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'Historic' - Bolivia’s presidential hopefuls face off in first debate in over two decades

'Historic' - Bolivia’s presidential hopefuls face off in first debate in over two decades

"Bolivia’s two presidential contenders, centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz and former conservative President Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, faced each other on Sunday in a nationally televised debate ahead of the second-round election scheduled for next week. The event, organised by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), marked Bolivia’s first presidential debate in more than 20 years, allowing voters to compare candidates’ platforms live. Over two hours, the rivals discussed six key themes, including the economy, social policy, and governance reforms. Rodrigo Paz, who leads the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), pledged to reduce the tax burden on both businesses and citizens to boost liquidity and stimulate growth. He also vowed to eliminate what he called 'inefficient or corrupt' subsidies, which he said fuel smuggling and misuse of public funds. “We will proceed with the subsidy cut. No more blind subsidies that encourage smuggling and corruption,” he said, assuring that public transport, healthcare, food, and basic utilities would continue to receive government support. Jorge Quiroga, representing Alianza Libre, focused on addressing the country’s fuel shortages and inflation, promising swift stabilisation measures if elected. “We will end diesel and gasoline queues from the start. We will bring in the dollars to ensure normality and end the crisis for good. And we will guarantee controlled inflation, so prices no longer eat away at your pocket going forward,” Quiroga said. The former president also called for new mining legislation to make Bolivia regionally competitive, noting that Chile and Peru outpace Bolivia by eight to twelve times in mining exports despite similar geological potential. “We must open up to the world and attract investment,” he said. TSE president Oscar Hassenteufel described the debate as 'historic', stressing that two decades without open dialogue had deprived citizens of direct policy comparisons. The run-off election, set for October 20, will pit Paz and his running mate, former police captain Edman Lara, against Quiroga and tech entrepreneur Juan Pablo Velasco. Electoral silence begins on October 16, 72 hours before polls open."

'We're terrified!' - Thousands displaced as twin quakes devastate southern Philippines

'We're terrified!' - Thousands displaced as twin quakes devastate southern Philippines

"Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes after twin earthquakes struck the southern Philippines on Friday, triggering landslides, power outages, and widespread destruction. Footage filmed in Manay, Davao Oriental, shows collapsed houses and families sheltering in makeshift tents along the streets, with hospital patients lying on beds outside damaged facilities. “Our situation here is very difficult. There’s an earthquake, then it’s cold because it’s raining, then there are a lot of kids. All of us are squeezing here while the floor is very wet,” said one resident. “We are terrified. We didn’t sleep at home, but here in the makeshift tent near the street where we all sleep. All of us, including the kids, are crying,” added another. One survivor said her daughter was forced to give birth in the makeshift shelter overnight. “We arrived at 10 pm, and at 12 midnight, my daughter gave birth, and after a few hours, there was another strong earthquake while it was raining hard. There are waters on the floor, and we got wet,” she said. “I became dizzy because of what happened last night, and I haven’t eaten until now. I’m still having a headache,” the woman added. The first quake, measuring magnitude 7.4, struck offshore near Manay at 09:43 local time (01:43 GMT), followed by a 6.8-magnitude tremor later that evening. Both originated from shifts along the Philippine Trench, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. In Manay, the local hospital sustained severe damage, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 patients. Temporary medical tents have been erected, though authorities say resources remain limited. Officials have recorded over 800 aftershocks, the strongest reaching magnitude 5.9, and warn that seismic activity may continue for weeks. The Philippine government has since declared a state of calamity and mobilised emergency aid for displaced families across Davao Oriental and neighbouring provinces."

Poem of the week: My Mother by Claude McKay

Poem of the week: My Mother by Claude McKay

Two sonnets absorb with calm clarity a boy’s anguish at his mother’s loss My Mother Reg wished me to go with him to the field, I paused because I did not want to go; But in her quiet way she made me yield Reluctantly, for she was breathing low. Her hand she slowly lifted from her lap And, smiling sadly in the old sweet way, She pointed to the nail where hung my cap. Her eyes said: I shall last another day. But scarcely had we reached the distant place, When o’er the hills we heard a faint bell ringing; A boy came running up with frightened face; We knew the fatal news that he was bringing. I heard him listlessly, without a moan, Although the only one I loved was gone. Continue reading...

'We're terrified!' - Thousands displaced as twin quakes devastate southern Philippines

'We're terrified!' - Thousands displaced as twin quakes devastate southern Philippines

"Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes after twin earthquakes struck the southern Philippines on Friday, triggering landslides, power outages, and widespread destruction. Footage filmed in Manay, Davao Oriental, shows collapsed houses and families sheltering in makeshift tents along the streets, with hospital patients lying on beds outside damaged facilities. “Our situation here is very difficult. There’s an earthquake, then it’s cold because it’s raining, then there are a lot of kids. All of us are squeezing here while the floor is very wet,” said one resident. “We are terrified. We didn’t sleep at home, but here in the makeshift tent near the street where we all sleep. All of us, including the kids, are crying,” added another. One survivor said her daughter was forced to give birth in the makeshift shelter overnight. “We arrived at 10 pm, and at 12 midnight, my daughter gave birth, and after a few hours, there was another strong earthquake while it was raining hard. There are waters on the floor, and we got wet,” she said. “I became dizzy because of what happened last night, and I haven’t eaten until now. I’m still having a headache,” the woman added. The first quake, measuring magnitude 7.4, struck offshore near Manay at 09:43 local time (01:43 GMT), followed by a 6.8-magnitude tremor later that evening. Both originated from shifts along the Philippine Trench, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. In Manay, the local hospital sustained severe damage, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 patients. Temporary medical tents have been erected, though authorities say resources remain limited. Officials have recorded over 800 aftershocks, the strongest reaching magnitude 5.9, and warn that seismic activity may continue for weeks. The Philippine government has since declared a state of calamity and mobilised emergency aid for displaced families across Davao Oriental and neighbouring provinces."