UN troops storm Haiti slum, in gunfight with gang
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters): Hundreds of UN
soldiers stormed a slum neighborhood in Haiti's capital
on Friday
to try to wrest control from a criminal
gang, prompting a gunfight that killed one person and
wounded several others,
including two peacekeepers
Raul Castro says brother Fidel on top of everything
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Acting Cuban President
Raul Castro said on Thursday his brother Fidel was
improving and
"on top of everything" in his first
comments to the foreign press since stepping in for
the 80-year-old Cuban leader
six months ago.
Labour talks at Suriname gold mine deadlocked
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Authorities in Suriname are
trying to broker a solution in a labour dispute at
IAMGold
Corp.’s Rosebel gold mine, but negotiations
to reach a collective bargaining agreement are
deadlocked.
Montserrat evacuation zone to be extended
BRADES, Montserrat: Scientists at the MVO briefed
the Emergency Policy Group Tuesday and informed
them that the
dome at the Soufrière Hills Volcano is
still growing on the Western side of the crater. It is
estimated that the top
of the dome now stands
1,065 metres above sea level
OAS pledges help for Haiti's tourism development
WASHINGTON, USA: The Organization of American
States (OAS), in response to a request from the
government of Haiti,
has pledged to help that
country update its tourism master plan to spur
economic development and opportunity. OAS
support
would also focus on raising awareness among
Haitians.
Puerto Rico Transportation Authority to borrow $1.75 billion
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): Puerto Rico's Highways
and Transportation Authority will sell $1.73 billion of
revenue-backed
bonds next week, most of which will
be used to refinance debt, a government official said
Friday.
Denmark contributes to OAS efforts on rights of indigenous peoples
WASHINGTON, USA: The government of Denmark has
announced a contribution of nearly US$670,000 to
the Organization
of American States (OAS) to
support initiatives by the Office of the Special
Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples,
French prosecutor seeks 10 years for Guadeloupe-born 'Australian plotter'
PARIS, France (AFP): French prosecutor, Vanessa
Perree, requested on Friday a 10-year jail sentence
for French
Muslim convert Willie Brigitte from the
French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, for allegedly
conspiring with Pakistani
extremists to plot terrorist
attacks in Australia.
Caribbean people must educate themselves about CSME, says UWI professor
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): Executive Director of the
Mona School of Business at the University of the
West Indies
(UWI), Professor Neville Ying has
emphasised that it was important for all to educate
themselves about the roots of
the Caribbean Single
Market and Economy (CSME).
RNM instructed to continue work with European and North American trade partners
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS): A draft document,
highlighting the need for strong governance within
the Caribbean
and which provides clear-cut
instructions for the Regional Negotiating Machinery
(RNM) to continue its work, will
be forwarded to the
CARICOM Heads of government.
easyCruise offers Caribbean residents special promotional rates
LONDON, England: easyCruise has announced that,
beginning February 16, 2007, easyCruiseOne will
introduce the
Apivita Spa and, to celebrate the
opening, easyCruise will offer Caribbean residents
special promotional rates for
travel beginning on
Friday, February 16, 2007.
Top UK supermarket executives to visit St Lucia
CASTRIES, St Lucia: A team of top executives from
Sainsbury's, which is the third largest supermarket
chain in
the United Kingdom and the biggest
customer of Windward Bananas, will be paying a two-
day visit to Saint Lucia on
February 12 and 13.
Artistide supporters decry UN forces
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UPI): Backers of former
Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide protested
outside the
UN peacekeeping mission calling for his
return.
Black Spartacus: Triumph and Death of Haiti's Hero: book review
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): "The leader of the only
successful slave revolution in recorded history" ended
his
days, according to Madison Smartt Bell,
imprisoned "behind five heavy double doors" in the
innermost cell of a fortress
"ringed by five concentric
walls and three moats.
Cuba warns against satellite dish use
HAVANA, Cuba (UPI): Cuba's Communist Party has
warned the island's populace against using or building
makeshift
satellite dishes, Granma newspaper
reported.
Dominican Republic – One of the few Caribbean investment bargains
WOKING, England: With prices in neighbouring islands
rising steadily and availability of land to develop
becoming
scarce, investment hunters should look to
the Dominican Republic, according to a leading
property investment company
in Britain.
Commentary: China and Taiwan: The Caribbean divide revisited
In considering whether Belize should continue its
present recognition of Taiwan or switch back to the
Peoples
Republic of China with whom it had
diplomatic relations up to 1989, the Foreign Minister
of Belize, Godfrey Smith,
argues:
Commentary: The Greater Caribbean This Week: A new historical and geographical interpretation of the Greater Caribbean
Among other things, the ACS manifests the political
will of its Members to change the course of an old,
fragmenting
action, since the organisation regroups
the geographical, populational and cultural similarities
of the Greater Caribbean.
'Who doesn't bet on cricket?', says Samuels' contact
NEW DELHI, India (AFP): The alleged bookmaker with
links to West Indian cricketer Marlon Samuels said on
Friday
he was ready to be investigated because he
had done nothing wrong.
Lara dreams of West Indies beating Aussies in final
LONDON, England (AFP): West Indies skipper Brian
Lara dreams of bringing the curtain down on his
international
one-day career by leading his country
to World Cup victory. To make the dream sweeter,
the Windies legend wants his
team to see off
defending champions Australia in the final.
Castro's health improving, says Venezuelan ambassador
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP): The health of Cuban
leader Fidel Castro is steadily improving and he has
begun eating
food again, Venezuela's ambassador to
Havana, Ali Rodriguez, said in a television interview
on Thursday.
FBI searches for missionary in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UPI): FBI hostage
negotiators have been sent to Haiti to help secure
the release of a
kidnapped American missionary, the
Miami Herald has reported. Nathan Jean-Dieubonne,
58, was abducted this week.
Barbados PM confident of implementation of Single Economy in 2008
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS): Prime Minister of
Barbados and Chairman of the Caricom sub-
committee on the Caribbean
Single Market and
Economy (CSME), Owen Arthur, is expressing
confidence that the region is on track for
implementation
of the single economy in 2008.
Antigua-Barbuda to assist UK in developing gambling regulations
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: Antigua and Barbuda's Financial
Services Regulatory Commission, Division of Gaming
has announced
that the country expects to play a
key role in developing international regulations and
legislation for remote gambling
BP Trinidad aims to drill 10 wells from 2008
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters): BP Trinidad and
Tobago plans to drill 10 wells over a decade when it
resumes
oil and gas exploration in the Caribbean twin
island state in 2008 after a one-year break, a
company official said.
Guadeloupe-born Frenchman played 'major' role in Australia terror plot, court hears
PARIS, France (AFP): A Paris court heard evidence
Thursday that French Muslim convert Willie Brigitte, a
38-year-old
from the French Caribbean island of
Guadeloupe, played a "major role" in a plot by a
Pakistani-born extremist to blow
up Sydney's power
grid in 2003.
Cuba deports Colombian drug boss
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): Cuba on Thursday deported to
Colombia a notorious drug cartel boss whose
extradition has
been sought by the United States, a
Cuban official who took part in the deportation told
AFP.
Police arrest Jamaica-born Muslim who harangued British home secretary
LONDON, England (Reuters): Anti-terrorism police on
Thursday arrested one of Britain's most controversial
Muslim
figures, Jamaica-born Abu Izzadeen, who was
watched by millions on television last year heckling
Home Secretary John
Reid at a public meeting.
Labour talks progress at Suriname goldmine, says company
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (Reuters): Labour talks are
progressing at Iamgold Corp.'s Rosebel gold mine in
Suriname,
the company said on Wednesday. But the
Toronto-based company has not been able to resume
production
First woman bishop in Cuba won't copy men
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): The Rev. Nerva Cot, the
first woman bishop named by the Episcopal Church in
a developing
nation, said she will bring a feminine
touch to leadership of her rapidly expanding
congregation in Cuba.
IAPA concerned at new sentencing of Cuban journalist
MIAMI, USA: The Inter American Press Association
(IAPA) has expressed concern at the Cuban
government’s ongoing
policy against free speech and
press freedom after learning of a recent court
sentencing of an independent journalist.
NIA committed to providing enhanced financial services for Nevis
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: Premier of Nevis and Minister
of Finance, Joseph Parry has given his assurance to
the Caribbean
Financial Action Task Force that the
Nevis Island Administration is committed to providing
enhanced regulation and
supervision for the financial
services of Nevis.
Air Jamaica jazzes up Montego Bay
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica: The Air Jamaica Jazz and
Blues Festival, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, January
25 to 27,
continues to boost the Jamaican economy.
The festival accommodated about 30,000 patrons
over the three days.
Suriname government to stiffen sanctions on backtrack-route
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Authorities in Suriname are
imposing stiffer sanctions against boat operators on
the semi-legal
backtrack route between Suriname
and Guyana who are violating their licences.
Nevis gives nod to renewable energy exploration
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: Exploration for renewable
energy will commence in Nevis next week. It was
announced that
West Indies Power Ltd will
commence exploration work. The Nevis Island
Administration issued a licence to the company
to
explore geothermal resources of the island.
Jamaican health minister appeals for violence prevention
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): Jamaican Minister of
Health, Horace Dalley has reiterated his call for
violence prevention
and peace, in light of the rising
incidences of violence and crime occurring in sections
of the island. The Minister
made the call at the
launch of the Peace Month activities
Commentary: Yes, save Darfur! But what about Zimbabwe?
Even though rank incompetence, kleptocracy and
depraved indifference to human life characterized the
governments
of many post-colonial countries of the
Commonwealth, black leaders invariably invoked "the
legacy of British colonialism".
Letter: As a matter of principle, what can we all do to defend Stabroek News?
Now state-owned Guysuco and GPL withdraw their
ads from Guyana's most independent newspaper,
supposedly (sic)
without the knowledge of their
Chairman! DeCiries plaintive account of this debacle
is chilling in its account of
brutish communist
authoritarianism.
Letter: The Caribbean should not be viewed as just a vacation destination
I read Clarence Pilgrim's commentary on the United
States and Iraq and thought he summed up the
situation in
a concise and understandable format that
is often lacking in the US.
Samuels not guilty, says mom
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Following media reports
accusing West Indies and Jamaican all-rounder
Marlon Samuels of leaking
team information to an
illegal bookmaker, his mother, Daphne Lunan, said her
son and the alleged bookmaker Mukesh
Kochar, had
been friends for a long time.
Grenada death sentences quashed by Privy Council
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: The death sentences of the
thirteen people convicted of the killing of former
Grenadian
prime minister, Maurice Bishop, and some
of his cabinet colleagues were quashed by the Privy
Council in London on
Wednesday.
Nephew of Turks & Caicos Premier killed in plane crash
GRAND TURK, Turks & Caicos Islands: The Turks &
Caicos Islands were in mourning Wednesday, after a
plane
crash claimed the life of veteran pilot
McDonald “Donnie” Gardiner, nephew of Premier Dr
Michael Misick.
Rice believes Chavez is 'destroying' Venezuela
WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters): US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice said on Wednesday she believed
Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez was destroying
his country economically and politically.
Cuban dissidents tap cyberspace from abroad
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Leading Cuban dissidents
who are denied access to Internet at home now
have their messages
on websites thanks to the work
of exiled friends and family abroad.
US court won't reconsider Antigua bank ruling
SAN FRANCISCO, USA (Reuters): A US appeals court
said on Wednesday that it would not reconsider its
dismissal
of a lawsuit seeking the return of $2.5
million in assets the US government seized from an
offshore bank in Antigua.
45 years on, US embargo still puts Cuban ingenuity to the test
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP): The old saying necessity is the
mother of invention is put to the test in Cuba,
because of
a 45-year-old embargo that prevents
Cuba from importing US goods. The US bans exports
to the island and few Cubans
have access to cars
imported from elsewhere,
Cuban denounces new TV Marti effort
HAVANA, Cuba (UPI): Cuban officials have criticised a
decision to show US-funded TV Marti on Spanish-
language
stations in Miami picked up by satellite in
Cuba. TV and Radio Marti are officially banned in
Cuba, though the signal
can be picked up by illegal
satellite dishes.
Guadeloupe-born Muslim convert claims innocence at Australia plot trial
PARIS, France (AFP): Willie Brigitte, a 38-year-old
Muslim convert from the French Caribbean island of
Guadeloupe,
accused of plotting to attack a Sydney
nuclear reactor and strategic targets across
Australia, insisted he had no
links to terrorism at his
trial Wednesday.
OAS backs education initiative in Haiti
WASHINGTON, USA: Supporting an initiative to
improve education in Haiti, the Assistant Secretary
General of the
Organization of American States
(OAS), Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, advocated a
twin-track approach that would include
both short-
and long-term objectives.
School in Suriname closed after discovery of toxic gas
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: A school compound in
Suriname's capital Paramaribo was closed by the
authorities Monday
after the discovery of toxic gas in
rusted tanks that were in danger of leaking.
People-centered development critical to CARICOM, say regional leaders
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica: Leaders of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) meeting in Jamaica said the
15-member grouping
needed to embrace a new way
of thinking, and focus on people-centred
development and poverty alleviation.
IDB funds disaster risk management projects in the Caribbean
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Inter-American
Development Bank has announced a US$800,000
grant for a project to improve
disaster risk
management for the tourist sector in the Caribbean
and a US$785,000 grant for climate information in
the
Andean countries.
Grenada opposition calls for consistency in investigations
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: In the wake of news that
Inspector Brian Hurst, Leader of the Royal Grenada
Police Force
Band, has been reassigned to a new
position, Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas has called
for consistency in dealing
with government officials
under investigation.
Trinidad military get training in HIV/AIDS awareness
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Some 53 officers from the
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force were on
Wednesday part of
the first batch in a series of
training programmes on HIV/AIDS Awareness
involving the US military.
US, Belize to get tougher on violent gangs
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (Reuters): The United
States and Belize, along with three other Central
American nations,
agreed on Monday to toughen a
crackdown on violent youth gangs that have
terrorized the region in a rampage of murders,
rapes
and robberies.
Commentary: Amnesty International's track record in Haiti since 2004
The coup that ousted Haitian President Jean Bertrand
Aristide on February 29, 2004 led very predictably to
the
worst human rights disaster in the Western
Hemisphere over the following two years.
Letter: Crazy and meek
Linda Petrusi, your article today (2/7/07) was
interesting in that you are proud to be crazy. You
have come up
with some points which are Biblical in
context, which when understood from God’s
perspective are wise, but outside
of God are crazy.
India police accuse West Indies cricketer of links with bookie
NEW DELHI, India (AFP): Indian police late
Wednesday accused West Indian cricketer Marlon
Samuels of leaking
team information to an illegal
bookmaker during the recent one-day series in India.
Sarwan ruled out for three weeks with hand injury
MUMBAI, India (Reuters): West Indies batsman
Ramnaresh Sarwan has been ruled out of action for
three weeks with
a hand injury in a major blow to the
hosts' preparations for next month's World Cup.
Performance of West Indies key for support, says Jamaican LOC director
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): Executive Director of the
Jamaica Local Organising Committee for Cricket World
Cup 2007,
Robert Bryan has said that the
performance of the West Indies cricket team is the
key to the support level of Jamaica's
Yellow Package.
SEC fines Bermuda re-insurer $15 million over accounting 'cookie jar'
WASHINGTON, USA (Bloomberg): RenaissanceRe
Holdings, a Bermuda-based reinsurer, will pay $15
million to settle
accusations it created an
accounting "cookie jar" to help smooth earnings in
bad years, the US Securities and Exchange
Commission has said.
Region must settle trade arrangements in time for CSME, says Barbados PM
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS): Prime Minister of
Barbados, Owen Arthur, has said that the region
must come to a
decision regarding arrangements with
its traditional economic allies and trading partners,
before the full implementation
of the Caribbean Single
Market and Economy in 2008.
Grenada police to investigate Chinese national anthem mix up
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: Grenada’s Commissioner of
Police, Winston James, has ordered an investigation
into the
circumstances that led to the Police Force
Band rendering the incorrect anthem for the People’s
Republic of China.
Trinidad government seeks to introduce witness protection and new hearsay evidence rule
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Trinidad and Tobago
Government is moving to provide increased
protection for witnesses
and persons who are
required to give evidence in criminal court
proceedings. It is also seeking to make hearsay
evidence
admissible in court.
Cable & Wireless denies unfair competition claim in BVI
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Cable and Wireless said the recent
claims made by British Virgin Islands' sole mobile
provider,
CCT Global Communications, against Cable
and Wireless are unsubstantiated and invalid.
Nevisians urged to recognise the link between tourism and the economy
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: The Premier of Nevis and
Minister of Tourism, Joseph Parry, has called on
Nevisians to recognise
the linkages that tourism has
with the rest of the economy. The Premier made the
call on Saturday, when stakeholders
of the industry
were honoured.
Secretary general discusses role of OAS during official visit to Jamaica
WASHINGTON, USA: The Secretary General of the
Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza,
on a two-day
offical visit to Jamaica, has
underscored the OAS's continued commitment to the
promotion of social and economic development,
democracy and security in the hemisphere.
German firm wins $1.1bn contract for petrochemical plant in Trinidad
MUNICH, Germany (AFP): German engineering
conglomerate MAN said Tuesday that it has secured
a contract worth
1.1 billion dollars to build a
petrochemicals complex in Trinidad and Tobago.
Cuba says US blocks academic, sports travel
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuba criticized the United
States on Tuesday for denying visas to Cuban
intellectuals
invited to a Soviet studies conference
and barring American cyclists from competing in Cuba.
Panama confirmed as host of next OAS general assembly
WASHINGTON, USA: The government of Panama has
signed an agreement that officially confirms it will
host the next
General Assembly of the Organization
of American States (OAS).
Commentary: Proud to be crazy
We live in a world that’s gone mad. Trying to
understand “crazy” makes us crazy. Trying to resolve
the craziness
is crazy making. I am not a scholar of
resolving conflict. I am a scholar of crazy and
consider myself relatively
sane.
Trinidadian Kirk says victory at Millrose was a thrilling moment
NEW YORK, USA: Trinidad and Tobago's Sheridan Kirk
has said that his win in the men's 800-metres at the
Millrose
Games in New York on Friday was a thrilling
moment for him.
Former India all-rounder Robin Singh to coach in Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Former India one-day all
rounder Robin Singh will form a coaching team to
train players
in baseball-mad Cuba where the sport is
enjoying a revival.
Golden era is ending, says ICC chief Malcolm Speed
DUBAI, India (Reuters): A golden era in cricket is
ending and top test teams need to find young
players to replace
their retiring big names, says
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive
Malcolm Speed.
Canada offers aid to quell violence in Haiti
OTTAWA, Canada (AFP): Canada will contribute 10
million Canadian dollars (8.45 million US) to help
reform Haiti's
national police and curb violence in the
Caribbean's poorest nation, officials said Monday.
No rooms for Cubans at Hilton hotels
HAVANA, Cuba (ACN): As part of the US economic
blockade of Cuba, the American Hilton Hotel chain
has announced
a denial of bookings to Cuban
delegations in all its facilities around the world.
Cable & Wireless campaigns for cheaper mobile calls in the Caribbean
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Cable & Wireless is
calling for a better deal for consumers across the
Caribbean,
as it campaigns to cut the cost of calls
from landlines to mobile phones. Chris Hetherington,
Cable & Wireless
Chief Executive, said: “Consumers
need to know the facts.
Jamaican police commissioner calls on public to help remove corrupt cops
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): Commissioner of Police,
Lucius Thomas is encouraging citizens to play their
part in
helping to rid the Jamaica Constabulary Force
(JCF) of corrupt members by reporting incidents of
police corruption.
Belize says most bondholders accept debt restructuring plan
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): Belize said most of the
country's bondholders have accepted a restructuring
offer.
Holders of 93 percent of Belize's debt agreed
to exchange their bonds for securities that mature in
2029, according
to a press release.
Dominican Republic ratifies anti-disabilities discrimination treaty
WASHINGTON, USA: In a ceremony held at the
Organization of American States (OAS), the
government of the Dominican
Republic on Monday
formalised its ratification of the Inter-American
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities.
Cuba pledges to step up aid for Montserrat’s development
BRADES, Montserrat: Based on advice to strengthen
transparent non-political links with Caribbean and
regional
neighbours, the governments of Montserrat
and Cuba plan to explore ways of assisting each
other.
Guyana president visits CWC and Rio summit facilities
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): With less than five
weeks before Guyana welcomes over 20,000 visitors
for Cricket
World Cup (CWC) 2007, President Bharrat
Jagdeo visited the Guyana National Stadium at
Providence, where minor works
remain to be
completed.
Barbados ministry to launch website on HIV/AIDS
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (GIS): Come Wednesday,
February 14, the Barbados Ministry of Health will be
launching an
Online Media Centre. The website has
been developed by the Ministry to act as an
information portal disseminating
vital data on its
HIV/AIDS Programme, including its mandate and
functions.
US to step up media campaign to Cuba
WASHINGTON, USA (AFP): The United States
government is to step up its broadcasting campaigns
in Cuba, along with
North Korea and Iran, under
President George W. Bush's new budget plans
unveiled Monday.
Commentary: Law and Politics: When will it ever end?
On the basis, or principle, that the longest day must
come to an end, I chose the above headline
question, rather
than the probability of, “Will it ever
end?” And as this article develops, and the facts are
revealed it would become
clearer.
Letter: The US-Cuban relationship is not so simple as it seems
In response to Mike O'Rourke regarding "Cubans are
so full of it", it might be a bit asking too much for one
to
be aware of what they are talking about before
making such remarks. The US policy on Cuba is quite
a hypocritical
stance.
ICC chief Speed predicts CWC logistical problems
DUBAI, India (Reuters): Speaking to Rueters, Chief
executive Malcolm Speed says the International
Cricket Council
(ICC) took on a sizeable task by
agreeing to stage the World Cup on nine different
Caribbean islands and called for
understanding when
problems arise.
Embarrassing Chinese anthem mix up in Grenada
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: While it was a significant
occasion it was also an embarrassing one for the
Government
of Grenada as the Chinese handed over
the keys to the new National Stadium.
Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits eastern Caribbean
MIAMI, USA (Reuters): A strong earthquake struck
the eastern Caribbean on Sunday afternoon,
according to the
US Geological Survey's National
Earthquake Information Center. The quake was felt in
Jamaica and in Cuba.
Peru asks Security Council to prolong UN Haiti force
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK: Peru has asked the UN
Security Council to extend for another year the
international
UN stabilization force MINUSTAH that
has been in Haiti since 2004, the UN announced.
Tougher US line could hand Venezuela's Chavez 'red meat', say experts
WASHINGTON, USA (AFP): High-ranking US officials
and lawmakers are pressuring the State Department
to take a
more punishing tone with Venezuela, at the
risk of tossing "red meat" to President Hugo Chavez,
who now rules by decree,
experts told AFP.
Urban agriculture in Haiti facing lack of infrastructure
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: In Haiti, agriculture
represents 25% of gross domestic product (GDP) and
it constitutes
the main activity of the rural people.
An urban and peripheral urban agriculture develops
alongside towns, but faces
all kinds of difficulties.
High-powered Canadian trade mission visits Trinidad
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: A 27-member trade mission
from Nova Scotia, Canada is now on a visit to
Trinidad and
Tobago to pursue business and
investment opportunities. The undertaking is being
described as one of the largest trade
missions to the
country.
Guyana’s GDP to grow by 4.9pct in 2007, says finance minister
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr
Ashni Singh presented a US$500 million budget to the
National
Assembly last Friday, which projected a 4.9
percent growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
CARICOM welcomes World Bank decision to provide grants to Haiti
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) has welcomed last week's announcement
by the World Bank
that its Board of Executive
Directors had discussed a new Interim Strategy for
Haiti which projects financial assistance
of up to
US$82 million.
Venezuela celebrates 15th anniversary of Chavez coup
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): Thousands of
Venezuelans wearing red and waving giant inflatable
dolls of President
Hugo Chavez poured into the
streets of Caracas on Sunday to commemorate a
1992 coup that forged Chavez's reputation.
Commentary: Straight Talk
It’s all about dating, love, sex, friendship, and
marriage - so let's talk. Email your relationship
questions
to my attention. Question: “Thinking About
Divorce” Dear Betty, I've been married over twenty
years.
Letter: Ms Petrusi posits a very provocative question
Ms Petrusi posits a very provocative question, and
one that it behooves all of us to grapple with. But
where
I have no compunction about commenting on
the legal approach, I cannot possibly comment on
what moral attitude is
appropriate in this regard.
Letter: The Cubans are so full of it
With reference to "Embargo, at 45, still at forefront
of US-Cuba relations", the Cubans are so full of it.
Like
ships from the rest of the world can't make it to
Cuba.
Barbadian tennis coach serves up sports tourism tips
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: On the eve of the ICC
Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, one of Canada’s
leading tennis
professional coaches, Barbadian Lionel
Eli wants Caribbean governments to invest more in
sports tourism. The tennis
coach is committed to
introducing visitors to Barbados.
Strong showing by Caribbean athletes at Millrose Games
NEW YORK, USA: Led by Trinidad and Tobago’s
Sherridan Kirk, Grenadian Hazel Ann Regis and
Jamaicans Lerone Clarke
and Sheri-Ann Brooks,
Caribbean athletes enjoyed some success at the
100th edition of the Millrose Games in New York.
