Stories for May 28th 2009
Brazil discovers the benefits of efficient cook stoves.
Woodland in Brazil is being cut down, day after day. The local people say they need it to make a living. This is not the Amazon rainforest deforestation, but the woody landscape of Caatinga in the North Eastern corner of Brazil. Caatinga’s inhabitants are cutting wood for cooking.
A Tribute to Outgoing United States Assistant Secretary of State Tom Shannon
In the coming weeks, Dr. Thomas A. Shannon, who protected a rational regional policy from the ideological knives of the Bush administration, will step down as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. By that time, President Obama’s pick for the job, Georgetown University Professor Arturo Valenzuela, will be confirmed by the Senate.
Easter Island cruise pier could cost between 20 and 70 million USD
Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) recently announced its decision to fund construction of a new docking pier for Easter Island, near the in Rapa Nui part of the island.
South Atlantic islands preparing invasive species strategy
A regional strategy for invasive species in the South Atlantic should be ready towards the end of the year, following the conclusion of the regional workshop on Ascension Island.
Gibraltar reviews sea patrol procedures to contain Spanish “incursions”
In the wake of recent tense incidents at sea off Gibraltar with Spain, police and military planners have revisited the operating procedures for marine crews patrolling British waters, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.
British MPs expenses scandals forces more resignations
Two more British Members of Parliament have succumbed to intense pressure over their expenses by saying they will not seek re-election. Tory backbencher Julie Kirkbride said the situation had become “unbearable” as she followed husband Andrew MacKay in announcing her departure from parliament at the next general election.
Argentina denies any “nationalization wave” after mid term election
Argentina accepted on Wednesday Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' explanation about his comments on his administration’s nationalization plan that doesn't include Brazil's firms, and in a separate statement denied any “nationalization wave” was planned following June’s mid term election.
“Failed” education anticipates “populist” governments in Uruguay
Education in Uruguay has “failed” and the composition of the electorate has “changed dramatically”, an ideal mix for “populist proposals” said economist Ernesto Talvi, head of the social and economics think tank Ceres based in Montevideo.
Uruguay inaugurates second wind farm with 10 MW capacity
Uruguay officially inaugurated on Wednesday a 10 MW capacity wind turbine park financed and equipped by Spain. The park belonging to Uruguay’s power company UTE is one of the many different efforts to broaden and diversify energy generation in the country.
Vargas Llosa warned against making political comments in Venezuela
Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa was detained Wednesday for more than one hour at the Maiquetía international airport by immigration officials upon his arrival in Venezuela to take part in a Liberal forum of intellectuals hosted by a private organization opposed to the government of President Hugo Chávez.
