Long lines formed outside Huancavilca Military Fort starting at 07:00 this Saturday. Deivis Campaña traveled from Valencia on Friday night to reach Huancavilca Military Fort on the road to Daule, aiming to secure a spot in the Fortaleza 2024 military retraining program. Like him, hundreds of reservists, who completed their training between 1984 and 2003, […]

The National Assembly of Ecuador has seen significant shifts in its composition and the political landscape following 150 days of the current legislative session. These changes are marked by high-profile incidents, including legislative decisions favoring the executive branch and a contentious raid on the Mexican Embassy in Quito, which concluded with the detention of former […]

I’m knocked down and drug out this week. I’ve got the flu. Believe it or not it is the first time in my 10 years of living here that I have gotten sick with anything; a cold, the flu, food poisoning, I mean anything. So, I really don’t have the energy to say much, except […]

Mexico is the second-most popular destination for remittances sent from Ecuador, serving as a crucial financial lifeline for migrants aiming to reach the United States. Before the year 2018, the annual remittances sent to Mexico rarely exceeded $10 million. This figure saw a significant increase, thereafter, doubling in size and then experiencing a remarkable growth […]

After 120 days, the investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office in the Metastasis case has concluded. During this period, several revelations have shaken the country. On December 14, 2023, the political and judicial landscape in Ecuador changed. The uncovering of the Metastasis case impacted all spheres of the country, bringing to light the corrupt management of […]

The events that unfolded on the night of Friday, April 5th, resulted in a breakdown in relations between both countries. The raid by Ecuadorian police officers on the Mexican Embassy in Quito has brought the country into the international spotlight. On Friday, April 5th, uniformed officers entered the diplomatic headquarters to arrest the former vice […]

I’m going to say it right now so there is no confusion on where I stand: I am behind Noboa and his decision to raid the Mexican embassy to arrest Jorge David Glas Espinel, the corrupt former Vice President of Ecuador. Now, would I have done it, or would I have recommended he do it […]

This record number reflects the new wave of migration that has surged following the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 351,966 Ecuadorians are registered as having left the national borders and not returned. This number surpasses the 183,307 individuals who left and did not return during the period of 2014-2019, prior to […]

The three climbers were seen falling into a crevasse on Friday morning. Firefighters have temporarily halted their search efforts for the missing climbers who found themselves trapped by a landslide just meters away from the summit of the Cayambe volcano. The incident, which occurred amidst the rugged terrain of the Santa Bárbara crevasse at approximately […]

On a national scale, the survey reveals that 42% of respondents are seriously considering leaving the country.

I’m taking a break from my column this week, but I wanted to leave you with a column I wrote back in August of 2017 (Volume 2, Issue 17). Why this? And why now? Well, because the results of the recent census say that Cuenca has 5,000 expats. So….. It seems like every day Codie […]

There are 13,075 cases of dengue reported in Ecuador in 2024. Deaths reached fifteen as of March 16, almost half of the 33 deaths in all of 2023.

Governments are actively promoting foreign investment in mining, resulting in substantial exports totaling $3.324 billion between January and December 2023.

Ronny Aleaga’s recent video announcement, pledging to expose chats with prosecutor Diana Salazar, has drawn swift response from the Prosecutor’s Office, labeling it a “new smear campaign.”

The results of a recent study underscore the vital role of controlling invasive plants in preserving this unique forest ecosystem. A recent study conducted by scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), has raised alarm about the escalating threat posed by invasive plant species to the […]

The indigenous movement will carry out a solidarity strike in Cotopaxi on Wednesday and demand that the Assembly investigate the family of President Daniel Noboa. Conaie has declared itself in permanent assemblies to remain vigilant regarding the potential for an indigenous uprising against mining. The indigenous movement is set to conduct a solidarity strike in […]

Okay, if you haven’t done it yet, read these two stories in today’s Dispatch before you read this column: “ Vice President Verónica Abad’s son to face trial in ‘Nene’ case “They are pressuring me to resign so they can remove me from office,” denounced Verónica Abad, Vice President of the Republic. Okay, now, one […]

A landslide, caused by severe drought, demolished the water collection system in the Latacunga-Salcedo-Ambato irrigation canal, which provides water to farmers in three cantons in the central region of the country. In the northern area of Ambato (Tungurahua), as well as in Salcedo and Latacunga (Cotopaxi), over 17,000 vegetable producers are in despair due to […]

Delegation of the Inter-American Press Association suggested to the president to strengthen the protection mechanism for journalists in Ecuador. During a significant meeting with representatives of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador demonstrated his commitment to press freedom by signing the Chapultepec and Salta declarations. This event, which unfolded on March […]

María Eulalia Silva, President of the Chamber of Mining, rebuffed Leonidas Iza’s calls for protests against mining and elucidated the ongoing environmental consultation process for the La Plata mining project in Cotopaxi. Amid resistance from anti-mining factions, the Ministry of the Environment initiated the informational phase of the environmental consultation for the La Plata mining […]

The Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing Francisco Barreiro, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, on charges of alleged influence peddling. On Friday, March 22, 2024, Judge María Fernanda Castro ordered Francisco Sebastián Barreiro, the son of Vice President Verónica Abad, to be held in preventive detention amid investigations into the Nene case. Barreiro, detained in […]

An old New York airfield located “in the middle of nowhere” is the camp that houses dozens of Ecuadorian migrants seeking asylum. Gusts of polar wind sweep across the runways of an old, disused New York airfield. It is the “middle of nowhere” that houses some 1,800 migrants, including Ecuadorians, who have become a symbol […]

Before I compose this column each week, I take a sneak peek at the upcoming articles set for publication. It’s my routine to fashion my column around a central theme, drawing inspiration from one of the standout stories. Usually, it’s a smooth process, as one story often shines brighter than the rest. But this week, […]

April may bring an end to El Nino conditions and an influx of La Nina conditions by mid-year. The El Niño phenomenon, which has dominated weather patterns in recent months, is now in decline, according to Frigate Captain Luis Morales, General Coordinator of Oceanographic Affairs of the Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Ecuadorian Navy […]

The Metastasis case has completed its investigation phase, highlighting a complex web of legal entanglements involving 52 individuals. April 13th marked the culmination of 120 days since the inception of the investigation phase. At this juncture, the Attorney General, Diana Salazar, is tasked with petitioning the National Court of Justice for the scheduling of the […]

Conaie, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, has taken a firm stance against the upcoming referendum and popular consultation initiated by President Daniel Noboa’s government, slated for April 21st. The expanded council of Conaie, comprising representatives from fifteen indigenous nationalities, articulated their reasons for advocating a ‘No’ vote on all eleven questions posed in […]

In a resolute stance on prison security, Vice Minister of Government emphasized the enduring presence of the military in Ecuador’s penitentiary centers. Speaking in a recent interview, Vice Minister of Government Esteban Torres assured the public that the government would not withdraw military support from prisons, underscoring the ongoing commitment to what he termed as […]

So, in this issue, we’ve got a rundown on the ongoing corruption prosecutions in Ecuador, namely the Metastasis and Purge cases. And I, for one, am downright ecstatic about it! At long last, we’ve got two branches of government—Justice and Executive—that are dead set on rooting out corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. Admittedly, […]

The aviation landscape in Ecuador’s ‘low-cost’ market showcases a dynamic of arrivals and departures, reflecting a sector that is yet to fully consolidate. Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito recently welcomed JetSmart on March 6th, 2024. However, this arrival coincides with the impending departure of another ‘low-cost’ carrier, Wingo, in April. JetSmart, a Chilean airline […]

The recent arrests of seven Guayas judges on charges of organized crime have plunged the court into a state of chaos, compounded by González’s resignation. In a seismic upheaval within the judicial echelons of Guayas, Hugo González, who had recently ascended to the presidency of the Court of Justice, tendered his irrevocable resignation on the […]

Amid a controversy over alleged data manipulation, oil production declines. The sector’s future remains uncertain.

Recently, I took a moment to revisit some of my earlier columns, the oldest coming from seven years ago. And one word struck me: Pollyanna! Back then, even though I’d already spent two years here by that point, I was positively enamored with Ecuador. I focused solely on the positives, conveniently overlooking the negatives. And […]

Salazar refuses to back down in pursuing prosecutions even in the face of constant death threats.

Amidst a tumultuous debate, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador found itself grappling with the thorny issue of justifying the classification of an “internal armed conflict” as declared by President Daniel Noboa.

The upcoming VAT increase is expected to have minimal impact on drivers. However, proposed changes to fuel subsidies may raise concerns among the majority of Ecuadorians.

Minister of Telecommunications César Martín has set forth an ambitious vision for Ecuador’s telecommunications landscape, suggesting that the country could see the advent of 5G technology as early as 2025.

Ecuador’s oil production faces a significant setback as the closure of the ITT oil field looms, bringing production levels back to those seen in 2003.

Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty upbeat about Ecuador’s direction. We’re seeing a drop in crime, a significant decrease of over 50% in murders, and even a noteworthy 500-point dip in the country’s risk-rating since Noboa’s tenure began. But I’ve got to admit, the stories I read in this week’s issue have left me somewhat uneasy. […]

The government’s loan requirement for 2024 stands at $10.992 billion, representing a $3.415 billion increase from the previous year’s planned amount.

Following three weeks of strained diplomatic relations, the discord between Russia and Ecuador has finally subsided, marking the beginning of a new phase in their interactions. The government of Vladimir Putin now seeks to revive dormant projects with Ecuador, putting aside recent disagreements.

In the shadow of uncertainty and danger, Rodrigo, a former prison guard in Ecuador, reflects on his harrowing journey to the United States. As he recounts his tale, the stark realities of the Ecuadorian migration crisis come into sharp focus, revealing a landscape marred by violence, exploitation, and despair.

Both administrations maintain that the halt in banana imports to Russia was unrelated to Ecuador’s proposed sale of Russian weapons to the USA as ‘scrap metal.’ Nevertheless, the underlying matter of the weapons transfer remained discernible.

Although the necessity for blackouts has ceased, Cenace cautions that the forthcoming dry season could entail diminished rainfall and potentially extend for a longer duration. Such conditions might once more necessitate the implementation of blackouts.

Now that carnival is over, we can return to our regular routines! Amongst the cacophony of noise, bustling traffic, and the merry revelers, one aspect stands out to me. Despite tens of thousands of Ecuadorians traversing the country in search of the ultimate party spot, and hundreds of thousands more celebrating in their hometowns, there […]

The ambitious development plan’s realization hinges on the National Assembly’s approval of the Annual Investment Plan.Top of Form

The migration landscape in Mexico is witnessing unprecedented shifts as irregular migration, particularly among Ecuadorians, experiences a significant surge.

In a bid to strengthen international cooperation, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador embarked on a significant diplomatic mission, cementing ties with the United States during a crucial meeting in Guayaquil. The encounter, shrouded in secrecy, unfolded behind closed doors, leaving much speculation but little concrete detail about the discussions that transpired.

Critics believe more could be closed with even more savings achieved.

Last week, I laid it out for you—I’m a card-carrying liberal, hailing from Kennedy country. My political awakening happened when I was six, when Nixon ran for his first term. Before that I didn’t even realize there were different parties. Now, let’s delve into the debate over President Noboa’s proposal to bump up the VAT […]

Ecuador successfully averted a default by disbursing $273 million to cover three interest coupons on foreign debt bonds, a crucial move by the Noboa Government to maintain financial stability. This payment, confirmed by the Ministry of Finance on February 1, 2024, was essential as the coupons were due by January 31, 2024. These coupons pertain […]

The Lasso Government accumulated unpaid balances of $3.584 billion, marking a twofold increase compared to the arrears in the 2022 State Budget.

The Unitary Workers’ Front (FUT) has declared a state of permanent mobilization following its national convention on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

In a recent turn of events, Ecuador faces challenges with its key agricultural exports to Russia, as the Russian phytosanitary service urges the suspension of certification for both bananas and carnations, citing health risks associated with the “humpback fly” and the presence of flowering thrips.