Month: February 2013
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Opposition cries sell-out
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Members of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) walked out of Parliament during the debate on a J$15.9-billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) tax package presented by government, less than 24 hours after it asked nationals to support stringent measures in order for the island to seal a multi-million dollar Stand By Agreement with the…
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GRENADA-ELECTIONS-Observer teams start arriving for February 19 poll
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Observer teams from the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have arrived here to monitor the February 19 general elections. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that a seven member team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping is expected here on Wednesday. “The Commonwealth is pleased to lend…
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GRENADA-POLITICS-Minority parties upset over non-use of original symbols
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Less than a week before Grenadians go to the polls to elect a new government, four minority political parties have been told they would not be able to have their advertised symbols placed on the ballot paper. The parties – The Movement for Independent Candidates (MIC), National United Front (NUF), the People United Labour Party…
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BAHAMAS-ECONOMY-IMF welcomes “gradual recovery” of Bahamas economy
WASHINGTON, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is welcoming the “gradual recovery” of the Bahamas economy, supported by a rebound in tourism and ongoing investment projects. However, the Washington-based financial institution said unemployment remains high and that the economy faces “downside risks from an uncertain external environment, while fiscal and external imbalances have widened”. The IMF, which has just…
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A Caribbean style Schengen visa programme
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are being urged to review their visa regimes so as to lure more visitors to the region. The recommendation comes from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Aviation Task Force, a highly focused committee established to facilitate air transportation into and throughout the Caribbean and to enhance airlift, following a meeting in Antigua…
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Opening remarks by Ms Myrna Bernard, officer-in-charge of the Directorate of Human and Social Development
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) I have the distinct pleasure and honour to bring these brief remarks on behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat at this National Stakeholders Awareness Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage. There has been increasing recognition globally, of the role which culture plays in sustainable development through both direct economic means, such as our cultural industries, as…
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Who says there’s no hope without the IMF?
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer – Two news stories we published this week have, for us, been particularly heart-warming and most encouraging. For they indicate to us that, amidst the challenges being faced by this country, and the attitude of many that we cannot do anything without an International Monetary Fund agreement, there are, among us, individuals who are engaged in constructive…
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WTO Online Gaming Ruling Could Be Trouble, Says Think Tank
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner – The Center on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) says the recent decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) siding with Antigua and Barbuda against the United States in their online gambling dispute “presents a troubling scenario” for Washington. “If the United States claim that the world's 15th smallest economy is engaged in some form of economic bullying, attempting…
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