NotiCen: Central American & Caribbean Affairs articles from March 2003

NotiCen: Central American & Caribbean Affairs archives from March 2003

REGION RUDELY AWAKENED IN CAFTA SECOND ROUND.
March 6, 2003... The second round of negotiations toward a Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) concluded in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the end of February with the first signs of disagreement between Central Americans and the US (see NotiCen, 2003-02- 06)....

CUBA UNDERTAKES WAR ON DRUGS.
March 6, 2003... In recent weeks, the Cuban government has tried to elevate national awareness of the threat from illegal drug sales and consumption. The campaign is backed by a powerful new law, extensive television and print coverage, and greatly increased...

REGION: NEW BOOST FOR RUTA MAYA.
March 6, 2003... An international organization has recently announced a US$147 million initiative to boost tourism in Central America and Mexico. This is a joint project encompassing Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras for "sustainable tourism...

NICARAGUA BEANS EMBARGOED, AS MEXICO RENIGS ON TRADE AGREEMENT.
March 13, 2003... Nicaragua has threatened to halt the importation of certain Mexican goods in reprisal for Mexico's having locked out black beans coming from the Central American country (see SourceMex, 2003-12-03). Agriculture and Forestry (Magfor) Minister...

GUATEMALAN MIGRANTS ABUSED AND DEPORTED.
March 13, 2003... Guatemalans seeking a better life in the north are being returned to their home country in rapidly increasing numbers, many in far worse condition than when they left. They are victims of new policies from a xenophobic US Department of...

HAITI: TRAPPED IN THE TITANIC.
March 13, 2003... [The following article by Jane Regan is reprinted with the permission of Noticias Aliadas in Lima, Peru. It appeared in the Feb. 26, 2003, edition of Latinamerica Press.] "I've been in here for six years," said Gustave Loiseau as he...

EL SAVADOR ELECTION RESULTS STRENGTHEN F.M.L.N., BUT LITTLE CHANGE IS EXPECTED.
March 20, 2003... The major party of the left, the Faribundo Marti para la Liberacion Nacional (FMLN), appears to have gained some strength in El Salvador's March 16 elections. For the third time running, the FMLN has captured the mayoralty of San Salvador....

BELEAGURED GARIFUNA ADD COCONUT DISEASE TO LIST OF SURVIVAL THREATS.
March 20, 2003... Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD) has ripped through the Caribbean Coast of Central America, destroying the major species of coconut palm in its path. It is also destroying the livelihood of the much-abused Garifuna people. The Garifuna are...

GUATEMALA TEACHER'S STRIKE FOCUSES COUNTRY ON EDUCATION.
March 20, 2003... [The following article by Jill Replogle is reprinted with the permission of Noticias Aliadas in Lima, Peru. It appeared in the Feb. 26, 2003, edition of Latinamerica Press.] While children's voices trickle out into the morning air from a...

REGION REACTS TO IRAQ WAR.
March 27, 2003... Reaction to Washington's war in Iraq drew mixed, but generally downbeat, reaction throughout the region. Spokespeople from the spectrum of civil society voiced concerns reflecting the economic and moral consequences to their countries, while...

WATCHDOG AGENCY REPORTS ON MEDIA CONDITIONS IN REGION.
March 27, 2003... The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) held its semiannual meeting in El Salvador in late March, during which the organization examined, country by country, restrictions placed upon the press by governments and other entities, and abuses...