OAS strengthens fight against corruption
WASHINGTON, USA: The Organization of American
States (OAS) and the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and
Development (OECD) have signed an
agreement to strengthen the fight against corruption in
the Americas. The agreement
will establish a legal
framework in which both entities will work together.
Aruba has to recognise gay marriage, says Dutch supreme court
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AFP): The Dutch Supreme
Court on Friday ordered the Caribbean island of Aruba
to recognise
same-sex marriages registered in the
Netherlands. The ruling puts an end to a conflict
between Aruba, a former Dutch
colony in the Antilles,
and a lesbian couple who moved to the island.
President Jagdeo may soon become Guyana's most eligible bachelor
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Guyana's President, Bharrat
Jagdeo has promised to come clean about his
marriage to First
Lady, Varshnie Jagdeo in the midst
of swirling controversy that the two are on the brink of
a divorce. Last week,
the president faced reporters for
the first time.
WTO says precedent is on Antigua-Barbuda's side in dispute with US
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Director General of the WTO,
Pascal Lamy, speaking to a closed session of a
meeting with CARICOM
Ministers of Trade, observed
that the preservation of the rules-based multilateral
trading system on which the WTO
was based, will
ensure that, the US will move to implement the rulings
and recommendations of the WTO Dispute Settlement
Body (DSB).
Atlantic oarsman to attempt rowing record to Antigua
LA GOMERA, Canary Islands: Simon Chalk, supported
by Woodvale Challenge Ltd of Devon, UK, has
announced that
he intends to break the longest-
standing ocean rowing record across the Atlantic from
La Gomera, Canary Islands, to
Antigua - 2961 miles.
The record stands at 39 days, 8 hours and 30 minutes.
BVI Chief Minister meets with president of American Eagle
ROAD TOWN,BVI: Chief Minister and Minister for
Tourism in the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith
is encouraged
by the receptive mood of president of
American Eagle Airline Ed Criner during a recent
meeting. The Chief Minister
said talks focussed on
additional flights into the Territory and possible
concessionary fares.
BVI and US governments strengthen cooperation
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands and the
United States Governments have agreed to tighten
their cooperation
in a number of areas. This follows a
successful conclusion of a high level meeting that
was hosted by the Territory
this week at Long Bay
Beach Resort.
Montserrat plans major sporting development
BRADES, Montserrat: Montserrat's government plans
to embark on a major sports development
programme that will
provide significant opportunities
for the country's blooming sportsmen and women.
Montserrat's Chief Minister highlighted
that the
government will attempt to integrate in regional
leagues.
St Lucia Tourist Board continues jazz promotions in the region
CASTRIES, St Lucia: The St Lucia Tourist Board's
regional St Lucia Jazz and summer 2007 promotions
kick into
high gear this weekend, as the Board's
marketing and public relations departments set off for
select Caribbean destinations.
Cuban jet takes St Vincent PM to Cuba
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: St Vincent and the
Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves left
for Cuba just before
noon on Friday on a Cuban jet,
courtesy of the Cuban government. Gonsalves could
be in Cuba for about two weeks, since
he has been
ordered by doctors to rest after being injured in an
auto accident.
Suriname health minister warns against bird flu ramifications
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Suriname health minister
Celsius Waterberg has warned against the serious
ramifications
a possible outbreak of bird flu could
have on the economy and society in general in
Suriname.
North and Middle Caicos linked by new causeway
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands: The
people of North and Middle Caicos no longer have to
dream of a
link between those two islands. That
dream is now a reality. The talk about linking North
and Middle Caicos has been
going almost since the
inception of the PNP Party, noted the Premier.
CWC host countries health surveillance systems strengthened
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: The Manager of the
Epidemiology Division of the Caribbean Epidemiology
Centre (CAREC),
based in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr
Eldonna Boisson, said that the Caribbean's
enhanced health surveillance system is
likely to be
one of the better legacies of CWC 2007 to the region.
OAS calls for new development paradigm
WASHINGTON, USA: Organization of American States
(OAS) Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin
has called
for a new development paradigm
characterized by a "more holistic, more human and
more pragmatic" approach. He made
the comments
as the Economic Forum for the Americas opened in
Cartagena, Colombia
Commentary: Opportunity for trust between US and Caribbean
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of
Government should put on the agenda for their
meeting in June with US
President George W Bush,
US non-compliance with a World Trade Organisation
(WTO) ruling in favour of Antigua and Barbuda.
In
2003, Antigua and Barbuda won a landmark case
against the US.
Commentary: The Greater Caribbean This Week: In harm's way
It's that time of year again. Right on cue, after the
Oscars, it's the Naming of the Atlantic Storms, better
known
to us locally as the precursor to the Caribbean
Hurricane Season. This year, Alberto, Beryl, Chris,
Debby, Ernesto,
Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac,
Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar...
Letter: Unlikely that mankind will cut greenhouse gas emissions
A growing and developing population is likely to
increase their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
(expected to double
by mid-century), not so severely
cut them so fast as to avoid runaway global warming.
Nature now soaks up about half
of mankind's CO2
emissions, but that is expected to reduce 30% by
2030.
Letter: Sky high intra-Caribbean airfares!
Despite assurances by Barbadian Minister of
Tourism, Noel Lynch that intra-Caribbean airfares
would not be allowed
to escalate in the wake of a
LIAT/Caribbean Star merger and the re-branding on
BWIA into Caribbean Airlines, fares
within in the
region are the highest on record.
Lara defends controversial changes
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): West Indies skipper
Brian Lara was forced to defend the controversial
three changes
made to the team which slumped to a
crucial World Cup defeat against South Africa on
Tuesday.
Ponting proud of record run
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): Australia captain
Ricky Ponting basked in his team's 25-match
unbeaten World Cup
run on Friday and promised
more scintillating cricket to come. Australia stormed
into the World Cup semi-finals on
Friday with a nine-
wicket win over Ireland.
Kerik drops Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago consultancy jobs
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Embattled former New York
City Police Department Commissioner, Bernard Kerik
has withdrawn
his services as a security consultant in
Guyana to the Office of the President and the Minister
of Home Affairs. Kerik
has also pulled the plug on his
contract in Trinidad and Tobago.
WeatherBug predicts above-average Atlantic hurricane season
HOUSTON, USA (Bloomberg): WeatherBug, the owner
of 8,000 weather-monitoring stations in the US, has
told energy
traders in Houston to prepare for an above-
average number of hurricanes this year in the Atlantic
Basin.
US sports agent convicted of smuggling Cubans
KEY WEST, USA (Reuters): A US sports agent was
convicted on Thursday of smuggling potential major-
league baseball
players out of Cuba and harbouring
them in the United States for profit. Gustavo "Gus"
Dominguez, a co-founder of
California-based Total
Sports International Inc., was charged in October.
Suriname government not ready for PetroCaribe
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Although still interested in
finalising the so-called PetroCaribe oil agreement
with Venezuela,
the Suriname government isn’t ready
yet to sign up, authorities here have confirmed.
According to energy minister
Gregory Rusland, the
financial priorities of the government currently lie
elsewhere.
New CEO for Bermuda Monetary Authority
HAMILTON, Bermuda: The Bermuda Monetary
Authority announced on Thursday that Matthew
Elderfield has been appointed
as the organisation’s
next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Elderfield brings 20
years of experience in international
financial services
regulation to the Authority.
BVI and US discuss border security issues
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin
Islands, Dr Orlando Smith, headed a delegation
during a
meeting with a congressional team from the
United States House of Representatives in the
Territory to discuss areas
of mutual interests relating
to border security.
Fuel supply expansion planned for Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic: The
Canadian mining firm Falconbridge is planning to
expand its petroleum
refinery facilities to increase the
supply of fuel to the Dominican Republic. According to
reports, the refinery’s
expansion will cost over US$50
million, and will help to reduce the current fuel deficit
in the Dominican Republic
market.
France's presidential elections: Much ado about nothing in Guadeloupe
POINT A PITRE, Guadeloupe: The campaign for
France’s presidential elections, which has just been
completed in
Guadeloupe, has not caught the
attention of the voters. In spite of the visits of
presidential candidates and of an
important media
group, the inhabitants of Guadeloupe seemed
indifferent.
Inzamam slams security at Woolmer's hotel in Jamaica
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AFP): Former Pakistan cricket
captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has criticised the security at
the
Jamaican hotel where coach Bob Woolmer was
strangled during the World Cup last month. Woolmer
was found dead in his
hotel room in Kingston,
Jamaica on March 18, a day after Pakistan suffered a
shock defeat.
Montserrat to address housing issues
BRADES, Montserrat: As housing challenges continue
to increase in Montserrat due to the ongoing volcanic
activity,
the government of Montserrat is working to
increase the construction of new homes and provide
assistance to first
time home owners in the northern
safe zone of the country.
Alexander Hamilton's descendants visit Nevis
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: Deputy Premier of Nevis
Hensley Daniel, believes that great things could
mushroom from a
relationship between the American
descendants of Nevisian-born Alexander Hamilton
and the people of Nevis. Daniel
made the comment
while he welcomed two of Hamilton's descendants.
St Kitts-Nevis government moves to asist locally-owned hotels
BASSETERE, St Kitts (CUOPM): Small business
owners and locally-owned hotels in St Kitts and Nevis
are to get
a shot in the arm. The St Kitts-Nevis Labour
Party Administration has approved concessions for
the refurbishment of
small hotels and the duty free
concessions for small businesses.
Suriname authorities prepare policy on bird flu
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: The Ministry of Health in
Suriname is preparing a policy to address any
possible outbreak
of bird flu in the country. The
ministry said in a press release that it is time for all
stakeholders to draft a policy
on this issue.
El Salvador minister calls on ACS Secretary General in Trinidad
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: The Secretary General of
the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Dr Rubén
Silié Valdez,
received a courtesy call from the Minister
of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, Francisco Laínez
Rivas, at the ACS Secretariat
in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago.
Long haul for US online gambling bill, says Frank
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters): A bill to end a ban
imposed last year on online gambling in the United
States will
be presented within two weeks but will
likely need time to garner support, US Rep. Barney
Frank said on Thursday.
Internet gambling in the
United States was effectively banned last October.
Commentary: My final word on global warming!
The global-warming movement is taking on all of the
features of a Christian crusade - complete with its self-
appointed
pope, Al Gore. Alas, I remain a Doubting
Thomas. In fact, I have challenged, if not defied, the
gospel of global warming
in such open fashion that if
Gore’s judgment day were tomorrow...
Commentary: Glamming up Old Havana: Revival helps city's artists, tourism
"There might be 50 families living in there," says my
Cuban guide, Osmin. He points to a squalid Havana
building
on the Plaza Vieja, one of Old Havana's grand
colonial squares. Almost all the surrounding buildings
are sparkling
and freshly renovated.
West Indies lack class, application and hope
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (Reuters): West Indies
captain Brian Lara was blunt in his appraisal of the
four straight
defeats which have ended his hopes of
reaching the last four of the World Cup. "We were
beaten badly by better teams,"
he told a news
conference.
West Indies chief pledges changes after World Cup flop
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AFP): West Indies Cricket
Board (WICB) chief executive Ken Gordon pledged on
Thursday
that changes would be made in the light of
the team's disastrous World Cup campaign.
Vaas treble too much for New Zealand
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (AFP): Chaminda Vaas
ensured Sri Lanka didn't miss Lasith Malinga by
removing New Zealand's
top three in a six-wicket
World Cup Super Eights win at Grenada's National
Stadium.
Venezuela's OAS representative calls for greater priority to climate change
WASHINGTON, USA: Venezuela’s Permanent
Representative to the Organization of American States
(OAS), Ambassador
Jorge Valero, warning of the
dramatic effects of global climate change caused
by “pollution levels not conducive to
human life,” called
for the issue to be put at the center of the Inter-
American agenda.
Businesses in the BVI plagued by armed robberies
ROAD TOWN, BVI: On Saturday night at 9:34 pm two
armed gunmen robbed the Tamarind Club in the
British Virgin
Islands of an undisclosed sum of
money. The police are also confirming that a second
robbery took place on the same
night at the C&F
Restaurant in Purcell Estate.
OECS observes the 6th Anniversary of the St George’s Declaration
CASTRIES, St Lucia: The St George’s Declaration,
another success story of the OECS Secretariat, was
officially
launched on April 10, 2001 in Saint Lucia. The
SGD’s guidelines assert how human conduct affects
the environment,
and provides courses of action as
well as a commitment to manage such conduct.
Castro criticises US court decision to free Posada
CARACAS, Venezuela (Bloomberg): Cuban leader
Fidel Castro said a US judge was following orders
from President
George W. Bush when she ordered
the release on bail of terror suspect Luis Posada
Carriles.
BVI to implement sentence planning programme
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Prison Department in the
British Virgin Islands will soon be implementing a
Sentence Planning
Programme for convicted
prisoners starting first as a pilot for three months with
ten inmates.
Catholic Church closes critical magazine in Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): The Roman Catholic
magazine Vitral, one of the few publications in Cuba
not controlled
by the government, said Tuesday it was
closing down due to lack of resources.
Communities in Dominica benefit from additional $21.5m
ROSEAU, Dominica: Local communities in Dominica
are benefiting from an additional $21.5 million of
government
expenditure, outside of what was
approved by Parliament when Prime Minister and
Minister for Finance and Planning,
Roosevelt Skerrit
delivered his 2006/2007 Budget Address on July 11,
2006.
Memories flood back as time catches up with Guyana's Bourda
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AFP): For years, the Bourda
Oval stood firm against the march of time, but the
World Cup
has signalled the end for one of the oldest
cricket grounds in the Caribbean. With the modern
Guyana National Stadium
at Providence, historic
ground is now relegated to hosting regional matches
only.
New technology playing active role in St Maarten elections
PHILIPSBURG, St Maarten: Today’s technology has
become the latest weapon in the Island Council
election campaign
arsenal on St Maarten. In an
election where the popular vote counts, several
candidates have taken to the internet
and other media
to increase their chances of visibility.
Suriname authorities to tackle food shortages in Amerindian villages
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Several Amerindian villages
in the remote southern areas of Suriname are being
threatened
by serious food shortage, authorities here
have confirmed. According to Ronny Pansa, an official
in the ministry of
Regional Development, the situation
in the villages is very serious after a bad harvest.
Trinidad and Tobago to award seven onshore blocks in April
DOHA, Qatar (Bloomberg): Trinidad and Tobago, the
largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to the US, will
announce
exploration contracts for seven onshore
blocks by the end of April, Energy Minister Lenny Saith
said.
Trinidad's Ato Boldon quits politics for sports job
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Trinidad and Tobago's
former track star, Ato Boldon, has given up his post as
a senator
for the Trinidad opposition United National
Congress party. He had been a member of the Senate
for the past 14 months.
It has been confirmed that
Boldon will take up a broadcast commentating post,
USVI launches major marketing campaign
ST THOMAS, USVI: While the recent Transfer Day
activities were underway, the US Virgin Islands
Department of
Tourism in conjunction with the US
Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association was
finalising a major marketing campaign
inspired by the
90th Anniversary of Transfer Day.
Chavez guarantees Latin American energy supply for 100 years
CARACAS, Venezuela (Bloomberg): Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez has called for the creation of a
Latin American
energy system in a "true energy
revolution," guaranteeing oil and gas supply to the
region for 100 years. "All the
oil and energy that Latin
America needs is here in Venezuela," Chavez said.
CARICOM trade ministers in crucial talks with WTO Director General
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Regional trade ministers
will begin a meeting in Kingston, Jamaica with Pascal
Lamy, Director
General of the World Trade
Organisation to find new ways to re-start suspended
global free trade talks. The Director-General
is hoping
for a full resumption of the collapsed Doha
Development Round of negotiations.
Commentary: The Morris Wager: Heat vs Hubris
Take this wager: The world's climate is changing and
yes it will mean higher seas and increased
temperatures,
devastation in certain places, but not to
worry, this cycle of thermal exchanges has occurred
throughout human history.
What would be your
response? "we need to do something"
Letter: What has become of West Indies cricket?
Literally being all the way across the world has its
advantages. Being able to adapt to a new culture,
learning
a new language and meeting new people are
some of these advantages just to name a few.
However no matter where I go,
stay and live, I am
always a Dominican and furthermore, always true to
West Indies cricket.
Beaten Lara confirms one-day retirement
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (AFP): West Indies captain
Brian Lara will retire from the one-day game in the
wake of his
side's miserable World Cup campaign.
The 37-year-old record-breaking batsman confirmed
that his last two games will
be the Super Eights
clashes against Bangladesh and England in
Barbados.
England outlast Bangladesh to keep hopes alive
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): England thwarted
another strong challenge from Bangladesh's spinners
to register
a much-needed four-wicket win in a World
Cup Super Eights match here on Wednesday.
Powell plays down sprint double gossip
OKLAHOMA, USA: Asafa Powell, the world’s fastest
man, has said that it is not in his plans to run the
100m and
200m sprint double at the forthcoming IAAF
World Championships in Osaka, Japan, this summer.
Photographer father of Anna Nicole Smith's child, says Bahamas court
MIAMI, USA (AFP): Larry Birkhead, a celebrity
photographer was on Tuesday ruled the father of late
Playboy model
Anna Nicole Smith's baby daughter,
ending a months-long paternity battle over the child
who could inherit a fortune."I
hate to be the one who
told you this -- but I told you so!" Birkhead told media.
Trinidad MP calls for Caribbean Central Bank
TORONTO, Canada: The Caribbean Single Market
and Economy initiative must now be taken a step
further with the
establishment of a Caribbean Central
Bank, Congress of the People political leader,
Winston Dookeran has said.
St Vincent PM released from hospital after accident
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: St Vincent and the
Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has
been released from
Milton Cato Memorial Hospital
after being in an accident on his way to Kingstown on
Monday, and according to Minister
of Health, Dr
Douglas Slater, he was placed on bed rest.
Flood and landslide warnings for Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic: The National
Meteorological Office in the Dominican Republic has
advised people
in Montecristi, Santiago Rodríguez,
San Juan and Independencia provinces to take
precautions against flash flooding
and landslides.
Idaho seeks share of US food sales to Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Idaho Governor Butch Otter
arrived in Cuba on Tuesday looking to get his state's
farmers
a share of US food sales to the communist-
run island.
Cubans fret over pesos before politics
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Martha, a Cuban pensioner,
has enough to eat with her food ration book and a
monthly
stipend equivalent to about $10. The
government has sent her a mattress on credit and
she is on the list for a new
Chinese-made fridge.
Dominican Republic signs environmental protection pact with Cuba
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic: Cuba and
the Dominican Republic have agreed to cooperate on
environmental
protection in both countries and to join
forces to work on the issue across the Caribbean
region, according to a memorandum
signed in the
Cuban capital of Havana.
Guyana re-certified for shrimp export to US
GEORGETOWN,Guyana (GINA): Guyana has been re-
certified to export shrimp to the United States of
America and has
been commended by US officials for
the fishing practices and regulations in effect.
Certification was granted following
an assessment of
trawlers’ operations and practices.
Comedian previews St Lucia Jazz
CASTRIES, St Lucia: The eagerly anticipated 16th
annual St Lucia Jazz festival, that the island's Tourist
Board
is staging from May 4 to 13, 2007, is getting
solid rotation on top television networks BET and BET
J this month.
Considered one of the Caribbean's
premier jazz festivals, St Lucia Jazz attracts thousands
of visitors
Commentary: The Greater Caribbean This Week: Trade intelligence as a business support tool
There is no doubt that one of the greatest challenges
being faced by the Greater Caribbean in the field of
trade
is the consolidation of a broad economic space
where trade and investment would serve as the
impetus for economies,
and which would in turn
impact on the reduction of inequality and poverty within
the region.
Lara apologises for West Indies flop
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (AFP): Brian Lara apologised
for West Indies' miserable World Cup campaign on
Tuesday after
a 67-run defeat against South Africa
virtually ensured their elimination from the
tournament. West Indies crashed
to their fourth
successive Super Eights loss which left them on two
points
Trinidad’s Watkins happy with improving form
TEXAS, USA: Trinidad and Tobago’s young jumping
sensation Rhonda Watkins has expressed delight at
breaking the
Long Jump meet record during in the
Mike A. Myers Stadium during the 80th Clyde Littlefield
Texas Relays, held at
the University of Texas in Austin
at the weekend.
Caribbean athletes set for Kansas relays
OKLAHOMA, USA: Several Caribbean athletes,
including World Junior champion Renny Quow of
Trinidad and Tobago
will compete at the 2007 80th
edition of the Relays, which is set for the at Memorial
Stadium on Saturday, April 21.
Commentary: CWC amateurs show greater commitment than the professionals
There has been an eerie silence from the minnow
bashers as Ireland and Bangladesh continue to win
the admiration
of genuine cricket fans throughout the
region. As a wholehearted cricket lover I have enjoyed
every success of the
lowly teams, even those already
holding full ICC status.
Trinidad court gives written reasons in Panday appeal ruling
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Three judges in Port of
Spain, Trinidad, Justices Margot Warner, Paula Mae
Weekes and
Ivor Archie have delivered three separate
written judgments condemning the attorney general
and the island's Chief
Magistrate, Shermon McNicolls,
in the Basdeo Panday matter.
Haitian gang programme struggles to reduce illegal arms
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): A Haitian programme
aimed at convincing gang members to give up their
weapons has
achieved minimal results and critics
say hundreds of thousands of illegal arms still
circulate in the streets.
Free medication for OECS HIV/AIDS patients arrives in St Lucia
CASTRIES, St Lucia: A container with free Anti-
retroviral Drugs (ARVs) for 500 HIV/AIDS patients in
the OECS
has arrived in the Eastern Caribbean. The
shipment arrived about a week after Head of the
OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement
Service Unit,
Francis Burnette, confirmed the departure of the
consignment from Brazil
Electoral reform progressing smoothly in St Kitts-Nevis
BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Electoral Reform in St Kitts
and Nevis is “alive and well and progressing
smoothly.” This
was revealed by Chairman of the
National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries
Committee Raphael Archibald.
Barbados plan to boost World Cup turnout
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: A plan which could include
a drop in ticket prices for the Cricket World Cup
matches in
Barbados is being devised by officials to
avoid the low turnout and other disappointments
being reported in host countries
so far.
Barbados minister praises Caribbean health preparedness for CWC
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Public health surveillance
systems in Barbados and the regional system at the
Caribbean
Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad
and Tobago have been strengthened to help detect
outbreaks or possible acts
of biological terrorism,
Grenada's credit rating is wrong, says finance minister
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: The international credit
rating agency Standard and Poor's has lowered
Grenada's rating
from B plus to triple C plus and this
latest rating has not gone down well with the country's
finance minister Anthony
Boatswain.
US seeks partnerships with Guyanese entrepreneurs
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The United States is
seeking to build partnerships with Guyanese
entrepreneurs in support
of humanitarian and
economic assistance programmes. US Ambassador
to Guyana David Robinson said that the US would
like
to bridge some of the factors that push the two
countries apart.
Minister commends health workers on Nevis
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: During an address to mark
the World Health Organisation (WHO) World Health
Day Minister of
Health in the Nevis Island
Administration Hensley Daniel commended health
workers on Nevis for their contribution
to human and
social development
Alarm over growing number of prisoners on remand in Trinidad
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Caribbean Umbrella
Body For Restorative Behaviour in Trinidad, CURB) is
calling
on government to implement urgent measures
aimed at reducing the number of persons on remand
at the nation's prisons.
El Salvador's foreign minister visits Trinidad
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Foreign Affairs Minister
of El Salvador, Francisco Laínez, will pay an official
visit
to Trinidad and Tobago from Monday April 9, 2007
to Wednesday April 11, 2007.
Two Trinidadians to face corruption charges in the US
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Two Trinidadian
businessmen are to be extradited to the United States
to face corruption
charges. The charges arise out of a
multi-million dollar scandal connected to the island's
TT$1.3 billion airport
development project.
Commentary: Law and Politics: The time for ole talk is over
Whatever many may say about our traditions in the
Caribbean - especially in this historic year of the 200th
anniversary
since slavery was legally abolished in
England - the two most common and binding legacies
that have stood the test
of time have been our
Christian beliefs and our cricketing progress.
Commentary: Please, no blame game for cricket and sports tourism!
West Indies cricket has continued down a path in
need of reconstruction, and in some cases
reconciliation. With
the continuous struggle to gain
momentum and pace during this 2007 ICC world cup
series, it is visibly and the "closest
to home "
indication that unless immediate intervention is
taken...
Letter: Calls for Barbados tourism minister to resign
In the Daily Nation today, Monday 9th April 2007,
Donville Inniss, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP)
candidate
for St James South, stated that ‘the Minister
had failed in his duties regarding the planning for
Cricket World Cup
(CWC) events in Barbados’.
CARIFTA 2007 takes off in the Turks and Caicos Islands
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands:
Colour, vibes, excitement, enthusiasm and cultural
explosion marked
the official opening ceremony of the
36th Annual Carifta Games which took place on
Friday, April 6, 2007 at the TCI
National Stadium on
the island of Providenciales.
New Zealand brush Ireland aside to go top
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (Reuters): New Zealand
joined defending champions Australia on eight points
at the top of
the World Cup Super Eights standings
after beating Ireland by 129 runs on Monday.
West Indies hoping to bounce back against South Africa
ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: Team West Indies is hoping
to bounce back on its feet on Tuesday as it takes on
South Africa
at the National Stadium here in Grenada.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference Captain
Brian Lara said its all
about keeping focus and trying
to keep the South Africans under pressure.
Britain’s Prince Harry takes to the beach in Barbados
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (UPI): Britain's Prince Harry
has taken his "joy de vive" exploits to the beaches of
Barbados.
With British officialdom frowning upon his
alleged drunken revelry in London in recent weeks,
the 22-year-old prince
took to the Caribbean island
with girlfriend Chelsy Davis last week
Belfast and Dublin companies go Caribbean
BELFAST, Northern Ireland: Instead of limiting
investment and supply of services regionally, some
local companies
are extending their portfolios
internationally. Globalisation is steadily increasing the
available opportunities for
tender and direct foreign
investment, especially in developing regions.
Castro returns to limelight as Op/Ed writer
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Convalescing Cuban leader
Fidel Castro has jumped back into the limelight with
two newspaper
columns attacking the United States
that point to a future role as elder statesman for the 80-
year-old revolutionary.
Eight months after stomach
surgery Castro is back in fighting form,
Air Jamaica bouyant about Barbados and eastern Caribbean
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Air Jamaica's new
schedule to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
routes is exceeding expectations,
reports the airline’s
Vice President of Sales, George deMercado.
DeMercado reports that the carrier's new non-stop
daily service between New York and Barbados is
delivering good returns.
Cuba studies property issue in quest for efficiency
HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters): Cuban economists and
other professionals held their first meeting this week
in search
of answers to inefficiency, theft, poor service
and quality in the state-run socialist economy, the
official media
said.
Venezuela, Iran back gas cartel
DOHA, Qatar (AFP): Venezuela and Iran Sunday said
they strongly backed the formation of an OPEC-like
cartel for
the natural gas exporting countries, saying
this would defend their interests.
Antigua WTO victory over US points way for small nations
If small countries intend to participate meaningfully in
the global trading system, they have to be prepared to
face
the cost of arbitrating disputes at the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and to be creative in the ways in
which these
costs are met, including through public-
private partnerships.
Cricket World Cup Super Eight match reports
ST JOHN'S, Antigua (AFP): Ricky Ponting believes his
decision to delay the third power play proved crucial in
his
team's seven-wicket World Cup win over England
here on Sunday.
Speed accentuates World Cup 'positives'
ST JOHN'S, Antigua (AFP): International Cricket
Council (ICC) chief executive Malcolm Speed insisted
that all
is well with the World Cup despite poor crowds
and complaints. Cricket's showpiece tournament,
being staged for the
first time in the Caribbean, has
come under fire after accusations that ticket prices
were too high.
Sobers backs under-fire Lara
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AFP): West Indies legends
Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes threw
their support
behind Brian Lara as the hosts faced up
