CuencaHighLife

Cuenca residents feeling safer as crime rate drops according to new surveys

August 4th, 2015

Although the residents of Cuenca still have major concerns about crime, they are feeling safer than they have in years and believe the government’s investment in law enforcement is paying […]

Chilean military officers from Pinochet era arrested in connection to the murder of popular singer Victor Jara and the burning of two activists

August 4th, 2015

By Rhea Page Last week saw the arrests of a total of 17 former Chilean army officers for two of the most resonant crimes committed during the Augusto Pinochet period: […]

For the first time years, there are more Europeans emigrating to Latin American than Latinos heading to Europe; Ecuador is a favorite destination

August 3rd, 2015

The migration flow between the European Union to Latin America has reversed course, says a new study from International Organization for Migration (IOM). Now, more Europeans are heading to Latin […]

Discussions begin on amendment that would allow Correa to run again, as well as 15 others; opponents of indefinite reelection push for a public vote

August 2nd, 2015

The National Assembly will begin debate of 16 proposed constitutional amendments later this month, including one that would allow President Rafael Correa to seek another term. Some of the amendments […]

Ecuadorian fungus could speed up the decomposition of plastics in landfills

August 2nd, 2015

By Amanda Froelich On an expedition to the Ecuadorian rainforest, Yale University students discovered a new type of fungus which may speed up the decomposition process of discarded plastics in […]

Does Loja have the world’s best weather; U.S. News and World Report says so

August 2nd, 2015

By Josh Lew Lots of places claim to have perfect weather. Of course, the definition of “perfect” is subjective. About 85 degrees and sunny is ideal for some, while others […]

Construction industry and building materials manufacturers are hit hard by decline in real estate sales and the uncertainty about tax increases

August 1st, 2015

As real estate sales decline, Ecuador building contractors and manufacturers of building materials say they are facing hard times. Some say they may have to close their doors. Although construction […]

Latacunga official proposes suspending ‘Black Mama’ parade and festival

August 1st, 2015

Latacunga councilman Garcia Moreno is proposing that the city cancel this year’s Mama Negra, or Black Mama, parade and festival due to the threat from the Cotopaxi volcano. “All our […]

Cuenca’s Citizen Guards are getting English language lessons

July 31st, 2015

Thirty Citizen Guards are attending English classes at the University of Cuenca for the purpose of improving communication with tourists and foreign residents. Two graduate students in the university’s English […]

Correa says he is undecided on seeking another term; that the country has not ‘sold out’ to China; and that the dollar will remain the official currency

July 31st, 2015

In an interview with journalists from Panama, Brazil and Argentina that covered a wide range of subjects, President Rafael Correa said he has not decided whether to run again for […]

Cuenca bus battle: Bus drivers claim that companies have fired workers who want to unionize; they also complain about poor working conditions

July 31st, 2015

Ecuador’s Ministry of Labor is investigating claims that Cuenca bus companies have fired drivers who were attempting to form a union. The drivers have complained for months about long working […]

Venezuelan liquor rep is arrested after he warns that beer supplies are running low and complains about excessive liquor taxes and regulation

July 30th, 2015

Without knowing the crimes alleged against him, the general director of the Venezuelan Federation of Liquor Producers (Fevelif) was arrested on July 24. According to local media, Fray Roa was […]