by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Argentina

Buenos Aires, April 10th - On April 4th, Argentine public school teachers in the provincial capital of Neuquén, the largest city in Patagonia, held a rally for higher salaries, demanding more than their current pay of 1000-1200 pesos (USD 300-360) a month. A raise of 24% had been offered by the federal government, which the workers had taken as an insult.

During police intervention of this non-peaceful protest, a chemistry teacher, Carlos Fuentealba, was killed when he was hit in the head by a tear gas cartridge.

The following day, approximately 30 thousand people were mobilized into the streets of Neuquén, surrounding the federal government building and demanding the resignation of Governor Jorge Sobisch, accusing him of murder.

Demonstrations and public protests are commonplace in Argentina. They are always noisy, often aggressive, and seldom successful. In an election year such as 2007, they are also of great political importance.

by Louise Belfrage
News Editor, The WIP
Argentina

One day, while I was sitting in a shoebox of an apartment in Once, Buenos Aires’ Hassidic neighborhood, Kate called me up on a crippled phone line and asked me if I would be interested in working with her.

I had just moved from Stockholm to Buenos Aires, intending to set up a life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. I was also looking for a way to start my own business, not knowing the least of where to start. At this transitory stage, it so happened that my best friend, Nina, had gotten me in touch with Katharine Daniels. Nothing surprises me anymore—life works its magic and all one has to do is follow along with it. Without hesitation.