Latin America

Saturday, January 9th 2010 - 13:30 UTC
Almost 500 Cuban doctors defected to the US while serving in Venezuela

Around 500 Cuban doctors have defected to the United States while serving on aid missions in Venezuela, according to members of Cuban exile groups in Miami. The latest case occurred this week when seven Cuban physicians managed to leave Caracas’ Maiquetia International Airport, after being held there for several hours and after paying hundreds of dollars each to officials.
Saturday, January 9th 2010 - 08:23 UTC
Central Bank of Chile is releasing a new 10,000 Pesos note

After 20 years in circulation, the current 10,000 Chilean peso bill will be replaced this coming year, courtesy of commercial banks.
Friday, January 8th 2010 - 12:49 UTC
Barrick Gold mine project threatens glaciers claims Chilean government

Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, the owner of what would be Chile’s largest gold mine, Pascua Lama, could face legal sanctions after Chile’s national water commission (DGA) reported that the company is failing to comply with Chile’s environmental laws.
Friday, January 8th 2010 - 06:48 UTC
Latinamerica’s 2009 trade contracts 24% in value, the worst since 1973

Latinamerica and Caribbean exports plunged 24% in value last year compared to 2008 because of the international crisis, according to the latest estimates from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latinamerica and the Caribbean, Cepal, released Thursday in Santiago de Chile.
Friday, January 8th 2010 - 05:59 UTC
Chilean bottled wine sales soar 60% in November; UK and US main markets

Confidence is high among Chilean winemakers with information released this week showing a 60% increase in exports for November 2009, compared to the same month in 2008.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:24 UTC
Beaches in south Chile closed because of swarms of jelly fish

Beaches near the city of Osorno in southern Chile have closed due to swarms of jellyfish populating the shores. At least 40 people have reported being stung by the tiny jellyfish. According to health reports, the stings produce a painful skin inflammation.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:10 UTC
Conflicting views about Chilean Patagonia tourism prospects for this season

Magallanes region in the extreme south of Chile received in the twelve months of 2009 an estimated 600.000 tourists which is almost the same number than in 2008, according to primary data from Chile’s Tourism Office, Sernatur.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 17:00 UTC
Honduras Micheletti refuses to resign and tells the US he will stay on until Jan 27

Honduras de facto leader Roberto Micheletti responded harshly to US suggestions that he resign weeks before a new president takes office on January 27.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:51 UTC
Latest data show Chilean economy rebounding from recession

Chile’s economic activity index, the IMACEC, rose a bigger-than-expected 3.1% in November from a year earlier, the central bank announced this week, the first monthly increase in a year. The market expected the economy of the world's top copper producer to expand by 2.5%, according to a median forecast from a Reuters’ survey.
Thursday, January 7th 2010 - 16:47 UTC
Puerto Madryn cruise industry faces bleak future

Puerto Madryn in Argentine Patagonia expects a considerable fall in the number of cruise calls following Norwegian Cruise Lines decision to stop operating in the Valparaíso/Buenos Aires tour in the next 2010/2011 season.