Haitian PM vows to get to grips with corruption
MADRID, Spain (AFP): Haitian Prime Minister Jacques
Edouard Alexis on Friday vowed to get to grips with
corruption,
along with violence a bane in the world's
poorest country, saying he would fight "mercilessly"
against it. Alexis
urged Spanish firms to invest in his
country.
Edgy Cubans hold their breath, waiting for Castro
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Fighter jets are set to fly,
workers are poised to march and all eyes will be
riveted on
the grandstand at a military parade for
Fidel Castro's 80th birthday, after the ailing leader
sat out celebrations
for days.
Three of Grenada 17 due to be released
ST GEORGE'S , Grenada: Three people convicted on
eleven counts of manslaughter and sentenced to
thirty years
in prison will be released Saturday. The
three from the group known as the Grenada
Seventeen are Andy Mitchell, Vincent
Joseph and
Cosmos Richardson.
PANCAP must keep its promise to reduce HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, says St Kitts-Nevis PM
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: As the Caribbean joins the
international community in observing World AIDS Day,
St Kitts
and Nevis Prime Minister and Chairman of the
Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS, Dr
Denzil Douglas said
the disease has deep and social
implications for the region.
Diminished Cuban military still a political bulwark
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba's armed forces will
marshal their Soviet-era arsenal in a parade on
Saturday to
show the world, especially the arch-
enemy United States, they remain a force to be
reckoned with as their ailing leader
Fidel Castro fades.
UN to discuss sexual abuse by peacekeepers in Haiti
UNITED NATIONS, (AFP): The United Nations said
Thursday it would hold a conference in New York
next week on the
issue of sexual exploitation by UN
peacekeepers following new allegations of such
abuses in Liberia and Haiti.
Colombia challenges EU over banana duty at WTO
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters): Colombia has filed a
complaint at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
against the
European Union's import duty for bananas
to support neighbouring Ecuador in a similar
complaint, an industry source
said on Thursday.
More police needed, says Haitian PM
MADRID, Spain (Reuters): Security is improving in
Haiti but Latin America's poorest country needs more
police
and training rather than foreign soldiers trying
to establish peace, Prime Minister Jacques Edouard
Alexis said on
Thursday.
Hurricane season complicates global warming debate
DALLAS, USA (Bloomberg): The Atlantic hurricane
season sputtered to an official end on Thursday,
flouting forecasts
it would approach last year's
record activity and complicating arguments about
global warming's role in storms.
Puerto Rico wireless provider files for bankruptcy with plan to sell assets
WILMINGTON, USA (Bloomberg): NewComm Wireless
Services Inc., a closely held provider of cellular-
phone services
in Puerto Rico, has filed for
bankruptcy protection with a plan to sell its assets
to PRWireless Inc. for about $103.2
million.
Montserrat's new air charter service comes to the rescue of stranded passengers
BRADES, Montserrat: Air Montserrat the new air
service operating on Montserrat began business on
Friday ferrying
stranded passengers in and out of the
island. Over 30 passengers booked on the WINAIR
flights between Montserrat and
Antigua have been
unable to take their scheduled flights.
Antigua tourism conference to analyse leisure travel market
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: A wide cross-section of tourism
industry stakeholders in Antigua and Barbuda are
expected
to gather at the Jolly Beach Resort for the
Ministry of Tourism's one day conference being held
as part of Tourism
Week taking place from December
3 to December 9.
Dominican government wants to see a vibrant agricultural sector, says minister
ROSEAU, Dominica: The Government of Dominica
wants to see the continued success of a vibrant,
viable and sustainable
agricultural sector in Dominica,
said Minister for Public Works and Public Utilities and
trained agriculturalist,
Ambrose George, on Monday.
St Kitts-Nevis motorists paying less for unleaded fuel
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Motorists in St Kitts and Nevis
are enjoying a reduction in the cost of unleaded
gasoline
at the pump, floowing Friday’s
implementation of the "Full Pass Through System"
which will result in automatic decreases
and
increases in fuel prices.
Haiti gets reassurance that OAS commitment is long-term
MADRID, Spain: The Organization of American States
(OAS) Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, said
Friday
that supporting the process of rebuilding
democracy in Haiti is “a long-term effort.”
Montserrat makes case to be included as a destination for two top cruise lines
BRADES, Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat
is in talks with Royal Caribbean International and
Celebrity
Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises to
have the island included as a destination on their
schedule.
Commentary: Stepping back in time on a trip to Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): As a child of the Cold War,
I grew up in the United States on a steady diet of
rhetoric
portraying Cuba as the communist menace
just 90 miles off our shores.
Pakistan win third Test and series against West Indies
KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP): Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria
took three wickets, including two in as many balls, to
help
Pakistan beat the West Indies by 199 runs in
the third and final Test and take the three-match
series 2-0.
Sarwan ruled out of Pakistan one-dayers with fracture
KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters): West Indian batsman
Ramnaresh Sarwan has been ruled out of the one-
day series against
Pakistan after suffering a hairline
fracture in his right foot on the fifth day of the final
test on Friday.
Lara eyes World Cup final despite Pakistan setback
KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP): West Indian captain Brian
Lara put on a brave face after losing the Test series
to Pakistan,
saying his team's main focus now was on
next year's one-day cricket World Cup in the
Caribbean.
British court allows arrest of Trinidad chief justice
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AFP): Trinidad and
Tobago's Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma can be
arrested and prosecuted
on charges he attempted to
influence the trial of a former prime minister, Britain's
Privy Council ruled Thursday.
UN adopts resolution commemorating 200th anniversary of the abolition of slave trade
UNITED NATIONS, New York: The 192 member
countries of the General Assembly of the United
Nations have unanimously
adopted a resolution put
forward by CARICOM member States calling for the
commemoration of the 200th anniversary of
the
abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Cubans don't want help from US, 'idiot' Bush, says key Cuban official
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Ricardo Alarcon, the high-
ranking Cuban official in charge of relations with the
United States,
on Wednesday ruled out the
possibility Cubans want any US help in bringing about
change. Washington showed no sign
of willingness to
accept leadership by Raul Castro.
Haitian PM says aid more urgent than ever
MADRID, Spain (AFP): Haitian Prime Minister Jacques
Edouard Alexis issued a strong appeal here Thursday
for international
aid for his country, which he said
was now at a crossroads in its development. Alexis
has said a part of the aid should
be reserved for the
budgets of Haitian ministries.
Haiti and donors make efficiency pledge
MADRID, Spain (UPI): Haiti and 30 nations Thursday
promised greater efficiency in the handling of money
pledged
for rebuilding the Western Hemisphere's
poorest nation.
'06 hurricane season ends quietly
MIAMI, USA (UPI): In sharp contrast to the past two
years, the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season ended
quietly Thursday
with not one hurricane hitting US
shores.
Belize to host military exercise
BELMOPAN, Belize (UPI): Belize will host the
multinational, two-week long Tradewinds 2007
military exercise next
May. More than 1,000 troops
from Caribbean nations, Canada, the United States
and Britain will participate in the
exercise.
International donors urge Haiti to press on with reforms
MADRID, Spain (AFP): An international donor
conference on Thursday welcomed reforms in Haiti
which delegates
said had cleared the path to debt
relief, though they urged the impoverished Caribbean
state to push ahead with further
changes.
BVI businesses prepare for tobacco ban
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Businesses, hoteliers and
restaurants in the British Virgin Islands have six
months to prepare
for the ban on the use,
advertising, and promotion of tobacco products in
public places.
Friends wax optimistic despite doubts about Fidel Castro's health
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Friends of Fidel Castro, from
writers to a film star here Thursday for his 80th
birthday
bash, had opinions on the ailing Cuban
leader's health, but no word on whether he would sit
out his own party.
Rio Group welcomes declaration on 200th anniversary of trans-Atlantic slave trade abolition
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Latin American Rio Group
of countries has welcomed the UN decision declaring
March 26
2007 a day for the worldwide
commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of
the abolition of the trans-Atlantic
slave trade.
WFP supporting Wyclef Jean festival to promote development in Haiti
JACMEL, Haiti (Reuters): With the support of The
World Food Programme (WFP), the internationally
renowned hip-hop
artist Wyclef Jean is this week
convening the Yéle Fest – a one-week event that
will use culture and the arts to engage
Haitian youth
in exploring ways to boost sustainable development
in Haiti.
Cuba reports two million tourists this year
HAVANA, Cuba: Cuba's Tourism Ministry has reported
that two million tourists picked the island as their
vacation
destination this year. The figure exceeds
previous annual statistics for the third year in a row.
New minimum wage comes into effect in Turks & Caicos
GRAND TURK, Turks & Caicos Islands: The
Department of Labour in the Turks & Caicos Islands
has reminded
all employers and workers that the
national minimum basic wage will be $5.00 per hour,
with effect from Friday, December
1, 2006.
Antigua-Barbuda regulator takes legal action against BETonSPORTS
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: The Financial Services
Regulatory Commission (FSRC) of Antigua and
Barbuda on Thursday announced
that it has filed an
application for a restraining order in the High Court of
Justice, against BETonSPORTS (Antigua)
Ltd.
BVI to observe World AIDS Day
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands will join
the world in observing World AIDS Day on Friday. As
one
of the planned activities to mark the day, the
Government will offer free AIDS testing and
counseling to the public.
USVI introduces 'No Passport Required' promotion
ST CROIX, USVI: Many visitors are confused about
where to vacation this winter. What better
destination to consider
than the US Virgin Islands
where US citizens don't need a passport to visit. To
make the decision even easier, the
USVI is offering
a "No Passport Required" promotion.
Pro-Castro folk star impatient for some change in Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Silvio Rodriguez, a folk star
whose songs are the soundtrack of Cuba's revolution,
told AFP
he was eager for change in his country.
Cuban army chief Raul Castro misses a military milestone
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cuba's interim leader Raul
Castro was a no-show Thursday as some 200,000
people rallied in
Santiago to mark the Revolutionary
Armed Forces' 50th anniversary, amid uncertainty
about his ailing brother Fidel
Castro's health.
Venezuela's Chavez says will win re-election, warns of plots
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP): Three days before a
presidential election, Venezuela's firebrand President
Hugo Chavez
on Thursday urged the opposition to
recognize his triumph once results are in and
reported alleged plots to destabilise
the country.
Raul Castro called 'guardian' of Cuban revolution
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Acting president Raul
Castro is the "guardian" of Cuba's communist
government in the
absence of his brother Fidel
Castro and in the face of US threats, a hard-line
member of the Cuban leadership said
on Thursday.
Commentary: Like Daniel in the lions' den, the Pope tames Muslim fanatics!
With due respect to the utterly predictable news
that Castro could not rise from his death bed to
attend his
80th birthday bash, Pope Benedict’s visit
to Turkey and the latest exhibition by Britney Spears
dominated world news
this week.
Commentary: UPDATE: Privy Council rules arrest warrant for Trinidad Chief Justice is valid!
I was not the least bit surprised yesterday by the
news, which spread like wildfire throughout the
Caribbean,
that the Privy Council in London had
ruled, unanimously, against Trinidad and Tobago
Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma.
Commentary: World AIDS Day - Accountability
Efforts to halt AIDS are falling far short of their
targets. Over 25 million people have been lost to
AIDS so
far, and 4.3 million people were infected with
HIV this year. The spread of HIV is quickening - with
more people infected
in 2006 than in any previous
year.
Yousuf's record haul pushes Pakistan nearer series win against West Indies
KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP): Big-scoring Mohammad
Yousuf broke two world records, including the most
runs in a calendar
year, to put Pakistan on the verge
of winning the third Test and the series against the
West Indies on Thursday.
2007 Cricket World Cup form guide, groups and fixtures
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): December 1 marks
100 days to go to the opening ceremony of the 2007
World Cup in
the Caribbean. AFP Sports presents a
guide to the form of the leading contenders, along
with details of the groups
and fixtures.
Burton will end goal drought, says teammate
LONDON, England: Former Reggae Boyz hero Deon
Burton has yet to find his goal scoring touch for
Sheffield Wednesday,
but his strike partner Marcus
Tudgay believes once the Jamaican finds his eye for
goal again the flood gates will
open.
Sheffield boss fears the worst in Davis injury
LONDON, England: Sheffield United manager Neil
Warnock has admitted that losing Jamaican central
defender Claude
Davis is a huge blow for the
Sheffield United backline in the upcoming fixtures.
Powell calls for jail time for drug cheats
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AFP): World 100m record holder
Asafa Powell has called for jail time for athletes found
guilty
of taking performance enhancing drugs.
Tragedy causes 'Paradise Jam' game cancellation in USVI
ST THOMAS, USVI: The Arizona State-Rutgers
Women's Basketball game scheduled to be held in the
US Virgin Islands
was suddenly cancelled over the
weekend when the younger brother of AS forward
guard Aubree Johnson passed away.
Castro health questions multiply during 80th birthday bash
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Soaring fighter jets, screaming
schoolkids and drilling for a military parade to
celebrate
Fidel Castro's 80th birthday could not
drown out new doubts Wednesday about the Cuban
leader's frail health.
UN says Haiti donors should focus on civil service
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters): An international donors
meeting for Haiti should focus on helping it build a
civil
service to deal with the problems it faces after
retreating from the brink of civil war, a senior United
Nations official
said on Tuesday.
World Cup taking shape in Caribbean
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): With 100 days to go
to the start of the 2007 World Cup, officials in the
Caribbean
are frantically putting the finishing touches
to arrangements for the hosting of the event.
US passport requirement discussed by OECS caucus
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The United States passport issue
was among the items of particular interest at
Wednesday’s Special
Caucus of the Organisation of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in
Antigua.
Refinery employees strike at plant in Aruba
HOUSTON, USA (Bloomberg): Valero Energy Corp.,
the largest US oil refiner, said refinery workers at its
Aruba
refinery went on strike Tuesday in a dispute
over wages, benefits and bonuses.
Venezuela creates oil supply depot in Antigua-Barbuda
CARACAS, Venezuela (Bloomberg): Petroleos de
Venezuela SA, South America's largest oil company,
said it has signed
a lease for a storage facility in the
Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda as
part of its PetroCaribe initiative.
US embassy officials in Port of Spain to observe World AIDS Day
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Officials of the United
States Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad, will
observe World
AIDS Day on December 1, at the
island's Queen's Park Health Counselling Center.
Montserrat hosts Karibik Yachting Trophy
BRADES, Montserrat: Montserrat successfully hosted
the 17th Karibik Yachting Trophy on November 22-
23, 2006.
Montserrat was selected to host this event
following discussions at ITB Berlin between officials of
the Montserrat
Tourist Board and Hartmut Holtmann,
of KH+P Yachtcharter.
World Cup Cricket fans in ticket rush
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Trinidad and Tobago
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for ICC World Cup
Cricket 2007
announced on Wednesday that Phase 2
ticketing comes to a close on November 30, 2006.
BVI adds 32 new names to immigration stop-list
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Executive Council in the
British Virgin Islands has approved the addition of 32
new names
to the Immigration Stop List, a decision
which prohibits such persons from re-entering the
Territory.
Guyana will meet accommodation requirements for CWC 2007, says minister
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Minister of Tourism,
Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad is upbeat
that Guyana
will meet the International Cricket
Council’s accommodation and other requirements for
the hosting of the 2007 matches.
Originally, Guyana
was required to have over 800 rooms built.
Justice reform process in Jamaica well advanced, says Attorney General
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): Minister of Justice and
Attorney General, Senator A.J. Nicholson, has said
that the
comprehensive reform of the justice system
in Jamaica, which is a joint venture between the
Government of Jamaica
(GoJ) and the Canadian Bar
Association (CBA), is well advanced.
Antigua-Barbuda charts diplomatic agenda for 2007
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: The Government of Antigua and
Barbuda has articulated a foreign policy for the first
time
in its 25 year history since independence.
Governor General Sir James Carlisle outlined that the
country's foreign
policy is a well-defined one, which
is a sign of "our political maturity."
Cubans, wary of change, still count on Castro
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): After more than four decades
led by Fidel Castro, many Cubans are as emotional
about their
ailing leader's uncertain health as they
are unprepared to imagine change.
Cuban boom said fueled by jump in foreign exchange
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba's foreign-exchange
earnings swelled by some $3 billion this year due
mainly to a
jump in service exports, a government
source with access to trade data said on Wednesday.
Commentary: The Greater Caribbean This Week: Poverty is a threat to peace
Since 1990, the United Nations has been working
fervently to propagate the concept of human
development as a
methodology that places the value
of an individual before all else, as something in itself,
understanding that the
human being is the primary
resource to advance the fostering of development.
Commentary: The upcoming Venezuelan elections need not be a coronation for Chavez
With a political climate still marred by the
recollections of bitter past confrontations, such as
the failed
opposition-led coup in April 2002, the
ensuing general strike, and bitter, partisan divisions
between the ruling party
and the opposition, all may
not be lost at next Sunday’s presidential contest.
Pakistan tighten grip over West Indies in third test
KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP): Opener Mohammad
Hafeez's painstaking half-century helped Pakistan
tighten their grip
on the third Test and the three-
match series against the West Indies in Karachi on
Wednesday.
Rugby West Indies squad for IRB Sevens World Series announced
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The President of the West
Indies Rugby Union, Kit Nascimento, announced on
Wednesday the
selection of a Select 24 member
West Indies Rugby Sevens Squad in preparation for
the forthcoming International Rugby
Board’s Sevens
World Series.
Davis injured in Sheffield's win at Watford
LONDON, England: Jamaican international Claude
Davis suffered an injury during Sheffield United's
stunning 1-0
win over Watford in the lone game in
the English Premier League at Vicarage Road Stadium
on Tuesday.
Kidnappings, violent crime surge in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters): Kidnappings and
other violent crimes have increased in Haiti in recent
weeks,
and Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis on
Monday blamed the surge partly on criminals
deported by the United States.
As many as 100
people have been kidnapped for ransom in November.
Castro's 80th birthday bash kicks off without him
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Fidel Castro's 80th birthday
celebration kicked off on Tuesday with the ailing
Cuban
leader nowhere in sight but hundreds of
admirers from around the world were on hand to pay
homage.
Montserrat pushes for indigenous deputy governor
BRADES, Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat
has asked British Overseas Territories Minister Lord
Triesman
of Tottenham to support its request for the
prompt appointment of Montserrat's first indigenous
Deputy Governor. Chief
Minister Dr Lowell Lewis
raised the issue in London last week.
WTO panel begins hearing on Antigua/US gaming dispute
GENEVA, Switzerland: A three-man panel established
by the World Trade Organisation's Dispute Settlement
Body
(DSB) began two days of hearing here on
Monday on a challenge mounted by Antigua and
Barbuda to the unilateral claim
by the United States.
Calm hurricane season nears close
TAMPA, USA (UPI): The 2006 hurricane season - set
to expire Thursday - has been labeled the most
tranquil in
a decade. The season marked the first
year since 2002 that no storms formed during the
month of October and the first
year since 1997 that
no Category 4 or 5 storms formed.
Guyana/Brazil road feasibility study likely early next year
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): The feasibility study
for the Bonfin-Lethem-Georgetown Highway is likely
to be undertaken
during the first quarter of next year
once funding is approved by the Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB).
Major investment likely in Guyana's petroleum industry
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): The Guyana Geology
and Mines Commission (GGMC) is projecting a massive
increase in
petroleum prospecting and drilling
activities following the Guyana-Suriname border
dispute resolution.
Trinidad and Tobago unveils new airline
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Caribbean Airlines, the new
air carrier to replace Trinidad and Tobago's national
airline
BWIA, unveiled its first aircraft in Port of Spain
on Monday. The aircraft is a Boeing 737 with a
seating capacity
for 150 persons.
Head of Transparency Intl speaks at OAS on need to continue fight against corruption
WASHINGTON, USA: "Democracy is not a luxury or an
issue of ideology; it's a fundamental precondition for
social
and economic development," Huguette Labelle,
Chair of Transparency International, said on Tuesday
at the Organization
of American States (OAS).
Cuba's GDP growth hinges on cuts in energy use, minister says
HAVANA, Cuba (Bloomberg): Cuba's economic
expansion will extend into next year as the
government steps up an
energy savings program and
cuts its dependence on foreign capital inflows,
Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez said.
The
economy grew 12.5 percent in the first nine months.
Increased surveillance in the BVI yields several arrests
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Acting Chief Immigration Officer in
the British Virgin Islands, Malvern Brathwaite, says
increased
surveillance operations in recent weeks
have screened over 250 people and yielded several
arrests.
St Kitts-Nevis to get first shipment of asphalt under Venezuela oil agreement
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: St Kitts and Nevis Minister of
Public Works and Public Utilities, Dr Earl Asim Martin,
says
the twin-island Federation will begin benefiting
from the PetroCaribe agreement with Venezuela,
when the first shipment
of asphalt arrives in
December.
Spanish to host international conference on Haiti
MADRID, Spain (AFP): Spain will host an international
donor conference on Haiti Thursday with more than
90 delegations
attending along with the Caribbean
state's Prime Minister, Jacques Edouard Alexis, to
coordinate the distribution
of reconstruction aid for
the impoverished nation.
Chavez grip on Venezuela institutions stymies rival
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): President Hugo
Chavez's grip on vital Venezuelan institutions stacks
the odds against
his rival dislodging the anti-US
incumbent in Sunday's election.
Castro succession takes shape in Cuba under brother
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Whether or not ailing
Cuban leader Fidel Castro reappears in public this
week at his
80th birthday celebration, a successor
government led with stealth by his brother Raul
appears to be firmly in place.
Gutsy Ganga anchors West Indies after Gul's strike
KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP): Daren Ganga anchored the
West Indies' innings in the third and final Test after
Pakistan
fast bowler Umar Gul removed the top order
at the National stadium here on Tuesday.
Guadeloupe advance to the Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals
GCC BOURDA, Guyana: Guadeloupe became the final
automatic qualifier to the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals
in Trinidad
in January with a 3-1 win over Antigua
and Barbuda in Guyana.
Guyana take maximum points in Digicel Cup Group H
GCC BOURDA, Guyana: Guyana played in their final
Group H game in front of their cheering home crowd
support of
up to 4,000, which turned out to be a
fond farewell as they prepare for the Digicel
Caribbean Cup Finals in Trinidad
in January.
Kenya to host Bermuda in pre-World Cup tournament
NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters): Kenya will stage a pre-
World Cup competition next year for Bermuda and the
five other
top associate teams heading to the March-
April tournament in the Caribbean, officials said on
Tuesday.
Title favourites stay unbeaten in U-16 Caribbean Netball Championships
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Hosts Trinidad and
Tobago, title favourites Jamaica and defending
champions Barbados
continued their unbeaten
records in the Jean Pierre Under-16 Caribbean Netball
Championships with comfortable wins
on the weekend.
Castro's birthday bash rumbles out military flair amid the uncertainty
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cuba rolled out anti-air
defences, fighter jets and marchers Monday in a
raucous rehearsal
for its first military parade in a
decade to mark Fidel Castro's 80th birthday, amid
expectation here that he may
appear in the flesh.
Four months have passed since Castro relinquished
power.
Blair's slavery sorrow not enough, say activists
LONDON, England (Reuters): A black rights
organisation said on Monday Prime Minister Tony
Blair's declaration
of "deep sorrow" for Britain's role in
the slave trade did not go far enough and failed to
address the issue of compensation.
UN committee urges prompt inquiries into alleged extra-judicial killings in Guyana
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The United Nations
Committee against Torture has urged the Guyana
government to guarantee
that prompt and impartial
inquiries are conducted into alleged extra-judicial
killings, where perpetrators would be
prosecuted and
effective remedies provided to victims.
Nine killed in Dominican Republic nightclub fire
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Reuters): Nine
people were killed on Monday in a predawn fire that
swept through
a nightclub in the Dominican capital
Santo Domingo, authorities said.
Nigeria sends 26 nurses to Jamaica
LAGOS, Nigeria (AFP): Nigeria last week sent 26
nurses to Jamaica under its Technical Aids Corp
(TAC) scheme
which aims to help black nations that
lack professionals in key fields, the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reported
Monday.
In Cuba, communist continuity with or without Fidel irks US
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cuba has pulled off what the
United States thought it never would, prolonging
Latin America's
only communist regime without Fidel
Castro directly at the helm, analysts say.
Cuba says boom continues with growth at 12.5 pct
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba's remarkable recovery
from an economic crisis caused by the collapse of
the Soviet
Union continued this year with double digit
growth expected and good prospects for 2007, the
state-run news agency
said on Monday.
Dominica works on health plan for all
ROSEAU, Dominica: A committee put in place to
spearhead a National Health Protection plan,
mandatory for all
citizens, intends to reposition
health as a priority in Dominica.
Protection for migrant workers the focus of OAS workshop
WASHINGTON, USA: Labour experts from member
countries of the Organization of American States
(OAS) gather in
Ottawa, Canada, November 28 and
29 for a workshop to discuss strategies for the
promotion of migrant workers’ rights.
OECS Heads to meet in Antigua-Barbuda
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: OECS Heads of Government will
meet in Caucus in Antigua and Barbuda on
Wednesday to discuss
a wide range of issues
surrounding the proposed OECS Economic Union and
regional travel.
BVI Customs Dept to use automated processing system
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Customs Department in the
British Virgin Islands will begin using the Customs
Automated Processing
System (CAPS) for the first
time for processing incoming passengers at the
Terrence B. Lettsome International airport.
