Latin America

Food Crisis, High Bus Fares And Free Trade in Central America

By Carlos Quintanilla

Malnutrition rates have soared in El Salvador, with more than two million inhabitants who are living beneath the poverty threshold.

According to World Food Programme representative, Carlos Scaramella, the low nutritional levels due to basic product shortages and price hikes can be attributed to the high costs of oil and to the impact of climatic change. Nearly 31% - almost one third of Salvadorians live with limited economic resources.

Another problem affecting Central Americans is the recent rise in bus fares. Violent riots broke out recently in various Guatemalan cities when residents who protested a 100% increase in transportation fees were dispersed by security forces.

Thousands of Guatemala City residents blocked the road, prompting the intervention of the National Civil Police. According to community station, Radio Popular, police used excessive force, launching tear gas shells indiscriminately, some of which hit houses and shops, causing toxic reactions which caused suffering to children and women.

After the clashes, protest leaders called on authorities and transportation employers to negotiate a solution which does not affect their families' limited finances. There is concern that the rise in bus fares may trigger social turmoil of unforeseeable consequences due to the serious economic crisis affecting the country's entire population.

Meanwhile, the Managing Directors for Trade Agreements in Central America and the Dominican Republic evaluated the course of the commercial agreements in the area's nations.

In a recent meeting held in San Salvador, El Salvador's capital, participants say that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US contains 1,022 original regulations, which need to be reviewed because they appear to be unfair to the Central American countries.

The United States applies a double standard in its trade negotiations, benefitting itself and putting other nations at a disadvantage. Demanding a fair trade treatment with the US could be the right decision not just for Central American countries, but for all third world nations

. Carlos Quintanilla produces and hosts KPFK's Spanish Language News Program "Noticiero Pac¡fica", which is broadcast over 90.7 FM on Saturdays at 4:00 PM. Noticiero Pac¡fica is the only independent news program focusing on Latin American issues for the Los Angeles area. P. O. Box 761475, Los Angeles, CA 90076. E-mail: <notipaci@hotmail.com>