UN forces in Haiti battle gangs in slum; five people shot
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): UN troops and Haitian
police battled gangs Thursday as they tried to purge
a kidnapping
gang from a shantytown in the capital,
leaving five people injured by gunfire, the United
Nations said.
Fidel Castro send message congratulating NAM summit organizers
LA HABANA, Cuba (AFP): Interim Cuban President
Raul Castro delivered a message attributed to his
ailing brother
Fidel congratulating all who made the
September summit in Havana of the Non-Aligned
Nations a success, state news
reported late
Thursday.
Dutch authorities release Bermuda oil tycoon
AMSTERDAM, Holland (Reuters): Dutch authorities
released Bermuda-based businessman and oil tycoon
John Deuss
on Friday, a court spokeswoman said.
Deuss has not been interrogated for a while and the
public prosecutor considered
detention no longer
necessary for the investigation.
Cariaccess files second lawsuit in St Lucia
CASTRIES, St Lucia: Cariaccess Communications (St
Lucia) Ltd has announced that it has filed a second
lawsuit
against Cable & Wireless (West Indies) Ltd
(C&W) and now the National Telecommunications
Regulatory Commission
(NTRC) of St Lucia.
Puerto Rico mortage lender posts loss, says it needs 'significant' capital
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): Doral Financial Corp.,
Puerto Rico's biggest mortgage lender, has posted a
$28.7 million
loss for the third quarter and said it "will
need significant outside financing" to pay debt due
next year.
Guyana's president pledges support for local hoteliers ahead of CWC 2007
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): During a press
conference on Thursday hosted by President Jagdeo
at the Office of
the President, Guyana's Head of
State pledged full support for Guyanese hoteliers and
those willing to re-invest in
the country to ensure
that Guyana successfully hosts CWC 2007.
Submarine fibre optic cable heralds new era for ICT sector in Dominica
ROSEAU, Dominica: The landing of a new submarine
fibre optic cable in Dominica on Thursday, December
21, 2006
heralds a new era in the Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) Sector in the
country. Upon completion, this
new cable will run
through the entire Eastern Caribbean.
Commentary: The Caribbean at the end of 2006 and beyond - Part 2
The way in which the Caribbean Community and
Common Market (CARICOM) is to be governed is an
issue that governments
continue to duck. For over
fourteen years, there has been a blueprint for such
joint governance.
Guyana bauxite deal still in limbo
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AFP): Guyana's President,
Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday expressed concern that
government was
"in the dark" about a 46 million dollar
buy-out by China's Bosai Minerals Group of a 70-
percent share in a bauxite
company controlled by
Canada's IAMGold Corporation.
Dominica has no interest in playing the 'two-China game' says PM
ROSEAU, Dominica: At a Post Assumption Reception
in honour of new Chinese Ambassador, Dominica's
Prime Minister,
Roosevelt Skerrit, stated that his
Government has "no interest, or no intention or no
thoughts, no aspiration to seek
to play the Two-
China game."
Court victory for ex-Puerto Rico governor
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters): A Puerto Rican
judge ruled on Thursday there was not enough
evidence for criminal
charges against former Gov.
Pedro Rossello, accused of falsifying documents to
obtain a higher pension.
Chavez refuses license to Venezuelan opposition TV
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday the license
of opposition television
channel RCTV would not be
renewed, giving ammunition to critics who say he is
muzzling opponents to build a one-party
state.
BVI Elections Guide launched
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Media group Andrews Media
Corporation (AMC) has launched a free news and
information online guide
for the upcoming British
Virgin Islands (BVI) General Elections, constitutionally
due by September 2007, to help to
promote the
democratic process in the BVI.
Russia delivers five military helicopters to Venezuela: company
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP): Russia has delivered five
military helicopters to Venezuela, the manufacturer
Rostvertol
said on Thursday, the Ria-Novosti agency
reported.
Commentary: Happy Kwanzaa!
It is a curious thing that so many black Americans –
who insist on calling themselves African Americans –
know
so little about their American heritage, and
even less about their African ancestry. Alas, blacks
throughout the Caribbean...
Letter: Humming birds are not extinct in Grenada
In reference to Winston Strachan's letter "How will
wildlife habitat be protected in Grenada?" written in
Caribbean
Net News, December 28, 2006. I can't
believe that Winston Strachan could have the nerve
to make such a invalid statement.
St Lucia is ready for the new ball
NEW YORK, USA: "We are ready for Cricket World
Cup!" St Lucia's Director of Tourism, Maria Fowell told
an international
audience of prospective visitors from
the Washington DC and New York areas earlier this
month. Security services are
undergoing extensive
preparation and intensive training.
Seething Cuba slams Costa Rica's Arias as pawn of US
HAVANA, Cuba: Cuba on Wednesday lashed out at
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, who has called for
democratic
opening in the Americas' only one-party
communist state, calling the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize
winner "a vulgar mercenary"
of the United States and
a "pawn of Yankee imperialism."
Guyana government reviewing sale of bauxite company to Chinese, says PM
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Guyana Government is
reviewing a decision of Toronto-based mining and
exploration company,
IAMGOLD Corporation, to sell
its stake in Omai Bauxite Mining Inc. (OBMI) and Omai
Services Inc. to China's Bosai
Minerals Group for
US$46 million.
Premier of Nevis calls for patriotism ahead of person interests
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: Premier of Nevis Joseph Parry
has reminded Nevisians of the need to put the
interest of Nevis
ahead of personal interests, since
the island belongs to all regardless of age, gender,
race, religion or political
persuasion. Parry made the
comment during his Christmas message.
Caribbean eyes Mideast for aircraft registry boost
DUBAI, UAE: The northwestern Caribbean territory of
the Cayman Islands is eyeing the Middle East for
potential
new aircraft registry business. The
country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAACI) is to make
its regional exhibition
debut at next year’s Dubai 2007.
Another Beharry from Grenada completes UK army training
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: Together with more than 100
soldiers Grenada’s Private Jeffery Beharry 23, brother
of Lance
Corporal Johnson Beharry successfully
completed his Phase One training at a Passing Out
parade held at the Army Training
Regiment in London.
Island Vacations joins forces with South Florida Cricket Alliance
MIAMI, USA: Island Vacations, an official travel
agent for the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies
2007, announced
that it has joined forces with the
South Florida Cricket Alliance in order to facilitate
travel for West Indies fans
going to the games.
Commentary: Peace starts at home
The New Year allows us to stop, pause and reflect
on our lives. Where are we going? How are we going
to get there?
What happens when our lives become
so consumed by other tasks, that we ignore the
people around us?
Letter: How will wildlife habitat be protected in Grenada?
I am writing in support of your published letter
written by Mr Andrew Dobson, President of the
Society of the
Conservation and Study of Caribbean
Birds. In fact, as a Grenadian, I am most grateful for
the intervention by the
Society.
Jamaica U-17s to face Mexican counterparts in two-leg friendly
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The Jamaican Under-17 football
team is slated to face Mexico National U-17 team in
a two-leg
friendly international series in preparation
for the 2007 CONCACAF U-17.
Caribbean 2006 Field Events year in review
OKLAHOMA, USA: With no major global championships
scheduled in the campaign, the year 2006 was of
lesser hype
on the circuit compared to the previous
two years.
No news for Cubans, no cancer for Fidel
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cubans concerned about the
health of ailing Fidel Castro - for most the only leader
they
have known - were kept in the dark by official
Cuban media Tuesday, as a Spanish doctor who
examined him refuted reports
he is near death.
Trinidad seeking alternative sites for smelter
CHICAGO, USA (Bloomberg): Alcoa Inc. has said that
Trinidad's government approached it about building
an aluminum
smelter in an alternative location to that
planned on the island's Cap-de-Ville, denying a report
that the project
was cancelled.
Habitat for Humanity program embraced by USVI residents
ST JOHN, USVI: Last December when St John, US
Virgin Islands, business owner Jodi Ray decided to
organise a community
event to benefit the victims of
Hurricane Katrina, both St John and St Thomas
islands were brimming over with fund
raising events
for non-profits.
Bahamas signs contract for new identity document system
NASSAU, Bahamas: The government of the Bahamas
last week signed a contract with Indusa Global, LLC,
a South Carolina-based
IT development and
consulting firm, for the provision of e-passports,
biometric visas, work permits and other identity
documents.
St Kitts-Nevis PM calls on young people to play a role in future of nation
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: St Kitts and Nevis Prime
Minister Dr Denzil Douglas says nationals of the twin-
island Federation
have a role to play in developing a
nation of young people who can become productive
citizens making a positive contribution
to the future
well-being of the nation.
Russian space launch pad to be built in French Guyana
MOSCOW, Russia (AFP): Work will begin on a launch
pad for Russian rockets in French Guyana in
February, Russian
Space Agency head Anatoly
Perminov said Tuesday, predicting the first will blast
off in 2009.
Commentary: Law and Politics: We must have accountability and transparency
In our Tri-Island state, since February 7, 1974, we
are supposed to be operating the business of the
people under
a democratic system of government.
And our model for so doing was derived from the tried
and tested Westminster model.
Letter: Christmas was hijacked by the early Christians
I thought Anthony Hall’s article on Christians and
Christmas was excellent, but Ed Rapier’s rejoinder
today prompts
me to point out that Christmas was
hijacked by the early Christians and not all of us
want to celebrate it as a Christian
festival.
Letter: Church of Jesus Christ position paper on casino gambling in Guyana
I would be grateful if you could publish the attached
article on your website. It represents the draft
position
of the church in Guyana on casino gambling.
Caribbean 2006 hurdles year in review
OKLAHOMA, USA: In a year highlighted by Chinese
World record hurdling superstar Xiang Liu, Caribbean
hurdlers
too had their moments on the world scene
and made significant moves in the World ratings, with
the notable move coming
from a young Cuban,
Dayron Robles.
Commentary: West Indies always a challenge for Warne
Yet another era in international cricket is about to
end with the retirement of Australian leg spinner
Shane
Warne at the completion of the current Ashes
series. Since Warne announced his retirement plans
there have been extensive
tributes.
Newspaper publisher accused of undermining Cayman Islands government
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: There is
a "constituency of darkness, led by [local
newspaper] Cayman Net News"
two
government ministers told the Cayman Islands
Legislative Assembly last week during a debate on
proposed amendments
to the Immigration Law, which
includes a term-limit policy.
Castro's health prompts US to plan for Cuban exodus
WASHINGTON, USA (Bloomberg): President George
W. Bush's top advisers examined last week how to
handle the post-Fidel
Castro era, preparing for a
possible wave of Cuban refugees once the ailing
dictator dies.
A dozen killed, several wounded in Haiti clashes
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): UN forces and Haitian
police launched a joint operation in a shantytown in
Haiti's
capital early Friday, and at least a dozen
people were killed and several others were wounded
in clashes, sources
said.
Caribbean fixing visa woes for Cricket World Cup
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AFP): The Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) admitted last week hitting "a
snag" in issuing common
visas in Sydney for
Australian and New Zealand cricket fans who want to
travel to the region for the 2007 Cricket
World Cup.
European Union finances infrastructure and bananas in Suriname
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Suriname and the European
Union (EU) signed several contracts last week to
upgrade the
infrastructure and boost banana
production in this CARICOM nation.
CIBC acquires majority stake in FirstCaribbean
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: FirstCaribbean International
Bank Limited announced on Friday that CIBC has
purchased 599,401,230
shares of FirstCaribbean
under the previously announced plans to acquire
Barclays Bank’s 43.7 per cent ownership in
the
regional financial institution.
Montserrat to integrate region with climate change centre
BRADES, Montserrat: At a special meeting in Antigua,
Heads of OECS territories have proposed that
Montserrat
host a climate change centre for the
OECS. This climate change centre is expected to
work in collaboration with the
ongoing climate change
project for the whole Caribbean region.
Bahamas receives top scuba diving award
PLANO, USA: The publishers and readers of Scuba
Diving Magazine have voted The Islands of The
Bahamas number
one again for diving with 'Big
Animals', as a top location for scuba divers to see big
animals underwater.
Cuba's legislature meets without a sign of Fidel Castro
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): The Cuban National Assembly
ended a one-day session here Friday without a sign
of ailing
President Fidel Castro, who has not been
seen in public in four months, the news agency
Prensa Latina reported.
Raul Castro says Fidel is faring better
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who
has not been seen in public for months following
surgery,
is continuing to progress in his recovery,
interim leader Raul Castro said, as reported in official
media Saturday.
UN announces measures against child kidnapping in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): UN special
representative in Haiti Edmont Mulet said last week
that he was "revolted"
by the recent spate of
kidnappings of schoolchildren in Haiti and that
measure would be taken to stop the scourge.
Raul Castro tackles Cuba's shortcomings
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba's interim leader Raul Castro urged greater honesty in dealing with chronic shortages of
housing and public transport, the biggest complaints in the communist state, Cuban state media reported on Saturday.
Montserrat government seeks to restore ferry service
BRADES, Montserrat: The government of Montserrat
says it is still committed to the return of a ferry
service
to the island and has been holding
discussions with a number of ferry operators around
the world.
Commentary: UN voting patterns tell tales of the Commonwealth nations and their real commitment to human rights
If actions speak louder than words human rights
protection in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth
is treading
on thin ice. An analysis of voting patterns
at the UN’s Third Committee shows big gaps between
the Commonwealth’s
rhetoric and reality.
Commentary: Some health tips for the festive season
Christmas and New Year are festive times around the
Caribbean. Here are some tips that will allow us to
celebrate
and enjoy the festivities, while at the same
time keeping ourselves and others healthy.
Letter: Immediate action required to save Grenada’s national symbol
The following letter has been sent to all Grenadian
Government Ministers and senior executives of the
Four Seasons
Hotels group.
Letter: The problem is not the 'X' in 'Xmas'
9:08 am est
Commentary: Will the West Indies bounce back in 2007?
The plethora of international contests currently being
played has produced few startling results, though for
West
Indians there has been some degree of
frustration and disappointment. It is easy to be
overly critical.
