MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is urging Jamaicans to remain focus as the country goes through what is perhaps its most ambitious and far-reaching economic transformation programme. She noted that in implementing that economic programme that involves a multi-million Stand By Agreement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), her administration “is aware that it’s now or never,” and it is “our last opportunity to get it right, to lay the foundation for our children, to ensure that we secure their future”.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, , CMC – Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), Dr. Delisle Worrell says self-confidence will help the island overcome its economic problems, including the foreign exchange imbalance that has emerged in the last three months. In a paper released here titled “The Strength of Barbadian Institutions and the Resolve of Barbadians Will See Us Through the Crisis”, Worrell also indicated that Barbados has strong institutions for decision making and that Barbadians must have every reason to be confident that they can revive the growth of the local economy.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The St. Lucia government says nine months after introducing the Value Added Tax (VAT), sections of the business community were still using the measure as a scapegoat for their problems and issues.
The VAT was introduced here on October 1, last year amid objections from opposition elements and sections of the small business community that the timing was bad and the measure would be a further burden on the population.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - LIAT Airlines landed its inaugural official flight at the Ogle International Airport on Monday at 15:30h which departed Grantley Adams International Airport at 12:30h filled to capacity.
Present to witness touchdown of the 50-seater Dash 8 aircraft was Transport Minister Robeson Benn, who stated that one of the barriers for the Caribbean has been regional connections.
Media operatives awaiting the touchdown of LIAT’s inaugural flight at the Ogle International Airport.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon yesterday congratulated CARICOM on its recently celebrated 40th anniversary The Secretary General spoke at the Seventh UN-Caricom general meeting currently taking place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA. “We are grateful for your leadership across the range of our work. Caricom countries have been pioneers in raising the world’s awareness on climate change and the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States.