ESPAÑOL
PORTUGUÊS
FRANÇAIS		   SPECIAL REPORT: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
 
SPECIAL REPORTS
The mayor (right) meets with his construction crew.
 

Do-it-yourself democracy

How long-neglected communities in Nicaragua are taking charge of their destiny.

Mayor George Howard was trying hard to keep his patience. He had been checking on progress of a long-awaited sidewalk, a project that was being funded with locally raised tax money. And now here was an irate resident, vowing that the sidewalk would never be built on "his" property.

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IN THIS ISSUE
SPECIAL REPORT
Local Government - Part 1:
Do-it-yourself democracy
On Nicaragua's Atlantic Coast, long-neglected communities are taking charge.
What can be done to save the lobsters?
Local people organize for a greater say over their economic future.
‘We know our land best.’
An ex-mayor makes the case for greater local control over natural resources.
Tale of two islands
Effective government stands a better chance where people still say hello.
The frustrations of being governor
Real power depends on an efficient bureaucracy and a strong tax base.

 

NEWSBEAT
IDB to consider new kinds of assistance
Bank governors call for increased aid to countries affected by global economic crises.

THINK TANK
Can Latin America's capital markets be revived?
Experts say coordinated public and private effort is needed to turn stock markets into engines of development.

EXPRESSIONS
Between dreams and reality
Folk musician Violeta Parra also left a rich visual legacy.

IDB BOOKSHELF
Safeguarding the vulnerable
 New book urges governmnents to plan for hard times, not just react to them.

IDB NEWS
IDB launches $2 billion, five-year global bond issue
Also, new shareholders join the IIC and board of governors passes resolutions.


Urban Heritage


Indigenous Peoples

VIEWPOINT



Democratic deficit. An IDB expert on governance argues that Latin America's persistent problems may have more to do with politics than with economics.

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