Hemisphere Highlights, Volume VIII, Issue 4 - April 2009

The Fifth Summit of the Americas conference takes place in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Canada announces it will create a Canadian International Center for the Arctic Region in Norway to strengthen its voice on Arctic issues in Europe. Mexico struggles with a virulent outbreak of influenza as the international community collaborates to respond. International donors increase support for Haiti. Venezuela and its allies from the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas announce the creation of a new joint currency, and the government replaces two key municipal opposition leaders with Chávez loyalists. Ecuador seeks to respond to an increasing problem with unemployment resulting from the global financial crisis. Paternity claims against the president of Paraguay, a former Catholic bishop, lead to controversy. Political positioning continues in Argentina in anticipation of the June 28 congressional elections.