Stories for May 2009

Wednesday, May 20th 2009 - 02:36 UTC
First time in 300 years: House of Commons speaker forced to stand down

The first House of Commons Speaker to be effectively forced out of office in 300 years took place Tuesday when Michael Martin told MPs he intends to stand down. In a brief statement to a packed House of Commons he said he would step down on 21 June, with his successor set to be elected by MPs the next day.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 14:48 UTC
Survey of Falklands’ domestic tourism

New research published by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board this week puts an estimated value of £1,122,000 per year on domestic tourism. The estimate was made following a telephone survey carried out during March 2009, which also enabled the tourist board to calculate that 11,500 domestic trips are taken by Falkland Islanders each year.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 14:44 UTC
Re-election, “bad symptom” for democracy in Latinamerica

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez intention to hold on to office is a “bad symptom” which is spreading to the rest of Latinamerica claimed Cesar Perez Vivas, opposition governor from the Venezuelan state of Tachira.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 14:42 UTC
IMF anticipates Latinamerica will recover before developed countries

Although Latinamerica is well prepared to confront the international economic crisis, the economies of the region will suffer on average a contraction of 1.5% this year, said the International Monetary Fund main advisor for the hemisphere Miguela Sabastano.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 14:02 UTC
British economist blames financial sector for current optimistic forecasts

Behind the idea that the current economic crisis will be over by 2010 are the interests of the financial sector that are trying their most to avoid a greater regulation of markets claims British Professor Robert Wade.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 13:57 UTC
Trade and oil cooperation, high in the Lula da Silva agenda in China

Brazilian president Lula da Silva arrived Monday in Beijing with a delegation of 240 businessmen for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening the country’s strategic partnership with China.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 13:46 UTC
US, UK ‘recession-hit’ economies to impact Falklands’ cruise tourism

The average annual growth of cruise tourism to the Falklands will not be sustained next season confirmed General Manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board, Jake Downing.
“Cruise tourism to the Falklands has been growing at an average annual rate of 13.9% since 2000, but there are a number of factors at play this year which mean we won’t be able to sustain that level of growth next season,” said Mr Downing.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 08:26 UTC
Colombian Defence minister ready to run for presidency, if Uribe quits

Juan Manuel Santos resigned Monday from his position as Colombian Defence minister, a move aimed at insuring the presidency will remain in the hands of the government of President Alvaro Uribe.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 07:57 UTC
Lloyds Bank prepares for change of chairman

Sir Victor Blank is to step down as chairman of Lloyds Banking Group by June 2010. Following a meeting with the board, Sir Victor said it was “the right time for the Group to appoint a new chairman”. Lord Leitch, who has been appointed deputy chairman, said the board was “very sad” at the decision.
Tuesday, May 19th 2009 - 06:43 UTC
Ence’s assets in Uruguay taken over by Stora Enso and Arauco

Finland’s Stora Enso, Europe’s leading paper producer and Arauco, one of the largest forest industry enterprises in Latinamerica based in Chile, announced Monday the definitive purchase agreement for the joint (50%/50%) acquisition of Spanish pulp producer Grupo ENCE assets in Uruguay.