Skimm for Latin America 11/02/16
Quote of the Day
“The people of the United States will do anything for Latin America, except read about it.” ― James Barrett Reston
“The Latin American cause is about all a social cause: the rebirth of Latin America must start with the overthrow of its masters, country by country. We are entering times of rebellion and change. There are those who believe that destiny rests on the knees of the gods; but the truth is that it confronts the conscience of man with a burning challenge.” ― Eduardo Galeano
Morales loses 4th term Power Bid
If three (3) terms of power couldn’t be enough, I’m certain that eternity won’t be that long for Bolivia’s president Evo Morales. Even global goals are set to be achieved by 2020 but president Morales sees his vision in 2025.
Although it appears or seems that he has lost the referendum, he sends out a message to the “opposition” not to party yet. The government claims there could be a technical tie as votes from the rural areas came in late to be counted. As the first head of state with indigenous origin, he seems to think more of himself by seeking a fourth term in office.
The old coca farmer ended his speech on the referendum by saying “life goes on and our struggle and efforts to improve our country will continue”. Yes Mr. President, it should but sorry you cannot continue or be elected into office for the fourth term.
Website: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35628093
Mexican gang “used women to lure kidnap victims over the Internet”
When I first saw the headline, I said to myself why on earth will you fall for a promised sex over the internet? Wait, then I remembered it’s written in the Holy Bible that in the matters of sex, even angels left heaven for women on earth. Very thoughtful of these men to use women as bait.
The state of Veracruz has recorded over 876 kidnaps between January and August this year with 92 in Coatzacoalcos where these kidnappers were arrested. A woman with the alleged leader was arrested by the police over the weekend.
These women over the Internet will agree to meet you at a hangout and that’s where the kidnap takes place. The unfortunate part of this story is that, even in cases where the demanded ransom has been paid, most of these victims are killed. The government agency in Mexico AFP is putting in measures to end these kidnaps.
So guys, next time you go on a date with a girl from the Internet, check out if she’s “Mexican”.
Website: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37573575
Eduardo Cunha: Former Brazil Congress Speaker Arrested
I can bet my last cent that Brazil could make it on the front page of many tabloids in Heaven. When we were all thinking it was going to end with the Zika virus, the president Ms. Dilma Rouseff was heavily impeached with a corruption scandal. Now guess who is putting Brazil on the world map again, former Congress Speaker Mr. Eduardo Cunha. The irony of the whole situation is that, before the month of August, Mr. Cunha led the crusade to “crucify” Ms. Rouseff on corruption charges.
Brazil’s oil giant, Petrobras seem to be hit by a hurricane bigger than that of Louisiana with a $2bn kickback scandal. Mr. Cunha being a very powerful politician blatantly disputed being involved in any corrupt dealings until the government of Switzerland revealed that the Cunha family were beneficiaries to some $5m. Now my question is why does it always have to be Switzerland? Is there no other safe vault in the world? C’mon politicians, you should have learnt by now and changed your approach.
Mr. Cunha who bares dual citizenship was arrested as the Brazilian government thought he would escape from the wrath of justice to Italy. He has been arrested and been under investigations since his arrest. Brazil has been shaken by this bribery and corruption scandal which has led to the arrest of many politicians and top businessmen to probe them to find out how dark their cupboards are. At least three businessmen have admitted to paying bribes into Mr. Cunha’s foreign account and this seem to really be a big blow to his personality. With shades of embarrassment and long jail term looming in the dark, Mr. Cunha has sworn to reveal the secrets and dirty dealing of those who have betrayed him. You and I can confirm that the worst is yet to come…
Website: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37709537