NEWS - ARCHIVE

Please find here the weeky news of the last months.

Latest News - Archive 2007 - Archive 2006

News from October, 16th:
The three great of Spain

Just in time for der 60th anniversary, the Universidad Católica in Quito received some important guests from Spain: Since September 16th, the cultural centre of the university is accommodating 339 works of Francisco de Goya, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. The exhibition “Tres grandes de España“, which belongs to the private Metropolitan foundation in Milan, Italia, is one of the most complete collections in the world – and as well the biggest international one that has ever found its way to Ecuador. The lithographies, engravings, sculptures and ceramics, belonging to the diverse periods of creative activity of the famous Spanish artists, are going to be exhibited in Quito until December 15th. Amongst others, the cultural centre proudly presents all 80 engravings of Goya`s “Los Caprichos”, Picasso`s 66 etchings that form his famous “La Celestina”, along with some of his ceramics and a bronze figure, and furthermore the 26 colour lithographies of Miró`s “Ubu Roi”. “Tres grandes de España“ is opened to the public from Monday to Friday, 9am-7pm, and Saturday, Sunday and on holidays, 10am-5pm.

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News from October, 16th:
First round of elections

As expected, Rafael Correa (Alianza País) has reached the second round of elections, which will take place on November, 26th. Surprisingly, the second candidate coming out of the ballot on October,15th, is the multi millionaire Alvaro Noboa (PRIAN) who did an impressive finish. The success of his campaign was based on the promise of micro credits and cheap houses, but also on his often criticized Christian self-portrayal, including community praying and proclaiming god.
Once again, the campaign was marked by populism and once again, the electorate believed the anchorless promises made by the candidates. This is documented by the surprising third place of Gilmar Gutierrez – the brother of the 2004 exiled President Colonel Lucio.

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News from October, 20th:
Petroproducción`s pipeline bursts

After the terrible oil disaster which occurred in the Cuyabeno reservation this August, once again a great quantity of petroleum found its way into the sensible ecosystem of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin: On Wednesday, October 18th, a pipeline of the state-run oil company Petroproducción burst and 600 barrel crude oil spilled into the river Tiputini, that is known to be the artery of the nature reserve Yasuní in the province Orellana. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian company reports that the situation is under control. 500 barrel of the oil had been recollected, they say, and all tributaries were isolated. The Yasuní national park`s management, however, fears a lasting damage of its territory.

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News from October, 20th:
The Tungurahua still rumbles

For two weeks now the Ecuadorian Instituto Geofísico reports a high activity of the volcano Tungurahua, which erupted only recently. On Tuesday, October 17th, this could also be noticed by non-professionals: The volcano spit a great column of vapour and ash into the air. Fortunately, only uninhabited area was affected. The recent activity of the Tungurahua is interpreted as a precursor of another eruption to occur.

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News from October, 25th:
New campaign against sex- tourism in Ecuador

This week the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism launched – joint with UNICEF – a campaign against sex- tourism and sexual exploitation of minors. The aim of this 60.000 USD expensive activity is mainly to raise public awareness on that topic. Furthermore, tourists with this kind of intention shall be informed about the punishment and through this be alienated. Ecuador also wants to show the international community that the country cares for its people and – most of all – its children.
At the international airports of Quito and Guayaquil, big bills will be posted. Also – thanks to the partnership with the Ministry for Public Works – alongside of all public streets. 7.500 additional posters will be plastered at travel agencies and important tourism points. Through respective internet sites and the distribution of brochures about this issue at hotels, restaurants and immigration offices, all tourists should become aware of the situation in Ecuador.
At the same time the Ministry commissioned a study to get to know the real actual data of sex- tourism in Ecuador – until now there are only known isolated cases, but the aim is to prevented a situation as found in Brazil or Costa Rica.

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News from November, 1st:
El voto con los pies – Latin America loses human labour

It`s 58 persons per hour who leave behind their native country in Latin America – those are the latest numbers issued by Unicef. About 30 million Latin American emigrants are registered by now to have left for reasons of poverty or politics. In Spain, which is one of the principal destinations of the Hispanic migrants, 36% of all registered immigrants are from Ecuador and Colombia. Primarily, they are human labour in demand in industries like farming, construction works and domestic services – but nevertheless, they often find themselves deprived of the prevailing industrial laws: a 7-hour working day and salaries way below average are, besides others, no rarity for immigrants. The 16th Iberoamerican Summit, taking place in Montevideo, Uruguay, from November 3rd to 5th 2006, is dedicated to this delicate topic of “escape of the masses” from Latin America.

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News from November, 10th:
Feeding as daily challenge

In Ecuador, someone is considered poor, if his four-person household earns less than 251 US-Dollar per month. Livelihood is understood as threatened, if a family doesn’t even have 125 US-Dollar at their disposal. The latest figures issued by the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) indicate that four out of ten Ecuadorian citizens are poor or even more needy: 5 million people, or 38,5% of the population, can’t even afford the most basic “basket of goods”. And for 1/5 of those, even the daily feeding results to be a serious problem. Poverty is greatest to be found – 64,2% – in the rural areas of Ecuador, which causes a mere rural exodus. In spite of these alarming figures, according to INEC, the relative number of poor citizen has been constantly declining since 2004.

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News from November, 17th:
Departure costs raised

The financing of the new airport in Quito – a project yet determined in 2002 – has found further support: From November, 10th on, the airport tax which is charged on leaving the country by plane will be raised to US$ 37.93. This is already the second increase since 2002, and a third one is will follow in 2008: Then, a departure will be charged with US$ 42.56, which tallies with 170% on the whole. However, until 2038, this level of tax will only be adapted to the rate of inflation, as confirmed the mayor of Quito, Paco Moncayo. One US$ of each tax payment will be used for the further promotion of Quito as a tourist destination.

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News from November, 24th:
Quito`s foundation celebrations

This Thursday, the start of the Fiestas de Quito, celebrating the 472th anniversary of Quito`s foundation by the Spanish colonial power, was marked with lots of pomp and gleam: By the election of the “Reina de Quito”, the Queen of Quito. 21 year-old María Valentina Mera was chosen out of 12 candidates and will be in charge of various social projects during the next year. Four of her fellow applicants form her “court of honour”.
An opposite pole to the Fiestas, which celebrate the Spanish foundation of the city, consists in the festival Quitu Raymi, from November, 27th, to December, 3rd. The Quitu Raymi celebration takes place in memory of the eventful history of Quito before the Spanish foundation in 1534. In particular, the rebellion of Inka General Rumiñahui, who burnt down the city before the Spanish could take it, shall be remembered. Besides various concerts of all types of music, a handicrafts-fairy of the diverse Ecuadorian cultures and visits to the historically significant ruins Rumipamba are on the program. Legates from the neighbouring Andean countries are expected to participate in the ample range of public discussions.

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News from November, 28th:
Correa wins in final spurt

Alvaro Noboa (41,3% of total votes – at 85% of total votes counted) also failed at his third attempt to reach Ecuador’s presidency, although everything seemed in his favor at the beginning. He was way first in the polls, but lost – without any new ideas – very much of his initial support. So much, that Rafael Correa (58,7%) could flash by and assure himself a finally certain victory.
After that success, Correa stopped talking about houses for the poor and raising social benefits at once. Instead, he went back to the idea of political reforms which had marked the beginning of his campaign. The basic pillar of his politics is a referendum – which he wants to enforce through a decree on his first day of office, January, 15th. By this, he wants to call in a constituent assembly which shall bring deep political reforms.
The only “chavism” found yet in his government proposal is the idea of a Latin-American League of Nations.

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News from Decemer, 1st:
Museum about the world of the Indios

From now on you will be able to admire the diverse cultures of Ecuador in a new museum in Quito: in the Museo Etnohistórico de artesanías del Ecuador. With financial support of the city council and the Belgian embassy, the foundation Sinchi Sacha, founded in 1991, displays the most diverse cultural objects and craftworks from the countries` regions. The cultures of the Amazonas basin with over 700 pieces are best represented. Visitors interested in the history of the different ethnicities and their spiritual world outlook and rituals, find themselves satisfied with interactive elements and authentic guidance.

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News from December, 12th:
After 30 years – Hotel Majestic reopens its doors

This month Quito’s traditional Hotel Majestic will reopen its doors for its guest after 30 years. In the last years the building was used by public administration offices or real estate brokers.
First opened on march 19th of 1943 it was once one of the most luxurious hotels of the capital. The original architecture was maintained throughout all refurbishment works.
The building is right across the presidential palace and not only therefore both presidential suites are thought most of all for future state guests. The hotel boutique – a small 5* hotel – will offer in its gourmet restaurant “Bella Època” the traditional cebiches (cold seafood soup) and cheese filled dumplings with honey which made the hotel once already culinary famous.

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News from December, 19th:
Turtle - Colony on the Galápagos Islands is growing

The colony of Giant Turtles on the Galápagos Islands has grown to 20.000 exemplars. This is the conclusion of the last count which was executed by the national park and the Charles Darwin Station. Since the 90ies Giant Turtles – an Icon of the Galápagos Islands – are released into freedom.
During the counting process also nesting sites secured and eggs collected to bring them to the respective breeding stations. One reason for the success of the upbringing of the turtle colony was the elimination of goats and other not native species. But it will be also necessary to affront the problem of rats on the islands for continued success, since theses animals harm the turtle population.
The new population numbers show a big growth in comparison to those 40 years ago. Most of all in the north of Isabela Island the turtle numbers have risen. Nowadays there are living 15.000 exemplars. But there are parts like the south of the Island which must still improve.

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News from December, 22nd:
Villancicos have a pagan origin

When Missionaries started to use chants in the 5th century to reach European citizens, Villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols) did not yet exist.
These songs came up in the 15th century as love poems at the Spanish court, which were recited by the common citizen (sp. Villano). Villancicos are songs with simple harmonies and melodies as well as repeating verses.
A century later the church changed with missionary ambitions the amorous content for a liturgical one. The Spaniards brought these new versions to America, where nowadays such chants are to be found all over the continent. Since these times many Christmas carols are composed with a local timbre on the continent itself and are an important part of Latin-American Christmas celebrations.

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