Energy

Is oil drilling in Cuban waters safe?

With Scarabeo 9, a Spanish company’s leased oil rig, in place for exploratory drilling off the Cuban coast, response plans are being firmed up in case a spill reaches the United States.

Immigration

Brazil offers visas to Haitians drawn by prospect of jobs

The Brazilian government created a special visa program after thousands of Haitians were stranded in remote Amazon towns. It will also issue work visas to Haitians at its embassy in Port-au-Prince.

Tradewinds

U.S. still tops for entrepreneurs

This week’s roundup includes news on Brazilian banking and upcoming international trade events in Florida

Ecuador

Ecuador conservation effort gets dragged into legal fight

Ecuadoran plaintiffs in an $18 billion lawsuit against Chevron said the company has been trying to bribe its way out of the case by offering to support an innovative conservation effort.

Ecuador Environment

Ecuador court upholds historic environmental case against Chevron

An Ecuadoran court has upheld a ruling against Chevron for polluting the environment. Chevron says the ruling is illegitimate.

Cuba’s Year of Change

Cuba stacks up the building blocks of a new economy

The pace of economic reforms has picked up as Cuba seeks to move more people off government payrolls in an effort to boost its economy.

Latin America Media

Argentine media site attracts viewers and lawsuits

Cuevana, an Argentine website that streams the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV series, started off as a dorm-room project that has attracted millions of viewers. Now, it has attracted lawsuits from HBO and Turner, among others.

Bankruptcy

Judge turns down InnoVida’s plan to reorganize

A bankruptcy judge converted Claudio Osorio’s personal and corporate bankruptcy cases to Chapter 7

Brazil

Brazil’s economy slows

However, recent measures could put the economy of South Florida’s largest trading partner back on the growth track by the second quarter of 2012.

Q&A

French ambassador highlights ties with Florida

François Delattre focused on investment and trade during a recent visit to Miami.

Haiti reconstruction

Haiti leaders to begin talks on improving investment laws

As business opportunities in post-earthquake Haiti yield enthusiasm and opportunity, the government commits to passing law to make country more business friendly.

Manufacturing

Brazilian firm buys trade secrets to build low-cost homes

Millport Associates, a subsidiary of a Brazilian conglomerate, acquired InnoVida’s trade secrets in a bankruptcy auction.

VENTURE CAPITAL

Companies find capital at FIU conference

The 2011 Americas Venture Capital Conference, hosted by FIU, brought together entrepreneurs and investors at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

CUBA

UN report now accepts Cuban data

Havana was not on a previous development list because of questions about its data

BANKING

Analysts say European recession likely

Some 1,800 bankers from around the world gathered in Miami for the 45th FELABAN Annual Assembly. They discussed everything from the global economy to banking inclusion

Americas economic outlook

Latin America better prepared to weather a slowdown in global economy

Despite global volatility and the possibility of an economic slowdown in China, many still say they’re bullish on the region and its opportunities

Shadow Inventory 2011

U.S. Congress

Congress approves free-trade pacts

Congress has OK’d long-delayed free-trade agreements that phase out tariffs on trade with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. They now await the president’s signature.

COURTS

Promises of Costa Rican dream homes fueled a 'Ponzi-type scheme,' lawsuit says

She wanted a piece of paradise — a tropical retirement home where the temperature is warm, the air is clean and the crowds and stress of South Florida are far, far away.