John Otis
Ecuador’s Paraplegic Vice President Lenin Moreno a Major Force for Disability Rights
Ecuador’s Vice President Lenin Moreno is a paraplegic and has been a major force for disability rights and benefits in his own country.
Why Correa’s Third Term Could Mean More Trouble for Ecuador’s Media
A re-election for Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa could mean four more years of trouble for the press as he has targeted TV, radio and newspapers with lawsuits, fines and insults.
Medellín’s Outdoor Escalator Part of Plan to Remake City
The Colombian city of Medellin was once the murder capital of the world and ground zero for Pablo Escobar’s cocaine cartel. But Medellin has lately emerged as a hotspot for urban planning and innovative mass transit. And, as John Otis reports, the projects are part of a long-term plan to fight poverty and remake the fortunes of the city.
Colombia Sets Sight on ‘Green Gold’
Colombia is a hotspot of mercury pollution from small-scale gold mining. But it’s also a testing ground for a new movement to reduce mercury pollution by paying small-scale miners more to use less of the toxic metal.
Colombian Government and FARC Rebels Launch Talks in Norway
Colombian government officials and representatives of the FARC rebels movement officially launched their peace talks Thursday in Norway.
Brazil Embraces Affirmative Action With New Law to Boost Racial Diversity at Universities
While the US Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of considering race in college admissions, Brazil is moving ahead on affirmative action. In August, Brazil’s president signed a law setting aside half of public university seats for poor or nonwhite students.
Chavez Wins Fourth Term in Venezuela
Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez easily won a fourth term in Sunday’s vote despite facing his most serious challenge in years.
Venezuela Goes to the Polls
Venezuelans go to the polls on Sunday. And incumbent president Hugo Chavez faces his most serious challenge in years. Chavez also faces a public that’s increasingly disenchanted with his socialist revolution.
Venezuela’s Cross Border Vote for President
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is seeking another six-year term, and he’s facing a serious challenge from Henrique Capriles. Both candidates are doing last-minute campaigning across the border in Colombia to try to pick up votes for Sunday’s election.
Colombia Pursues Talks with FARC Rebels
Colombia’s drug-fueled guerrilla war has gone on for nearly half a century. The last round of peace talks fell apart 10 years ago. But now the Colombian government seems willing to try again. The two sides have been meeting in Cuba and may soon start formal peace negotiations. John Otis has the story.
Honduras Wants to Build Its Own Hong Kong
Honduras has been going through a rough patch and things are so bad that Honduran officials are considering to build an experimental city to give the country a fresh start.
Former FARC Prisoner Sigifredo Lopez Accused of Being a Collaborator
Lopez is accused of helping the Marxist guerrillas to plan his own kidnapping, which led to the deaths of 11 Colombian lawmakers.
Guatemalan President Perez Pushes for Drug Legalization
Guatemala has become a busy hub for traffickers sending Colombian cocaine north to the US, leading to a spike in violence and corruption.
Ríos Montt on Trial for War Crimes in Guatemala
Ríos Montt, the former leader of Guatemala, is on trial for committing some of the worst crimes against his own people, but Guatemalans aren’t paying attention.
Hometown of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
The hometown of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez gets a lot of government attention, and pork barrel projects.
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
