Indigenous Strength

 Quito Canoes  (Photo by David Adam Kess)

The root of the name “Ecuador” is the Latin word equa, meaning “equal.”  But when it comes to economics, things have been far from equal in Ecuador.

This situation recently came to a head with the sudden imposition of an “austerity package” on Ecuador’s people.  This Decree 883 sharply raised fuel costs, which had a particularly harsh effect upon the country’s indigenous

population.

Indigenous leaders therefore organized “protests and street blockades.”  Oil production was greatly slowed, which led to a national “loss of about $14 million a day.”

After a week of demonstrations (some of which included a tragic loss of life), the government was willing to make some concessions.  Mediated talks have begun, and indigenous leaders are lobbying hard for “improved long-term conditions.”

   

Resources

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/after-violent-clashes-ecuador-reaches-deal-cancels-austerity-plan-ends-n1065686

Copyright October 14, 2019 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved