Welcome to The Cuenca Dispatch
This website requires an active membership in order to view all content. You can find a list of unlocked articles by clicking on the tab in the menu labeled Unlocked Articles. If you have a membership, login here.
The Cuenca Dispatch publishes exclusive reports on Ecuador’s economy, politics, crime and more that you will not find published anywhere else on the web.
For any English speaker living in Ecuador or planning to live or visit Ecuador, our weekly publication is a must! Click here to become a member.
Volume 7, Issue 24
From the week of March 19, 2023
Cancer patients in Cuenca face significant difficulties in accessing timely treatment
An investigation has revealed that the process from first symptoms to treatment takes an average of nine months, which is far longer than the ideal time frame of 30 to 90 days. The report, titled...
Should I stay or should I go now?
President Lasso is facing a tough time in his tenure as the head of the country. Plummeting oil prices, the ongoing efforts to impeach him, drug-related murders, and now a big earthquake to deal with— it’s a daunting task for anyone to handle. So why would he even want to stay on as president? That’s […]
How to donate and help victims of the Balao earthquake
The 6.64 magnitude earthquake in Balao has left several families homeless and many people affected. As of March 20, 2023, there are 14 deaths, 446 injured, 19 people affected and 84 homes destroyed....
Femicide: A Severe Problem in Ecuador
Femicide is a severe problem in Ecuador, as indicated by the shocking number of women who were murdered in 2022. The Alliance for the Monitoring of Femicides in Ecuador, an independent coalition of social organizations, reported that 332 femicides occurred in the country in 2022. This number is the highest since 2014 when femicide was […]
Cuenca moves forward on its ‘Electromobility Plan’
Cuenca aims to promote the widespread use of electric cars, bicycles, and scooters, as part of a massive electromobility project that will replace gasoline-powered buses and taxis. On January 9th, Cuenca launched the final stage of its electromobility plan, with the goal of having fewer polluting vehicles on the streets and reducing greenhouse gases by […]
Green hydrogen could mean a paradigm shift for Ecuador
Ecuador is taking steps to produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source that is produced using hydroelectric, solar photovoltaic, biomass, and wind. German company Linde, one of the...
Impeachment Process Against President Lasso Advances as CAL Approves First Filter
Legislative Administration Council approves impeachment request against President Lasso and sends it to the Constitutional Court. The recent news regarding the impeachment of President Guillermo Lasso has taken a new turn as the Legislative Administration Council (CAL) approved, with five votes, sending the request for impeachment to the Constitutional Court. The decision was made on […]
Quito Residents are migrating from the city to the surrounding valleys
Due to issues such as high crime rates, excessive noise, and a surge in the number of restaurants and bars, residents of Quito are increasingly moving to the valleys. Over the last few years, the city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, has witnessed a trend of high-income residents leaving their apartments in the urban […]
Volume 7, Issue 23
From the week of March 12, 2023
How and why Lasso may face impeachment and removal from office
UNES leads a four-party effort to impeach the President thru political prosecution on the grounds that he has failed to meet the requirements of office outlined in the Constitution. The Assembly is...
Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit says incidence of kidnapping increasing in urban areas, with shift towards middle-class.
This contrasts with previous patterns where kidnappings were more prevalent in border provinces. Over the past two years, Ecuador has experienced a total of 63 reported cases of kidnappings, with 32...
I’ll take the 8 months of dictatorship, thank you
Okay, so let’s see if I have this right. The Ecuadorian National Assembly is now trying to impeach the President, again. For an alleged crime that his brother-in-law may or may not have been involved in. That’s the Encuentro case, for those of you who don’t know, which revolves around a supposed interaction Lasso’s brother-in-law […]
US-Ecuador tax information exchange agreement goes into effect
The recent Agreement between the US and Ecuador for the exchange of tax information is now a law of the Republic. Ecuador and the United States (US) have enacted a new law allowing them to exchange information that is pertinent to the implementation and enforcement of their domestic tax laws. This agreement encompasses all federal […]
Ecuador participates in world’s largest mining fair despite Conaie objections
The government of Ecuador is seeking to attract some of the world’s largest mining companies to invest in the country, despite opposition from indigenous communities and the absence of an open mining cadastre. The mining cadastre (register of land boundaries and/or ownership), an essential tool for new requests for concessions, has been closed since 2018, […]
Former President Lenin Moreno leads the cast of characters in the Sinohydro case
There are 37 defendants on the list in the Sinohydro case, of whom six have drawn public attention for their suspected involvement in the scheme. The Sinohydro case is the latest corruption scandal in Ecuador, despite the alleged bribery occurring from 2010 to 2018. This comes after prosecutor Diana Salazar pressed charges against 37 individuals. […]
Ecuadorians are the most numerous illegal migrants in Mexico
Update to: Mexico modifies some requirements for Ecuadorian visas Published: Volume 7, Issue 14 Ecuadorians have surpassed Venezuelans as the largest group of illegal immigrants in Mexico, according to Mexican press reports. In January 2022, only 246 Ecuadorians were detained by Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM), but in January 2023, there were 5,808 captures, […]
La Niña phenomenon expected to negatively impact Ecuador thru April 2023
Ecuador is currently facing the longest La Niña phenomenon in 120 years, with negative economic impacts on key sectors such as fishing and agriculture. La Niña is an atmospheric phenomenon...
Ministry of Economy to allocate a record-breaking $3.228 billion to Sectional Governments in 2023
The Ministry of Economy and Finance in Ecuador has announced that in 2023 it will deliver a record figure of $3.228 billion to decentralized autonomous governments (GAD), which includes 221 municipalities, 23 prefectures and 821 parish councils. This figure is $174 million more than what was delivered in 2022 and is the largest budget allocation […]
Increased Costs of Banana Boxes Due to Measures Taken Against Fusarium
Update to: Government imports banana plants resistant to the fungus Fusarium R4T Published: Volume 6, Issue 27 According to banana growers, the biosecurity measures taken against Fusarium can account for up to 20% of the cost of producing a box of fruit. Banana farms in Ecuador are spending between $0.08 and $0.13 per exported box […]
Volume 7, Issue 22
From the week of March 05, 2023
Sinohydro used five-country network to transfer $76 million in bribes to group that included Moreno
Prosecutor Diana Salazar has documented the movement of $76 million in bribes allegedly delivered by Sinohydro during the construction and financing of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant....
Cuenca: A Destination for Romance and Gastronomy
The Municipal Tourism Foundation for Cuenca is actively promoting the city as an ideal destination for romantic activities, particularly destination weddings. With the campaign "Love Invades...
Cracks in the Harmony between Social Organizations and Conaie
The unity behind the June 2022 Strike is Weakening. The unity among the social organizations that supported the last national strike is weakening, with each organization now having its own agenda and strategy to deal with the government. The only point of agreement they share is their opposition to President Guillermo Lasso, and their wish […]
Democracy and Ecuador deserve better
Guest columnist ChatGPT * It’s truly shocking to see what’s happening in Ecuador right now. The National Assembly is trying to impeach President Guillermo Lasso without presenting any real evidence. This kind of behavior is a complete violation of the principles of democracy and is an abuse of power. It’s not just the fact that […]
Government signs concession agreement for El Aromo Photovoltaic Project in Manabí
Update to: El Aromo photovoltaic plant will provide 22% of Manabí’s electrical needs Published: Volume 6, Issue 43 On March 3rd, the Government of Ecuador signed the concession agreement for the El Aromo Photovoltaic Project in Manabí, which will be constructed and operated by Spanish company Solarpack with a $145 million investment. The project is […]
Government Exceeds Debt Reduction Target by Three Years
Ecuador’s Public Debt Decreases Ahead of Schedule Ecuador’s government has achieved its goal of reducing the public debt ahead of schedule. According to the Law for the Regulation of Public Finances, the debt should be equivalent to 57% of Ecuador’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025, but in 2022 it was already at 56%. The […]
In Solitude, Conaie Resumes its 10 Original Demands
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) has decided to leave the dialogue tables with the government and return to its ten original demands from the national strike of June 2022. This decision was made during the last extended council of Conaie. The Conaie’s first demonstration will be on March 8th, in conjunction with […]
National Assembly Approves Report Recommending Impeachment Against President Lasso in Encuentro Case
Commission's Report Seen as Preamble to Possible Political Trial, but Not Binding The ‘Occasional Specialized Commission for Truth, Justice and the Fight against Corruption,’ created in January 2023...
New Trade Agreement with Costa Rica opens market for ceramics, dragon fruit, and hundreds of other products
On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, President Lasso signed a trade agreement with Costa Rica, marking the first of his administration with the Latin American country. The Ecuador Costa Rica Trade Association Agreement is expected to come into force during the last quarter of 2023 and hopes to increase the value of Ecuador’s exports to Costa […]
Ecuador and Panama Work Towards Partial Scope Trade Agreement to Boost Economic Relations
Update to: Government promises five trade agreements and less taxes in 2023 Published: Volume 7, Issue 14 The governments of Ecuador and Panama are taking steps to enhance their economic relations by initiating a “partial scope” trade agreement. This move comes as Panama solidifies its position as one of the main destinations for Ecuadorian exports, […]
Country’s covid-19 cases and deaths at lowest points in three years
However, the Ministry of Health says that the XBB.1.5 subvariant is already circulating in the country, considered by the WHO as the most contagious since the appearance of Covid-19. According to the Ministry of Health, Ecuador reported the lowest number of Covid-19 infections between February 19 and 25, 2023, since the pandemic broke out in […]
Volume 7, Issue 21
From the week of February 26, 2023
Scientists identify 204 exotic and invasive species in the northeast of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Two species of gecko are among the prioritized invasive species. Photo: courtesy Felipe Espinoza. The mapped territory also includes three important protected areas: Yasuní National Park, Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve and Limoncocha Biological Reserve. The composition of the invasive alien species is 73% plants, 26% animals and 1% fungi. The scientists obtained the information through the collection […]
As its image falls, so do Salinas real estate prices with discounts of up to 40% being offered
According to the experts, constant sewerage problems and the chaos during the holidays, are driving owners to sell, flooding the market with listings. The ‘for sale’ signs, hung in various...
Challuabamba goes from being an agricultural area to being the ‘Cumbayá’ of Cuenca
Challuabamba is one of the most sought-after areas of Cuenca to live in and to set up businesses. Only 30 years ago it was a sector for agriculture and vacations. On the road that joins Cuenca and Azogues stands one of the most exclusive areas of the Azuayan capital: Challuabamba. A small valley located 15 […]
Cuenca will suffer “intense events” in this rainy season
In Cuenca, at least 16 areas at risk of flooding and 10 parishes vulnerable to landslides, have been identified. The second half of February marked the beginning of a rainy season in Cuenca that will last thru April. The Hydrometeorological Network of the Telecommunications and Potable Water Company (ETAPA) reported that it expects “intense events” […]
For the second time in 7 years, the new Cuenca wastewater plant is back at square one
The construction of the Guangarcucho wastewater treatment plant in Cuenca has been a necessity since 2015. For the second time since then the project was put on hold. A year and a half after...
No one ever says, “But you look so old!”
I read an interesting article in The Atlantic this week. It was about ‘real-age versus head-age.’ Meaning, how old are you actually and how old do you see yourself in your head. Not physically, but mentally. And here is the interesting thing: in a study of 1,470 people, on average the participants over the age […]
Panama provides more information on deadly bus crash and suspends migrant transport service to inspect each vehicle
Panamanian figures still don’t add up; all buses currently certified for migrant transport to be re-inspected. They came from different parts of Latin America with a single objective: to reach the United States (US) and a more prosperous life. They managed to cross the Darien jungle, one of the most dangerous in the world due to its vast vegetation and the […]
Minister of Transport says infrastructure budget needs to double because of graft and lack of maintenance in prior administrations
The Minister of Public Works, Darío Herrera, expects that the investment in infrastructure to reach $500 million in 2023, but the real needs add up to almost $1,000 million. The Ministry of Transport and Public Works began 2023 with a budget of $294 million for investment in works, repair and maintenance of infrastructure, such as […]
Peru formalizes investigation against former President Pedro Castillo for corruption
The preparatory investigation is the step prior to an accusation by the Prosecutor's Office against Castillo. Last Tuesday the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office, the preparatory investigation against...
Unemployment falls and informality increases in January 2023
Update to: Unemployment falls in 2022, with Cuenca leading the way Published: Volume 7, Issue 18 Unemployment fell in January 2023. The rate stood at 3.8%, a decrease of 1.6 percentage points compared to January of the previous year when it stood at 5.4%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). The […]
Tuna sector tries to recover market share lost to China
In 2023, the challenge for the tuna sector will be to win back markets, not only in the European Union, but also in Argentina, Chile and Peru. The Manabí tuna sector faces a complex 2023 due to “unfair” competition with China, which seeks to strip Ecuador of its title as the main supplier of tuna […]
Surplus of $2.341 billion in the trade balance of Ecuador 2022
Update to: The appreciation of the dollar will impact the country’s foreign trade Published: Volume 6, Issue 10 Ecuador’s trade balance registered a surplus of $2.341 billion in 2022 as a result of exports of $32.658 billion and imports of $30.317 billion, as reported last Monday, February 20, 2023, by the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor). Total exports Total exports registered a record value […]
Volume 7, Issue 20
From the week of February 19, 2023
Why are you ‘foaming’ at the mouth?
I still remember the first time I got nailed with a water balloon as I was driving with the windows down right after moving to Cuenca. Two days after as a matter of fact. @*&^%# I yelled! I had two friends with me in the car, one American and one Thai, both visiting from Thailand. […]
Government says fuel subsidy targeting set for September 2023
The progressive implementation of the targeting of fuel subsidies would begin on the Coast, in September 2023.
Minister of Transportation says road maintenance was neglected for “seven to 10 years”
The Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Darío Herrera, says that the current poor condition of Ecuadorian roads is from the lack of preventive maintenance in past governments.
Manabí beaches being used for drug trafficking
The Police say that Los Frailes beach, one of the protected areas of the Machalilla National Park, in Manabí, is being used by gangs for drug trafficking.
Law against human trafficking and migrant smuggling published in the Official Gazette
The new Law establishes the creation of specialized units in the Prosecutor’s Office and outlines comprehensive reparation and restitution to the victims of these practices.
Lasso defends and attacks in nationally broadcast speech
He spoke about alias Jr, the judicial function, and the communication law among others
Families of migrants who were traveling in a bus that crashed in Panama still don’t know what happened to their loved ones
Twenty-two Ecuadorians were traveling on the bus carrying 66 irregular migrants.
Ecuador makes two proposals to change regulations of fishing activity in the South Pacific
The proposals were delivered at the meeting of the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization.
Cocaine to concrete: Ecuador finds an innovative way to dispose of seized drugs
Huge quantities of drugs seized in Ecuador are presenting the country with an unlikely new construction material: cocaine.
Ecuador Eliminates the Declaration of Health for tourists
The Traveler’s Health Declaration will only be required for tourists who present symptoms such as fever, cough, skin rashes.
Radar systems will come into operation in 10 points in Cuenca
Update to: Cuenca turns on controversial traffic radar systems Published: Volume 7, Issue 19 The Mobility Company (EMOV) announced that it will put into operation new radar control devices “as a valid method to reduce traffic accidents” in 10 locations throughout the city. The announcement was made on Thursday, February 16, 2023, and by Friday morning EMOV […]
Volume 7, Issue 19
From the week of February 12, 2023
Unimaginable loss
“A message sent from my new adventure. I couldn’t let your Birthday Day go by without sending you a message. Enjoy your day – Be Safe Go Well, Mabubu from beyond!! Enjoy the game tomorrow, I can still hear you shouting :)” This was the text message I received from my best friend Joe at […]
Prosecutor’s Office, National Court, and Assembly at odds with Police and Minister of Government over transfer of police officers
Two sides have differing opinions on legality and propriety of transfer of police officers assigned to the Attorney General’s Office. The controversy between the Government and the Attorney...
New Guayaquil mayor says the city doesn’t have the money to pay its debts
The newly elected mayor of Guayaquil says that there is less money in the city accounts then needed to pay past debts. He also warned that contractors and vendors should not believe people claiming to be operating on his behalf. The mayor-elect of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, is concerned about the financial situation of the Municipality, […]
Sanitary requirements may be the stumbling blocks in new trade agreements
The executive president of the National Chamber of Aquaculture, José Antonio Camposano, comments on the prospects of the shrimp sector for 2023. The shrimp sector is especially interested in the trade agreement that is being negotiated with South Korea, a country to which they currently pay a 20% tariff. The statistics of the Central Bank […]
SRI going after landlords and digital platforms like Airbnb
Update to: Briones says ‘SRI will tighten control of personal income tax’ Published: Volume 6, Issue 52 The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) is following thru on its objective of making digital platform businesses in Ecuador pay taxes. In the case of Airbnb, it has just required the platforms ‘affiliates’ to hand over their tax information. […]
The ripple effect of the EU’s ban on Russian fuel imports will mean a hit to Ecuador’s general budget
An increase in the price of diesel fuel due to the new sanctions of the European Union against Russia will impact Ecuador, which imports 76% of the diesel it uses. The decision of the European Union...
Ecuador lets Alias “Gato’ be arrested in Colombia so he can be extradited to the US
‘Gato’ wove a web of drug trafficking throughout Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico and Europe. Wilder Emilio Sánchez Farfán, alias ‘Gato,’ was arrested in Pasto, Colombia. Simultaneously, several related raids were carried out in Ecuador. Here, police raided several properties where ‘Gato’ resided from time to time. In one of these raids, in a property in Samborondón, […]
Cuenca turns on controversial traffic radar systems
Update to: “The radar contract in Cuenca should be cancelled due to the falsehood of the experience” Published: Volume 7, Issue 16 The mayor-elect, Cristian Zamora, announced that his first action when he takes office will be to terminate the contract that allows the placement of new radars in Cuenca. However, on the night of […]
Think your vote doesn’t count? Nine mayoral contests across Ecuador were decided by 80 votes or less
The election results in nine cantons were extremely close. In Colimes for example, the winner took the mayor’s office with only four votes more than his opponent. Nine cantons in the country...
Avianca will begin offering New Quito-New York route in June 2023
Update to: Air passenger traffic grows in Quito after the pandemic Published: Volume 7, Issue 16 Starting June 1st, the Colombian airline Avianca will operate a new international route in Ecuador: Quito-New York. The flights will operate five times a week. From Quito, the flights will depart on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While, […]
Two investment banks warn of Ecuador’s debt problems in a post-Lasso scenario
Investment banks JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley warned that the results of the sectional voting weakened the government of Guillermo Lasso. The results of the sectional elections in Ecuador and the 2023 referendum are fueling fears in international markets of an early end of the Guillermo Lasso mandate. Two US investment banks, JP Morgan and […]
Volume 7, Issue 18
From the week of February 05, 2023
Cristian Zamora elected mayor of Cuenca with lowest vote percentage ever
Cristian Zamora won a close contest for the Mayor of Cuenca. The representative of the Democratic Left only secured 18.56% of the votes. The next mayor of Cuenca, Cristian Zamora, is 42 years old....
Almost half of record 2022 tax collection in Azuay came from large companies
In 2022, tax collection in Azuay increased by 21% compared to the previous year. It was also up 27% from 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic. Tax collection in Azuay increased by 21% in 2022, compared to what was collected in 2021. The province contributed $888.7 million, according to figures published by the Internal […]
“What happened on Sunday was a call from the people to the Government and we are not going to evade that responsibility,” said Guillermo Lasso about the defeat of the eight referendum questions.
The president called on the entire political leadership of the country to “build a great deal.” Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso ended the silence he’s been observing since the end of the elections held this past Sunday, and spoke on Monday night about the official data, which up to now reflects that none of the eight […]
Avian influenza in Ecuador leads to over 1.2 million poultry deaths
A vaccination plan for poultry against avian influenza will begin in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua and Pichincha. Vaccination against avian influenza (or HPAI) will begin in the next eight weeks, reported the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), Bernardo Manzano. During an initial phase, more than two million birds will be immunized in the […]
Lasso: “We are going to continue fighting corrupt, bad judges”
Update to: The Court of Justice of Guayas revokes habeas corpus to alias ‘JR’ Published: Volume 6, Issue 31 The President of the Republic, Guillermo Lasso, announced that the Government will not allow the release of the leader Los Choneros, Junior Roldán Paredes, alias ‘JR.’ President Guillermo Lasso reacted to the order issued by a […]
Too bad we aren’t just talking about silent films
“The lunatics have taken over the asylum.” Richard A. Rowland, who was the head of Metro Pictures, first used this expression in 1919 when the famous silent-movie stars Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and director D.W. Griffith opened the movie company United Artists, to protect their work and control their careers. United Artists went […]
Cuenca’s new wastewater risks losing funding
Cuenca has needed a second wastewater treatment plant since 2015. Although it has financing, the tender has been on hold for 19 months. The tender for a new wastewater treatment plant in Cuenca has been on hold for 19 months. This process began in June 2021, but the Telecommunications, Potable Water and Sewerage Company (Etapa), […]
Illegal gold mining grows as drug traffickers expand reach
According to the Government, illegal mining is growing because it receives more and more money from drug trafficking, which is why it has been declared a threat to national security. There are illegal mining camps in 17 of the 24 provinces of the Coast, Sierra and in the Amazon of Ecuador, according to the Agency […]
Insecurity and extortion are pushing Ecuadorians to risk crossing the world’s most dangerous jungle
Ecuadorians make up the second largest group trying to cross the Darién jungle to reach the United States. In a recent interview, Cristina Zugasti, representative of Doctors Without Borders in...
Relaxed requirements lead to almost 20,000 new Ecuadorian companies in 2022
In 2022, 19,601 companies were created, that is, 19% more than in 2021, according to the Superintendency of Companies. In 2022, a total of 19,601 companies were incorporated in Ecuador, which represents a growth of 18.7% compared to 2021. This is reflected in the statistics of the Superintendence of Companies, Securities and Insurance. The percentage […]
Three supermarket groups invested heavily in Cuenca during the Covid-19 pandemic
The largest private money investments in Cuenca since the start of the pandemic have come from three groups: Corporación Favorita, Grupo Ortiz and the Conorque company. One of the most important is the construction of a Megamaxi, the first in the city. Three economic groups have invested in Cuenca in the last five years to […]
UN projects Ecuador to have second lowest inflation rate in South America in 2023
Ecuador will have the second lowest inflation rate in South America in 2023, behind Bolivia, and the lowest rate in all of Latin America in 2024, according to the United Nations report. Ecuador will...
Unemployment falls in 2022, with Cuenca leading the way
Cuenca unemployment falls, while Quito has the largest number of people without work. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Cuenca unemployment—at 3.9 %—fell more than anywhere else in the country. This represents a decrease of 2.7 percentage points compared to the last quarter of 2021. Cuenca has the second the lowest number of unemployed citizens […]
First ISD reduction in 2023 begins on February 1st
Update to: Lasso decrees reductions of VAT, ICE and ISD taxes Published: Volume 7, Issue 15 The Foreign Currency Outflow Tax (ISD) rate will drop from 4% to 3.75% as of February 1st, 2023. The rate will be down to 2% by the end of the year. The Foreign Currency Outflow Tax (ISD) rate dropped […]
Volume 7, Issue 17
From the week of January 29, 2023
Fourth corruption scandal hits close to home for Lasso
The Guillermo Lasso administration is facing its fourth alleged corruption scandal and this one involves his brother-in-law. As a result of a series of leaks of recordings that involve former...
There were 286 investigations of migrant smuggling launched in Ecuador in 2021 and 2022
Ecuador has experienced a rise in risky migration. Migrants are taken advantage of by trafficking mafias, and in many cases, there are no sentences against the coyoteros. In 2021 and 2022, the Ecuadorian Prosecutor’s Office registered 286 investigations for migrant smuggling. Roughly 80% of those cases are still in the early investigation stage and there […]
Tourism sector in Cuenca grows with the help of private investment
Cuenca’s tourism sector has come back fast after the end of the pandemic. One of the engines for its success has been private investment in hotels and restaurants. Hotel and gastronomic...
Three arrested in Cuenca for vehicle theft with express kidnapping
Update to: Cuenca triples security spending in a year with rising crimes Published: Volume 7, Issue 12 In one week, police arrested three criminals who stole two vehicles and kidnapped their owners. Police warn to be careful when selling cars online. In two operations, the Police arrested three people in Cuenca involved in the alleged […]
Thank you for your comments
“You like me, you really, really like me!” If you ask, most people who remember her will tell you that Sally Field said this in her second Academy Award speech, after winning Best Actress for Places in the Heart. But they would be wrong. What she actually said was, “I haven’t had an orthodox career, […]
Jorge Glas close to being permanently released from prison
After the unification of his prison sentences, former Vice President Jorge Glas is close to reaching definitive pre-release. As of last Friday, January 26th, former Vice President Jorge Glas has only one sentence to serve in the Ecuadorian justice system. Judge Melissa Muñoz gave way to the unification of his prior sentences, as requested by […]
Risky driving practices bringing more accidents to Cuenca
Cuencanos are getting more and more aggressive in their driving, causing an increase in traffic accidents over the last three years. Offensive behaviors are common in Cuencanos when driving, a...
The city’s nine mayoral candidates all agree on one thing: Cuenca’s mobility issues are a huge problem
Mobility is one of the issues that most worries Cuencanos. The next mayor has the challenge of reducing traffic chaos and establishing an integrated transport system with the tram as the central axis. Mobility is one of the top priorities of the nine candidates for Mayor of Cuenca. All agree on the need to develop […]
Huascachaca wind project will be ready in the first quarter of 2023
Update to: Minas de Huascachaca wind farm begins to generate energy Published: Volume 7, Issue 13 The Huascachaca wind farm, the largest in Ecuador with a capacity of 50 megawatts, is in the final stages of conditioning and testing to start operating in the first quarter of this year, announced the Ministry of Energy and Mines. On […]
Volume 7, Issue 16
From the week of January 22, 2023
“Is there anybody out there?”
For those of you who have read my column for a few years or more (hard to believe I’ve been writing it for over 6 years), you know how I used to feel about all the anger and hatred spewed out in response to some of the things I wrote. The threats, the crazy comments […]
Government to prioritize the fight against illegal mining in Azuay
The causes of violent deaths in Azuay are mainly associated with illegal mining. The province has four conflictive points in Ponce Enríquez, Sígsig, Pucará and the Molleturo parish (Cuenca).
Ecuadorian car buyers moving away from sedans and into SUVs
Sedan-type vehicles are losing market share to SUVs offering more room and models.
The outlook for Ecuador’s exports in 2023
Free trade agreements and the economic recovery after the pandemic are some of the factors that will influence foreign trade this year.
Seven benefits for women in the new ‘Violet Economy’ Law
The regulations, which are already in force, promote equal pay between men and women in companies and shared maternity leave.
“The radar contract in Cuenca should be cancelled due to the falsehood of the experience”
The president of the Supervisory Commission of the Cantonal Council spoke about the inconsistencies detected by assembly members in the contract signed for the implementation of electronic radar devices in Cuenca.
How China Targets the Global Fish Supply
With its own coastal waters depleted, China has built a global fishing operation unmatched by any other country.
Foot-long dwarf boa found in Ecuadorian Amazon
Scientists have identified a tiny new species of dwarf boa living in the Ecuadorian Amazon that even a snake hater could love: these small reptiles are just a foot long. Alex Bentley, research...
Government fails to stop illegal mining in Napo or Imbabura
Despite the operations, illegal mining is taking hold in La Merced de Buenos Aires (Imbabura) and in three cantons of Napo.
Service animals will be allowed on public transport under new requirements
The ANT issued a regulation on the requirements for pets and other assistance animals to travel with their owners on public transport. One of the obligations is that they have an identification collar.
Air passenger traffic grows in Quito after the pandemic
Roughly 4.3 million passengers were transported on national and international flights through Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport in 2022.
Volume 7, Issue 15
From the week of January 15, 2023
Head of IESS Special Commission: ‘If we wait two or three years, we will be facing the precipice’
The head of the Special Commission tasked with proposing reforms to the IESS pension system discusses the needed contributions of the State, affiliates and employers. The time to make the reforms required to give sustainability to the pension system of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) is running out. This according to Augusto de la […]
Lasso decrees reductions of VAT, ICE and ISD taxes
What changes were decreed by the President and how will they be applied? This year will bring reductions for some taxes in Ecuador. On the night of January 10, 2023, President Guillermo Lasso...
Minister of Finance talks bonds for the Galapagos, tax reductions and the IMF and Petroecuador
The Minister of Finance, Pablo Arosemena, confirmed that the State will issue blue bonds in 2023. The operation will allow the expansion of the Galapagos marine reserve. According to the Minister of Finance, Pablo Arosemena, the Government will follow thru this year on its promise to issue blue bonds to finance the expansion of the […]
Remittances from abroad contribute more to Ecuador’s economy than tourism
Remittances are a liquidity option for Ecuadorian households, which use these resources to pay for basic services. The remittances that Ecuador receives from citizens working abroad totaled $4.468 billion in 2022, according to the forecast of the World Bank. This represents 3.87% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure is higher than tourism, which […]
Birth of sea turtles increases 30% on Manabí beach
Update to: More than 9,000 olive ridley sea turtles born in Esmeraldas Published: Volume 5, Issue 16 Park rangers from a refuge in Manabí reported the birth of 11,580 sea turtles of the “olive ridley” and “green” species on the beach of San Lorenzo. The Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment announced that it has detected […]
Seven Ecuadorians trying to illegally enter the US have disappeared in Mexico
The young people left for the United States in mid-2022 and their families have not heard from them. They paid ransoms to alleged kidnappers. Among the dangers faced by Ecuadorian emigrants on their...
Thankfully, the three colors are nice
On our drive back from Cuenca this week, it became clear to my wife and I that elections were coming up in February. Not because we read about them. Or because we knew when elections occur (like we do in the US). It was because of all the posters, banners, signs and other advertising that […]
Three major Azuay highway projects planned for 2023
State planning for this year includes the rehabilitation of two roads that connect Azuay with the country, and a public-private alliance that is being sought to build a new Cuenca-Guayaquil highway. Authorities and unions of Azuay hope that at least three of the road projects that are pending in the province will be completed this […]
Two Ecuadorian researchers participate in worldwide study on the impact of grazing on the environment
Carlos Espinosa and Elizabeth Gusmán were part of a team of hundreds of researchers that determined the negative impact of grazing in drylands. The results of the study were published in the journal Science. For the first time, hundreds of scientists evaluated the impact of grazing in arid and semi-arid areas of the planet. Two […]
Violent start to the year in the provinces that are on the ‘drug route’
In the first 10 days of the year, there were 162 violent deaths in Ecuador, of which 80% were registered in just five provinces on the Coast. Firearms were involved in 86% of the cases. The year...
Rains remove risk of blackouts, but dry season has not been overcome
Update to: Cuenca experiences unusual weather and prolonged drought Published: Volume 7, Issue 14 With the recent rains, the scenario improved, but the dry season has not yet been overcome. The plan to recover thermoelectric plants continues. There is a recovery of rains in the eastern basin of Ecuador, which has made it possible to […]