Latin America

Friday, March 18th 2011 - 18:29 UTC
Jobs at top of Latin America agenda

By President Barack Obama
In recent weeks, we've seen how turmoil and tragedy around the globe can affect our own prosperity and security; how events abroad often have implications for everything from markets on Wall Street to families' wallets on Main Street. And as a nation, we will continue to do everything we can both to promote stability and democracy in the Middle East and help the people of Japan recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Thursday, March 17th 2011 - 18:25 UTC
Gustavo Coronel: The Four Hotbeds of Corruption in Venezuela

Hugo Chavez became president of Venezuela in 1998 on the strength of his promises to stamp out corruption. Venezuela had been a democratic showcase for the hemisphere from 1958 to the early 1970’s but after receiving a huge oil income in the mid-1970 the quality of government deteriorated and waste and corruption set in. By 1998 most Venezuelans were deeply disappointed and wanted a radical change. They got it with Hugo Chavez. What they never imagined was that the change would be for the worse.
Thursday, March 17th 2011 - 18:04 UTC
China will finance and build 20.000 housing units in Venezuela

Venezuela signed an agreement with Chinese companies Citic Group and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. to negotiate a 4 billion US dollars loan to finance oil and construction projects, President Hugo Chavez said in Caracas.
Thursday, March 17th 2011 - 17:59 UTC
Chavez’ new enemy: plastic surgeons pressing women to have breast implants

Venezuela's populist president has identified a new plague on his nation - boob jobs. Hugo Chavez, famous for his bombastic anti-US rants, blasted plastic surgeons for pressuring women into having surgery they can't afford.
Thursday, March 17th 2011 - 17:46 UTC
In spite of release of dissidents, Cuba continues ‘to stifle freedom of expression’

The Cuban authorities are continuing to stifle freedom of expression on the island in spite of the much-publicized recent wave of releases of prominent dissidents, Amnesty International warned ahead of the eighth anniversary of a crackdown on activists.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 23:19 UTC
Mexico defeats Falklands in Americas Division 3 T20 cricket championship

Mexico began their quest for Americas Division 3 T20 Cricket Championship with an impressive 10-wicket victory over the winless Falkland Islands in the morning session of Day 2.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 15:00 UTC
US Travel Association urges Brazil and Chile be included in the Visa Waive Program

Citing an opportunity to advance national security, economic competitiveness and public diplomacy, the U.S. Travel Association has urged President Obama to discuss prospects for including Brazil and Chile in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) when he visits South America this month.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 14:10 UTC
Difficult Times for Chile’s Easter Island

by COHA Research Associates Joss Douglas and Samantha Nadler
Famous for its monolithic Moai head stones that were mysteriously erected at the dawn of history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Easter Island is today making headlines of a different sort.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 04:19 UTC
Honduras forgets Argentina and Brazil; will open trade offices in India and China

Honduras is planning to close embassies in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela countries which do not recognize the government of President Porfirio Lobo.
Tuesday, March 15th 2011 - 23:47 UTC
Cuba devalues currency 8% to boost exports and imports substitution process

Cuba devalued its convertible peso by 8% Monday to the level of parity with the US dollar as part of efforts to boost the island's flagging economy, the central bank said. Use of the convertible peso is limited to tourists and other foreigners, for Cubans who receive remittances from abroad and for export activity