Guyana's president knocks US report on narco-trade
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Guyanese President
Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday criticised the United
States government over
two recent reports that cited
the government for its inaction in fighting the narco-
trade and human rights abuses
by law enforcement
agencies in the CARICOM country.
Trafigura says donation to Jamaican political group returned
LONDON, England (Bloomberg): Trafigura Beheer BV
said its payment to a group tied to Jamaica's
governing party
was returned as the Caribbean
nation's state-run oil company invited bidders for a
crude contract handled by the Dutch
commodity
trading firm.
Chavez blasts Bush's Latin American tour
BUENOS AIRES, Brazil (AFP): Venezuela's Hugo
Chavez on Friday blasted the US President George W.
Bush's Latin
American tour, claiming it was
an "imperial offensive" aimed at dividing popular
movements. "Bush is wolf in sheep's
clothing," the
Venezuelan president said at a news conference in
Buenos Aires.
Suriname's tourism minister under fire
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: A government minister in
Suriname came under fire this week for alleged
financial misconduct.
Opposition Member of
Parliament Jiwan Sital has produced documents
claiming that tourism minister Alice Amafo recently
financed her 30th birthday celebration with
government finances.
Antigua-Barbuda police to get new motorcycles in time for Cricket World Cup
NEW YORK, USA: Antigua and Barbuda's United
Nations ambassador has concluded arrangements
with a New Jersey company
for the purchase of six
motorcycles for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and
Barbuda. Ambassador Ashe was able to
acquire the
motorcycles at a savings to the government.
Cuban cigar importer can't block rivals, court rules
LONDON, England (Bloomberg): Britain's biggest
importer of Cuban cigars may be facing cheaper
competition after
losing a legal battle over the luxury
good's trademarks. Hunters & Frankau Ltd brought
the lawsuit to prevent
another firm from importing a
shipment of handmade "habanos" cigars.
Bush praises Brazil's effort in Haiti
SAO PAULO, Brazil (UPI): While visiting Brazil Friday,
President George Bush praised the South American
nation
for leading the ongoing UN peacekeeping
mission in Haiti. Bush told reporters Brazil made
a "tough choice" by assuming
the mantle of
responsibility for the UN effort in the troubled
Caribbean nation.
Jamaican economy 'remarkably strong' during 2006/07, says IMF
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): The International Monetary
Fund (IMF) has said that the Jamaican economy has
performed
"remarkably strong" during the 2006/07
fiscal year and was on target to achieve its best
growth performance in more
than a decade.
Jamaican PM wins IOC women's award
PARIS, France (AFP): Jamaican prime minister, Portia
Simpson Miller, won the world trophy of the 2007 IOC
Women
and Sport Awards at the Olympic Museum in
Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday. Miller was one
of six winners announced
by International Olympic
Committee president Jacques Rogge.
Jamaica sells $350 million of bonds due in 2039
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): Jamaica has sold
$350 million of bonds maturing in 2039, suggesting
investor demand
is picking up for emerging-market
securities after last week's rout. Jamaica sold the 8
percent bonds to yield 3.46
percentage points over
similar-maturity US Treasuries, or about 8.12 percent.
Montserrat tourism arrivals increase
BRADES, Montserrat: The Montserrat Tourist Board
recently released the leisure arrival statistics for 2006,
showing
a significant increase from the previous year,
with the largest percentage increase coming from
North America.
Book review: 'Volcano' by Yvonne Weekes
Montserrat’s volcano has been acting up for the past
eleven years, affecting all aspects of life on the island.
In
her memoir “Volcano”, Yvonne Weekes has written
a very personal account of her experiences and
feelings during the
first few years of volcanic activity.
Islamic Development Bank to finance new port facilities in Suriname
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: The Islamic Development
Bank (IsDB) will finance the upgrading of a port in the
western
part of Suriname, officials here have
confirmed. According to John Defares, manager of the
Port Authority, the sea
port in Nieuw-Nickerie is being
upgraded with a US$11 million loan from the IsDB.
Suriname to set up fish inspection bureau
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: In an attempt to avert an
imminent ban of fisheries products to the European
Union (EU),
the Suriname government has set up a
fish inspection institute as required by the EU. The EU
member states had sanctioned
a proposed ban of
Surinamese smoked fish and cultivated shrimps.
Unfit pitch caps week of World Cup woe in Trinidad
ST AUGUSTINE, Trinidad (Reuters): A pitch slammed
as "unfit" by South Africa capped a week of woe for
2007 World
Cup organisers in Trinidad. A string of
mishaps has undermined the admirable efforts of
World Cup staff and volunteers.
Ecuador asks WTO panel to intervene in banana war with EU
GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP): Ecuador forged ahead
with its complaint against the European Union's
banana import
regime Thursday, asking the World
Trade Organisation to form a panel to rule on the
dispute, trade sources said.
Cricket World Cup may bring mosquito-borne viruses to Caribbean
SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): The Cricket World Cup
starting in the Caribbean this week may attract
unwanted visitors:
mosquito-borne viruses capable of
setting off epidemics. Doctors are strengthening
surveillance for diseases such
as malaria, dengue
fever and chikungunya across nine Caribbean
countries.
Canada pledges aid for disease monitoring at World Cup
OTTAWA, Canada (AFP): Canada pledged 900,000
dollars (760,000 US) Friday to the Pan American
Health Organization
(PAHO) to the improve its disease
surveillance during the upcoming Cricket World Cup
in the Caribbean.
Commentary: Tourism decision making: a matter of fact
A new study commissioned by the Caribbean Hotels
Association, and produced by Tourism Global Inc with
funding
from the European Union (EU) and the African
Caribbean and Pacific Group, has re-emphasised the
important role that
tourism plays in the economies of
many Caribbean countries.
Cricket World Cup warm-up match reports
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): Upul Tharanga hit a
majestic century but couldn't stop Sri Lanka from
slipping to
an 18-run defeat against New Zealand in
their final World Cup warm-up on Friday. Chasing a
victory target of
286, Tharanga hit 10 fours and two
sixes in his 106 off 112 balls.
We've got work to do, admits angry Lara
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica (AFP): West Indies captain
Brian Lara acknowledges his side has a major
problem to overcome
if they are to fulfil their goal of
becoming the first host nation to win the World Cup.
Lara believes his side has
to overcome the kind of
catastrophic batting collapse that saw them
dismissed for 85 in 25.5 overs in Friday's nine-wicket
defeat to India.
Lara eyes Test career beyond 40
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AFP): Record-breaking Brian
Lara delivered the news all bowlers feared on Friday -
he intends
to keep playing into his 40s. The 37-year-
old West Indies skipper has already announced he
will quit one-day internationals
once the World Cup
has finished, but insists he still has unfinished
business.
Barbadian Thompson marries American Jones in North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA, USA: Barbados sprinter Obadele
Thompson and multi-Olympic gold medallist Marion
Jones got married
in a small ceremony in rural North
Carolina, the officiating minister said Wednesday.
Jamaican Facey looking towards NCAA success
Former Jamaican World Junior gold medallist Simone
Facey is looking forward to competing at this
weekend's NCAA
Indoor National Championships,
which will be held at Arkansas' Randal Tyson Track
Center.
Special Olympics Caribbean holds first board meeting for 2007
PORT-OF-SPAIN: Trinidad: At its first Board meeting
for 2007, which was held in Kingston, Jamaica,
Special Olympics
Caribbean welcomed new
members and a new Executive to the Board of
Directors for the period 2007-2010.
Real Madrid wants to forge ties with Jamaica
LONDON, England (JIS): Real Madrid, one of the
world's richest and most successful football clubs,
has expressed
interest in forging ties with Jamaica,
through the Spanish club's Social Integration Sports
Academies programme.
Trinidad's Ames and Salandy take top sports awards
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Two of Trinidad and
Tobago's local sports personalities picked up top
awards on Wednesday.
Local boxing star Giselle
Salandy has won the country's Sportswoman of the
year Award while ace golfer, Stephen Ames,
took
home the Sportsman of the Year award.
World Cup trophy slightly damaged, say organisers
MUMBAI, India (Reuters): The cricket World Cup
trophy, which was kept on display in India by one of
the International
Cricket Council's global sponsors,
has been damaged, organisers said on Friday. The
silverware, which will be presented
to the winners of
the showpiece event in the Caribbean, has been sent
to the ICC's base in Dubai.
Barbados PM brokers deal to end port dispute
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: The industrial dispute
between the Barbados Workers Union (BWU) and the
Barbados Port Incorporated
has been settled. A
financial settlement has been reached on behalf of
the fired security guard at the centre of the
impasse
and the union and port will have further talks.
Haiti kidnap wave accompanied by epidemic of rape
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters): - Haiti's violent
gangs are increasingly using rape to terrorize
hostages and
other victims, government officials and
health workers say. Sexual assaults of women
appear to have become a
fixture of the kidnappings
for money carried out by gangs.
Cubans sneak ashore during US security drill
MIAMI, USA (Reuters): While hundreds of US law
enforcement agents intercepted imaginary Cuban
migrants during
a massive training exercise in south
Florida, two boatloads of actual Cubans sneaked
ashore on Miami Beach on Thursday.
Venezuela indicts ex-officer amid Chavez plot talk
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): Venezuelan
authorities have indicted a retired general for "military
rebellion,"
his lawyer said on Thursday, as state
media and President Hugo Chavez played up talk of a
presidential assassination
plot.
The man who built a stage fit for a world final
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Reuters): One man's
focus, dedication and sheer determination to do his
job will ensure
that the Cricket World Cup final will be
played in a jewel of a stadium and not a half-finished
building site come
April 28.
BVI Labour Department to improve service to the public
ROAD TOWN, BVI: British Virgin Islands Deputy
Labour Commissioner, Decoy Mactavious has said
that the Department
is seeking ways to help its
customers conveniently access the services provided
at the Labour Department.
UN commander says in control of Haiti
SAO PAULO, Haiti (Reuters): UN peacekeeping
forces have established military control in Haiti and
paved the way
for reconstruction but have yet to
contain the supply of arms to slum gangs, the
Brazilian force commander said.
Jamaican locals angry over ticket 'snub'
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica (AFP): People living near the
Trelawny stadium, where the World Cup opening
ceremony will
take place on Sunday, claim they have
been given the cold shoulder by local organisers. The
row centres around complimentary
tickets for the four
warm-up matches at the new venue.
Nevis premier defends development deal
CHARLESTOWN Nevis: Premier of Nevis and Minister
of Finance Joseph Parry has denounced critics who
claimed that
the renegotiated deal with Canadian
developers Newfound Group and the NRP-led NIA for
the development of Pinneys Estate
was for party
politics and not in the interest of Nevisians.
Security stepped up at Trinidad players hotel
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AFP): Security has been
stepped up at the World Cup players' hotel here
where a suspected
gas leak led to the evacuation of
the Pakistan and South Africa teams. Tournament
organisers insist that there had
been no direct threat
to any of the teams based there.
Inter-island seaplane forced to shut down one engine in Charlotte Amalie harbour
ST CROIX, USVI: Seaborne Airlines pilots took
precautionary measures and shut down one engine
Thursday afternoon
after they landed in the Charlotte
Amalie harbour on a scheduled run from St Croix to St
Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
LIAT, Caribbean Star finalise merger
ST JOHN'S, Antigua: The shareholders of LIAT (1974)
Ltd and Caribbean Star Airlines Ltd have announced
that negotiations
toward merging both carriers have
been finalised. The announcement was made
following a meeting held Wednesday in
Antigua.
Commentary: Americans can afford their fashionable worries about global warming. We cannot!
It is imperative that we cut pollution, conserve energy
and protect our environment. After all, the sustainable
development
of the eco-tourist economies of the
Caribbean depends on it. Accordingly, we should
eschew any notion that we are
doing these things
because of some climate-change Cassandra.
Letter: No wigs at the Caribbean Court of Justice
I refer to a letter published on Thursday March 8, 2007
from Mr Louie Christian in which he indicates that
wigs
are worn at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
and goes on to express his view on this. Mr.
Christian’s information
is incorrect.
Cricket World Cup warm-up match reports
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): Bangladesh sent
Scotland spinning to a seven-wicket defeat in a World
Cup warm-up
here on Thursday to make it two wins
out of two after their stunning dismissal of New
Zealand.
West Indies seek early advantage
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica (AFP): For marquee sides
India and West Indies, the Cricket World Cup 2007
begins when they
face each other in their final warm-
up match on Friday at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose
Stadium. Both sides cruised through
their first warm-
up matches.
Taylor recalls West Indian glory days
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (Reuters): There was a time
when batsmen trembled at the prospect of facing
West Indian
pace attacks and in Jerome Taylor, the
World Cup hosts believe they have a bowler to bring
back those glory days.
Taylor was given his first call-
up into the West Indies side at the age of 18
Sunderland manager believes Yorke adds needed depth
LONDON, England: Sunderland's manager Roy
Keane believes Trinidad and Tobago international
Dwight Yorke has added
depth and quality to his side
since joining them from Australian side Sydney FC.
Yorke retires from internationals to help Sunderland
LONDON, England (Reuters): Striker Dwight Yorke
has retired from international football with Trinidad &
Tobago
to focus on Sunderland's bid to win
promotion to the Premier League. Yorke, captained
the Soca Warriors to their first
World Cup appearance
last year in Germany and scored 26 goals in 59
official games for his country.
West Indies have no fears over ring-rusty Lara
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (AFP): West Indies coach
Bennett King dismissed fears over captain Brian
Lara's lack of
action in the middle and backed the
record-breaking batsman to star in the World Cup.
The 37-year-old Lara hasn't
played since his team's
160-run defeat to India in Vadodara where he was run
out for three.
OECS refutes allegations concerning its Director General
CASTRIES, St Lucia: Shortly before the opening of the
meeting of the OECS Authority in Antigua on 10-12
January
2007, the Director General, Dr Len Ishmael,
was informed that a "submission" had been made to
Ministers and delegates
regarding her leadership and
management of the OECS Secretariat.
Trinidad police have tear gas incident under control
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Security officials in
Trinidad and Tobago have confirmed that there was
an incident
involving a discharged tear gas canister
that led to the temporary evacuation of hotel guests at
the Hilton Trinidad.
Investigators are looking into the
incident and forensic personnel are examining the
scene.
CARICOM condemns search of police officers in Barbados
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: The searching of police
officers in Barbados by ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC)
2007 security
officials has been condemned by
Caribbean officials. Mia Mottley, Deputy Prime Minister
of Barbados, says she is disturbed
and stressed
every effort was made to guard against any such
development.
Communism in Cuba should end when Castro dies, says Bush
WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters): Communist rule of
Cuba should end when ailing leader Fidel Castro
dies, US President
George W. Bush said as he
prepared for a Latin American tour seen as aiming to
counter a regional shift to the left.
Smith baby's Bahamas birth papers may be invalid
NASSAU, Bahamas (UPI): A technicality could
invalidate the Bahamian birth certificate for Anna
Nicole Smith's
daughter and possibly force a paternity
test, a lawyer said. A Bahamian judge scheduled a
March 16 hearing in the
custody case.
Barbados PM steps in to resolve port strike
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: An intervention by
Barbados prime minister, Owen Arthur, could see an
end to a labour dispute
that crippled operations at the
Bridgetown Port on Tuesday. Over 200 employees
were instructed by Barbados Workers
Union General
Secretary, Sir Roy Trotman, to return to their duties.
US Homeland Security tests response to possible mass exodus from Cuba
DORAL, USA (AFP): An exodus from Cuba combined
with a virus outbreak put US authorities on full alert
Wednesday
in a simulation meant to test the
response to a mass migration from the communist-
run island. Coast Guard units took
to the seas and
military planes flew overhead as fictitious Cubans
tried to reach US shores.
Grenada government dispels rumours concerning National Park
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: In response to recent
reports of a proposed new tourist resort on the so-
called Mount Hartman
Estate in the south of Grenada
and the abolition of the bird sanctuary there, the
Government of Grenada has issued
a statement in
order to avoid, it says, any misunderstanding or
misinformation.
CWC security is top priority in St Kitts-Nevis
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: The security chiefs in St Kitts
and Nevis have said that the security forces are
prepared
for any challenges which may arise during
the ICC Cricket World Cup matches that begin next
week. This assurance was
given on Tuesday’s edition
of the SKNIS radio programme Perspectives.
St Lucia Civil Service Association boycotts luncheon lecture
CASTRIES, St Lucia: The National Executive
Committee of the St Lucia Civil Service Association
(CSA) has called
for a boycott of a luncheon lecture to
be held at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and
Beach Resort in observance
of International Women's
Day.
Low level of public participation in Trinidad's stock exchange
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Chairman of the Trinidad
and Tobago Stock Exchange, Andrew McEkrane, has
spoken about
what he described as a low level public
of participation in the country's exchange. McEkrane
said the direct participation
of individuals in the stock
exchange at this point is at a "very low level".
Trinidad's national security minister attends anti-terrorism talks in Panama
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad:- Trinidad and Tobago's
National Security Minister, Martin Joseph, has
addressed the
Seventh Regular Session of the Inter-
American Committee against Terrorism of the
Organization of American States,
which took place in
Panama City.
Bush says Chavez's economic model leads to poverty
WASHINGTON, USA (AFP): US President George W.
Bush criticized the economic model of Venezuelan
counterpart Hugo
Chavez, saying it would lead to
more poverty, on the eve of a tour of Latin America
aimed at warning against the dangers
of populism
and isolationism.
Caribbean countries earn Interpol's praise for CWC security
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Secretary General of
Interpol, Ronald Noble, said, while visiting the region
last week,
that the security mechanisms which
CARICOM has put in place now make it difficult for
anyone using a stolen travel
document to enter any of
the nine CWC host countries.
Commentary: Ministerial responsibility under the Westminster system
As a General Election approaches, it is important for
the voting public to be informed about the
Westminster
System of government which applies in
The Bahamas. For it is against these rules that the
electorate should judge
the conduct of government
ministers during nearly 5 years in power.
Letter: Concern over Anna Nicole Smith's daughter
A lot of us here in America are worried about
Dannielyn; however I do not see the real "facts" here in
the letters
to the editor. The Bahamas court system is
well equipped to handle the custody dispute over
Dannielyn with their excellent
laws and the above
board professionalism of their statutes.
Letter: Attorneys wearing wigs
Having just read the letter from Gregory Charles from
Grenada pertaining to attorneys wearing of wigs in
court,
I must say that I was surprised that, when the
Caribbean Court of Justice came about, the governing
bodies who signed
up to the same failed to take the
opportunity to do away with this old attachment to the
UK.
MCC unveils new portrait of Sir Vivian Richards
LONDON, England: As the world’s leading cricketers
begin to arrive in the West Indies for the start of the
2007
ICC Cricket World Cup, Marylebone Cricket Club
(MCC) has unveiled a new portrait of Sir Vivian
Richards, one of the
legends of the game. The oil-on-
canvas painting was done by artist Brendan Kelly.
Cup success could stop West Indies talent drain, says Richards
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP) - Viv Richards, who
played in the only two West Indies teams to win the
World Cup,
believes victory in the 2007 edition could
help stem the exodus of the islands' leading talent to
other sports. Richards
insists that success for Brian
Lara's men will halt the slide.
Samuels remains undistracted by bookie probe
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (Reuters): West Indies
batsman Marlon Samuels says despite facing an
investigation into
alleged links with a bookmaker he is
ready to be a World Cup match-winner for captain
Brian Lara. Samuels is going
into the World Cup in
top form after striking an impressive century against
Kenya on Monday.
Trinidad's chief magistrate reacts to calls to resign
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Port of Spain Chief
Magistrate, Sherman McNicholls, has reacted to calls
for him to
step down from office. This follows a court
decision on Monday that saw the dropping of charges
of attempting to pervert
the course of public justice
against Trinidad & Tobago's Chief Justice Satnarine
Sharma.
Fleeing Cubans land among the cruise ships in Grand Cayman
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Eleven Cubans,
nine men and two women, fled their country and
braved rough seas
in a makeshift boat to sail into
George Town harbour in Grand Cayman last Friday.
They had made the journey
from Cuba through waters
off Cayman Brac, where they had been sighted
Thursday afternoon.
Grenada opposition says government must come clean on Russian deal
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: Opposition Leader Tillman
Thomas is calling on the present administration in
Grenada to
come clean with the people concerning a
letter being circulated by Reynold Benjamin, accusing
the New National Party
administration of signing a
contract with a Russian company.
Gold mining in Guyana results in human rights abuses and environmental damage, says Harvard report
CAMBRIDGE, USA: Inadequately controlled by the
government, gold mining in Guyana’s interior Amazon
region has
resulted in severe human rights abuses
and devastating environmental damage, the
International Human Rights Clinic
(IHRC) of Harvard
Law School¹s Human Rights Program said Tuesday.
BVI media to tour Digicel's Jamaica headquarters
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Members of the British Virgin
Islands media are getting the opportunity this week to
tour the
Jamaican headquarters of Digicel, the fastest
growing wireless telecommunications operator in the
Caribbean.
Haitians abroad sent $1.65 billion home last year
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - Haitians living
abroad propped up the economy of their impoverished
Caribbean
homeland by sending more than $1.65
billion in cash to relatives last year, according to a
report from the Inter-American
Development Bank.
That sum represented twice Haiti's national budget
Jamaica committed to the ACP, says Prime Minister
LONDON, England (JIS): Jamaica remains committed
to the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group and
will continue
to uphold its ideals. This assurance was
given by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as she
addressed the ACP Committee
of Ambassadors in
Brussels, Belgium.
Accreditation glitch locks out stadium staff in Jamaica
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica (AFP): Several Cricket World
Cup 2007 workers and volunteers were locked out of
the Trelawny
Multi-Purpose Complex for Monday's
warm-up match between hosts West Indies and
Kenya.
Number of Jamaican farm workers to Canada could increase
TORONTO, Canada (JIS): Jamaicans working on
farms in Canada could increase, as officials in
Jamaica and Canada
are looking to expand the farm
work programme to other areas of the North American
country. Minister of Labour and
Social Security, Derrick
Kellier, was in Canada recently for discussions
Trinidad gets approved destination status from China
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Trinidad and Tobago
Trade and Investment Mission, which is currently in
the Far
East, has signed a memorandum of
understanding with the Chinese government, which is
expected to lure more tourists
to Trinidad and Tobago.
Groundwork laid for introduction of 'Camp Shriver' in USVI
ST THOMAS, USVI: An initiative of First Lady Cecile
deJongh will bolster the goals of Special Olympics in
the
US Virgin Islands. A tentative agreement is set for
the introduction of Camp Shriver to the island districts
of St
Thomas-St John and St Croix this summer.
Camp Shriver was begun in the 1960’s by Eunice
Kennedy Shriver
Chavez invites Trinidad PM for energy talks
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Venezuelan president Hugo
Chavez has invited Trinidad and Tobago’s prime
minister, Patrick
Manning, for talks later this month on
a wide range of issues, including energy security for
the Caribbean and Latin
American region.
Bomb threat shuts Venezuela island airport
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): Venezuelan
authorities closed an airport on the Caribbean tourist
island of Margarita
on Tuesday after a bomb threat to
a Martinair plane which landed there with more than
250 passengers, officials said.
CARICOM member states agree on plan for trade facilitation
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Several Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) member countries, including
Trinidad and Tobago,
have agreed on a plan of action
to support trade initiatives among member states. The
plan of action was signed by
the Secretaries General
of CARICOM, along with their counterparts of the
Central American Integration System
Letter: Schengen visas
Can someone explain what we pay all that tax money
for our foreign missions for? What exactly do they do
for
our citizens abroad? The recent decision to issue a
single CARICOM visa should be seen as a step in the
right direction
and may possibly be maintained long
after the World Cup has gone.
Second day of Cricket World Cup warm-up match reports
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP) - Bangladesh pulled
off a major shock on Tuesday when they defeated
New Zealand by
two wickets here in a World Cup
warm-up. Pace bowler Mashrafe Mortaza proved to be
the hero with bat and ball. After
taking 4-44 to limit the
Black Caps to 224 all out, he then smashed two
successive sixes.
Adios amigos - South Americans dumped from CONCACAF Gold Cup
NEW YORK, USA (AFP): North American regional
football officials have ended an agreement made in
1991 that allowed
for team exchanges with South
America for continental football championships.
Chuck Blazer, competition committee
chairman for
CONCACAF, revealed the break-up on Tuesday.
Defecting Cuban stars set to begin pro boxing careers
MIAMI, USA (AFP) - Three reigning Olympic boxing
champions from Cuba began their professional
careers here on
Monday, confirming their defection to
the United States and a deal with German promoters.
All three are set to make
their pro debuts in Miami.
Samuels eyeing match-winning role with West Indies
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica (AFP): Marlon Samuels may
be at the centre of an ICC and police investigation, but
his main
aim right now is to become a match-winner
for West Indies. Samuels has had some success in
the last three limited-overs
internationals West Indies
have won.
Murder-accused police officer appears in St Vincent court
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: Murder-accused, 27-year-old
police constable, Erikson Harris, appeared at the
Serious
Offences Court in St Vincent before Chief
Magistrate, Simone Churaman, on Monday charged
with killing Jeannie Gill
and Vonley Llewellyn. The
charges were read to him, but he was not allowed to
enter a plea.
Chavez to rally Argentines while Bush visits region
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters): US foe
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will lead a leftist
rally in an Argentine
stadium on Friday, right when US
President George W. Bush is due to arrive in
neighboring Uruguay for a state visit.
Security is region's strongest legacy from CWC, says Trinidad PM
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Prime Minister of
Trinidad and Tobago and lead Regional Head for
Security, Patrick
Manning told media that security
arrangements for 2007 Cricket World Cup games will
be the strongest legacy after
countries of the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) complete hosting
the games.
National flag carrier proposed for Guyana
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): President Bharrat
Jagdeo met representatives of an aircraft construction
company on
Monday to discuss the establishment of
a national flag carrier. The proposed plan includes
financing and part-management
of the new airline by
the Canadian-based parent company, Bombardier
Aerospace.
Bermuda’s Bacardi in race for Sweden's Absolut vodka
LONDON, England (AFP): Bermuda-based drinks
group Bacardi, maker of the world's leading rum
brand, has written
to the the Swedish government to
express its interest in buying Swedish vodka brand
Absolut, the Financial Times reported
Monday.
Money laundering legislation for Guyana soon, says minister
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): The Money
Laundering Prevention (Amendment) Act which is
expected to be tabled in
Guyana's Parliament shortly
will provide for seizure of assets derived as proceeds
of crime. These include money,
investments, and real
and personal property.
Jamaica's sugar industry receives E5.2 million from EU
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The Jamaican government and
the EU have signed a financial agreement valued at
Euro 5.2 million,
to assist in the transformation of the
country's sugar industry. This transformation will be
carried out under the
Jamaica Country Strategy for the
adaptation of the sugar industry.
Puerto Rico bank to settle suit for $74.3 million
NEW YORK, USA (Bloomberg): First BanCorp, the
parent of FirstBank Puerto Rico, has agreed to pay
$74.3 million
to settle a shareholder lawsuit over
mortgage accounting. The shareholders accused San
Juan, Puerto Rico-based First
BanCorp of inflating its
stock price by mischaracterizing mortgage loans.
Faith tourism conference returns to St Lucia
NEW JERSEY, USA: Award-winning journalist and
international faith tourism advocate Andria Hall,
president of
SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A., will bring The Walk:
Sanctuary for the Soul faith tourism conference back to
the Caribbean island
nation of St Lucia, from June 21
through June 24, 2007.
St Lucian ambassador lands top OAS post
WASHINGTON, USA: St Lucia’s doubly-accredited
ambassador to the United States and Permanent
Representative to
the Organization of American States
(OAS), Sonia Johnny, announced her resignation from
her current portfolios at
a Special Meeting of the
Permanent Council of the OAS.
Caribbean profiled at home and abroad
NEW YORK, USA: Harnessing the skills of the
Caribbean Diaspora in support of the region’s
development will be
a top priority when CARICOM
(Caribbean Community) Heads team with the United
States government for a Caribbean Conference
to be
held in the nation’s capital June 19-21.
The Caribbean gets bluer as JetBlue announces expansion
NEW YORK, USA: JetBlue Airways has announced a
major expansion of service to its customers' favourite
island
destinations with the launch of nonstop service
this spring between Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic and New York's
John F. Kennedy
International Airport, and the launch of new nonstop
services.
Commentary: Law and Politics: CSME - China - Taiwan - where are we?
I do not suppose that we will find it ever easy to chart a
course in today’s economic, political, and diplomatic
jungle that will be pleasing to all, or fully and
comfortably satisfy all our needs. On the other hand,
that should
not mean we must be constantly changing
our methods of operation.
Commentary: Giving one’s best to ease the pain of domestic violence
When a woman becomes a victim of domestic
violence it touches the hearts and souls of many.
Although many individuals
may find themselves at a
loss in determining what they can do to make a
positive change in the lives of such victims
the
committed few are always ready to do their part.
