Author Archives: Stephen Woodman
Fintechs could take 30% of Mexican banking market
With long queues, high fees and low cash machine coverage, Mexican banks have a reputation for poor customer service. A recent Gallup poll found that more than three in four customers were indifferent to, or unhappy with their bank. This … Continue reading
The narco-trafficker next door
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Gabriela Navarro, who lives in an exclusive gated community in southern Guadalajara, suspects three locals of having ties to one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels. She bases this belief on their unconventional working hours, unexplained wealth, … Continue reading
How a skeleton folk saint of death took off with Mexican transgender women
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Betzy Ballesteros, a 26-year-old transgender sex worker, keeps a shrine to Santa Muerte, the skeleton folk saint, in her home. Surrounding the statue are candles, candy and the grainy photos of several friends who were murdered and … Continue reading
City of Song – vallenato music in Cartagena
The humidity was the first thing I noticed as I stepped from the plane in Cartagena, Colombia. The bear hug embrace of the Caribbean air was so implausibly powerful that it was difficult to believe that locals didn’t still find … Continue reading
America’s soccer migrants: the US footballers crossing Mexico’s border – video
I worked as a fixer on this video for The Guardian.
Rex Tillerson promotes US ties during Mexico trip
Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state, struck a conciliatory tone during a visit to Mexico, saying the neighbouring countries had an opportunity to upgrade their economic relationship. Read the complete article at The Financial Times
BBC interview about the fireworks explosion in Tultepec, Mexico
Interview for the BBC radio show “Good Morning Scotland.”
Five Mexicans to watch in 2017
The past year was a rough one for many Mexicans. The list of difficulties and indignities was long, from the rise to the US presidency of confirmed enemy Donald Trump to the end-of-year shock of gasoline prices soaring by as … Continue reading
Mexicans face new year shock at petrol pumps
Mexico’s government has announced the biggest increases in petrol prices in almost two decades in a move that risks a backlash against its efforts to liberalise the country’s energy market. Read the complete article at The Financial Times
Women fall victim to violence in Mexico’s decade-old war on drugs
MEXICO CITY, Dec 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Denisse Velasco has been suffering from acute anxiety since spring, when she narrowly escaped being abducted from a busy street in Guadalajara, Mexico. She was waiting at a bus stop one morning when … Continue reading
The Mexican Labyrinth 