Domestic Politics
The central bank and officials in Chile predicted low growth for the year as the country reels from anti-government unrest. Economic activity in Chile dropped 3.3% in November, led by a slump in mining activity. Merco Press
After a tense stand-off with the armed forces, Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido sworn in for another term as speaker of Parliament. Crisis-hit Venezuela has been in political turmoil when Guardio used his position as speaker to declare himself acting president challenging the authority of President Nicolas Maduro. Merco Press
Society
As a part of its anti-hunger program, Argentina’s government will distribute food cards to low-income families. The initiative will be launched in Chaco, starting from January 20. Cards will be distributed to mothers with children younger than 6 years old, pregnant women who have completed their first trimester and people with disabilities. Merco Press
On January 07, protestors in the Panamanian city of Colon prevented entry to, and departure from, the city. They demanded jobs, property titles, and drinking water facilities. The movement forced banks and businesses to close. NewsRoom Panama
Environment
Braskem SA, the Brazilian petrochemical producer, has agreed to a 2.7 billion reais settlement with federal and state authorities to cover damage caused by a salt mining project in the northeastern state of Alagoas. Merco Press
Referring to satellite images, the National Institute for Space Research stated that smoke from bushfires raging across Australia reached Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, on Tuesday. Chile’s meteorological service also stated on Monday that fires were visible in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. Merco Press
International experts have termed Costa Rica's fresh drinking water resources among the best in the world. This has been attributed to careful management of water consumption and the preservation of natural resources. The Costa Rica News
Business
Chile's central bank and financial experts predicted low growth for the year as the country reels from anti-government unrest. Economic activity in Chile dropped 3.3% in November, led by a slump in mining activity. Merco Press|
The head of Chile mining trade union Sonami stated that copper prices are unlikely to revive in 2020 even if trade tensions between China and the United States ease. He expects a price of around US$ 2.80 per pound. Merco Press
Image Source Merco Press