Latin America Digest: Chile’s new president, illness on a cruise ship in Brazil and a Cuban hunger striker

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Today’s one-line news briefs:

Santiago, Chile -- President Sebastian Pinera, who met with his ministers until early Friday after temblors shook inaugural ceremonies, vowed “to work without rest” on relief and reconstruction, promising Chileans could sleep soundly, confident “a government team will be working so you and your children can have a better dawn.”

Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Nearly 50 passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship docked in Santos suffered vomiting and diarrhea apparently brought on by noroviruses that cause gastroenteritis, a health official said.

Havana -- Cuban hunger striker Guillermo Farinas was receiving fluids and medical care in a government hospital in Santa Clara a day after passing out at home, and has refused requests by other dissidents and religious leaders to abandon the protest he launched Feb. 24 demanding the release of 26 ailing political prisoners.

-- Times wire reports