Bolivia: blockade is lifted in the Chiquitania, Santa Cruz

The road and railroad blockade that started as of zero hours today, was lifted. Road transportation is restored, no news about railroad operations, per El Deber’s website. However, there is still the threat that blockade could start again sometime tomorrow… they are also requesting that the Customs National Director, Marlene Ardaya resigns from that position, as…

Is Bolivia competitive?

According to the World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org); The Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012 ranks Bolivia in place 103 of a total of 142 countries; Bolivia has therefore 102 countries ahead of itself to become the first in terms of Competitiveness. If we look at this first graph, in terms of the GDP, we are well…

Bolivia’s hectic times, September 2011

This cartoon is from El Diario, 9/13/11. It shows how common citizens perceive the problems we face daily. There are black clouds filled with strikes, marches, protests, pressing measures, blockades. While government officials, ministers and congressmen do not suffer as we do. Today there is a strike in the Chiquitania, road and railroad will be…

Bolivian Briefs: TIPNIS; mining; unemployment; day light savings

TIPNIS: The head of the coca growers in Caranavi, La Paz, Juan Machaca is threatening to blockade the TIPNIS protest walk; if the group does not meet with the government. He demands that the road through the TIPNIS and hydrocarbon investments should continue as they will bring development. http://www.eldeber.com.bo/2011/2011-09-13/vernotaahora.php?id=110912191751 Today, the presence of the Foreign Affairs Minister, David Choquehuanca…

Sadly evidence: UN report on Bolivian coca crop

Pagina Siete reports coca crops in Chapare is extending to Yapacani, see below map: Reports warns that 22% of the coca leaf are inside the National Parks of the Chapare, Cochabamba. Around 39 hectares are reported in Yapacani, Santa Cruz; report was delivered yesterday to the Bolivian government. [remember that in the past, coca growers always “claimed”…