Valerie Vernier

Ecuador, located between two of the largest cocaine producers in Latin America, Peru and Colombia, has become increasingly violent in recent years. Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, told the BBC he wants foreign military aid to help fight his “war” against criminal gangs, and he desires US President Donald Trump to identify Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist groups, making it easier for US law enforcement to intervene. 


How has it come so far that Ecuador is facing so much violence from criminal...

“Two years ago, my mother passed away, and I am still holding onto a painting I promised her I would keep until her death. It is my favourite piece I have ever created – a self-portrait of me as a boy, which holds a personal significance to me. The painting captures a moment from when I was seven years old, waiting for my communion to become a member of the catholic church. You can see the discomfort in my expression – I was bored and unwell leading up to the event, something my mother knew. Whe...