Stories for August 8th 2020

Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:30 UTC
Latin America becomes the region hardest-hit by coronavirus deaths

Latin America and the Caribbean surpassed Europe on Friday to become the region hardest-hit by coronavirus deaths, as India passed the somber step of recording over two million infections. The world's worst-hit region had reported 213,120 fatalities, 460 more than Europe, according to a tally based on official data.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:20 UTC
Credit rating agencies have their doubts about Argentina's economic outlook

Argentina’s US$ 65 billion debt restructuring agreement with bondholders will likely lead to credit upgrades but is far from ensuring the country’s longer-term economic future, rating agencies commented on Thursday.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:19 UTC
Covid-19 free South Georgia stands ready to welcome vsitors, but with extra precautions

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a range of obstacles to navigate in order for the 2020/21 tourism season to take place, however, the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, GSGSSI, is committed to meet the challenge and facilitate visits where possible, without compromising on our commitment to safe and environmentally sensitive tourism.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:18 UTC
Brazil's leading banks giving repayment extensions to some US$ 44bn in outstanding loans

Brazil’s top four listed lenders are giving months-long extensions for consumers and companies to repay 235 billion reais (US$ 43.98 billion) in outstanding loans, a move to give financially squeezed borrowers a breathing room.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:15 UTC
July inflation in Brazil, 0,36%, only transport, fuel and housing increased

Brazilian inflation in July rose the most in four years, figures showed on Friday, driven by fuel and housing costs, although the annual measure remained significantly below the central bank’s year-end target. The IPCA index rose 0.36% in July, government statistics agency IBGE said.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:05 UTC
UN has received no official requests to investigate the Beirut port deadly explosion

The United Nations has not received any requests to investigate the deadly explosion in Beirut’s port, a U.N. spokesman said on Friday after French President Emmanuel Macron called for an international inquiry.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:00 UTC
Falklands targets a 3% yearly population growth and doubles permanent residence permits

The Falkland Islands Executive Council has agreed to double the yearly quota of permanent residence permits (PRP) to 90. According to a paper published last week, the figure has been set to target a 3% yearly population growth.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 07:55 UTC
Brazilian billionaire will fund the building to produce the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in Sao Paulo

Brazilian billionaire Jorge Lemann's foundation and other business interests will fund the building of the factory to produce the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 07:27 UTC
Falklands: prison sentences for the three Kiwi fishermen involved in violent disorder

Three New Zealanders were this week handed custodial sentences at the Falklands' Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Samuel Goldsworthy, Sonny Ball, and Chassy Duncan were each sentenced to prison terms lasting 14 months, 12 months, and eight months respectively.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 07:20 UTC
Brazil estimates record soybean crop of 130,5 million tons in 2021; wheat imports could climb to 7,3 million tons

Brazilian soybean production is expected to increase some five million tons in the 2020/21 harvest to a record 130,5 million tons, according to Daniel Amaral, chief economist of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove). Based on this crop oilseed exports could reach 80 million tons in 2021, while domestic crushing could reach a new annual record of 45 million tons.