia: Prefect Reyes Villa Resigns After Losing Referendum
On the morning of August 12, Manfred Reyes Villa, the embattled conservative prefect (governor) of Bolivia’s department (state) of Cochabamba, resigned from office following his defeat in Sunday’s recall referendum. […]
Guatemala: The Hope for an Endless Mine
Argued by critics as the next wave of land theft and imperialism, foreign controlled mining activity in Guatemala has increased from practically nothing ten years ago into massive concessions—equaling 10 percent or more of the entire country—giving nearly unlimited exploitative rights to the corporations. […]
Colombia: Terror Campaign Targets Indigenous Population
On Monday afternoon, the Association of Indigenous Authorities of Northern Cauca (ACIN) received the text of a threat by email, which we are attaching below for you to read. This letter of terror, signed by […]
Bolivia: After Recall Vote, Opposition Rejects Morales’ Call for Unity
(IPS) – The opposition in Bolivia plans to redouble its efforts against President Evo Morales, who won strong backing — 63 percent — in Sunday’s recall referendum, according to exit polls. After claiming victory late […]