150 hurt as Brazil Olympic buses collide

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 | 1:17 PM    

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) – At least 150 people have been injured Tuesday in two collisions between rapid transit (BRT) buses being rolled out in Rio ahead of next year’s Olympic Games, officials said.

The first collision between the articulated vehicles left 30 injured while a second just half an hour later saw another 120 likewise suffer cuts and bruises.

It was not immediately clear why the buses, which run on specially designated lanes and are designed to transport some nine million people a month, had collided.

Witnesses to the second accident claimed the driver of one of the buses had been talking to his wife on his cell phone when passengers yelled out a warning the vehicle was too close to another bus.

“One passenger yelled out –  ‘you’re going to collide’. It was a strong collision,” online news site G1 quoted one passenger, nurse Taiane dos Santos Novaes, as saying.

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150 hurt as Brazil Olympic buses collide

Brazil train collision leaves 158 injured

Wednesday, January 07, 2015 | 2:42 AM    

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) – Two trains serving Brazil’s much-criticized commuter rail service collided outside Rio de Janeiro, injuring 158 people, authorities said Tuesday.

The accident occurred Monday around 8:20 pm (22:20 GMT) when a train stopped at a station was struck from behind by another in Mesquita, 34 kilometers (21 miles) outside Rio, state transportation chief Carlos Osorio said.

The Supervia commuter service is the target of regular criticism from users who deride its often dilapidated infrastructure. Its carriages do not have air conditioning even in the stifling heat of a Southern Hemisphere summer.

Osorio added that Supervia would be fined over the incident but did not specify how much.

Rescue authorities said most of those hurt had suffered minor injuries, including cuts and bruises.

A spokesman told AFP that seven people remained in hospital but their condition was stable.

“This accident is extremely serious and the error unpardonable. Experts are on site to retrieve material and investigate,” said Osorio.

“We must find out if this is due to an individual mistake, a collective one or a combination of factors,” Osorio said.

Osorio said the commuter rail service needed modernization but noted the train which hit the stopped one had been refurbished three years ago.

He added that 53 new trains would come on stream by the end of this year.

Around 620,000 people use the service daily as they commute in and out of Rio from the suburbs.

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Brazil train collision leaves 158 injured

Brazil killer alleges 42 victims

11 December 2014 Last updated at 19:11 Ben Bland reports on the arrest of Sailson Jose das Gracas

Brazilian police have arrested a man who has confessed to the killing of 42 people over the last decade in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Police say they arrested Sailson Jose das Gracas on Wednesday, shortly after he stabbed a woman to death in a city suburb.

He then confessed to killing another 37 women, three men and a two-year-old girl.

The police are searching for alleged victims and say they have found four.

In a police interview broadcast on Brazil’s TV Globo, the man said he would go out hunting, and he killed for the adrenaline.

He told police that if he was ever released from prison he would kill again.

‘Watched for months’

He said he preferred victims who were white females, whom he strangled.

His three male victims had been killed when he was operating for hire, he added.

Das Gracas said: ” I would wait for an opportunity to break into the house and kill,” adding that he would watch his victims for months before making his move.

Experts said Das Gracas appeared to be a psychopath who enjoyed the media spotlight and warned that what he said needed to be carefully checked.

Police said they had begun cross-referencing his confession with police reports and had already found four of his victims.

In October a security guard in the Brazilian city of Goiania confessed to killing 39 people.

Sailson Jose das Gracas, 26 said he began a life of crime at the age of 15 and killed his first victim at 17

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Brazil killer alleges 42 victims

Brazil profile

16 September 2014 Last updated at 14:03 Brazil is South America’s most influential country, an economic giant and one of the world’s biggest democracies.

It is one of the rising economic powers – otherwise known as BRICS nations – together with Russia, India, China and South Africa. Over the past few years it has made major strides in its efforts to raise millions out of poverty.

The discovery of major offshore oil reserves could propel the country into the top league of oil-exporting nations.

The exploitation of the Amazon rainforest, much of which is in Brazil, has been a major international worry, since the wilderness is a vital regulator of the climate. It is also an important reservoir of plant and animal life.

A drive to move settlers to the Amazon region during military rule in the 1970s caused considerable damage to vast areas of rainforest.

A jaguar, resting in an Amazon reserve, is one of several species threatened by human encroachment

Deforestation by loggers and cattle ranchers remains controversial, but government-sponsored migration programmes have been halted.

In 2005 the government reported that one fifth of the Amazon forests had been cleared by deforestation.

Deforestation has been slowed down by extra policing and pressure from environmental and consumer groups. The government has fined illegal cattle ranchers and loggers, while the food industries have banned products from illegally deforested areas, such as soya beans and beef.

Continue reading the main story Economy: Brazil has Latin America’s largest economy; there has been steady growthInternational: Brazil wants a permanent seat at the UN Security Council; relations with Bolivia suffered in 2006 over access to Bolivian gas

Profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring

Officials estimate that deforestation in 2010 fell to 5,000 sq km for the year, down from 7,000 sq km the year before and a peak of 27,000 sq km in 2004.

Brazil’s natural resources, particularly iron ore, are highly prized by major manufacturing nations, including China. Thanks to the development of offshore fields, the nation has become self-sufficient in oil, ending decades of dependence on foreign producers.

There is a wide gap between rich and poor, but the World Bank has praised the country for progress in reducing social and economic inequality.

Much of the arable land is controlled by a handful of wealthy families, a situation which the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) seeks to redress by demanding land redistribution. It uses direct protest action and land occupation in its quest.

Social conditions can be harsh in the big cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, where a third of the population lives in favelas, or slums.

A wave of protests swept Brazil during the summer of 2013 as people took to the streets in cities throughout the country to demonstrate against corruption, inadequate public services and the expense of staging the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil’s Aids programme has become a model for other developing countries. It has stabilised the rate of HIV infection and the number of Aids-related deaths has fallen. Brazil has bypassed the major drugs firms to produce cheaper, generic Aids medicines.

Brazil is revered for its footballing prowess. Its cultural contributions include the music of classical composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and Bossa Nova icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.

A third of the population of Rio de Janeiro live in favelas, or slums

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Brazil profile

Tardelli on the double as Brazil down Argentina 2-0

BEIJING, China (AFP) — Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty as Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in a fiercely contested “Superclasico” friendly in Beijing yesterday.

Journeyman Diego Tardelli was the unlikely hero with his first two goals for Brazil as Messi fluffed his lines with a tame spot-kick at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

Atletico Mineiro striker Tardelli, 29, put Brazil ahead on 28 minutes, before Messi curled his soft penalty attempt close to goalkeeper Jefferson just before half-time.

Tardelli was on target again in the second half as Brazil restored pride after the World Cup, when the hosts were hammered in the semis while Argentina reached the final.

“Brazil are the best team in the world with a great tradition,” beamed their coach Dunga, who is rebuilding following the 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany.

“We have no big players, we are now acting as one team… The whole team is evolving, including me.”

Dunga brought on former national hero Kaka for a late cameo and he indicated the Sao Paulo FC midfielder could be set for a more regular role after 18 months on the sidelines.

“We need Kaka’s speed and control, he is an important part of our team,” he said.

Fears over Beijing’s choking smog had dominated the build-up but in a relief to players and organisers, air quality and visibility lifted on a breezy day in the Chinese capital.

Argentina were on top early in the match and Sergio Aguero fired an inviting chance over the bar before Angel Di Maria threatened with a drive from distance.

But it was Tardelli who broke the deadlock when he pounced on a loose ball and volleyed past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero on 28 minutes.

Brazil superstar Neymar should have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards but after wriggling his way free on goal, he made a hash of his shot and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.

The game had come alive and Argentina got a golden chance to equalise when Danilo was judged to have fouled Di Maria in the box, prompting angry Brazilian players to surround Chinese referee Fan Qi.

Messi looked certain to bury the spot-kick but the four-time world player of the year shot too close to Brazilian ‘keeper Jefferson, who dived to his right for a simple stop.

It was the Barcelona icon’s second penalty miss in two weeks after he also miscued one for his club last month against Levante.

“We always try to win but today we couldn’t. It was a match defined by our two mistakes,” said Messi.

“The error for the first goal and the penalty were crucial. If I had converted, it could have changed the game.”

Filipe Luis and Di Maria had chances at either end as the second half started energetically, and Oscar went close with a free kick after Martin Demichelis chopped down Neymar.

But again Tardelli was in the right place at the right time as he nodded in Oscar’s cross at the back post to give Brazil breathing space on 64 minutes.

Tardelli was eventually replaced by Kaka, who drew a huge roar when he came on in the final minutes to end his prolonged spell in the international wilderness.

And there was time for Neymar to twice go close before Brazil were able to celebrate their win in front of more than 50,000 fans at the 2008 Olympic stadium.

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Tardelli on the double as Brazil down Argentina 2-0

Brazil leader "dizzy" after debate

17 October 2014 Last updated at 23:05 President Dilma Rousseff went on to the southern city of Curitiba after she recovered Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff says she is in good health after a bout of dizziness at the end of a TV debate.

She was debating policy with her opponent in the presidential run-off vote on 26 October, Aecio Neves.

Latest polls say the two candidates are running neck and neck in what has become an increasingly bitter campaign.

After the debate, Ms Rousseff issued a video on social media looking upbeat and saying she had experience a bout of low blood pressure but had recovered.

She had appeared live on air after the debate, fumbling her words and saying she felt dizzy and had to sit down.

“I think a debate demands a lot from people, so that is what happened to me. Now I am feeling better and can conclude my interview and apologise to the viewer but that is how it is,” she said on air.

During the debate, Ms Rousseff accused her opponent of nepotism. Mr Neves, hit back saying officials in the President’s Workers Party were implicated in a huge corruption scandal involving the state oil company, Petrobras.

President Rousseff’s doctor said she had not eaten enough, and it was not necessary to give her a medical examination.

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Brazil leader "dizzy" after debate

Brazil Ebola case tests negative

11 October 2014 Last updated at 14:27 Brazilian authorities sent an Air Force plane to pick Mr Bah up from Cascavel Brazil says a Guinean man who had been suspected of having Ebola has tested negative for the disease.

The man arrived in the country on Thursday and had been quarantined.

Souleymane Bah went to a public health centre in the town of Cascavel in the southern state of Parana after suffering a fever.

He was flown to the National Institute of Infectology in Rio de Janeiro but fears he was the country’s first case of Ebola infection proved unfounded.

Health Minister Arthur Chioro said “all health protocols and procedures were applied efficiently and with great success”.

Guinea is one of the three West African countries most affected by Ebola.

Mr Bah’s symptoms appeared on the 20th day after he left Guinea – within the 21-day incubation period. He no longer has the fever.

Mr Bah arrived in Brazil as a refugee and was granted leave to remain until 2015 by immigration police.

Sixty-four people who came into contact with Mr Bah, mostly in the health centre in Parana, were monitored for symptoms of Ebola.

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Brazil Ebola case tests negative

Brazil hotel hostage crisis ends

29 September 2014 Last updated at 21:48 The man (C in shirt) who held a hotel employee hostage for hours was taken to a police station for interrogation. An armed man who held a hostage in a hotel in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, for nearly seven hours has surrendered.

About 300 people were in the Saint Peter Hotel when the man stepped on to a balcony on the 13th floor holding what looked like a gun to the head of a hotel employee.

The handcuffed hostage appeared to be wearing a vest stuffed with explosives.

The siege ended with the man raising his arms in the air. He was was taken to a police station for interrogation.

Media reports suggested that he was mentally unstable.

Guests at the hotel told local media the man had knocked on the doors of their rooms and told them to leave because he was about to perform a “terrorist act”.

Police said that during their negotiations the man appeared to be making “political statements”.

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Brazil hotel hostage crisis ends

Germany fan Rihanna flashes more than a smile at World Cup final in Brazil

Rihanna celebrates with the German players (Rihanna/Instagram)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Tuesday July 15, 2014 – The last time we checked Rihanna in Brazil, she was taking off her clothes for a mostly nude magazine shoot. Our latest update on Sunday saw her partially disrobing for the cameras again, but this time in wild jubilation.

Barbados’ pop princess flashed a generous amount of flesh – yanking up her jersey to display the goods from bra to below the navel – to celebrate the victory of her pet team Germany when it created history as the first European squad ever to win football’s greatest prize on South American soil.

The Talk That Talk girl, who is one of the world’s most popular Twitter users with 36.3 million followers, also helped contribute to the 32.1 million tweets sent during the match, which at one point broke the all-time record for most tweets per minute with 618,725 when the game ended after Germany’s big 1-0 win against Argentina.

For my German boys pic.twitter.com/cRzlNINBuf

— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 13, 2014

The Diamonds singer had dazzled with a barrage of tweets since the festivities kicked-off last month, but was at her brilliant best when the eagerly anticipated final got underway at the Maracana Stadium in Rio. The Unapologetic star was exactly that, with titillating tweets from “Mueller is always in the right position!” to “Super f*****g Mario!!!” but her excitement reached fever pitch when 22-year-old Mario Goetze ended Germany’s 24-year wait for another World Cup title by scoring the winning goal in extra time. “Goooooaaaaalllll!!!” she tweeted ecstatically. Germany’s sexiest World Cup fan went on to tweet a picture of herself holding the prized cup with a group of the winning players and the caption: “They brought me the cup!!! I love these guys!!! Congratulations.”

They brought me the cup!!! I love these guys!!! Congratulations!!!! pic.twitter.com/6K9sr56uHt

— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 14, 2014

The 26-year-old multiple Grammy winner went on to say it all by tweeting: “Congrats to my German boyz! This was the most epic experience of my entire life! You guys made me so proud to be here.”

By way of reply, Lukas Podolski tweeted the somewhat cryptic “What a night with our biggest fan. UnFOURgettable! Thanks Rihanna!!”

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Germany fan Rihanna flashes more than a smile at World Cup final in Brazil

German Blitzkrieg routs Brazil 7-1 in world cup semi-final

By Patrick R. Anderson

It was nothing seen by modern day Brazilian soccer lovers.

It was that old familiar German “Blitzkireg” attack. An attack with full force. Germany 7, Brazil 1.

Incredible. And 3-time world champions Germany are through to Sunday’s 20th FIFA World Cup final. The 8th in their World Cup history.

Wikipedia defines “Blitzkrieg” as follows: ‘ A method of warfare whereby an attacking force spearheaded by a dense concentration of armoured and motorised or mechanised infantry formations, and heavily backed by close air support , force a breakthrough into the enemy’s line of defense through a series of short, fast, powerful attacks, and once into enemy’s territory, proceeds to dislocate them using speed and surprise and then encircles them.’

It is the personification of Germany. And what Germany did at the Estadio Minieirao in Bela Horizonte in front of 58,141 fans packing into a capacity stadium of 57,483, was nothing short of a blitzkrieg attack. Football’s version of a blitzkrieg attack.

Brazil without Neymar and skipper Thiago Silva. The match was as good as over in the 11th minute, when a corner from the right side by Toni Kroos, found an unmarked Thomas Mueller who lost his marker David  Luiz, and Mueller volleyed in his 5th goal of the world cup to make it Germany 1, Brazil 0. And the 58,141 people at the Estadio Mineirao, plus 200 million Brazilians must have felt as if they took a kick in the solo plexus.

Then the blitzkrieg attack occured 12 minutes later. Four goals in 6-minutes. Total shambles in the back by Brazil. They looked like Under 12 schoolboys. As Miroslav Klose followed his own rebound to score his second goal at this world cup and his 16th overall to become the leading goalscorer in the history of the world cup, surpassing Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

Toni Kroos got in on the act and knocked in two goals in the 24th and 26th minutes, then Sammy Khedira added the 5th in the 29th minute. All four goals coming from shambolic defending by Brazil with the Germans almost walking into the goal.

Substitute Andre Schuerrle knocked in two more goals in the 69th and 79th minutes as Germany took their feet off the gas, and Brazil could still do nothng right, except Oscar scoring a consolation goal on 90 minutes.

Final score, Germany 7, Brazil 1, and the end was as swift as Blitzkrieg.

It was Brazil’s worst defeat since their 6-0 rout by Uruguay in 1920. They have now scored 221 goals in world cup history, with Germany eclipsing them by reaching 223 goals following their demolition job of seven goals on Tuesday.

Germany are into Sunday’s final and await the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between 2-time champions Argentina and The Netherlands who have played in three finals (1974, 1978 and 2010) and are still without a title.

Nobody knew what type of bomb fell at Bela Horizonte on Tuesday.

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German Blitzkrieg routs Brazil 7-1 in world cup semi-final

Mats Hummels heads Germany into world cup semi-finals versus host Brazil

By Patrick R. Anderson

It was a sublime header.

Mats Hummels scored two goals all season long for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. But at the world cup he has now scored 2 goals in 4matches, demonstrating that the 25-year-old defender is a player for the big stage.

And it was his header in the 12th minute in front of a jam-packed Maracana Stadium in the South east of Brazil in front of 74,240 people which made the difference on Friday. That’s all Germany needed to advance to a record 13th world cup semi-finals and their 4th consecutive semi-final. And when you factor in seven world cup final appearances, the most by any country in a final, and three titles, there’s no question which is the most consistent team at the world cup.

France started with an attacking reputation from the group phase and proceeded to battle with a 4-3-3 formation. Coach Didier Deschamps inserted Antoine Griezmann of Real Sociedad in place of Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, while Germany’s coach Joachim Low seated Mario Goetze and brought in Miroslav Klose, the man who is tied with Brazil’s Ronaldo as the world cup’s greatest goalscorers with 15 goals each.

But France’s early attempts at forays into German territory were blunted by Germany’s compact midfield, led by two holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation. And that was a big difference in the outcome of the game.

Germany gained a free kick from the left side, taken by free kick specialist Toni  Kroos who delivered a nicely weighted kick into the penalty box. Mats Hummels and France’s Raphael Varane contested the delivery, but Hummels got their ahead of Varane and flashed a superfluous header high to the left of Captain Hugo Lloris in goal for France in the 12th minute, and that was it.

Germany 1, France 0.

France searched for the equalizer for the remainder of the match, but couldn’t find it. They came close in the 90th minute when Karim Benzama’s shot from the left side of the box, was steered clear of the goal by the brilliant keeper Manuel Neuer.

Germany will meet host country Brazil on Tuesday July 8 in the first semi-final, after Brazil defeated a spirited Colombia 2-1 in front of 60,342 people at the Estadio Castelao in the north eastern city of  Fortaleza.

Brazil lifted their game on Friday and gave their best performance yet at the big dance. They were off to a flyer in the 7th minute, after Neymar’s left sided corner led to captain Thiago Silva connecting at the back post and simply turned the ball into an unprotected goal when he appeared from nowhere. The defending was shambolic.

Brazil 1, Colombia 0.

Brazil continued to press Colombia for the remainder of the half. The Colombians appearing to be thrown off their game by the intimidating crowd, and the brilliance of Brazil’s tactical play.

In the 64th minute, Thiago Silva collected a needless yellow card to make it two for the tournament, which means he misses Tuesday’s massive semi-final. It will be a big blow for Brazil.

But 5-mins later on 69 minutes, Brazil set up for a 33 yard free kick on the right channel. David Luiz punched the ball brilliantly to the left of goalkeeper David Ospina who initially moved left thinking Luiz was curling the ball in that direction. But Luiz’ kick was like a knuckleball by a baseball pitcher, no spin in evidence, and it floated like a butterfly into the back of the net. A goal of stupendous quality. Top shelf.

Brazil 2, Colombia 0.

But Colombia were not done and continued to press Brazil. They were rewarded in the 78th minute when substitute Carlos Bacca was taken out by goalkeeper Julio Cesar in the box.

James Rodriquez capitalised from the penalty spot, to score his world cup leading 6th goal.

Brazil suffered a scare in the 87th minute when Zuniga delivered a knee into the lower back of superstar Neymar. Neymar writhed in pain on the turf and was substituted after a few moments.

The final score, Brazil 2, Colombia  1, and Brazil have now established a mega semi-final on Tuesday against Germany.

On Saturday, Argentina plays Belgium at 11am while The Netherlands oppose CONCACAF team Costa Rica at 3p.m. to decide the other two semi-finalists who will meet on Wednesdasy July 9.

HITZ92FM will have LIVE commentary of both matches on Saturday starting at 10:30am, while TVJ will have the best pregame, halftime and postgame shows starting at 10am.

Fifty-eight (58) matches have been played with a total of 158 goals at an average of 2.72 goals per match, far surpassing the 146 goals scored in the entirety of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

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Mats Hummels heads Germany into world cup semi-finals versus host Brazil

Brazil tribe returns home after riot

30 December 2013 Last updated at 18:54 ET Some 150 indigenous people in Brazil’s Amazon region have returned to their reserve, several days after seeking refuge in a nearby military base.

Members of the Tenharim tribe fled their lands on Christmas Day, after riots in the nearby town of Humaita.

Local groups accused the tribe of abducting three government workers two weeks ago.

The three men were last seen near the indigenous lands, in Amazonas state, but the tribe denies any involvement.

Local groups say the contractors were abducted and taken to the reserve in retaliation for the death of an indigenous leader.

The police say the man, Ivan Tenharim, was run over by a vehicle on a road that crosses the reserve, but tribe members believe he was murdered.

On Saturday, more than 200 policemen were deployed in the reserve – some 600km (370 miles) south-west of the state capital, Manaus – to begin a search for the missing men.

The police presence may have reassured the indigenous people that it was safe to return.

Clashes between indigenous groups and non-indigenous locals are not uncommon in Brazil as they are often in conflict over land, logging and mining rights.

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Brazil tribe returns home after riot

Protests at Brazil Independence Day

7 September 2013 Last updated at 14:26 ET Police used tear gas to try to disperse demonstrators in Rio’s city centre Protesters in Brazil have disrupted Independence Day celebrations, demanding better public services and the end of corruption.

More than 100 demonstrators interrupted the traditional Seventh of September military parade in the city of Rio de Janeiro, shouting slogans against the authorities.

They clashed with police, who threw tear gas and made several arrests.

There were clashes in Brasilia, where President Dilma Rousseff gave a speech.

In Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, hundreds of people have been taking part in a march, which has been largely peaceful.

Activists used social media to call for protests in more than 150 cities.

Brazil saw a big wave of protests in June, as the country prepared to host the football Confederations Cup.

Initially, demonstrators demanded that a hike in bus and underground fares be revoked.

But the demonstrations grew into a much larger movement against corruption and excessive spending in preparations for next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, which Rio will host.

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Protests at Brazil Independence Day

Unrest continues in Brazil

News

Sunday, September 08, 2013

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — More than 100 protesters interrupted a military parade in Rio yesterday, held to mark Brazil’s Independence Day, and were dispersed with tear gas.Five people were injured and taken to hospital, civil police said, adding that at least 10 protesters were arrested.The protest, one of a series of demonstrations planned yesterday across the country, comes with Brazil in the international spotlight as it prepares to host the football World Cup next year.In June, the country saw massive street protests — which have continued since on a smaller scale — demanding better public services and an end to corruption.In Rio yesterday, the protesters, some masked, entered the downtown avenue where the military was parading, shouting slogans and clashing with police. Security forces fired tear gas, prompting spectators, many of them families with children, to flee the fumes.Police chased several protesters who escaped through side streets, shooting rubber bullets, according to local news site G1. At least one bank branch near the demonstration was vandalised, it added.In a bid to recapture the energy of the June protests, groups have called via social media for demonstrations in 150 cities across the country, including Brasilia, where several hundred people were marching to Congress.“We want better education, political reforms and media democratisation. The June protests served to push Congress to approve measures — we have to keep them alive,” a student demonstrator, Philip Leite, told AFP.BRASILIA, Brazil — A military police officer uses pepper spray on this protester during an Independence Day military parade in Brasilia yesterday. Brazilians are protesting against corruption and poor public services despite a heavy tax burden. (PHOTO: AP)

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Unrest continues in Brazil

Jamaica urged to deepen trade relations with Brazil

BRAZIL and Jamaica must move beyond exchanges in just music and culture, and deepen their trade relations, says the Brazilian ambassador to Jamaica.

“We need to know each other better. Brazil needs to know Jamaica beyond reggae and Usain Bolt. These are certainly great brands, but we need to make these brands connect,” Antonio Francisco da Costa e Silva Neto stated in his keynote address at a luncheon hosted by JN Small Business Loans Limited (JNSBL) at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.“Jamaica needs to talk not only about looking ‘south’ but they have to ‘do the walk south’,” the ambassador added at the luncheon aimed at strengthening the dialogue to increase business between the two countries.He commended the Donovan McFarlane-led Jamaica-Brazil Chamber of Commerce delegation to Jamaica, adding that the time had come for Jamaica to establish a sister organisation in Kingston to deepen the discussions about doing business with Brazil.“We should have a sister organisation to develop closer ties, which does not only involve trade; but investment and joint venture investments; partnerships, to not only tap into the Brazilian and Jamaican markets, but to also to tap into markets that Brazil may have access to, such as other South American markets,” he declared.He also maintained that the Brazilian Embassy was willing and ready to help.“The Brazilian Embassy is not only here to promote sports, as good as that would be; but we are also here to help Jamaica to export more to Brazil,” he stated.His comments were welcomed by Earl Jarrett, general manager of Jamaica National,who said the local private sector could look at establishing a “business club” to facilitate greater knowledge-sharing about the opportunities for business in Brazil and Jamaica, and facilitate talks on issues impacting trade between the two countries.According to Jarrett, there is still a lack of knowledge about opportunities for the private sector in both countries, which has been an impediment to trade during the past 50 years, despite the diplomatic relationship between the nations.“Such a facility would help to support the work the Jamaica-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, which is already providing another space for dialogue on the possibilities and the issues that prevent us from capitalising on our bilateral relations over the past century,” Jarrett said.The JN general manager noted that there was still a need for a regularised visa agreement between the countries, to facilitate Jamaicans seeking to trade with Brazil. Under the current visa agreement, Jamaicans who hold diplomatic passports and official passports may stay in Brazil for up to 90 days, while ordinary Jamaicans are required to obtain a visa, although Brazilians may stay in Jamaica for up to 30 days without a visa.He added that there was also need for better air linkages between the countries if Jamaica is to improve business with Brazil, pointing to “the lack of direct flights between the two countries, which is a barrier to the need for expanded cooperation with the South American nation”.Echoing a similar point, Arnaldo Brown, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, added that the ease of travel is critical to trade with Brazil. And, in relation to tourism, he said, “At present we are aware that out of South Africa there are direct flights into Brazil and Jamaica is going to see how we can make that full circle from Brazil into Kingston.”Brown said, in that regard, the issue of intra-regional travel also needed to be tackled. He suggested that the proposed logistics hub will become important to travel, “because, we are not only speaking about the movement of people, but cargo, as well.”Industry Minister Anthony Hylton noted that the transhipment project was vital to vastly improving the island’s competitiveness, and should deepen Jamaica-Brazil trade relations.“With the logistics hub you are talking about a greater integration of Jamaica into the global economy and the movement of passengers and goods globally,” he stated. “We will have the links between Jamaica and Brazil enhanced.”With constant high economic growth rates and a population of nearly 200 million people, Brazil is the world’s seventh largest economy and is also considered the seventh largest in terms of purchasing power parity, with GDP per capita of some US$10,200.In his remarks, Donovan McFarlane, president of the Jamaica-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, noted that more than 45 million Brazilians had moved into the middle class in recent years.“And with their assent into the world of the middle class has come a world of new consumer opportunities. This rising consumer class is expected to be a driving force in facilitating the strength in the consumer market due to its exceptional spending power,” he stated.However, despite these opportunities, Jamaica has maintained a trade deficit with Brazil. In 2012 imports from Brazil of mostly ethanol and corned beef, amounted to US$240 million, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, while exports from Jamaica to Brazil amounted to US$9.4 million leaving a deficit of US$230.4 million.McFarlane said the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games will provide further opportunities for entrepreneurs in Jamaica and other countries to expand their businesses, noting that the Jamaica-Brazil Chamber was willing to support businesses ready to make a move.“The Jamaica-Brazil Chamber of Commerce seeks the cooperation and support of businesses and organisations to afford us the opportunity of moving forward together,” McFarlane affirmed. “We are ready and equipped with the tools necessary to help you to achieve success.” The Christ the Redeemer statue stands back-dropped by Sugar Loaf mountain (right) as the sun sets in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Brazilian ambassador to Jamaica, Antonio Francisco da Costa e Silva Neto.

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Jamaica urged to deepen trade relations with Brazil

JamRockerZ pip Brazil to advance

Sport

BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter myerss@jamaicaobserver.com Wednesday, September 04, 2013

CARACAS, Venezuela — Jamaica’s basketballers pipped Brazil 78-76 to secure a place in the second round of the FIBA Americas Championship here at the Poliedro de Caracas last night.The 24-year-old forward Samardo Samuels, a dominant figure at this tournament so far, led the way for the JamRockerZ with 21 points.With the victory, Jamaica joined favourites Puerto Rico, Canada and Uruguay as the teams to advance from Group A.The winless Brazil unit, usually a powerhouse at this level, was sent packing.A relaxed-looking Samuels told the Jamaica Observer after the match that “the team deserved the success” after gradually improving after the opening game blowout loss to Canada.Teams to advance from Group B were Mexico, Argentina, Dominican Republic and hosts Venezuela. Paraguay were eliminated from that group.The second round begins on Thursday.The four semi-finalists at this Championship qualify for the basketball World Cup to be held next year in Spain.Jamaica’s forward Patrick Ewing Jr (left) defends against Puerto Rico’s Larry Ayuso in the FIBA Americas Championship match at the Poliedro de Caracas on Monday. Jamaica were defeated 82-88. (PHOTO: FIBAAMERICAS.COM)Jamaica’s centre Jerome Jordan dunks against Puerto Rico in the FIBA Americas Championship game at the Poliedro de Caracas on Monday. Jamaica lost 82-88. (PHOTO: FIBAAMERICAS.COM)

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JamRockerZ pip Brazil to advance

NSA "spied on Brazil and Mexico"

2 September 2013 Last updated at 07:33 ET Mr Greenwald says NSA documents show how the US spied on Mexico and Brazil Brazil says it will demand an explanation from the US after allegations that the National Security Agency (NSA) spied on Brazilian government communications.

The allegations were made by Rio-based journalist Glenn Greenwald in a programme on TV Globo on Sunday.

Mr Greenwald obtained secret files from US whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

Communications from the Mexican president were also accessed by the NSA, Mr Greenwald said.

Mr Greenwald, a columnist for the British Guardian newspaper, told TV Globo’s news programme Fantastico that secret documents leaked by Edward Snowden showed how US agents had spied on communications between aides of Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff.

‘Attack on sovereignty’

Brazil’s Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said that “if these facts prove to be true, it would be unacceptable and could be called an attack on our country’s sovereignty”.

According to the report, the NSA also used a program to access all internet content that President Rousseff visited online.

The report also alleges that the NSA monitored the communications of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto before he was elected.

Mr Greenwald said that a document dating from June 2012 showed that Mr Pena Nieto’s emails were being read.

A spokesman for the Mexican foreign ministry told the Agence France Presse news agency that he had seen the report but had no comment.

The documents were provided to Mr Greenwald by ex-US intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, who was granted temporary asylum in Russia after leaking secret information to media in the US and Britain.

Mr Greenwald was the first journalist to reveal the secret documents leaked by Mr Snowden on 6 June. Since then, he has written a series of stories about surveillance by US and UK authorities.

The detention last month for nine hours at London’s Heathrow airport of Mr Greenwald’s partner, David Miranda, caused widespread controversy in the UK and abroad.

Mr Greenwald said the detention of his partner amounted to “bullying” and was “clearly intended to send a message of intimidation” to those working on the NSA revelations.

The British government said that it was right for the police to act if they believed that someone had “highly sensitive stolen information”.

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NSA "spied on Brazil and Mexico"

Brazil raises interest rate to 9%

28 August 2013 Last updated at 20:21 ET Economists believe Brazil’s central bank will raise rate again later in the year Brazil has raised its benchmark interest rate to 9% from 8.5% in a further attempt to rein in inflation.

The central bank’s monetary policy committee, the Copom, voted unanimously for a third straight half percentage point rate rise.

The Copom left the door open for more hikes by reiterating that the latest rise is part of an ongoing rate-adjustment process.

A fall in the value of Brazilian real has stoked inflation, currently 6.15%.

The currency’s fall has been blamed on an outflow of capital triggered by expectation that the US Fed will end its stimulus policy, leading to a stronger dollar.

The real has lost 20% of its value against the dollar since the start of the year.

Other emerging nations, including in southeast Asia, have suffered similar currency problems.

Higher interest rates would help Brazil control inflation, and also bolster investors’ confidence, the International Monetary Fund said in a report on Wednesday.

Fabio Akira, chief Brazil economist at JPMorgan, said further rate hikes were likely. He is forecasting a 50 basis points rise in October and another 25 points rise later in the year.

Last week, the real fell to as low as 2.45 to the dollar, its lowest level since December 2008.

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Brazil raises interest rate to 9%

VIDEO: Brazil prisoners escape after riot

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VIDEO: Brazil prisoners escape after riot

Pope Francis holds final Brazil Mass

28 July 2013 Last updated at 12:33 ET The BBC’s Julia Carneiro on Copacabana Beach said people spent the night in vigil waiting for the Pope

Pope Francis has closed the biggest-ever Roman Catholic youth festival with a Mass on Brazil’s Copacabana beach.

More than three million people are estimated to have gathered for the service in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Many of the pilgrims had slept on the beach after attending an all-night vigil, which Pope Francis also led.

Sunday’s ceremony marks the end of the Pope’s five-day visit to Brazil – his first foreign trip since becoming pontiff in March.

He is set to fly back to Rome later on Sunday.

The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Rio says almost every inch of the two-and-a-half mile long beach was occupied ahead of the Mass, as most of the young people stayed after the vigil, pitching tents or sleeping in the open.

The vigil and Sunday mass have attracted the biggest crowd ever to Copacabana beach, which has hosted rock concerts, sports events and the traditional New Year celebrations.

He encouraged young Catholics to get out of their parochial boundaries in order to help others.

“Go and don’t be afraid of serving,” he said.

“Jesus did not gather the Apostles so they lived in isolation. He called them so they formed a group, a community,” said Pope Francis.

He announced the next Catholic youth festival would be held in the Polish city of Krakow in 2016.

Female activists held a demonstration nearby in support of abortion and women’s rights.

But our correspondent says the Pope and the Church hierarchy will be delighted at the huge turnout and the way Francis has been received by pilgrims from across the globe.

Preaching in favelas

In the past three decades, the Catholic church has lost millions of followers to smaller Christian denominations.

In his vigil address on Saturday, the pontiff had urged the pilgrims not to be “part-time Christians”, but to lead full, meaningful lives.

Rio’s famous stretch of beach has been dubbed “Popacabana”

Speaking on a huge stage at the beach where a mock church structure was built, Pope Francis referred to the street protests which have been taking place in Brazil for more than a month.

“The young people in the street are the ones who want to be actors of change. Please don’t let others be actors of change,” he told the crowd at the vigil.

“Keep overcoming apathy and offering a Christian response to the social and political concerns taking place in different parts of the world.”

Also on Saturday, the Pope repeated his challenge to fellow Roman Catholic clerics to take to the streets.

In a speech to 1,000 bishops and clerics in Rio’s cathedral, he said they should go to the favelas – Brazil’s shanty towns.

“We cannot keep ourselves shut up in parishes, in our communities, when so many people are waiting for the Gospel,” he told the audience.

Protests, sometimes violent, broke out in cities across Brazil last month against corruption, poor public services and the high cost of events like the 2014 World Cup.

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Pope Francis holds final Brazil Mass