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Cuba agrees to open talks with EU on new political accord

HAVANA, (Reuters) – Cuba accepted a proposal by the European Union to open negotiations on a new political accord, saying yesterday it was willing to discuss human rights as part of discussions that would end what it considers a one-sided relationship with Europe. On Feb. 10, the EU agreed to begin negotiations with Cuba to increase trade, investment and dialogue on human rights in its most significant diplomatic shift since Brussels lifted sanctions on the communist-ruled country in 2008.

Venezuela still simmers

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Stabroek News - Contrary to what we posited in our editorial last Friday, that authoritarian regimes generally view making concessions, including being brought to the dialogue table, as a sign of weakness, the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, affirmed that same day that the Peace Conference launched by President Nicolás Maduro was not “a sign of weakness.” Opinion is, however, divided on the sincerity of the commitment of the Venezuelan government to the dialogue process and how effective it will be.

ST. VINCENT-POLITICS-Foreign Minister renounces American citizenship

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC -- Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology, Camillo Gonsalves, has defended his right to be appointed as a legislator in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), insisting that he has always been a national of the country. The minister, the eldest son of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was born in Philadelphia in 1972. In an “Open Letter” published here, Gonsalves citing the St.

ST. LUCIA-CRIME-Overall reduction in crime rate for 2013

CASTRIES, Saint. Lucia, CMC-Saint Lucia has registered a statistical improvement in the fight against crime in 2013. The statistics revealed a decrease in the number of homicide, burglaries, stealing and sexual offences, however there was an in reports of firearm offences, illegal drug offences and aggravated burglary. There were 36 homicides in 2013, down from 44 in 2012 which included several Police killings. The 2013 figure minus the state slayings is the lowest in seven years. A total of 19, 038 reports of crime were accepted by the police in 2013.

CARIBBEAN-DRUGS-Two men arrested for attempting to smuggle 38 bales of cocaine

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, CMC – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says two men were arrested as they attempted to smuggle 38 bales of cocaine, totaling 2,432 pounds, with an approximate street value of US $27.5 million The interception and arrests took place on Monday evening at sea, south of the city of Ponce in the southern coast of Puerto Rico. CBP said the two-engine vessel was seized. Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, said US Magistrate Camille L.

UPDATE-TRINIDAD-MIGRATION- Fleeing members of Canadian Orthodox Jewish sect could be sent home

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Immigration authorities in Trinidad and Tobago say they have been advised to pursue the decision of having members of an othordox Hasdic Jewish group, Lev Tahor, returned to Canada instead of allowing them to fly on to Guatemala. A statement issued by the Ministry of National Security Thursday, said that the group which includes 13 children arrived here on Monday on board a West Jet flight from Canada. It said they had been interviewed by immigration authorities “who discovered inconsistencies in their responses.

TRINIDAD-MIGRATION-High Court dismisses application filed on behalf of orthodox Jewish group

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The High Court has dismissed an application for a habeas corpus writ to have nine members of a Canadian ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect released from detention in Trinidad and Tobago. Justice Vashiest Kokaram denied the writ after indicating that there were a number of procedural defects in the application. On Thursday, Immigration authorities said they have been advised to pursue the decision of having members of the orthodox Hasdic Jewish group, Lev Tahor, returned to Canada instead of allowing them to fly on to Guatemala.

TRINIDAD-COURT-Warner given extra time to file defence to lawsuit

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – A High Court judge has given former national security minister Austin Jack Warner until March 19 to file a defence to a lawsuit brought against him by his one time Cabinet colleague and Attorney General Anaand Ramlogan. Warner had sought a three week extension, but Justice Robin Mohammed also warned Warner, the interim leader of the recently formed Independent Liberal Party (ILP), that if the defence is not filed by March 19, he would be debarred from defending the claim brought against him.

GUYANA-POLITICS-Opposition against Trinidadian attorney on Commission of Inquiry

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The opposition grouping, A partnership for National Unity (APNU), is questioning the appointment of a senior counsel from Trinidad and Tobago to serve on a Commission of Inquiry into the killing of noted Guyanese academic and political activist, Dr. Walter Rodney in 1980. The APNU said that the Seenauth Jairam had been retained by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration to represent the government in a case brought against Opposition Leader Retired Brigadier David Granger and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman.

Natural Resources Minister and Mexican Ambassador discuss closer environmental partnership

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Chronicle - MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud on Wednesday met with Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Francisco Olguin to discuss closer collaboration between Guyana and Mexico with regard to environmental matters.Present also at the meeting were Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes and other environmental officers. Already, the ministry is receiving support from Mexico for the Three Parks Initiative (TPI) which involves the full restoration of the National Park, Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens.

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