Covid-19 in Latin America – Update 13, 25 August
The latest update from LAB on Coronavirus incidence and counter-measures highlights worrying increases in cases in several countries and little sign of people in countries such as Brazil blaming their rulers for the spread of the pandemic.
Uruguay’s paradox: will the pandemic accelerate neo-liberal policies?
To many citizens' dismay, Uruguay's exemplary handling of the pandemic could help pave the way for the Lacalle Pou administration to pass new, seemingly neoliberal, legislation.
Argentina: campaigning for inclusion during the Covid-19 lockdown
Queer Tango teacher and LGBTQ+ activist Edgardo Fernández Sesma tells LAB’s Nina Meghji about navigating the digital space, the impact of lockdown on Buenos Aires’ elder residents, and the economic implications for Buenos Aires’ tango community post Covid-19.
Covid-19 in Latin America – Update 14, 22 October
Covid-19 in Latin America update 14: Argentina reaches 800,000 cases, Brazil agrees to test Russia’s ‘Sputnik’ vaccine, Chileans vote 'Apruebo' with social distancing in place, Colombia sees increase in violence against LGBTQ+, Cuba reopens 13/15 provinces to tourists.
Brazil: politicians distribute fake Covid-19 cures
Inspired by the far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian mayors have been distributing chloroquine and ivermectin to treat Covid-19 ahead of municipal elections in November.
Translated...
Martinique: The Poisoning of Paradise
Slavery was abolished in Martinique in 1848. But today the islanders are victims of a toxic pesticide called chlordecone, that’s poisoned the soil and water and been linked by scientists to unusually high rates of prostate cancer.
Argentina’s National Congress passes historic bill to legalise abortion
Feminist groups in Argentina and abroad greeted the New Year in celebration as the
country’s National Congress voted in favour of the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill, which will allow childbearing people in the country to access abortion for free in public hospitals up to 14 weeks pregnancy.
Visibility for pueblo Pumé
This video essay from LAB partner Ojos Ilegales Red, Venezuela, tells the story of Leonardo Milian Ruiz, a member of the Pumé community. Milian left his territory Boca Tronador, on Riecito in Apure State, near the the Venezuelan border with Colombia, after cattle ranchers continually invaded their territory.
Public Enemy No.1 is Jair Bolsonaro
All over the world leaders have celebrated the beginning of vaccination in their countries, some of them taking the first jab themselves. But when the first vaccines were administered in São Paulo on Sunday, Jair Bolsonaro sulked in silence in his palace.
Amazonas appeals for global help
In a letter describing pandemic conditions as “dire,” the government of Brazil’s Amazonas state is pleading for urgent medical assistance from the international community. The authenticated letter apparently bypassed the Bolsonaro administration which critics say has been ineffectual in dealing with COVID-19.