On a national scale, the survey reveals that 42% of respondents are seriously considering leaving the country.
Where are you all?
I’m taking a break from my column this week, but I wanted to leave you with a column I wrote back in August of 2017 (Volume 2, Issue 17). Why this? And why now? Well, because the results of the recent census say that Cuenca has 5,000 expats. So….. It seems like every day Codie […]
“It looked like scabies, and it hurt as if my stomach had been hit,” says a woman who contracted dengue
There are 13,075 cases of dengue reported in Ecuador in 2024. Deaths reached fifteen as of March 16, almost half of the 33 deaths in all of 2023.
Three corruption cases and 76 defendants (list included) tarnish the State and political parties
The exposure of the Encuentro, Metastasis, and Purge cases has placed numerous public officials in precarious positions and raised suspicions regarding various political figures.
How Madrid became the “Miami of Europe”
Miami was long the benchmark for Latin Americans seeking a better life, especially those with more economic resources and a taste for luxury.
Turquoise-necked hummingbird could become Ecuador’s first extinct endemic species
The initial spotting of the bird dates back to the 19th century, in Pichincha.
Growing Indigenous Resistance Against Mining Projects in Ecuador
Governments are actively promoting foreign investment in mining, resulting in substantial exports totaling $3.324 billion between January and December 2023.
Prosecutor Salazar Confronts New Attack from Ronny Aleaga: “They Will Not Distract Us”
Ronny Aleaga’s recent video announcement, pledging to expose chats with prosecutor Diana Salazar, has drawn swift response from the Prosecutor’s Office, labeling it a “new smear campaign.”
Update: The Central Bank forecasts a 1% growth for the Ecuadorian economy in 2024, reflecting decreased consumption among Ecuadorian families and a reduction in government spending
Update to: Growth of Ecuadorian economy expected to be minimal in 2023 Published: Volume 7, Issue 14 According to the Central Bank’s latest projection dated March 28, 2024, Ecuador’s economy is expected to grow by 1% this year, attributed to decreased household and government expenditures. This growth is a decline compared to the 2.4% positive […]
Update: Nene Case: Hearing Scheduled for Francisco Sebastián BA’s Preventive Detention Appeal on April 3
Update to: Vice President Verónica Abad’s son to face trial in ‘Nene’ case Published: Volume 8, Issue 25 Francisco Sebastián BA, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, is currently held in La Roca prison in Guayaquil, considered a maximum-security facility. The First Court of the Specialized Criminal Chamber for the Judgment of Crimes related […]
“They are pressuring me to resign so they can remove me from office,” denounced Verónica Abad, Vice President of the Republic.
The Vice President held Daniel Noboa responsible for her life and that of her son, who was prosecuted and imprisoned in La Roca. "Why do you hate me, President?" "They are pressuring me to resign and leave. (...) It is a blow to my life and to the institutions of the...
A Galapagos forest is in danger of extinction from invasive plant species
The results of a recent study underscore the vital role of controlling invasive plants in preserving this unique forest ecosystem. A recent study conducted by scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), has raised alarm about the escalating threat posed by invasive plant species to the […]
Conaie warns of possible indigenous uprising against mining
The indigenous movement will carry out a solidarity strike in Cotopaxi on Wednesday and demand that the Assembly investigate the family of President Daniel Noboa. Conaie has declared itself in permanent assemblies to remain vigilant regarding the potential for an indigenous uprising against mining. The indigenous movement is set to conduct a solidarity strike in […]
Ecuador Navigates Economic Challenges with IMF Agreement Looming
Ecuador's country risk rises due to Fed policy and bond sales, prompting IMF agreement pursuit. Ecuador finds itself at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory as the country risk, a measure of international confidence in debt payments, escalates past 1,300...
Justice is starting to go blind
Okay, if you haven’t done it yet, read these two stories in today’s Dispatch before you read this column: “ Vice President Verónica Abad’s son to face trial in ‘Nene’ case “They are pressuring me to resign so they can remove me from office,” denounced Verónica Abad, Vice President of the Republic. Okay, now, one […]
In Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, 17,000 farmers teeter on the brink of bankruptcy
A landslide, caused by severe drought, demolished the water collection system in the Latacunga-Salcedo-Ambato irrigation canal, which provides water to farmers in three cantons in the central region of the country. In the northern area of Ambato (Tungurahua), as well as in Salcedo and Latacunga (Cotopaxi), over 17,000 vegetable producers are in despair due to […]
“Since when does thinking differently mean being a traitor?” Pierina Correa questions in reference to the Tourism Law.
Legislator Pierina Correa defends herself, affirming that some of the criticisms from the Correísmo regarding the Tourism Law were acknowledged. She rejects the label of "traitor" within her own caucus. The decision of seven assembly members of the Citizen Revolution...
President Noboa Signs Declarations Upholding Press Freedom in Ecuador
Delegation of the Inter-American Press Association suggested to the president to strengthen the protection mechanism for journalists in Ecuador. During a significant meeting with representatives of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador demonstrated his commitment to press freedom by signing the Chapultepec and Salta declarations. This event, which unfolded on March […]
Mining Chamber says, “The country cannot be subject to the opinion of a political actor, like Iza”
María Eulalia Silva, President of the Chamber of Mining, rebuffed Leonidas Iza’s calls for protests against mining and elucidated the ongoing environmental consultation process for the La Plata mining project in Cotopaxi. Amid resistance from anti-mining factions, the Ministry of the Environment initiated the informational phase of the environmental consultation for the La Plata mining […]
Update: El Niño is weakening in Ecuador, though rainfall and extreme heat persist.
Update to: El Niño Weakens, Making Way for La Niña: Ecuador Prepares for Weather Fluctuations Published: Volume 8, Issue 24 According to forecasts from the Erfen Committee, rains and extreme temperatures will persist in Ecuador until March 31, 2024. On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the National Committee monitoring the El Niño phenomenon released a new […]
Vice President Verónica Abad’s son to face trial in ‘Nene’ case
The Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing Francisco Barreiro, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, on charges of alleged influence peddling. On Friday, March 22, 2024, Judge María Fernanda Castro ordered Francisco Sebastián Barreiro, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, to be held in preventive detention amid investigations into the Nene case. Barreiro, detained in […]
Banks and Cooperatives will pay almost $200 million in taxes to fund the internal armed conflict
Under the Law aimed at addressing the armed conflict, banks and cooperatives are required to remit taxes ranging from 5% to 25% in May 2024, contingent upon their respective profit margins. Banks and cooperatives in Ecuador are facing a significant tax burden, with...
Illegal mining advances uncontrolled in the Ecuadorian Amazon and threatens protected areas and indigenous communities
by David Tarazona on March 15, 2024 Mining – both illegal and legal – went from deforesting 185 hectares in the Punino River, Napo, in 2022 to 784 in 2023, according to the most recent report from the Andean Amazon Monitoring Project (MAAP) and the Ecociencia...
“It is a country of opportunities, without crime,” says an Ecuadorian migrant in New York.
An old New York airfield located “in the middle of nowhere” is the camp that houses dozens of Ecuadorian migrants seeking asylum. Gusts of polar wind sweep across the runways of an old, disused New York airfield. It is the “middle of nowhere” that houses some 1,800 migrants, including Ecuadorians, who have become a symbol […]
Causes for hope
Before I compose this column each week, I take a sneak peek at the upcoming articles set for publication. It’s my routine to fashion my column around a central theme, drawing inspiration from one of the standout stories. Usually, it’s a smooth process, as one story often shines brighter than the rest. But this week, […]
El Niño Weakens, Making Way for La Niña: Ecuador Prepares for Weather Fluctuations
April may bring an end to El Nino conditions and an influx of La Nina conditions by mid-year. The El Niño phenomenon, which has dominated weather patterns in recent months, is now in decline, according to Frigate Captain Luis Morales, General Coordinator of Oceanographic Affairs of the Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Ecuadorian Navy […]
Foreign Minister Sommerfeld refutes the notion of ‘bukelization’ in Ecuador’s fight against organized crime
Ecuadorian foreign minister Gabriela Sommerfeld reiterated the government's success in reducing the homicide rate by 60% under Daniel Noboa's administration, following the imposition of a state of emergency last January. Ecuador has witnessed an alarming eight-fold...
Metastasis case investigation is completed, preparatory hearing being scheduled
The Metastasis case has completed its investigation phase, highlighting a complex web of legal entanglements involving 52 individuals. April 13th marked the culmination of 120 days since the inception of the investigation phase. At this juncture, the Attorney General, Diana Salazar, is tasked with petitioning the National Court of Justice for the scheduling of the […]
Iza says Conaie will push for ‘NO’ vote for popular consultation, accuses Noboa of trying to break up indigenous movement
Conaie, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, has taken a firm stance against the upcoming referendum and popular consultation initiated by President Daniel Noboa’s government, slated for April 21st. The expanded council of Conaie, comprising representatives from fifteen indigenous nationalities, articulated their reasons for advocating a ‘No’ vote on all eleven questions posed in […]
Prosecutor Diana Salazar Continues to Stir Both Criticism and Applause
As Correísmo section of the Assembly threatens impeachment, Salazar continues to bring corruption charges against politicians and members of the judiciary. Prosecutor Diana Salazar stands as a polarizing figure in Ecuador's legal landscape, commanding both admiration...