Latin America

Monday, March 30th 2020 - 07:27 UTC
Retired Venezuela general charged with drug-trafficking turned himself to US authorities

A retired Venezuelan general has turned himself over to Colombian authorities after the United States charged him with drug-trafficking and offered a reward for his capture, local media reported. Cliver Alcala turned himself in on Friday to the Colombians, who in turn handed him over to US authorities, the El Tiempo de Bogota newspaper said.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:34 UTC
S&P downgrades Mexico and oil giant Pemex credit ratings

S&P downgraded Mexico’s credit rating on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic and a hit to state oil firm Pemex from plunging crude prices battered the growth outlook and piled pressure on the government to lift the struggling economy.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:55 UTC
Bolsonaro clashes with governors over lockdowns: “they are destroying Brazil”

President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday blasted as criminals the governors and mayors of Brazil’s largest states and cities for imposing lockdowns to slow the coronavirus outbreak, as tensions with his health minister simmered. The death toll rose to 57 from 46 while confirmed cases rose to 2,433 from 2,201 the day before.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Argentine economy contracted 2,2% last year and could drop another 2% in 2020

Argentina's GDP contracted 2.2% last year, hit by the downfall of manufacturing, retail and financial activities, according to the official stats office, Indec. In the last quarter of 2019 the economy dropped 1% over the previous quarter and 1.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:44 UTC
South American countries agree to ensure smooth flow of goods and food supplies in the region

Agriculture ministers from various South American countries participated in a video conference on Monday, March 23, to discuss harmonization of standards and ensure the smooth flow of goods and food supplies throughout the region during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:27 UTC
Argentina's “Children and youth protection project” receives US$ 300 million from World Bank

The World Bank Board of Directors approved a new US$ 300 million operation to support Argentina’s efforts to strengthen its social protection system and minimize the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable families.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:25 UTC
Pandemic: total lockdown in Colombia; Chile extends schools closure until May

Countries across Latin America tightened measures on Wednesday to halt the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, with more lockdowns and school closures as well as increased aid to the region's poorest.
Wednesday, March 25th 2020 - 08:56 UTC
Pandemics: Bolsonaro and governors clash over priorities, the economy and jobs or public health

Brazil's largest city of Sao Paulo began fifteen days of lockdown to fight the spread of the coronavirus on Tuesday. This after Brazil's own president, Jair Bolsonaro, has faced fierce criticism for his blasé treatment to combat the threat, which he describes as a quote “little flu.”
Wednesday, March 25th 2020 - 08:35 UTC
Cruise vessel Zaandam prevented from disembarking in Chilean ports

A cruise ship with more than 1,800 people aboard - including 42 complaining of flu-like symptoms - was prevented from docking in Chile due to fears over the coronavirus.
Monday, March 23rd 2020 - 07:49 UTC
Cristina Fernandez is back in Buenos Aires from Cuba with her daughter

Argentine vice president Cristina Fernandez is back in Buenos Aires from Cuba with her daughter who has been under medical treatment in Havana for a year. The two immediately left for their home where they will comply with the mandatory fourteen day self isolation for any passengers arriving in Argentina from overseas because of the coronavirus pandemic.