BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Pressure continued to mount on the Denzil Douglas administration to debate in parliament the opposition inspired motion of no confidence in his administration. The St. Kitts Christian Council and the St. Kitts Evangelical Association Monday joined the island’s private sector in calling on the prime minister to ensure that the motion, which has been filed nearly two months ago, is debated as soon as possible.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Taiwan has praised its long standing relationship with St. Kitts-Nevis and is looking forward to helping the twin island federation further develop through various projects, Foreign Minister David Yung-la-Lin has said. “Over the past 30 years, we have witnessed tremendous progress in our bilateral relations especially with all the cooperation projects which have been undertaken by the two governments and which have already been very successful in promoting the ties of friendship and co-operation between the two countries,” Lin said at a dinner in his honour.
Kingston, Jamaica, CMC - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is warning leaders in the country from making statements that may have international repercussions. She made particular reference to a recent criticism by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness in relation to the ongoing talks between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new Stand By Agreement for the country. “Anything we say in Jamaica is captured globally. What kind of message do we want to send as leaders to the international community?” she said.
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC –The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) seeking a second consecutive term in office, has accused the former New National Party (NNP) government of running up a high public debt and preventing the Tillman Thomas administration from carrying out its plans and promises made to the electorate in 2008. Sport Minister Patrick Simmons, speaking at an NDC political rally said that the NDC government has repaid more than EC$350 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) in debt inherited from the Keith Mitchell led administration.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) continued its criticism of the Freundel Stuart government as it urged supporters to ensure the defeat of the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in the February 21 general election. BLP leader, Owen Arthur, addressing a public meeting in the heart of the capital on Monday night, said that the island deserves better than the “failed government” now in power since it has failed the country in five years. “It is clear this is a broken Government. This is a failed government.
Miami Herald - While the global financial meltdown appears to slowly be on the mend, Caribbean economies still face significant challenges. As Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller addressed her heavily indebted nation last month, the Caribbean leader reminded Jamaicans of her steadfast determination to not just balance the books but also people’s lives. But with one of the world’s highest relative public debt burdens, the country that some are calling the Greece of the Caribbean could soon find that taking care of its most vulnerable is an obligation it cannot afford.
Miami Herald - The International Crisis Group, which monitors conflicts around the world, is calling it quits in Haiti — sort of. The non-governmental organization is the latest to shut its Port-au-Prince office — but not before issuing some parting words As Haitians prepare to celebrate the annual pre-Lenten Carnival season this month, an international anti-conflict group is warning that there is little cause for optimism and without a national accord, the country risks ongoing crises.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Guardian - Former Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) president Michael de la Bastide does not believe there’s any fixation in T&T with retaining British QCs. Rather, it’s a provision in local law that enables a lawyer from a Commonwealth country to practise here that makes people bring them, said de la Bastide, also a former Chief Justice. Dismissing the cost, which he said he could not give, he said the law makes provision for a minister, after consultation with the Chief Justice, to make an order for lawyers from England to be retained for a case.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Express - FOR many, Carnival is a time to 'free up', but it is also a high-risk period for transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, yet there has been a dismal lack of HIV prevention programmes especially during this time of the year, laments founder and project coordinator of RED Initiatives, O'Leo Lokai. "Prevention is better than cure, not only should there be ongoing HIV prevention throughout the year, but given that the Carnival season is also a high risk season, the focus should be on prevention and behaviour change programmes.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Express - AS the race for the presidential election heats up, a new contender is being considered—Independent Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan. However, Justice Anthony Carmona is tipped to be leading the lot which includes Justice Amrika Tiwary-Reddy and House Speaker Wade Mark. The Express understands that Carmona is considered the best choice by most Government members and has majority support.