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Noviembre 29, 2004
No Ruling on Aguas del Tunari Case Yet
Speculation arose last month that the international tribunal, (Icsid) from the World Bank was ready to hand down a ruling concerning Aguas del Tunari. Speculation also followed that the ruling wouldn’t be very favorable for Bolivia. As you may remember, the “Guerra del Agua” in Cochabamba forced the Banzer adminstration to scrap privatization plans for that city’s water system. In turn, the consortium, with Bechtel at the forefront, sued the Bolivian government, a move now legal because of a previously-signed agreement.
However, no ruling appears imminent. In addition, it appears as if Bechtel has reached an agreement with the Bolivian government, but the other member of the consortium is still looking for financial damages.
The deputy minister denied there was any substance in local press reports that the government was on the point of losing the case, meaning it would have to pay US$25mn in compensation.
"The tribunal has not yet decided whether it is competent to hear the case let alone decide its merit," he said.
What made the murmurings even more a cause for concern was that in coincided with the debate about the Hydrocarbons Law. Some said the rumors of a huge cash reward to the consortium was a sign of things to come, if and when, the Congress forced the oil companies to adhere to the new law unwillingly.
Posted by eduardo at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 28, 2004
Bolivia - Week in Review
A bomb rocks the Ministry of Defense in La Paz. Fortunately, the explosion took place at night and no one was injured. This was the latest explosion by dynamite in the last ten days. Other targets included a military installation and the television channel P.A.T., which current President Carlos Mesa was one of the founding members. These explosions, in which a former ministry official in the Banzer/Quiroga adminstration was arrested for his participation, coupled with rumors of another coup involving the U.S. Embassy have brought added tension to the political landscape.
Gas is discovered in the Department of Potosi, which is a blessing and curse at the same time. Whether or not this gas will be industralized or exported may be a moot point. Officials say that this gas is already owned by Zapata Corporation, which is a multinational corporation where former President George H.W. Bush owns a large holding. Ministry of Hydrocarbons officials say that the detail is untrue. This could make the issue even more polarizing.
Mexican President Vicente Fox will swing by after a trip to Peru. These bilateral and regional talks will mostly center on the hydrocarbon export issue.
A "Guerra del Agua" Part II may be brewing in El Alto. The privatized water service, Aguas del Illimani, has been the target of an association of Neighborhood groups (FEJUVE), which says that the company has not been completing its duties. The private company employs 400 Bolivians and has already invested $63 million dollars in the city. The Superintendent of Basic Sanitation says that Aguas del Illimani has met all of its measurable goals, but there will be an evaluation to review the Neighborhood Groups' complaints. FEJUVE has announced a possible strike for this coming week.
On a brighter note, Bolivar took home an important point from Quito in la Ida(first leg) of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. Down 0-1, Argentine forward Horacio Chiorazzo struck a perfect ball that beat the Liga Deportiva - Quito goalkeeper giving la Academia an excellent opportunity to win this Thursday night. The winner gets a chance to play the Boca Juniors (Arg) - Internacional (Bra) winner.
Posted by eduardo at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)
Bolivia and Its Socialist Regime
...well, at least according to Dateline D.C. from this conservative Pittsburgh Live columnist.
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador, Uruguay and Venezuela all have socialist regimes.
and apparently Bolivian politics is overrun by Commies.
In each of these countries, old-time communist parties are flourishing. During the era of Bill Clinton, nothing was done to counterattack -- most certainly not in Colin Powell's State Department-- which remained a hive of Clintonistas
And don't forget about Bolivian football, it is overrun by Communists as well. After all, the most successful team, Bolivar's head coach is named Vladimir Soria.
Posted by eduardo at 08:57 PM | Comments (0)
International Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping has never been high on my list of favorite activities. Every week or so I take the four-minute drive over to Shopper’s Food, mainly because it does not require one of those member cards, which makes me uncomfortable how the store can track your purchases.
What I like most about my shopping trip is the environment that typifies the current demographics of Northern Virginia. Immigrants have settled the immediate area, and not just the usual Latin-American. It's a "It's a Small World" under one roof.
Up and down the cereal aisle, you try and guess the language being spoken. Parents talk to their grade-school age children in their native language, and the children answer back in English (much like my brothers and I did growing up in Western Kansas).
Even trying to guess from what country the Latin American immigrants come from can be a hard challenge, even though some accents are obvious, like Argentine. Sometimes an Universitario (Peru) or Chivas (Mexico) futbol jersey provides a helpful hint.
The atmosphere for immigrants is much more welcoming for them because not only are the customers relatively-new immigrants, but so are the cashiers, stockers, and managers. From the most recent trip to the grocery store, I noticed Latin-Americans, African muslims, Middle eastern muslims, Southeast Asians, Russians, Pakistani or Indian, and Sudanese (my guesses).
This is now what the United States is to me. A place that attracts people from all over the world, with such diverse life’s stories and gives them the opportunity to start somewhere and move forward.
Posted by eduardo at 07:10 PM | Comments (4)
25 de Mayo - Cochabamba
The intersection of Avenida Heroinas and 25 de Mayo.
Posted by eduardo at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)
Noviembre 26, 2004
Another Goni Interview
The St. Petersburg Times had a chance to chat with Goni, in one of his rare interviews.
His overthrow still hurts. But a year later, "Goni," as he is universally known, is philosophical about it. "When something as traumatic happens to you as happened to me, there's one lesson you have to learn," he said, over an outdoor lunch by the Miami River. "First, it's not all my fault. And two, it's not everybody else's fault, either. It's some place in between."
A fair story, and it appears he is no longer overwhelmingly bitter at the events. In his past interviews, Goni blamed the "narco-terrorists" for his ousting.
Goni also talked about the lack of support from the Bush administration, even though he dangled the natural gas carrot in front of them. Instead of receiving 150 million dollars in loans, Bolivia only received 10 million.
"The tragedy of Bolivia is that we were one step away from the fruits of reform," said Sanchez de Lozada. "We lost that moment."
Despite his rueful reminiscing, Sanchez de Lozada has not given up on his homeland altogether. As the world's energy resources become scarcer - and costlier - he hopes that Bolivia's natural gas deposits eventually will be tapped. But for that to happen, Washington will have to shift its attention. He offers some parting advice for U.S. policymakers: "It's a lot easier to handle Latin America than the Middle East."
Posted by eduardo at 07:49 PM | Comments (2)
Noviembre 25, 2004
A Very Bolivian Thanksgiving
I'll be having Thanksgiving dinner at my cousins' house. After dinner, instead of watching football, we'll be watching fútbol. Bolivar plays Liga Deportiva Universitario - Quito for the semifinals of the Copa Sudadmericana. Again, thanks to satellite TV, we'll be watching the game live on Fox Sports en Español.
Posted by eduardo at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 24, 2004
Resource Webpage
I ran across a great website: enlared.org, which provides great information regarding municipalities, legislation and other public information. Over the weekend, I am going to spend some time investigating. An example of some information I found:
Monthly (Official) Salaries for the Mayor (2003):
Santa Cruz: Bs. 20875 ($2,609 USD)
La Paz: Bs. 19500 ($2,437 USD)
Cochabamba: Bs. 16000 ($2,000 USD)
El Alto: Bs. 9600 ($ 1,200 USD)
Minimum National Wage: Bs. 440 ($55 USD)
Note: Miguel B. asked whether the numbers were correct. I had to double check that the amount given was a monthly wage and not an annual wage. This article in El Deber shows that the mayor's salary is 47 times that of the minimum montly wage.
Posted by eduardo at 05:29 PM | Comments (3)
Trancapechera
A trancapecho street vendor in Tiquipaya.
Posted by eduardo at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 22, 2004
National Team Mess
National Team Captain, Luis Hector Cristaldo, tests positive for cocaine. He claims that the test results are false and is an attempt to discredit him, so that he is removed from the team once and for all.
National Team goalkeepr, Leo Fernandez, does not return to Bolivia after last week’s game against Colombia. Instead he returned to his native Buenos Aires claiming that he fears for his life in Santa Cruz. Police investigation finds conflicting stories between Fernandez and his companion’s stories regarding that night’s events. Tests show that the bullets were fired when the vehicle and the one who fired the gun, were not in motion. Some police label the incident as an “auto-atentado”.
It was revealed that National Team goalscorer, Joaquin Botero, had no desire to travel to Colombia for last week’s game. He simply wasn’t going to show up and stay with his Mexican club team, Pumas. His club forced him to comply so that the club team would not face FIFA sanctions.
Many ex-players like Marco Antonio Etcheverry have been embarrassed by the recent results and circus-like atmosphere surrounding the team. In the recent farewell tribute match for legendary and flamboyant Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, el Diablo had a chance to chat with Chilavert. It was reported that Etcheverry had asked Chilavert, whether he had interest in becoming the head coach of the Bolivian National Team, and the response was favorable. Although the matter rests entirely with the Federation.
What will happen on next month’s episode of this telenovela?
Posted by eduardo at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 21, 2004
Fans
You don’t have to be an NBA basketball fan to have seen the fight between the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Pistons fans. When two players decided to jump into the stands to respond to flying debris (a cup of ice), it reminded me of my experiences at futbol matches in Cochabamba and grateful that the public is kept far from the field.
I must have attended at least a hundred games at the Stadium Felix Capriles, where I saw water balloons, oranges, full 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola, and firecrackers tossed at opposing players, opposing coaches, referees, and even at their own players.
I even saw Bolivar fans throw a tear gas canister towards a group of Wilstermann fans in the Curva Sud ,which included elderly and young children.
Thankfully, there is huge chain link fence topped by barbed wire and an athletic track that separates the public from the players. When the players retire the dressing room, they are escorted by police who hold their plexiglass shields as a makeshift tunnel.
Also, thankfully there is no alcohol served in the stadiums in Bolivia. That would be add more fuel to the unruly behavior. I have seen police located in the stands only once during all my time going to the Stadium.
However, one of the strangest items tossed onto the pitch was that infamous pig’s head that was launched by Barcelona fans at their traitor, Luis Figo, after transferring to arch-rival Real Madrid.
Posted by eduardo at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 20, 2004
The School of the Americas and Bolivia
A friend of mine is down at Fort Benning, Georgia this weekend protesting the School of the Americas (SOA), or the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation as it is called now. Now public protests aren't generally my cup of tea, but this is definitely a cause that I can get behind. As I began to learn about the School and its connection with Bolivian dictators and military thugs, the movement piqued my interest
Students (better known as soldiers) are brought from all across Latin America to improve techniques and their skills in combating whatever crisis their respective countries find themsevles at the time (not so subtly nudged on by the United States). In the 1980s it was the left-wing rebel forces and innocent civilians in Central America that were painted red (literally and figuratively). Now after the Cold War has been declared over, other threats are holding the Andes, in particular, hostage. In Colombia's case it is the FARC and ELN and its relation with the drug trade. In Bolivia, these officers are thrown into the volatile Chapare region and are involved with the forced eradication of the coca.
This School has been in operation for over fifty years, and some of its graduates have participated in atrocities, such as the Massacre of El Mozote in El Salvador and graduates were implicated in the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. In Bolivia, SOA graduates were responsible for the murder of Father Luis Espinal, a Spanish classmate of a good Jesuit friend of mine. The School of the Americas Watch's Bolivia profile:
Another strong supporter of Garcia Meza’s coup was SOA graduate Gen. Hugo Banzer, who himself had acted as dictator from 1971 to 1978. He was notorious for the "Banzer Plan" to silence outspoken members of the church. That plan became a blueprint for repression throughout Latin America. Banzer was also known for sheltering Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie, "The Butcher of Lyon," and for his links to drug trafficking groups. In 1988, Banzer was chosen for the SOA Hall of Fame.
This weekend's protest coincides with a book I am reading. I am more than halfway through, but so far the author has been able to get relatively unfettered access to current students, instructors, and PR officials.
Now, I do not think that the School actively instructs students to violate human rights or human dignity explicitly. However, an attitude is fostered that encourages the machismo tendencies of Latin American military men. Ask any 17 or 18 year old Bolivian how his experience in el "pre" (pre-military compulsory service) and you would be appalled at the treatment of "inferior" conscripts, especially those from indigenous or provincial backgrounds.
These Latin American soliders, often rewarded with a trip to the SOA, as a result of a paternalistic institution like the military, arrive in the U.S. and discover a new world. They begin to see their status elevated when they return to their home countries. Attempts to distance themselves from those threats (not coincidentally alongside with the indigenous and poor) in their countries often leads to a blurring where they cannot distinguish true criminals from lowlevel and innocent bystanders. To them, they are all one in the same in their fight against their "enemy".
Posted by eduardo at 09:35 PM | Comments (7)
Noviembre 19, 2004
No Photoshop Here
Even though it looks like a doctored photo, I found this strange actual picture in Yahoo.
This photo shows President Carlos Mesa volunteering as a prop in a bicycle demonstration. This took place during the hot air balloon festival in Uyuni. The bicycle demonstration was a part of the entertainment that included folkloric dances and models. I'm almost embarrassed for him.
Is there anything this guy won't do for his country?
Posted by eduardo at 11:00 PM | Comments (3)
Noviembre 18, 2004
Where In the World is Goni?
Everyone knows he is in Washington DC doing "work" from his office in Chevy Chase, MD. The ex-President even admitted that he would be safer in a prison in Bolivia, than in Washington DC due to his fears that a terrorist-planted nuclear bomb would target the nation's capital.
The ambassador to Bolivia recently confirmed that Goni does not have American citizenship, from the time he lived and studied in the United Stats. How did he suddenly get permission under stricter immigration laws to stay? There are reports that he is in the country on a student spouse visa, as his wife is studying English at Georgetown University.
Another nontraditional student, ex-minister Carlos Sanchez Berzain, also seems to be in the country with a student visa.
Reside con su familia (esposa y dos hijas) en la ciudad de Miami. Fuentes políticas informaron que el ex ministro de Defensa decidió realizar estudios en una universidad, pero no pudieron precisar qué carrera o curso de posgrado fue elegido por el ex funcionario. Las fuentes ignoran sus labores privadas.
Maybe he joined a frat and is competing in diving tournaments.
Posted by eduardo at 01:55 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 17, 2004
What a MAS Rally Looks Like
There was a definite aroma of the coca leaf in the air, which is a good thing in my view. I love the distinct smell of that controversial crop. People were bussed in from all across the Department, especially the Chapare Region, where MAS will most likely sweep the upcoming municipal elections.
With cookie-cutter flags of the whipala (the multi-colored rainbow flag representing all the indigenous groups) and the blue and black MAS party flags, those in attendance seemed to be obligated to be there. Many sat idly on the steps surrounding the plaza 14 de Septiembre trying to avoid the mid-afternoon heat and taking advantage of the dozens of food and drink vendors who had converged on the area to sell to the crowd.
The only time the MAS militantes “raised the roof” was when the PA Announcer would ask: “Is Sacaba in the house?” (or something like that) and those from that nearby city would cheer. The out-of-tune brass band played the Bolivian national anthem and the Cochabamba song (which is not a Cumbia Villera, by the way).
Gathering in the plaza principal in the middle of Cochabamba, MAS announced their candidates for all the municipalities of the Department of Cochabamba. I went down to see what all the hubbub was about, and to hear my candidate Gonzalo Lema speak.
Normally, I don’t consider myself a supporter of the MAS party because of certain tactics and a less-than democratic approach to their new role in Bolivian politics. However, I like Lema, because of what I had heard during his many interviews. He also appeals to the middle “mestizo” class, which has not been made to feel very welcome in that party. And I think MAS deserves a shot of governing, instead of constantly being in opposition without being able to prove their worth.
One example of the less-than democratic methods being displayed when those on stage were introduced, Evo Morales, the head of MAS, was presented as the “Candidate for President for the Elections of 2007”.
It is nice to know that there is no room for another figure to emerge from MAS to try and fight for their beliefs and convictions. Evo is such a polarizing figure in the country, and the mere mention of his name or presence conjures up the memories of blockades and marches, something that most Bolivians have grown weary of. If Evo was truly committed to democracy and letting the platform of MAS try to make a splash on the national scene, then he should be open to step aside and let someone who can appeal to the entire country (yet shares his beliefs) take the helm for the Presidency.
They are already saying that no internal elections will take place, nor will there be discussion to choose where the party is going. Evo = MAS and MAS = Evo, which is just how the traditional political parties operate.
Lema is currently in a three-way tie in the Mayor polls in Cochabamba.
Posted by eduardo at 04:25 PM | Comments (2)
MAS Rally - Late October
Posted by eduardo at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 16, 2004
How Do You Translate LOL?
From Rocko's Blog
En efecto, se ha anunciado que a partir de 2005 estará disponible la versión Windows XP en quechua, que no sólo será de distribución gratuita, sino que la traducción del programa informático a la lengua de los incas está siendo realizada por académicos de Perú, país donde existe la mayor cantidad de quechuahablantes de Sudamérica, donde, en total, se estima que alrededor de 10 millones de personas comparten este idioma.
Too many modern words have no real translation in Quechua. If you would listen to a radio broadcast in Quechua, you immediately pick up bits and pieces due to the Spanish words sprinkled throughout. During the campaign for the Referendum on gas, the government created radio spots in Quechua, Aymara and Guarani'. Modern words like "REFERENDUM", "INDUSTRALIZACION", "GAS NATURAL " were used in their Spanish form because no translation exists.
Keeping words in the original language has already happened in Spanish, where many English words relating to computers and the internet have remained. It's not worth the effort to try and come up with a worthy translation. For instance, E-mail is short for Electronic Mail. In Spanish, correo electronico does not keep that trend (it is not correo-e). Rather e-mail is still e-mail, but pronounced with the "i"-sound (which is pronounced like the English "e"). Windows is not Ventanas; and the invented word "chatear" from the word "chat" is a commonly used phrase nowadays.
So it would be interesting to see how the Quechua version of Windows manages these late 20th Century words.
Posted by eduardo at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 15, 2004
Bolivia Makes Millenium Challenge List
Bolivia is one of 16 countries that have qualified to receive aid from the Millenium Challenge Corporation for the coming year. Because of its place as one of the world's poorest countries and because it shows sign of stability (in comparison with places in complete chaos), Bolivia can stand to receive grant money from the estimated $2.5 billion dollar pot.
Countries eligible must submit proposals outlining specific projects that the money will be used towards. However, the basis on which countries will be approved will be how sound their economic policies are (i.e. making sure the hydrocarbons law doesn't radically change). From the MCC website:
Reward Good Policy: Using objective indicators, countries will be selected to receive assistance based on their performance in governing justly, investing their citizens, and encouraging economic freedom.
Privatization?
Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity to have a bit more leverage so that governments and politicians can improve efficiency and reduce corruption. But on the other hand, this is the type of coercion that the IMF and World Bank employ, essentially making decisions for the governments in exchange for aid.
Posted by eduardo at 12:46 PM | Comments (2)
¡DALE CAMPEON!
Posted by eduardo at 11:21 AM | Comments (3)
Noviembre 14, 2004
DC United Final
DC UNITED VS. KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
Sunday, November 14 @ 3:30pm EST
ABC
Posted by eduardo at 08:21 AM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 12, 2004
More on Autonomies
Brilliant propaganda has vaulted the elite Cruceño leaders as the voice of an entire region. Forget about their own elected representatives from the major political parties. Forget that Santa Cruz even had one of its own as a recent President (Hugo Banzer Suarez). They never shoulder the blame for a corrupt and unresponsive centralist system.
Race plays a huge part in the longstanding conflict involving the regional autonomies. For the most part, leaders like Zvonko Matkovic and Ruben Costas are European descendants, who hold no real ethnic ties to Bolivia. In a country, where it is often shameful to be perceived as member of an indigenous class, and so many young Bolivians want to be Americans or Westernized, it is more convenient to try to identify themselves with the whiter, upperclass components of Bolivian society, thus gaining more support (this does not happen only in Santa Cruz).
Having Evo Morales oppose their strategy doesn't hurt either. Equating anyone who isn't with the strike, as a member of MAS or associated with these leftist groups, works in the same way as opposition to the Gas Referendum. When the unpopular Jaime Solares and Felipe Quispe called for a boycott and violence towards voters, the pro-Referendum supporters had an easier time to mark a contrast.
Driving a wedge down the middle and dividing the country into two halves plays right into their master plan. The "pais trabajador" and the "pais bloqueador" are phrases they frequently use to contrast entire regions. But as we have seen in the last day, the "pais trabajador" has now become the "pais bloqueador" and "pais de huelga" and the "pais de medidas de presion".
As a whole, regional autonomies will be a great thing for Bolivia. Local governments have a better idea of what problems plague their communities. They can be more responsive and accountable to their constituents, because there can be closer scrutiny. However, in the manner in which the Cruceño "leaders" are portraying their claim, they are only concerned about themselves and how power can be consolidated for their benefit.
Calling a Referendum asking Bolivians (or do they only want this Referendum for Santa Cruz?) is not that simple. It is a very complex process to decentralize the many parts of governments. Thousands of new local jobs will be created in order to provide important social, health, and education services. However, in a country in a consistent state of deficit and until the gas is extracted and exported, the economy will still be in crisis mode. Where will the funds for these new levels of government come from?
As new bureaucracy is created in the different Departments, so does new opportunities for corruption. At each level of government, where the jobs are distributed to unqualified and inept party supporters in the form of "pegas", the ruling party gets more opportunities to strengthen its power and opens up new ways to benefit from public monies. Unless, a real public sector reform takes place, the new autonomies will create mini-versions of the inefficient and corrupt national centralism government that many say is hurtful.
Will the concept of Departments (there are 9 in Bolivia) still exist? How will the rural communities fit into this new system? New forms of checks and balances, including judicial and legislative, may need to be created. Again, how and from what money will this be accomplished?
These are the types of things that would need to be discussed, debated, and pondered in a Constituent Assembly (and not in a rapidly put-together Referendum ballot). A simple "yes" or "no" Referendum vote is too easy. The propaganda makes it seem so. So not everyone who opposes Sr. Costas, Sr. Matkovic and the other elite leaders, is for the outdated and broken centralist government; however, these "leaders" sure make it seem like they are.
Posted by eduardo at 03:09 PM | Comments (2)
La Seleccion in Washington
The Bolivian National Team arrived in Washington, DC to play a friendly match against Guatemala. From DC the squad will travel to Colombia for their Wednesday match in Barranquilla.
The team almost chose not to board the flight because of the prize money that would be paid out. They claimed that the dirigentes had promised $1000 would be paid to each player. However, moments before boarding the flight in Santa Cruz, the amount was lowered to $500. General consensus was the players would forfeit the game. Yet, when a clause stating that a forfeiture would cost the Federation a fine of $100,000 (double of what would be paid out), the dirigentes upped the prize money back to the original figure.
Tickets for the match are $30. However, I am currently in Maine and will not be back in the city for this match.
Posted by eduardo at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)
Incidents of Violence in Santa Cruz
Even though, the strike in Santa Cruz was a relative success in the eyes of the regional "leaders", as predicted there were strong-armed tactics and violence towards those that did not choose to join the strike.
En las ediciones meridianas, los medios televisivos cruceños mostraron imágenes de grupos de brigadistas que emplearon chicotes para obligar a los transportistas que no acataron el paro a detenerse, e incluso pincharon llantas para evitar que los motorizados se pongan en marcha. En otros puntos de bloqueo se vio a personas en estado de ebriedad que controlaban el cumplimiento de la medida de presión
These are the same tactics used in the Occident that many in Santa Cruz mock in disdain. They claim that this is what separates them from the rest of the country. But in the end, the tactics are the same.
Posted by eduardo at 11:30 AM | Comments (2)
Noviembre 11, 2004
Santa Cruz in Paro
As promised, the Comites Civicos of Santa Cruz and Tarija have come through on their threat. An organized general strike began this morning at 12 a.m. For the next 24 hours, no markets will be open, no cars, buses, or taxi will operate, and businesses will be closed. Now, it is not a national holiday, nor is it a mandated law, but the civic leaders and other leaders have a way of making people comply.
Their demand is for a Referendum to take place this year for Regional autonomies. The government's position supports autonomies for all the regions, but have said that this is an issue that should be discussed in the upcoming Constituent Assembly.
Apparently, the strike is supported by the transportistas, campesinos, and other gremialistas. But as with any strike, those most affected are the working poor, who usually hope to sell enough product that day to put food on the table.
In order to make sure that no vehicles circulate today, the Unión Juvenil Cruceñista have graciously volunteered their time to monitor this prohibition on vehicles. Most likely if this group of noble young patriots runs across a taxi cab trying to earn a living, these young men will calmly discuss the matter with the cabbie and encourage him to join in their crusade.
Or the Unión Juvenil will use violence to threaten those that don't share their views. Back in October 2003, this group of thugs attacked a group of campesinos (mostly of an indigenous background), who tried to enter Santa Cruz' main plaza asking for Goni's resignation. This targeting of poor mainly indigenous Bolivians is an example of racist hate-crimes that target so-called "collas".
As usual, with any strike, whether called by the COB, COR or Comite Civico of Santa Cruz, it ultimately hurts that region's economy. It is estimated that 8 million dollars will be lost because of this protest. In a country, where some people live off of 1 dollar a day, the rich elites heading this strike won't feel the same degree of pinch.
The leaders have also announced that they will blockade the roads within the city.
Posted by eduardo at 09:56 AM | Comments (1)
Noviembre 10, 2004
Barrio Flores, the Activist
We can really make a difference, if we put our minds to it. In this post presenting the Los Tiempos USA website, my pal Miguel wondered where his favorite dish Majao Tapao was in the sidebar poll. I then chimed in wondering the same thing about my two favorite dishes.
Lo and behold, upon my return visit all three dishes were magically added to the poll. My only problem now is that I cannot decide between sopa de mani and ch'anka de pollo. I never knew barrio flores had that much pull (not really).
So let's put that pull to the test, how about it Los Tiempos USA, how about an exclusive interview with Goni? He's only across the Potomac hiding out in Chevy Chase, MD. I'm sure he reads my page daily and ponders my amateur opinions.
But seriously, it looks as if the LT USA website has more up to date info, than their weekly newspaper, more than I expected (i.e. story about the new U.S. Attorney General). I would definitely love to see more Bolivia-specific stories, especially about the Bolivian community here. They have had good interviews with the Bolivian ambassador and consul. I think more Bolivia-specific stories would help distinguish themselves among the other Latino-focused newspapers in the area.
Posted by eduardo at 09:33 PM | Comments (1)
Noviembre 09, 2004
This Year's Best Movie is...
... I ♥ Huckabees, although the trailer does not do the movie justice.
Posted by eduardo at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 08, 2004
Goalkeeper Targeted
National Team goalkeeper Leo Fernandez was a target of an attempted murder. Two men on a motorcycle followed the car he was driving, and fired three shots. He was unhurt in the incident, although the bullets missed hitting Fernandez by a mere 15 cm.
Some speculate that this was in retribution for an incident where Fernandez got into a scuffle with an official with city-rival Blooming. This fight was said to have resulted because the official threw a rock at the Oriente team bus after Blooming lost in el Clasico. The rock-throwing incident was said to have resulted because of Fernandez' behavior and taunts towards the Blooming fans during the game.
“I don't want to think that all of this happened because of revenge over what had happened, because I cannot think that all of this happened because of that....I promise you that this was the worst moment of my life."
Although it is still quite possible that it was a random instance of violence or attempted robbery, many think that the timing was too close to discount the post-match connection. However, the incident did not deter Fernandez in joining the National Team for training camp before its important game against Colombia on November 17.
Posted by eduardo at 10:20 PM | Comments (1)
Cochabamba Plaza Principal
Cochabamba's main plaza "14 de Septiembre," located in the heart of the city. The Cathedral, alcaldia, and various newspaper kiosks surround this plaza. It is also the sight of many protests, marches or assemblies; and also people escaping the strong sun under the protection of the trees.
In the middle of the square, these message boards highlight the day's current topic. Sometimes it contains newspaper clippings about Goni, the new Hydrocarbons Law, Palestine, the war in Iraq, and in the case, support for Cuba. You can also find groups of men debating about one of these topics. Sometimes, a brave teenager tries to debate these men deadset in their ways. However, I never saw a debate turn to insults, and they always were respectful (The young men always using the Ud. form)
Posted by eduardo at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 07, 2004
Bringing the States Closer
Visiting Bolivia in the early 1990s was like leaving earth to arrive on a distant planet. On top of taking nearly 24 hours (accounting for driving to the nearest airport, connecting flights and the long layover in Miami), globalization had not yet hit. In other words, the flood of media, communication, and internet was still some time away.
Usually my trips were in the middle of summer vacation, and that meant being estranged from the happenings of baseball season. The very first thing I did upon returning to Miami International Airport was buy a USA Today. I would flip to the standings and see which teams were now in first place and I would also find out which slugger magically increased his home run totals (I used to hope that the world stood still when I was away).
Any recent newspaper was like gold to me. Sometimes when newly arrived family members would arrive in Bolivia during my stay, I would request that they bring a newspaper. I would devour every square inch of the paper (including the business section). Even my desperation would lead to my uncle asking his friend, who was a pilot on LAB, to do me a big favor and spend 35 cents and bring me back a fresh newspaper.
Television was of no help to me, either. Every channel would seemingly show el Chapulin Colorado 8/7 (no local channel broadcasted around the clock). And the internet? Forget about it, computers was something of los yanquis.
Now more than a decade later, the phenomenon of globalization can make one think that he or she had never left. Now, with the internet (with “cafés as they are known as, on every city block), you can keep up with sporting events as they happen. I once listened online to my alma mater Creighton University play in the NCAA tournament thousands of miles away in Minneapolis. Reading online newspapers, blogs, and other sites is as easy as handing over 3 Bs./hour (40 cents). I even did a little work live from Bolivia on this most recent trip.
Video rental places stock the latest movies, even those “indie” movies, that I am quite fond of. And cable TV, which costs 22 dollars/month, is even better, and cheaper, than cable TV in the states. I caught most of the Boston Red Sox’s magical run through the October playoffs, live. I saw the Vice-Presidential debate, with the help of CNN International. Most channels are commercial-free, who needs Tivo?
Now, there are better reasons to like living in South America, although these things help me miss the United States just a little bit less.
Posted by eduardo at 07:07 PM | Comments (4)
DC United Returns to Final
My luck with futbol teams hasn’t been very good. In the end, heartbreak and disappointment have been reoccurring themes. My track record with teams I support, the Bolivian National Team and club side Wilstermann has taught me to expect the worst. It’s better not to get your hopes up and avoid disillusionment. Regardless, I still manage to support these teams. However, my new hometown team, DC United, was one win away from a return to MLS Cup, a trophy they have won three times in the past. At several moments throughout the game on Saturday night, I thought I just might have brought my bad luck to my new team.
In the end, the game against the NE Revolution, was the best soccer game I have ever attended in the United States. Over 20,000 fans stood most of the game and watched the two teams trade goals. After 30 minutes of overtime and the score knotted at 3-3, penalty kicks decided the final outcome. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, stopped the final PK and sent the entire stadium into a frenzy.
Usually with penalty kicks, skill no longer plays as much of a factor. Whether or not the goalkeeper guesses correctly, usually determines the success rate. One of the star players of the team, Jaime Moreno, scored one of DC's three goals. The Bolivian forward has attracted a fair amount of attention from the area and one could see a smattering of Bolivian flags at the stadium. The final will be played next Sunday on ABC at 3:30 EST. Unfortunately, I will be returning from a trip to Maine and will rely on my trusty VCR to keep the game for my return.
Added: DC United website story
Posted by eduardo at 03:13 PM | Comments (2)
Los Tiempos USA
The Cochabamba newspaper Los Tiempos has had a U.S. version for Bolivian residents in Northern Virginia and Western Maryland. Now Los Tiempos USA has launched its website. Even though the newspaper publishes weekly editions and much of its news is dated, the paper provides news on the happenings for the Bolivian community. I usually grab the free copy to scan the ads to see if any new Bolivian restaurants have opened in the area.
Posted by eduardo at 02:40 PM | Comments (5)
Noviembre 06, 2004
Bolivia Presidents
Since 1825, Bolivia has had 78 presidents. Some, like Victor Paz Estenssoro (5 times), have served on more than one occasion. When the first President, Simon Boliviar (pictured on the left) only served for a little over than 4 months, it marked the beginning of a revolving door for the Office of the Presidency.
I don't claim to be an authority on Bolivian History, but by looking at the list below, one can see that Bolivia has gone through some rough periods in its history, including periods of serving months. In recent times, the seven-year dictatorship of Hugo Banzer Suarez ultimately led to the beginning of democratically elected Presidents. Even though, he returned to the top Executive spot, Bolivia now holds regular elections. The current President, Carlos Mesa, took over the office after Sanchez de Lozada resigned.
Bolivia also claims a woman President, Lidia Gueiler Tejada, who served for six months (1979-1980).
The Department of La Paz claims the most Presidents with 24, followed by Cochabamba with 17. Every Department except Oruro is the home of a Bolivian President. Two Venezuelans also were Presidents, when Bolivia was in its infant stage.
The small town of Tarata, in the Department of Cochabamba boasts 3 Presidents (Arce, Melgarejo, Barrientos), a remarkable accomplishment for this tiny pueblito.
Complete List of Presidents Below:
1. SIMÓN BOLÍVAR PALACIOS -(Caracas (Ven) 1783-Santa Marta (Col) 1830)12 de agosto de 1825-29 de diciembre 1825
2. ANTONIO JOSÉ DE SUCRE ALCALÁ - (Cumaná (Ven) 1783-Berruecos (Col) 1830) 29 de diciembre de 1825-18 de abril de 1828
3. JOSÉ MARÍA PÉREZ DE URDININEA -(Luribay (LP) 1784-La Paz 1865) 18 de abril de 1828-2 de agosto de 1828
4. JOSÉ MIGUEL DE VELASCO FRANCO -(Santa Cruz 1795-Santa Cruz 1859) 2 de agosto 1828-18 de diciembre de 1828
5. PEDRO BLANCO SOTO(Cochabamba 1795-Sucre 1829)26 de diciembre de 1828-1 de enero de 1829
6.JOSÉ MIGUEL DE VELASCO FRANCO 1 de enero de 1829-24 de mayo de 1829
7.ANDRÉS DE SANTA CRUZ Y CALAHUMANA (La Paz 1792-Versalles (Fra) 1865) 24 de mayo de 1829-17 de febrero de 1839
8.JOSÉ MIGUEL DE VELASCO FRANCO 22 de febrero de 1839-10 de junio de 1841
9. SEBASTIÁN ÁGREDA (Potosí 1795-La Paz 1875) 10 de junio de 1841-9 de julio de 1841
10. MARIANO ENRIQUE CALVO CUELLAR -(Sucre 1782-Cochabamba 1842) 9 de julio de 1841-22 de setiembre de 1841
11. JOSÉ BALLIVIÁN SEGUROLA -(La Paz 1805-Rio de Janeiro (Bra) 1852) 27 de setiembre 1841-23 de diciembre 1847
12. EUSEBIO GUILARTE VERA -(La Paz 1805-Cobija/Litoral 1849) 23 de diciembre de 1847-2 de enero de 184813.
13.JOSÉ MIGUEL DE VELASCO FRANCO -18 de enero de 1848-6 de diciembre de 1848
14. MANUEL ISIDORO BELZU HUMEREZ -(La Paz 1808-La Paz 1865) 6 de diciembre de 1848-15 de agosto 1855
15. JORGE CÓRDOVA -(La Paz 1822-La Paz 1861) 15 de agosto de 1855-9 de setiembre 1857
16.JOSÉ MARÍA LINARES LIZARAZU (Ticala (PT) 1808-Valparaíso (Chi) 1861) 9 de septiembre de 1857-14 de enero 1861
17. JOSÉ MARÍA ACHÁ VALIENTE (Cochabamba 1810-Cochabamba 1868) 4 de mayo de 1861-28 de diciembre de 1864
18. MARIANO MELGAREJO VALENCIA (Tarata (CB) 1820-Lima (Per) 1871) 28 de diciembre 1864-15 de enero de 1871
19. AGUSTÍN MORALES HERNÁNDEZ (La Paz 1808-La Paz 1872) 15 de enero de 1871-27 de noviembre 1872
20. TOMÁS FRÍAS AMETLLER (Potosí 1804-Florencia (Ita) 1884) 28 de noviembre 1872-9 de mayo de 1873
21. ADOLFO BALLIVIÁN COLL (La Paz 1831-Nucho (CH) 1874) 9 de mayo de 1873-31 de enero de 1874
22. TOMÁS FRÍAS AMETLLER 31 de enero de 1874-4 de mayo de 1876
23. HILARIÓN DAZA GROSELLE (Sucre 1840-Uyuni (PT) 1894) 4 de mayo de 1876-28 de diciembre de 1879
24. NARCISO CAMPERO LEYES (Tojo (TJ) 1813-Sucre 1896) 19 de enero de 1880-4 de setiembre de 1884
25. GREGORIO PACHECO LEYES (Libi Libi (PT) 1823-Tarasi (PT) 1899) 4 de setiembre 1884-15 de agosto de 1888
26. ANICETO ARCE RUIZ (Tarija 1824-Sucre 1906) 15 de agosto de 1888-11 de agosto de 1892
27. MARIANO BAPTISTA CASERTA (Calchani (CB) 1832-Cochabamba 1907) 11 de agosto de 1892-19 de agosto de 1896
28. SEVERO FERNÁNDEZ ALONSO CABALLERO (Sucre 1849-Cotagaita (PT) 1925) 19 de agosto de 1896-12 de abril de 1899
29. JOSÉ MANUEL PANDO SOLARES (Araca (LP) 1848-Kenko (LP) 1917) 25 de octubre 1899-14 de agosto de 1904
30. ISMAEL MONTES GAMBOA (La Paz 1861-La Paz 1933) 14 de agosto de 1904-12 de agosto de 1909
31. ELIODORO VILLAZÓN MONTAÑO (Sacaba (CB) 1848-Cochabamba 1939) 12 de agosto de 1909-14 de agosto 1913
32. ISMAEL MONTES GAMBOA 14 de agosto de 1913-15 de agosto de 1917
33. JOSÉ GUTIÉRREZ GUERRA (Sucre 1869-Antofagasta (Chi) 1929) 15 de agosto de 1917-12 de julio de 1920
34. BAUTISTA SAAVEDRA MALLEA (Sorata (LP) 1870-Santiago (Chi) 1939) 28 de enero 1921-3 de septiembre 1925
35. FELIPE SEGUNDO GUZMÁN (La Paz 1879-La Paz 1932) 3 de septiembre 1925-10 de enero 1926
36. HERNANDO SILES REYES (Sucre 1882-Lima (Per) 1942) 10 de enero de 1926-28 de mayo de 1930
37. CARLOS BLANCO GALINDO (Cochabamba 1882-Cochabamba 1953) 28 de junio de 1930-5 de marzo de 1931
38. DANIEL SALAMANCA UREY (Cochabamba 1868-Cochabamba 1935) 5 de marzo de 1931-1 de diciembre de 1934
39. JOSÉ LUIS TEJADA SORZANO (La Paz 1882-Arica (Chi) 1938) 1 de diciembre de 1934-16 de mayo de 1936
40. DAVID TORO RUILOVA (Sucre 1898-Santiago (Chi) 1977) 22 de mayo de 1936-13 de julio de 1937
41. GERMÁN BUSCH BECERRA (San Javier (SC) 1904-La Paz 1939) 13 de julio de 1937-23 de agosto de 1939
42. CARLOS QUINTANILLA QUIROGA (Cochabamba 1888-Cochabamba 1964) 23 de agosto 1939-15 de abril de 1940
43. ENRIQUE PEÑARANDA DEL CASTILLO (Cochabamba 1888-Cochabamba 1964) 15 de abril de 1940-20 de diciembre de 1943
44. GUALBERTO VILLARROEL LÓPEZ (Villa Rivero (CB) 1908-La Paz 1946) 20 de diciembre de 1943-21 de julio de 1946
45. NÉSTOR GUILLÉN OLMOS (La Paz 1890-¿? 1966) 21 de julio de 1946-17 de agosto de 1946
46. TOMÁS MONJE GUTIÉRREZ (La Paz 1884-La Paz 1959) 17 de agosto de 1946-10 de marzo de 1947
47. ENRIQUE HERTZOG GARAIZABAL (La Paz 1897-Buenos Aires 1981) 10 de marzo de 1947-22 de octubre de 1949
48. MAMERTO URRIOLAGOITIA HARRIAGUE (Sucre 1895-Sucre 1974) 24 de octubre de 1949-16 de mayo de 1951
49. HUGO BALLIVIÁN ROJAS (La Paz 1901-La Paz) 16 de mayo de 1951-11 de abril de 1952
50. VÍCTOR PAZ ESTENSSORO (Tarija 1907-Tarija 2001) 15 de abril de 1952-6 de agosto de 1956
51. HERNÁN SILES ZUAZO (La Paz 1913-Montevideo (Uru) 1996) 6 de agosto de 1956-6 de agosto de 1960
52. VÍCTOR PAZ ESTENSSORO 6 de agosto de 1960-6 de agosto de 1964
53. VÍCTOR PAZ ESTENSSORO 6 de agosto de 1964-4 de noviembre 1964
54. RENÉ BARRIENTOS ORTUÑO (Tarata (CB) 1919-Arque (CB) 1969) 5 de noviembre 1964-26 de mayo de 1965
55. RENÉ BARRIENTOS ORTUÑO 26 de mayo de 1965-2 de enero de 1966
56. ALFREDO OVANDO CANDIA (Cobija (PD)-La Paz 1982) 26 de mayo de 1965-2 de enero de 1966
57. ALFREDO OVANDO CANDIA 2 de enero de 1966-6 de agosto de 1966
58. RENÉ BARRIENTOS ORTUÑO 6 de agosto de 1966-27 de abril de 1969
59. LUIS ADOLFO SILES SALINAS (La Paz 1925) 27 de abril de 1969- 26 de septiembre 1969
60. ALFREDO OVANDO CANDIA 26 de septiembre 1969-6 de octubre 1970
61. JUAN JOSÉ TORRES GONZÁLES (Sacaba (CB) 1920-Buenos Aires (Arg) 1976) 7 de octubre de 1970-21 de agosto de 1971
62. HUGO BANZER SUÁREZ (Concepción (SC) 1926-Santa Cruz 2002) 21 de agosto de 1971-21 de julio de 1978
63. JUAN PEREDA ASBÚN (La Paz 1931) 21 de julio de 1978-24 de noviembre de 1978
64. DAVID PADILLA ARANCIBIA (Sucre 1927) 24 de noviembre de 1978-8 de agosto 1979
65. WÁLTER GUEVARA ARZE (Cochabamba 1912-La Paz 1996) 8 de agosto de 1979-1 de noviembre de 1979
66. ALBERTO NATUSCH BUSCH (Riberalta 1933-Riberalta 1994) 1 de noviembre 1979-16 de noviembre 1979
67. LIDIA GUEILER TEJADA (Cochabamba 1921) 16 de noviembre de 1979-17 de julio de 1980
68. LUIS GARCÍA MEZA TEJADA (Cochabamba 1929) 17 de julio de 1980-4 de agosto de 1981
69. CELSO TORRELIO VILLA (Padilla (CH) 1933-La Paz ) 4 de septiembre 1981-21 de julio de 1982
70. GUIDO VILDOSO CALDERÓN (La Paz 1937) 21 de julio de 1982-10 de octubre de 1982
71. HERNÁN SILES ZUAZO 10 de octubre de 1982-6 de agosto de 1985
72. VÍCTOR PAZ ESTENSSORO 6 de agosto de 1985-6 de agosto de 1989
73. JAIME PAZ ZAMORA (Cochabamba 1939) 6 de agosto de 1989-6 de agosto de 1993
74. GONZALO SÁNCHEZ DE LOZADA (La Paz 1930) 6 de agosto de 1993-6 de agosto de 1997
75. HUGO BANZER SUÁREZ 6 de agosto de 1997-7 de agosto de 2001
76. JORGE QUIROGA RAMÍREZ (Cochabamba 1960) 7 de agosto de 2001-6 de agosto de 2002
77. GONZALO SÁNCHEZ DE LOZADA 6 de agosto de 2002-17 de octubre de 2003
78. CARLOS D. MESA GISBERT (La Paz 1953) 17 de octubre de 2003 - present
Posted by eduardo at 01:36 PM | Comments (8)
Noviembre 05, 2004
Condor in Cochabama
A condor statue near the Plaza 14 de Septiembre in Cochabamba.
Posted by eduardo at 11:57 PM | Comments (1)
Bolivian National Team vs. Colombia
Once again, the feud between the Bolivian Futbol Federation and the dirigentes of the Bolivian League has caused tension. Head coach Ramiro Blacutt has had to deal with threats of not ceding players because one club President has a problem with one of the players. Starting goalkeeper Leo Fernandez got into a bit of a ruckus with some dirigente of Club Blooming, with claims of an assault. Because of that, Blooming threatened not to release its players if Fernandez was named to the squad. In the end, it was simply a show of power, so that everyone realizes who runs things in Bolivia, when it comes to futbol. Bolivar's threat if Jose Alfredo Castillo was called up proved to work. The goleador of Tecos in Mexico, was again, left off the squad.
Bolivia will also play a friendly match against Guatemala in Washington, DC on November 13. The match against Colombia for World Cup qualifying is set for November 17.
Squad:
José Carlo Fernández, Leo Fernández, Marcelo Carballo, Sergio Jáuregui, Limbert Pizarro, Ronald Arana, Ronald García, Rubén Tufiño, Luis Cristaldo, Lorgio Álvarez, Gonzalo Galindo, Erwin Sánchez, Juan Carlos Arce, Limberg Gutiérrez, Ronald Raldes, Juan Manuel Peña, Joaquín Botero, Jaime Moreno.
Jaime Moreno, who has not played on the National Team since 2000, will play depending on how his team, DC United, fares in Saturday's playoff game. Moreno is a candidate for league MVP and has been playing extremely well all season. It is about time that Blacutt has taken notice and called him up.
Posted by eduardo at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 03, 2004
Cristo
Yes, this is higher, but less famous than the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro. This statue located near the Mountain of San Pedro is serviced by a cable car, steps, and a long-winding road. On the mountain, there are plans to place large letters that read "VIVA COCHABAMBA" (similar to the Hollywood sign) at the tune of $2,000 USD per letter.
Posted by eduardo at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
The Strongest Political Party
In the upcoming municipal elections, no one is expecting much from the political parties. After the introduction of the new law allowing for agrupaciones ciudadanas (which basically are parties in disguise, but that’s another topic altogether) and indigenous groups to take part in these elections, many wonder whether this election process would mark the end of this group of parties or whether it would be just a bump in the road. A recent poll confirmed that the parties are not doing so hot in the four major alcaldias (La Paz, El Alto, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba), with the exception of one: el Movimiento al Socialsmo (MAS).
Even though many party leaders swear that the MAS is not a political party, it operates and functions as one. But the polling numbers indicate that there exists plenty of support. Many predicted that MAS only really had a realistic shot in Cochabamba (the Department where the party was created). With the choice of Gonzalo Lema, a famous national novelist and invited guest, many thought his broad appeal would help catapult MAS to battle for the top spot. In the four major cities, MAS has polled no lower than third in any of the alcaldias.
Surprisingly, the MAS candidate in Santa Cruz, Osvaldo Peredo is in 2nd place and in striking distance of ex-mayor Roberto Fernandez. (Fernandez had to resign the mayorship in order to run for reelection). This is the most interesting result, as Peredo is polling at 15% of the vote, in comparison to Fernandez’ 22%. In a city, supposedly hostile to Evo Morales and MAS, perhaps there are voices that are not being represented by the current political leaders and ignored by the Comite Civico and other business groups.
Another city where the MAS presented a noteworthy candidate was in El Alto. The big news was that MAS had recruited a priest, Wilson Soria, who had been a public figure during the October crisis last year. However, he is far behind from ex-mayor Jose Luis “Pepe Lucho” Paredes. In La Paz, MAS is running a distant second to ex-mayor Juan del Granado.
And in the city where MAS was expected to present its strongest showing, Cochabamba, Gonzalo Lema is in a virtual deadlocked three-way tie for first with former mayor (although not the incumbent), Gonzalo Terceros. In my opinion, their campaign so far has not been as effective as it could have been, which I will address in the future.
Even if the MAS does not turn things around and make up ground in La Paz and El Alto, where things look bleak, their 2nd place finish above 10% would guarantee them at least one concejeal (councilmember) in these major cities, thus, solidifying their rise within the democratic system. Even though some parties such a UCS in Cochabamba, MIR in La Paz, and especially MSM (many forget that they are a political party), enjoy relative success in one of the four major cities, only MAS has shown consistent and success in all 4 of Bolivia’s major cities.
Top Three Candidates in the Four Major Bolivian Cities:
La Paz
Juan del Granado (MSM) – 41%
Pablo Ramos (MAS) – 15%
Jaime Paz Pereira (MIR) – 7%
El Alto
Jose Luis Paredes (PP)* – 70%
Wilson Soria (MAS) – 10%
Roberto de la Cruz (M17)* – 2%
Santa Cruz
Roberto Fernandez (ASXX1)* – 22%
Osvaldo Peredo (MAS) – 17%
Percy Fernandez (FAJT)* -- 12%
Cochabamba
Gonzalo Terceros (CIU)* – 18%
Edwin Mallon (UCS) – 18%
Gonzalo Lema (MAS) – 16%
* agrupacion ciudadana
Posted by eduardo at 12:06 PM | Comments (1)
Noviembre 02, 2004
Peta
Volkswagen bugs, otherwise known as "petas", are a common sight on the streets of Cochabamba. They relatively inexpensive, costing in the neighborhood of $2,000. These vehicles are simple to repair by mechanics who don't charge a whole lot. Plus, they aren't a vehicle normally targeted by robbers, who like to go after the high priced SUVs and the anonymous white taxis.
Posted by eduardo at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)
Noviembre 01, 2004
Fun With LAB
“Nunca mas con el LAB,” boasted this little old Bolivian lady in the Miami International Airport. Some twelve hours after departing Cochabamba, the entire trip so far seemed like a trip (different meaning of the word). On Friday morning, less than 24 hours before my flight was scheduled to leave, I received a call from someone at Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB) informing me that I must take my suitcases the day before. This unexpected attempt at efficiency came a little too late for my tastes. If passengers were able to receive this information a week before, then I wouldn’t have had to rush to stuff my two suitcases.
The little old lady, waiting for the continuing flight onto Washington, D.C., like me, also had just experienced one of the most surreal LAB flight ever. Fresh off some bad P.R. where a LAB plane almost collided mid-air with competitor Aerosur in Cochabamba (latest word is that it was LAB’s fault and that due to the heroic action of the Aerosur pilot, a horrific tragedy was avoided, the LAB crew was suspended), LAB also finds itself in the midst of financial difficulties. Whether it is incompetent management, the result of a poorly designed capitalization process, or just the sign of the times for airlines, LAB has had some of its planes confiscated for failure to pay taxes. As a result, often they must resort to chartering and renting other planes.
So at the Viru Viru aiport in Santa Cruz, the way the terminal is set up, passengers can see all of the planes lined up due to travel to the United States, Argentina, Brasil and Chile. However, the way that the gate for passengers to Miami was set-up, it looked as if we wouldn’t be setting foot on a LAB plane, instead a jet from generic-looking and fake-sounding airline called North American Airlines. (I did an internet search and was relieved that this airline actually existed, and was not run out of somebody's basement).
As I reluctantly boarded the plane, looking for hidden cameras because I swore it was a joke, I caught my first glimpse at one of the stewards, a black man. I thought it was a sign that Bolivia is progressing, when one of the often discriminated against Afro-Bolivianos from the Yungas region can now get a position as esteemed as working for an airline. However, when he greeted me in a West Indies-type accent, I knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore.
Turns out LAB chartered this plane, without bothering to inform anyone at anytime. My seat assignment was 4c, which placed me smack-dab in the last few rows of first-class. Worried, one of the retired stewardessesesses asked me if I had the correct seat. Since there was no real distinction between first class and coach (no boundary or curtain), she asked me whether I had paid for first-class. I should have played that I couldn’t understand English (all of the flight crew couldn’t speak Spanish, and was only accompanied by one LAB employee who seemed just as puzzled with the whole situation as I was), and I admitted no. So I caught the entire action of first-class catered to foreigners and wealthy Cruceño businessmen (who incidentally I swear all have moustaches).
The entire flight I snooped over the seat in front of me to see the endless supply of sparking wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Hot towels seemed to be distributed like candy. Hot meals were served, while we were given cold saran-wrapped sandwiches. Thinking that I should have just said that yes, I had bought a first-class ticket and all of its corresponding “luxuries”.
As my seat was near the front, I could only catch the glimpse of the action in front of me. Those passengers were said “gringos” and Cruceño businessmen. The flight seemed like a Little Rock to Tulsa flight on Wal-mart airlines, as most of the flight crew seemed to hail from Midwest U.S.. God knows what they were thinking when they landed in Bolivia. On the bright spot, there were decent movies, “I, Robot” and “The Bourne Supremacy” (without Spanish subtitles especially for its Bolivian passengers).
Leaving two hours late from Santa Cruz and having to wait for all the passengers to clear customs and immigration in Miami, the entire trip nearly 16 hours. The security and formalities upon entering the United States is not a airline specific problem, but let’s go ahead and blame LAB for the it anyway (it's more fun that way).
Posted by eduardo at 04:11 PM | Comments (3)
Evo Airlines
Flight Notes: On the 6 o’clock a.m. flight, none other than Mr. Evo Morales was on the same flight to Cochabamba. With his trademark blue jacket embroidered with “Somos MAS” and his white and black “tenis” (athletic shoes), he boarded the plane carrying nothing. Taking his seat in first class, it struck me as odd as he carried no papers to review or anything to read (imagining the Seinfeld episode where David Putty sat staring ahead on the flight much to the dismay of Elaine). This is one of the most active and involved men in Bolivian politics, and he nothing to read or look over? He attracted a lot of attention from the Military Police standing watch on the runway. Evo was greeted by a MAS delegation in Santa Cruz.
The lines for immigration at Miami International were filled with passengers from all parts of the world. Even the line for U.S. citizens was populated by Americans from all different ethnic backgrounds. As with this line and the customs line, I try to pick the most friendly and welcoming face among these public federal employees. This time in the immigration line, I picked incorrectly. My passport is expiring next year after nearly ten years of service, and one would expect to look older than they were ten years ago. Coupled with not shaving in quite awhile and sporting my glasses, the officer doubted my identity. “Where’s your brother?” he asked, insinuating that I was using "his" passport to enter the country illegally. “What are you trying to say?”, I questioned. Any reaction would bring about a feeling of defensiveness and had to calmly explain to him that it was a ten year old picture and that I was wearing my glasses. He sort of rolled his eyes at me and waved me through maintaining his doubt. I should have flipped out my driver’s license to “prove” my identity, but it was buried somewhere in my carry-on.
Posted by eduardo at 04:06 PM | Comments (5)