Kidney Disease Epidemic In Nicaragua’s ‘Land of Rum and Sugar’

In Chichigalpa, Nicaragua’s “tierra del ron y del azúcar” (land of rum and sugar), hundreds of men who developed a “mystery” illness while working in local sugarcane fields are seeking compensation from their former employer, a powerful conglomerate called Grupo Pellas.

Quellon, Ground Zero In Chile’s Great Salmon Bust

Industry collapse has left thousands out of work

Quellón, REGION X – In the dwindling light of a crisp autumn evening, snow-covered Corcovado and its sister peaks shine pink above the silhouetted fishing boats that stretch out beyond the harbor in Quellón. The alpine glow is short-lived, though, and as the sun drops below the horizon the tempting distraction of the distant volcanoes fades to black.

Lights flicker on in the mostly empty hotels and restaurants that line the Costanera, a bay-front road stretching the length of the city. The air smells of wood smoke, salt water and decay. A handful of drunks lurch by in the direction of Quellón’s main pier, where a dozen other men lean idly against a railing. Surrounding the dock are boats of all shapes and sizes. Too many are anchored. The city, some people fear, is dying.