Colombian mayor hailed for virus strategy has Covid
The mayor of the Colombian city of Medellín, Daniel Quintero, says he has tested positive for coronavirus. Mr Quintero has been praised for his early and data-driven approach to containing the virus in Colombia's second-largest city. He began holding preparedness meetings as early as January, when many politicians did not yet take the threat from the virus seriously. His strategy seemed to pay off in the early stages of the pandemic. On 21 April, only two people had died with Covid in Medellín, while 29 had died in Cali, which has fewer inhabitants.
Barbados says its new visa "lets you work remotely in paradise for up to a year"
Bored of working from home, wishing you were on a beach instead? That could be a real prospect under a new scheme launched by the government of Barbados. The Barbados Welcome Stamp, which has just started taking applications, gives international visitors the opportunity to work remotely on the island for up to a year. Palm trees, sun, and blue skies sound like a dream to many, but even stunning locations have their pros and cons, especially during a pandemic. So what can remote workers expect if they take up the tempting offer? The Barbados remote work visa is open to applicants worldwide, for a payment of either £1,590 (US$2,000) per person, or £2,385 (US$3,000) per family. To qualify, you must earn at least £39,760 (US$50,000) per year, and have health insurance in place. There's also some national security vetting.
Ecuador on alert over huge Chinese fishing fleet off Galapagos Islands
Ecuador is on alert due to the appearance of a huge fleet of mostly Chinese-flagged fishing vessels off its Galapagos Islands. Patrols are trying to ensure the fleet - which is made up of around 260 vessels - does not enter the delicate eco-system from international waters. Chinese vessels travel to the region each year in search of marine species. In 2017, a Chinese vessel was caught in the marine reserve with 300 tonnes of wildlife, most of it sharks. "We are on alert, [conducting] surveillance, patrolling to avoid an incident such as what happened in 2017," Ecuadorean Defence Minister Oswaldo Jarrin told reporters.
Colombian cartels killing those who don't obey their Covid-19 lockdowns
Drug cartels and rebel groups are imposing their own bloody coronavirus lockdowns across Colombia – and killing those who do not obey, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). At least eight civilians have been murdered by the armed groups, some of them holdovers from Colombia’s half-century civil war, which are using Whatsapp chats and pamphlets to warn citizens of the lockdowns in the rural areas where they operate. In Tumaco, an impoverished and violent port city on the Pacific coast, residents are banned by gangs from fishing, limiting their ability to earn money and food. A 5pm curfew – far stricter than the measures imposed by the government – is also forcing street vendors inside.
Mexican football league resumes with no spectators amid pandemic
Mexico is moving forward with first division football. The opening match of the 2020 Liga MX was played on Friday after being postponed by a day despite warnings over a heightened risk of coronavirus spreading among players.
BAD BUNNY – Artist Spotlight Stories
Produced by YouTube Music and directed by Kristian Mercado, Bad Bunny’s Artist Spotlight Story is a psychedelic portrait of a global superstar unlike any other. The film explores Bad Bunny’s origins in Puerto Rico, manifesting his dreams into reality, and how he uses his platform to speak out against social issues, all brought to life through vibrant animations and cutting-edge visuals to reflect his visionary aesthetic.
