Daily Headlines: February 6, 2013

* Haiti: An International Crisis Group report warned that “Haiti is in a race against time to convince its own people, donors and potential investors that progress and stability are achievable”.
 
* South America: Is a controversial under-20 soccer match between Bolivia and Argentina and played in 2010 under the scrutiny of European gambling investigators?

* Nicaragua: Money transfers to Nicaragua reached a record high of over $1 billion in 2012 according to the country’s Central Bank.

* Ecuador: President Rafael Correa claimed that an attack against supporters at a pro-government rally on Monday was not politically motivated.

Video Source – YouTube via euronews (Dozens of protests like the one seen here could sink the presidency of Michel Martelly and hamper Haitian progress according to the International Crisis Group).

Online Sources- Miami Herald, NBC Sports, Prensa Latina, Chicago Tribune

Gitmo to become casino says Pentagon

Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza may’ve had "a loooot of fun!" during her recent visit to the controversial detention center at Guantánamo Bay but she’ll likely go crazy over possibly visiting a casino there.

According to several leaked Pentagon papers the jail will be converted into a 1940s style casino called. The plans call for the gaming venue to be built in 2011 after the military prison is closed and after the possible dropping of travel restrictions to the island. The leaked documents also claim that a “full-fledged” resort may be built in the area if the casino becomes a hit with tourists.

Ex-leader Fidel Castro responded today via an article printed in the Cuban press. Castro seemed to be unusually speechless in his brief reply:

“You’ve got to be joking.”

Image- BBC News
Online Sources- BBC News, The Latin Americanist