Stories for October 2012

Monday, October 8th 2012 - 05:44 UTC
Chavez wins another six years; massive 81% turnout of registered voters

President Hugo Chavez won re-election on Sunday, defeating challenger Henrique Capriles, Venezuela's electoral council said. With most votes counted, Chavez had more than 54% of the vote, and Capriles had 45%, National Electoral Council President Tibisay Lucena said. Turnout was 81% of the nearly 19 million registered voters.
Sunday, October 7th 2012 - 13:33 UTC
Falkland Islands: High catches lower prices

The Falklands fishing industry has encountered the highest Loligo squid catch for 16 years, however, this could negatively affect the price for the industry.
Sunday, October 7th 2012 - 12:53 UTC
World's largest salmon lands in Anchorage

The world's largest 'salmon' -- a plane -- landed in Anchorage this week at a full 91,000 lb before an audience of hundreds of Alaska Airlines employees and seafood industry executives. Measuring nearly 129 ft, the fish-themed Boeing 737-800 is the most elaborately decorated commercial aircraft and is meant to celebrate the partnership of Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).
Saturday, October 6th 2012 - 15:16 UTC
IMF cuts global growth estimates; calls for clear political leadership to restore confidence

The IMF has cut its global growth forecasts for this year and 2013 and called on politicians in the Euro-zone and the US to take “decisive” steps to restore confidence, a German newspaper said Friday.
Saturday, October 6th 2012 - 15:09 UTC
Borders and Coast Guards in conflict won’t yield; government looks for scapegoats

Argentina’s Security Ministry decided the intervention of the Border Guards’ Department of Judicial Affairs due to “severe deficiencies” found in the application of the officers' “wage demands”, which led to the current situation that on Friday night was beginning its fifth consecutive day of conflict.
Saturday, October 6th 2012 - 15:06 UTC
Brazil wants Paraguay back in Mercosur following “democracy compliance” test

Brazilian Foreign minister Antonio Patriota said on Friday that Paraguay could resume membership of Mercosur and Unasur without the need to wait for presidential elections next April 2013 as long as “full compliance with democracy” can be verified.
Saturday, October 6th 2012 - 14:58 UTC
Cuban dissident freed; court asks seven years for Spanish youth activist

Cuban authorities released prominent dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez late on Friday after detaining her on the eve of a Spanish activist's high-profile manslaughter trial in the eastern city of Bayamo.
Friday, October 5th 2012 - 22:58 UTC
Brazil food giant Marfrig preparing for a long weekend of Xmas festivity

Brazil’s food giant Marfrig and the second largest in beef provision, is increasing the use of its installed capacity to address the growing domestic demand according to Joao Sampaio, deputy chief Marfrig’s investors relations.
Friday, October 5th 2012 - 22:55 UTC
Brazil September inflation higher on food prices, but bank could further cut Selic rate

September inflation in Brazil was up 0.57% on higher food prices according to the latest release from the country’s stats office, IBGE. This was the highest rate since last April (0.64%) and the steepest for September since 2003, (0.78%).
Friday, October 5th 2012 - 22:51 UTC
Significant drop in US unemployment triggers controversy with former GE CEO

The US unemployment rate fell last month to its lowest rate since January 2009, figures from the Department of Labour have shown, surprising analysts who had been expecting a small rise.