KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner - This newspaper endorses the suggestion by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states introduce a visa regime similar to the Schengen visa of some European Union members. The system would allow seamless travel by visitors across the Community after clearing immigration/customs at their initial port of entry. Such a system was in place for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, but lapsed thereafter.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders meet in Haiti next week for their annual Inter-sessional summit where they will discuss a wide range of issues including crime and security, the CARICOM Regional Aid for Trade Strategy, and a report on the Regional Architecture for Financial Stability. A CARICOM Secretariat statement said that the “historic” meeting will be addressed by the host head of state, President Michel Martelly, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony and the CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque.

KINGSTON Jamaica, Observer - COFFEE and tea products maker Salada Foods is eyeing Africa. "We are looking at the African market as another area of potential growth for us," said Julian Rodney, Salada's general manager. "Salada has no presence there." With a particular focus on West Africa, Rodney reckons that the similarity in taste profile to Jamaicans makes the market attractive.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - A 42 per cent cut in the quota from the Pine Hill Dairy (PHD) would be disastrous for the local dairy industry. This is the harsh reality painted by President of the Barbados Dairy and Beef Producers’ Association, Brian Allan, who explained that to date, farmers have been moving around their quota among themselves to avoid dumping, since the announcement of a 25 per cent cut back in September by Pine Hill Dairy. The Farmers’ Committee is due to meet with the PHD to negotiate the cuts for March, April and May, where the suggestion is a 42 per cent cut.

(Caribbean News) - Three years after the devastating Port-au-Prince earthquake, one of the largest international relief projects in Haiti isn't anywhere near where the quake hit. It's an industrial park on the north coast halfway between Cap-Haitien and the border with the Dominican Republic. Aid agencies are pouring millions of dollars into the project to encourage people to move out of the overcrowded capital and create jobs. Critics, however, say the jobs don't pay enough to lift people out of poverty.