‘Rethink your position on crime’

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"“RETHINK YOUR position on crime. Even if you’re not involved in crime, do not become comfortable with it.”
So said Roman Catholic Archbishop, Edward Gilbert yesterday just as this year’s homicide rate reached 385.

Speaking with Newsday just after having lunch with residents at St Vincent de Paul’s Nazareth House in Port-of-Spain, Archbishop Gilbert insisted that it is not good enough to just stand by and watch, as the run-away crime rate continues to surge."

Businessman’s death a ‘hit’

The Trinidad Guardian "RELATIVES described the killing, yesterday, of a 40-year-old businessman, who was shot dead at his Chandy Lane home in San Juan, as “a hit.”
Truck-owner Derek Gilbert, of Conqueror Transport Ltd, was among three men killed overnight at El Socorro in San Juan, Laventille, and Sea Lots, Port-of-Spain.
The others were Kevon Andrews, 20, who was killed on Evans Circular Road in Laventille, and Bryan Ramnath, 39, who was shot dead at Production Drive in Sea Lots.
A police report said Gilbert was sitting in front of his gate, talking to a friend, around 7.30pm on Saturday, when a gunman shot him in the back of his head, neck, and chest."

Sex for lunch money

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Jamaican taxi operators have been warned to stop having sex with schoolgirls, apparently in exchange for favours including lunch money.
General Secretary Raymond Gabbidon of the umbrella National Association of Taxi Operators (NATO) admitted that some cabbies had been having sex with schoolgirls and urged them to end the activity.
'I can tell you it is a fact. It is rampant in the industry, where taxi men seem to have a preference for the little schoolers,' Gabbidon said in an interview with the Observer."

Mob massacre - Alleged goat thieves savaged in Westmoreland - UWI student among 10 murdered on weekend

Jamaica Gleaner News "An angry mob chopped to death three men accused of stealing a goat in Westmoreland in a bloody weekend which saw at least 10 Jamaicans being killed.
Reports from the police are that, about 8:30 Saturday night, the three men were seen with a goat in a Toyota motor car on a farm in Fort William district.

SIGN-UP DAY

The Nation Newspaper "TODAY IS NOMINATION DAY in Barbados.
Twenty new election candidates will hand in their nomination papers today to signal their intention to contest the January 15 general election.
The 68 candidates who have paid their deposits into the Treasury will today formalise their intention to contest the poll by attending nomination centres designated for each riding by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Another Brutal Slaying

The Bahama Journal: "Police reported last night that they had four suspects in custody in connection with the slaying of a police officer on the job early Saturday.
The four men were scheduled to be charged with murder in a magistrate’s court this morning.
The shooting death pushed the murder count for 2007 to 79.
Constable 2827 Ramos Williams, 26, the first policeman killed on the job this year, had five years’ experience under his belt.

Motor bike couple perish in crash -had reportedly been fleeing police

Stabroek News: "A US-based couple died on the spot yesterday morning when their CBR motor bike crashed into a car at the junction of Norton and Camp streets during a frantic bid to escape from police as they were allegedly not wearing safety helmets.
Dead are Sheldon 'Popeye' Jones Levi, the rider of the motor bike, who was also a popular centre right winger/forward of city football team Western Tigers and his 27-year-old wife, Alicia Levi."

Queen Anastasia captures female calypso title

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "When it comes to female calypso in the Federation, no one does better than Queen Anastasia.
Last Thursday Anastasia, whose real name is Tonicia Hodge-Martin, won her third consecutive female calypso title.
She won the title with two solid performances; first with Only Ten, and then The Deal, which happens to be one of the most popular Carnival tunes."

NEW WAGE BENEFITS…Workers to be paid according to revised standards

Antigua Sun: "The revised national minimum wage goes into effect tomorrow, and employers are expected to fully comply with the increase, as the Labour Department in the Ministry of Labour continues its policy of zero-tolerance to violations of the country’s labour laws.
Minister of Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro said yesterday that she fully expects employers to comply with the minimum wage order, given that they have had more than sufficient notice.
The minimum wage will increase from $6 per hour to $7.50 per hour."

We look back at 2007 year in review

Jamaica Gleaner News "The year 2007 was epochal for the Jamaican society, marking the end of nearly two decades of rule by the People's National Party (PNP) and, simultaneously, the return to office of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which was in the political wilderness for the period.
So accustomed had the JLP Members of Parliament (MPs) become to opposing, that, on assuming government, members of the public had difficulties, at times, in differentiating government pronouncements from the new Opposition PNP."

Cruel fate

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Friday, December 28. Lurline Johnson had just started feeling a little better, having received a cheque for $150,000 from Quick Cash Money Transfer to help bury her mother, sister and niece who had all perished in a fire at their home in Kilmarnock, St Elizabeth on December 11."

‘Church boy’ shot dead

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"DAYS before he was to collect a registration form to enroll in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, 18-year-old Christopher Singh was gunned down just a few steps away from his St Joseph home at about midnight on Friday. Subsequent to that killing, two streets away, a man identified as Harold Goon was shot four times on the hand."

SLOW ECONOMIC '08

The Nation Newspaper "WASHINGTON – The economies of Caribbean and Latin American countries grew by more than five per cent this year; but the World Bank warned of a slowdown in growth in 2008 as a result of many factors, of which one is an economic slowdown in the United States."

PM: OPPOSITION TEAM POOR

The Barbados Advocate: "PRIME Minister Owen Arthur is licking his chops at the prospect of having three bites at debating Oppo- sition Leader David Thompson before a national audience.
However, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) leader yesterday mocked Thompsons call for three debates between the leaders exclusively, saying it was an admission by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) head that the Dems team contesting the January 15 General Election was a poor one."

GPL bills to rise -most residential consumers will see 6% hike

Stabroek News: "The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has announced that come January 2008 electricity tariffs will be increased by six per cent to 20 per cent for varying categories of consumers, as high fuel prices rip apart the company's finances.
Furthermore, the company is expecting to record a loss of more than $1 billion for 2007."

Mother of four shot dead at home

The Trinidad Guardian "A 36-YEAR-OLD mother of four was shot dead yesterday morning at her Farm Road home in St Joseph.
Cheryl Gabrielle, of Raspberry Drive, was shot five times in her head. She died on the spot.
A police report said that around 1.30 am, residents heard several loud explosions and when they checked Gabrielle was found lying on the ground in a pool of blood.
The body was viewed by the district medical officer and ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy.
Gabrielle’s children were at an aunt’s house when the gunmen stormed her home, relatives said yesterday, in an interview at the Forensic Science Centre."

Bakr’s accuser shot dead

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"SALIM RASHEED, better known as “Small Salim”, escaped death nine times. But yesterday morning, his luck ran out as he was gunned down in broad daylight in a playing field at Seventh Avenue, Malick, Barataria.
Rasheed, an expelled member of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, was a colourful character, who according to the police, was a hired assassin involved in kidnapping and drug trafficking."

'DEMS DAY'

The Nation Newspaper "A UNITED and capable Democratic Labour Party (DLP) team is about to deliver a shock to the Owen Arthur administration on January 15, 2008.
That was the message coming from its candidates gathered at the Treasury Building, The City, yesterday to pay their mandatory $250 deposits to contest the general election. These final 16 candidates included party leader David Thompson.
It was St Philip West candidate Dr David Estwick who asserted that Prime Minister Owen Arthur was in for a shock if he expected a fourth consecutive term."

SAS REFUTES CLAIM ... Says SA's release 'fraught with inaccuracies'

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "The Stevedoring Association of St. Kitts (SAS) has sought to refute sections of an announcement made by the Shipping Association of St. Kitts last Wednesday in a debriefing exercise which stated that it had developed a package of salary and social benefits for all stevedores.
SAS describes the announcement as being “fraught with inaccuracies as they pertain to the latest rounds of negotiations between both unions.”
In its rebuttal the association stated, “Workers make income of $30,000 - 40,000; $20,000 – 30,000 and at the lower level $10,000 – 20,000 and in some instances wage earnings have exceeded $70,000 per annum is ludicrous and cannot be substantiated by the Department of Labour that administers the rotation scheme which is based on requisitions made by shipping agents."

RUNAWAY PLANE…private jet rolls into nearby palm tree at V.C. Bird International

Antigua Sun: "The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is investigating how a private aircraft apparently left its moorings at FBO 2000 at the V. C. Bird Int’l Airport and rolled, pilotless, off the airside and into a tree.
At approximately 4 a.m. yesterday, V. C. Bird Int’l Airport staff responded to reports of a runaway plane on Runway 10 after the aircraft was discovered on the property occupied by Stanford Aviation.
The aircraft, a fixed wing, multi-engine Bombardier BD-700-1A10 aircraft, is registered with the US Federal Aviation Authority as a corporate plane owned by a company in California."

Bordelais: A nation’s shame! ‘The conscience of a society can be judged by looking into its prison!’

St. Lucia Star Online "Every year, count on it, Gus Small will be delivering a doomsday report on Bordelais—our so-called Correctional Facility. As deputy director, Small has often prayed for “divine intervention” when it comes to coping with Bordelais’ countless problems. He has taken to referring to the prison as a “human warehouse”. No surprise that his cries fall on deaf ears. St Lucians are concerned only with punishment, not rehabilitation. Here, convicted criminals are locked up and for the most part forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind."

4 cops charged with murder

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "THE four policemen implicated in the controversial shooting death of 18-year-old Grant's Pen resident, Andre Thomas, in September were yesterday charged with murder.
The cops - Noel Bryan, Phillip Dunstan, Clayton Fearon and Omar Miller - who are all assigned to the Constant Spring Police Station, appeared in the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday where the court was told of the ruling made by the director of public prosecutions."

CASH PLUS BARRED - FSC issues cease-and-desist order agains investment scheme

Jamaica Gleaner News "The Financial Services Commission (FSC) yesterday issued cease-and-desist orders on th investment scheme Cash Plus, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carlos Hill and Kahlil Harris."

2007 murder toll nears 386 record

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"THE murders of a 20-year-old father and a 24-year-old construction worker have pushed the murder toll to 377, just nine short of the 2005 record of 386.
Akiel Bishop, of Monte Grand Tunapuna, was gunned down on Boxing night while liming with friends.

A man reportedly alighted a car and pumped five bullets into his body."

EXCITED ARTHUR

The Nation Newspaper "PRIME MINISTER OWEN ARTHUR yesterday made his first case for his party's re-election since announcing the General Election date one week ago.
He revealed his excitement at the prospect of winning his fourth term on January 15, 2008.
'I am fascinated with the prospect of a fourth term because we (the Barbados Labour Party) have brought Barbados so far and there are exciting opportunities up ahead of us especially in the social sector,' Arthur beamed."

200 Haitians returned to Haiti

CBC.bb: "The US Coast Guard says it has repatriated over 200 Haitian migrants to Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital.

Officials said in a statement that the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous repatriated 202 Haitian on Christmas Eve.

'Crew members from the cutter Vigilant located a grossly overloaded 40-foot sail freighter approximately 33 miles south of Great Inagua, Bahamas, Friday,' it said.

'Once located, the Vigilant crew immediately launched their small boat and began taking the migrants off the dangerous vessel,' it added."

Book pays tribute to kidnapped Trinidad businesswoman

Netindia123.com: "A new book has paid rich tributes to a company executive of Indian origin who went missing after being abducted a year ago and is believed to have been murdered.
Armed gunmen seized Vindra Naipaul-Coolman, the 51-year-old CEO of Xtra Food, Trinidad and Tobago, in the driveway of her Lange Park, Chaguanas, home Dec 19, 2006.
Crime-stoppers had posted a $100,000 reward for information about her. A year later, the police are still looking for Coolman. It is believed her kidnappers hacked her body to pieces after she died of injuries and buried it."

Cop's son kills himself at hospital -

Jamaica Gleaner News "The Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) was the scene of a bizarre shooting incident on Wednesday night, which left the son of a policeman dead and a woman constable, staff members and several patients at the hospital traumatised.
Reports are that 30-year-old Omar Graham grabbed a woman constable's firearm from its holster. One of her colleagues, who was nearby, pulled his firearm and faced Graham.
All this was happening inside the A&E department before several screaming patients and medical practitioners. Also present was Graham's father, a subofficer assigned to the St. Andrew South Police Division."

video-Regional Caribbean News from WIV4

PAY DAY

The Nation Newspaper "TODAY IS D-Day. Not Decision-day, but Deposit-day.
The vast majority of candidates are expected to signal their intention to seek election in the January 15, 2008 poll by paying their mandatory $250 deposit into the Treasury in Bridgetown today.
So far only three candidates, two from the Democratic Labour Party (DLP): Colin Spencer (St George North) and Taan Abed (Christ Church West), and George Payne (St Andrew of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) have made their deposits."

Unity Hall tragedy

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "UNITY HALL, St James - A police constable stationed at the Cambridge Police Station in this parish was among three persons killed when two cars collided head-on along the busy Unity Hall road yesterday morning.
The deceased have been identified as 37-year-old Constable Lushington Wright of a Lucea, Hanover address; 23-year-old Demar Morris, unemployed of Piggot Street, Mount Salem, St James; and 19-year-old Kerri-Gaye Heron, of Hopewell, Hanover, who was employed at Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) located at Freeport, Montego Bay."

'Revisit forex laws' - Analyst suggests FSC change approach to investment clubs

Jamaica Gleaner News "Financial Analyst Errol Gregory is suggesting that legislators revisit the laws governing financial institutions which trade in foreign currency with a view to accommodating new o investment schemes."

Record year’s total 375 so far

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"TWO murders marred Boxing Day celebrations yesterday bringing the murder toll to 375 for the year thus far.
The first incident occurred at about 3 am when a 31-year-old man of Maloney was gunned down minutes after leaving a family lime in Maraval to drop home a partner during the wee hours of Boxing Day morning."

Gunplay at Maraval Christmas party

The Trinidad Guardian "A Maraval shooting in the wee hours of Boxing Day left one man dead and another in police custody.
Police said Kevin Jones, 31, of Arima, was shot and killed at a party in Le Platte Village in Maraval at around 3 am.
According to police reports, Jones had a gun in his possession while threatening another party-goer."

Christmas Message from His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

guyanachronicle.com "“The season of goodwill and peace has come as Guyanese join with Christians around the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Regardless of religion, race or creed every Guyanese can learn from the lessons of humility and faith for a better future for all mankind in the story of the Christ Child.

It is with this in mind that I extend heartfelt Christmas greetings to my fellow country men and wish you peace and joy, as we come together to celebrate with family and friends.

At this juncture, I am happy to note that Guyanese Christmas celebrations illustrate our Nation’s motto, One People, One Nation, One Destiny. Christmas in Guyana has become known for its blend of a true Guyanese culture mix in the food we eat, the music we listen to, and the love and unity shared at this time of the year. I hope that all the warmth and unity on display during this season will continue to grow stronger even as this year ends and a new one begins.

Christmas has become a time of sharing and giving, especially with those less fortunate among us. I congratulate all those who are displaying various expressions of kindness toward those among us who are in need and urge all Guyanese to work together to ensure a better life for all.

At this time I take the opportunity to welcome all visitors to Guyana, including those overseas based Guyanese who are here to visit their loved ones. My wish is that you have the opportunity to bask in the warmth and hospitality that Guyanese have become known for.
On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I wish all Guyanese and visitors to our country a joyous season of Christmas.”"

Stevedore found dead on roadway -motor bike stuck in pile of sand

Stabroek News: "A 39-year-old stevedore was found dead Christmas morning on the Annandale Railway Embankment near to his motor bike which was jutting out of a pile of sand.
The police have indicated that he was an accident victim but his relatives are not convinced and believe that foul play was involved. Dead is Christopher Edwards of Lot 42 Golden Grove, ECD. The father of six and employee of John Fernandes Limited was last seen alive on Christmas Eve when a friend was trying to catch up with him as he sped along the East Coast Highway."

U.S., Bahamas partnering on security initiative

The Nassau Guardian"A new security initiative that will give American law enforcement personnel the authority to board and search Bahamian-registered vessels, suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction, is expected to come on stream soon. Addressing the press at a round table discussion, United States Ambassador Ned Siegel disclosed recently that his government is looking forward to signing with the Bahamian government the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which is presently in the Cabinet."

Santino to sue Cattouse and cycling prez Garbutt – Gerald G contacts UCI

Amandala Online: "Businessman Santino Castillo, owner and manager of Team Santino’s, which is considered probably the dominant team in Belize cycling, called Amandala late this evening to say that he has instructed his lawyer, of the firm of Pitts and Elrington, to institute legal proceedings against the president of the Belize Cycling Association, Gerald Garbutt, and cyclist Ray Cattouse for allegedly defaming him on the KREM Wake Up Belize (WUB) show."

Dominican holiday death toll up to 20

DominicanToday.com: "Santo Domingo.- Twenty people have died and 372 injured in the first phase of Operation Christmas Rebirth 2007-2008, which started on Saturday 22 and ended on Tuesday 25, Christmas day.
According to the Emergency Operations Center (COE), 19 of the victims died in road accidents and one of alcohol poisoning, in incidents that took place in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Sánchez Ramírez, Puerto Plata, Azua, La Vega and the National District."

Sir Roy advises Bajans to vote wisely

CBC.bb: "A major union leader here has urged Barbadians to vote wisely and not be led astray by the noise of political platforms as the country heads into the January 15 general elections.
Barbados Workers' Union general secretary Sir Roy Trotman made the call Tuesday in his Christmas message, noting each party would now be claiming to know the people's most pressing concerns."

Twenty year old held for drugs, guns & ammunition: "Lawmen have made another seizure of drugs, weapons and ammunition from a St. John home.
And as a result, a 20 year old Salesman will appear in court this morning to answer a number of charges associated with the haul…"

Three dead in road accident

Radiojamaica.com"Three people, including a policeman, were killed in a motor vehicle accident along the Unity Hall main road in St. James Wednesday December 26.

Dead are 37-year-old Constable Lushington Wright, who was attached to the Cambridge Police, 23-year-old Demar Morris of Piggott Street, Montego Bay and 19-year old Kerry-Gaye Heron of Hopewell, Hanover.

The police say around 10a.m., Constable Wright was driving his Toyota motor car towards Hopewell, when he collided with the vehicle being driven by Mr. Morris."

Anarchy In Bimini

The Bahama Journal: "Violence broke out on the usually peaceful Bimini over the weekend following the shooting death by police of a 43-year-old south Bimini resident, police officials reported.
The response by a group of residents resulted in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to police and private property, police press liaison ASP Walter Evans said.
According to the police, during the uproar the mob set fire to the Alice Town Police Station, two police boats, an officer’s personal boat, a police jeep and the dormitory where police officers reside.
In addition the mob shattered the back glass of a police car and destroyed the personal vehicle of a police officer, Mr. Evans said."

Two killed in shooting linked to police officer

Virgin Islands, "ST. CROIX - An early morning shootout in John F. Kennedy housing community on Christmas Day in which a police officer may have been involved left two men dead and four injured, police said.
Three suspects remain at large and a police officer was taken into custody, St. Croix Police Chief Thomas Hannah said.
'If it is determined that he is involved, then he will be punished to the full extent of the law,' Hannah said. 'We do not tolerate our police officers being involved in any illegal activity or violating the laws of the police department.'"

GTILLMAN'S TICKED OFF AS TREND CONTINUES

Grenada Broadcast - : "Leader of the Opposition Tillman Thomas has condemned the New National Party (NNP) for using the Government Information Service television channel to air Christmas messages from two of its constituency caretakers.

'This is an abuse of power by Keith Mitchell and his government. They constantly failed to draw the line between government and party; the Government Information Service should be used to promote government not a political party,' said Thomas, whose address was printed in local newspapers."

A legacy of giving

The Freeport News "For two little girls whose grandmother passed away only to live on in their lives in the most tangible of ways, the most fitting tribute to her this holiday season was to ensure that her legacy of giving never died.
In honour of their grandmother Bertha Russell, who in life gave from the depths of a bottomless heart, Glaire Delancy, 12, and Reagan Delancy, 6, donated four water coolers and four microwaves to McLean's Town Primary School on Friday, December 7."

Man flees bar bill

The Jamaica Star "Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth: A 38-year-old man who went to a bar and drank up a huge bill then took a taxi to another town to avoid paying was fined when he appeared in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate's Court recently."

Video-Portia Simpson-Miller Christmas Message Dec.25.2007

Video-PM Bruce Golding Christmas Message to Jamaica Dec.25.2007

ROAD FATALITY …Popular Liberta resident killed after slamming into horse

Antigua Sun: "A tragic accident on Matthew’s Road, All Saints took the life of a 44-year-old member of the Liberta community, robbing his family members of the opportunity to spend their Christmas with him.
Dead is Albert “Ally” Spencer, formerly of Quarry Hill, Liberta, a well-known member of the community, and father of four, including one who was born minutes after the incident.
The incident brings to nine the number of road fatalities for the year and the second just over a week.
Spencer, it is reported while travelling from north to south on the Matthews Road collided with a horse in the very early hours of Sunday morning."

Road deaths ease - Yuletide season fatalities cut by 50 per cent in Jamaica - Powell

Jamaica Gleaner News "AN INCREASE in traffic personnel at key points has helped reduce the number of traffic accidents during the Christmas holidays, says head of the police Traffic Division, Senior Super-intendent Ealan Powell.
SSP Powell told The Gleaner that there has been a 50 per cent decline in road fatalities and accidents in December since one year ago."

12 babies bring joy to the world

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"midnight for fourth time mother, Marcia McKenzie, who delivered the first baby for Christmas Day this year at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH).
Her baby girl, Dominique Nicholas, weighed in at six pounds, five ounces when she was delivered after nine hours of labour. McKenzie, who lives in Chaguanas, said she was elated by the newest addition to her family. The radio operator who is employed with Group for Securicor (G4S) said she already has two boys and one girl."

No place like home for Rihanna

The Nation Newspaper : "SHE WASN'T toting her chart-topping Umbrella, but nevertheless singing sensation Rihanna created a stir in the perfume department at Cave Shepherd yesterday afternoon."

Best friends die in crash

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"TWO MEN, best of friends for the past ten years, died following an accident on Sunday while they went to “test drive” a red Honda Civic car in Diego Martin.
Dead are Ryan Maingot, 21, of Sardonyx Drive, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin and Nicholas Mitchell, 19, of Quartz Drive, Diego Martin."

Let there be peace

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning yesterday urged all citizens to be ambassadors of “peace and development” while President George Maxwell Richards appealed for a greater sense of caring and community in the country.
In his Christmas message, the Prime Minister also said the country must embrace the great opportunities and deal with the challenges it will face in 2008."

Two Diego families dealt tragic blow

The Trinidad Guardian "After days of preparation for the Christmas season, painting their homes and wrapping pastelles, counting down the days until they ring in the new year, two Diamond Vale families in Diego Martin have been dealt a tragic blow, when their two young sons were killed in a horrific vehicular accident.
Now, they want nothing more to do with Christmas. It is a time of the year that would only serve to remind them of their painful loss.
For Glenford and Amoy Maingot and Reynold and Enid Mitchell, Christmas would always be associated with the deaths of their two sons."

PPP reprimands Lall over rum shop brawl

Stabroek News: "The PPP Central Executive has reprimanded senior party member Kellawan Lall over his conduct on November 18, during a rum shop brawl with a teenager and subsequently discharging his weapon.
Questioned about the issue at a PPP press conference yesterday, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar said, 'Kellawan Lall was spoken to very seriously about this issue by the party'."

| SPREAD CHEER

The Nation Newspaper "BARBADOS' POLITICAL LEADERS have called for year-round generosity, respect for children's rights and help for the less fortunate, in their Christmas messages.
Prime Minister Owen Arthur urged Barbadians to extend their generosity, so evident at Christmas, throughout the year.
'I trust that the special spirit of Christmas will always be with us, and that long after this festive season has passed, we will reach out, each of us according to his or her circumstances, to fill the lives of those in need with sustenance, hope and good cheer,' he said."

Fire destroys Furniture World

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "A massive early morning fire razed the Furniture World building and surrounding properties on Slipe Road in Kingston yesterday.
The fire, which is believed to have started inside the furniture store at approximately 7:00 am, completely engulfed all the furniture and equipment before spreading quickly to adjoining premises."

Video-Update on Major Accident on Provo's Leeward Highway

Tobago records 6th murder for 2007

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "“I don’t know what is happening in quiet Moriah and in Tobago on a whole. Why are we killing each other? I don’t understand. God, I don’t understand.”
This was the cry of Cynthia Applewhite, sister of Winston Applewhite, who became Tobago’s sixth murder victim for 2007 on Saturday night."

Top police bomb expert passes on

The Trinidad Guardian "The Police Service has been plunged into mourning with the sudden passing of one of the country’s leading bomb technicians.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Terrence Nelson, 54, of Bagna Trace, Chase Village, died around 5 pm on Saturday, presumably of a heart attack.
Nelson, who had recently bought a house with his wife, Bianca, at Opal Crescent, Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas, was reportedly doing some work on a scaffolding on an extension at the back of their new home, when he died."

A Child's cry for peace

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "A 10-year-old contestant in the 2007/2008 Mini Miss Jamaica contest has written to Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller urging them to create a peaceful and safe Jamaica.
In her letter written on behalf of the other 11 contestants, none of whom are older than 10, Tashay Myers asked both leaders to 'Please find a way to let the gunmen know that they are loved and can find better ways of living than to kill and hurt people.'"

Oil plan slippery - Mixed views on Chávez's sugar, banana barter proposal

Jamaica Gleaner News"AT LEAST one sector leader has rejected a proposal by the president of Venezuela for Caribbean and Latin American nations to swap bananas and sugar cane for cheaper oil supplies.
But the Agriculture Ministry says the suggestion is worth pursuing."

On bank bill ‘Her Majesty’s most loyal back bencher’ supports Kenny

St. Lucia Star "It was some 26 years ago that the National Commercial Bank of St Lucia was created. The St Lucia Development Bank followed not long afterward. The first existed to satisfy the personal needs of its patrons. On the other hand, the St Lucia Development Bank provided funding in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Six years ago the two banks merged to become the Bank of St Lucia, a subsidiary of the Eastern Caribbean Financial Holding Company."

How do you spell relief? D-L-P, B-L-P, or neither?

Broad Street Journal "Whichever political party wins the government next month, it will be faced with a set of economic problems from which it won’t be able to run.

As we have seen in the last few months, the overload on the average Barbadian household got so burdensome that rising food prices finally became the No.1 economic, and in the pre-election atmosphere, also the No. 1 political issue in the country, bar none.

Not that there weren’t others. The price of land has long been out of the reach of most Barbadians, many of whom are already maxed out on credit and loans. Inflation stood at just over five percent at mid-year, down from the 7.4% registered in the corresponding period of 2006. According to the central bank, “Reductions in prices were recorded for housing, fuel and light, clothing and footwear, transportation and education but there were higher prices in the food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco categories.”"

Teacher Henry a scholar among scholars

Tobago News"Janna Henry, a teacher in integrated science at Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive School can be described as a scholar among scholars."

Cash Plus publishes financial statements

Radiojamaica.com"Embattled investment firm Cash Plus Limited has finally released its unaudited financial statements.

In a four page spread in Sunday's Gleaner, Cash Plus outlined the company's statements as of September 31 this year.

The spread shows the position of all three of subsidiaries of the entity, Cash Plus Limited, Cash Plus Development Limited and the Cash Plus Group Limited.

The publication comes three days after the ultimatum issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) demanding the details about the organisations assets, including how and where they are held, expired on December 20."

Breaking News: Ferry pilot failed breath test - Police

The Royal Gazette: "A ferry pilot at the helm when the ship hit the Rockaway dock failed a breath test, Police confirmed today."

WANTED MEN ... Both armed, dangerous

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "Twenty-year-old Dana Whyte of Buckley’s Site, St. Kitts, is wanted for attempted murder. He is five feet nine inches in height (tall/slim), with black hair and a fair complexion.
On 8 Dec., Whyte robbed supermarket owner Lenny Ottley of a sum of money and shot him in the process.
Further, Leon “Solo” Jederon of Conaree Village, St. Kitts, is wanted for shooting with intent."

Female murder suspect on the run

Sunday Herald "The police are now searching for a young woman known as “Teekia” from the volatile Seaview Gardens community, after it was alleged that she stabbed and killed 17-year-old Kay-Ann Goodall last Tuesday in the community.
According to reports, the 18-year-old murder suspect got into an argument with Goodall, who was a hairdresser by trade. The dispute reportedly stemmed from Goodall’s refusal to style the hair of the accused, which subsequently erupted into a violent altercation, during which a knife was used to stab Goodall in the chest."

Buying Illegal Lottery Tickets Has Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Costs

St. John Source: "Buying out-of-territory lottery tickets may get you swindled and takes money out of the territory, V.I. Lottery Director Paul Flemming says.
At a press conference Saturday, Flemming displayed some of the spoils of ongoing sting operations working to discourage illegal lottery sales, explaining why they are harmful and spreading the word to those trading in them that the V.I. Government is coming for you."

Funds for construction of GPHC In-Patent unit- Health Ministry finalizes $1.1B contract

MirrorNewsOnline.com: "The quality of medical care offered at the In-Patient unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) will be significantly boosted, as construction of a new In-Patent department will commence shortly.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Hydar Ally, and a representative of Roy Bassoo & Sons Construction on Wednesday signed the agreement for civil works to begin.
The signing took place at the Ministry of Health on Brickdam."

Anarchy In Bimini

The Bahama Journal: "Violence broke out on the usually peaceful Bimini over the weekend following the shooting death by police of a 43-year-old south Bimini resident, police officials reported.
The response by a group of residents resulted in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to police and private property, police press liaison ASP Walter Evans said.
According to the police, during the uproar the mob set fire to the Alice Town Police Station, two police boats, an officer’s personal boat, a police jeep and the dormitory where police officers reside.
In addition the mob shattered the back glass of a police car and destroyed the personal vehicle of a police officer, Mr. Evans said."

Pay day! Former RO workers show mixed emotions as Government pay some of them the $4 million

The Freeport News "Government's final redundancy pay-out exercise to former Royal Oasis employees on Thursday left mixed emotions, as several of them walked away disheartened.
Hundreds of former employees, some still unemployed, made their way to the Hilton Outten Convention Centre to receive their much anticipated cheque – many of them as early as 6:30 that morning."

9-y-o killed in fire

The Jamaica Star "A nine-year-oldboy, Daniel Pryce, of Edie Lane, Kingston, died in a fire which destroyed his one-bedroom apartment in downtown Kingston on Thursday night, police told THE STAR yesterday.
The boy was burnt to death after he and his 11-year-old brother were both left alone at home, the police say. The other boy has been admitted to hospital. Police reported that the boys were left at the house by a guardian, who reportedly went to work. It is said that the guardian asked a neighbour to check on the children, after locking them inside."

Why educated Jamaicans remain overseas

Jamaica Gleaner News "After almost five months of rigorous job hunting and with a genuine desire to become one of the future leaders of Jamaica, I decided to share a letter that I have written, with my fellow Jamaicans here and abroad, in an effort to encourage them to voice their concerns to the Government pertaining to the issue of highly qualified Jamaicans being unable to get a job after returning home. I don't think it is being recognised as a growing epidemic. The letter is as follows:"

Cost of living main concern

The Nation Newspaper "THE HIGH COST OF LIVING continues to hold top spot as the most important issue facing Barbados right now.
Following a close second is crime, and then unemployment.
These were the three most pressing matters facing Barbados now as it faces a general election on January 15. These were outlined in the just released Cave Hill Associates Polling Organisation (Chapo)/Boxhill poll, which originated in
the Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies."

Gray: It’s A Lie!

The Bahama Journal: "MICAL MP Alfred Gray told the Bahama Journal on Friday that reports that he was found in 'a compromising position' are false, and that he’s considering legal action against at least one major media house.
On Thursday, The Tribune published a top story claiming that Mr. Gray had been discovered by police in a compromising position with a female in the back seat of a vehicle last month.
On Friday, Mr. Gray called the Journal from Orlando, where he’s vacationing with his family, and strenuously denied the allegations, accusing his 'enemies' of being behind the story."

It's all a bit surreal, says new Senator

The Bermuda Sun: "Hott 1075's Thaao Dill arrived at Government House yesterday a regular Joe - but he left as a Senator, a slightly surreal experience for the popular radio host.

Mr. Dill, 25, says he got the call Wednesday night and after making a few calls himself, decided to accept the post of Junior Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

It was his first visit to Government House and when we took him outside for a photo shoot he said, laughing: 'This is surreal, man. Sitting on the diving board by the pool at Government House.'"

Death of a town - Violence kills businesses; churches, school closed; 70% of residents flee Gobay

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "There are no animals roaming the grassy plain or birds chirping in the woody terrain. No children playing marbles or 'stucky' in their yards. No farmers returning home laden with the day's harvest, and no women at the riverside washing clothes as is typical of many deep rural communities in Jamaica.
Instead, the square at Gobay in St Catherine, three miles outside Riversdale, is deserted. All shop shutters are tightly closed, giving the feel of a ghost town. The few residents who have not fled the community cower behind closed doors for fear that they will suffer a similar fate as many of their neighbours who have been gunned down in the last month."

The gift of a child - Fostering at Christmas

Jamaica Gleaner News "'Shanay adds joy to the household. We love her, she loves us, and the bond with the family could not be stronger,' says a smiling Monica Gilbert, an accounting clerk, as she shares her joy with The Sunday Gleaner in the comfort of her living room.
Bright-eyed and energetic, Shanay, like a typical five-year-old not wanting to be left out, settles herself between two oversized cushions and declares that she loves Discovery Kids channel and Sponge Bob cartoons."

On bank bill ‘Her Majesty’s most loyal back bencher’ supports Kenny

St. Lucia Star "It was some 26 years ago that the National Commercial Bank of St Lucia was created. The St Lucia Development Bank followed not long afterward. The first existed to satisfy the personal needs of its patrons. On the other hand, the St Lucia Development Bank provided funding in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Six years ago the two banks merged to become the Bank of St Lucia, a subsidiary of the Eastern Caribbean Financial Holding Company."

DOUBLE MURDER…Two dead in third execution style killing in months

Antigua Sun: "Two young men were shot and killed Wednesday night on the lonely strip of road that runs through Fig Tree Drive, sending the country’s rising murder rate to even more startling levels.
The murder of Daniel “Dan” Steele of Clare Hall and Loris Challenger of Potters now takes the figure for killings for the year to a staggering 19, more than what has ever been recorded in a single year in the country’s history.
Both men were found with their bodies riddled with bullets in the front seats of a rented Toyota Yaris, which was precariously hanging over the side of an incline, after it broke through a fence that runs along the Claremont Estate, in the agricultural district of Fig Tree Drive."

The Law and Christmas

Advocate: "The debate as to whether Christmas is really a pagan/commercial festival or simply the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ will probably go on for ever, though, to judge from the conspicuous consumption and general bacchanalia that pervades at this time, such a debate is probably useless these days."............

Chaguanas vendors facing hard times

The Trinidad Guardian "Congestion, coupled with high prices, made life hard yesterday for Christmas shoppers and vendors alike in Chaguanas.
Vendors complained about the lack of parking. Nizam Mohammed, a poultry vendor in Chaguanas market, said Mayor Suruj Rambachan made a big mistake in allowing part of the car park to be used as a flea market."

Barbados-bound passenger found with cocaine in books

Stabroek News: "A Guyanese woman who was already processed for departure onboard a Caribbean Airlines flight to Barbados was yesterday intercepted with a quantity of cocaine compressed between the pages of books and photo albums.
Police in a statement last evening said that at about 7 am yesterday ranks of the police narcotics branch at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri intercepted the woman's bags and found 1kg, 818 grammes of the narcotic concealed in books in her suitcase."

Video-Chavez offers neighbours oil for local products

Venezuela's president has been flexing his oil muscle by offering his neighbours cheap fuel in return for local products and services like sugar and bananas. Cuba has been one of the first to sign up to the deal, exchanging oil for doctors.Al Jazeera

House for baby Jeremiah

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"REMEMBER Jeremiah Henry, the new born baby who was snatched from the Mount Hope Hospital on November 16? Remember that he was found days later at the home of a woman who had taken him away?
Well, his mother, Nekeisha Noel has one wish for him this Christmas. She wants a safe and comfortable home where he can grow up. The two-room wooden structure where baby Jeremiah Obadiah Henry lives is located on a steep hill at Duncan Trace in Santa Cruz. Eight others live there."

Stepping up the fight against crime... Soldiers hit the streets today

The Trinidad Guardian "The Downtown Owners and Merchants’ Association (DOMA) is welcoming the Government’s decision to enlist the services of 200-odd Defence Force volunteers to assist in the fight against crime during the Christmas to Carnival period.
“The visibility of law enforcement has always been a deterrent to crime and the plan is in keeping with the belief that visibility will protect citizens from lawless individuals,” Doma president Gregory Aboud said yesterday, during a telephone interview."

Bus driver dies after transformer falls off truck

Stabroek News: "The Christmas spirit was shattered yesterday afternoon for a Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD) family when a transformer that was being transported on a container truck fell on a Route 43 (Linden) minibus, killing the 41-year-old driver instantly.
Dead is Trevor Charles of Lot 97 Craig. Around six persons who were travelling in the bus, which just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, were treated at the Georgetown Hospital for minor injuries."

Deadly fire

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Tragedy struck in the small inner-city community of Edie Lane in downtown Kingston on Thursday night as one of two brothers, who were both trapped inside their small, mostly wooden home as it was gutted by flames, died before they could be rescued by firefighters.
Seven-year-old Daniel Davis, whom firemen found huddled in a corner of the house along with his 11-year old brother Terri-Junior Parkes, died after receiving severe burns all over his body. Terri-Junior, who miraculously managed to survive the fire, was admitted to hospital in critical condition."

Support for Lewin - Leaders back resolve of new police commissioner

Jamaica Gleaner News A number of sector leaders have come out strongly in support of newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin's, resolve to arrest the problem of corruption in the force, and to lock down some police stations in an attempt to redeploy resources more efficiently."

HARD BLOW

The Nation Newspaper "THE CONTROVERSIAL Hardwood Housing Factory Inc has been dealt another blow.
The SATURDAY SUN understands that 17 employees out of a staff of 53, comprising carpenters, masons and labourers have left the company to join former chief executive officer Anthony Murrell in his venture to start his own construction company.
Murrell resigned on Tuesday, December 18, in the 'interest and reputation of the company'."

| 'Help poor to own homes'

The Nation Newspaper "A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT would ensure that each low-income family can afford homes, says Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for St James South, Donville Inniss as he canvassed the constituency.
'Haynesville is considered the epitome of low-income in St James South, which is comprised of housing stock of National Housing units,' he said yesterday.

Aircraft with seven people aboard crashes in Dominican Republic

_Xinhua: "SANTO DOMINGO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A small aircraft with seven people aboard crashed on Friday at some 60 km from eastern La Romana province in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Republic's Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) reported."

Video-19 new Turks and Caicos police

'Operation Swiftway' nets 1,551 defaulting traffic cases

guyanachronicle.com "AS “Operation Swiftway” continues, the police, over a one-week period (from December 10-17) reported having made a further 1,551 cases against defaulting motorists.

The operation is being conducted, in an effort to improve road safety."

BTC Fights For Monopoly

The Bahama Journal: "After losing in the Bahamas Court of Appeal, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) on Thursday took its legal argument to the Privy Council as it seeks to retain a monopoly on the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology for voice telephony services.
BTC’s attorney Dr. Lloyd Barnett explained that VoIP allows the licensee to bring in a transmission – in data form – over the Internet and convert it to voice."

Accused in Potters murder to go on trial

Antigua Sun: "Alwyn James Jr., 31, of Potters, who is charged with murder, will stand trial next year for allegedly committing the offence.
James was committed by Magistrate Keith Thom to face a judge and jury in the January Criminal Assizes.
He is accused of killing his room-mate, 24-year-old Mitch “Stichie” Ralph."

Thieves target dogs

The Jamaica Star "Residents of at least two Corporate Area communities are waking up to find their dogs dead.
THE STAR has received reports that criminals are killing dogs in some communities in an effort to facilitate break-ins.
Residents of Vineyard Town in east Kingston and Mona Heights, St. Andrew, claim to be victims of the dog-killing acts.
Some Vineyard Town residents told THE STAR that at least 12 dogs have been killed in the last two weeks. In one case, three dogs from one residence on Fernandez Avenue were killed in one night."

Station shutdown - Police chief to reallocate resources, rein in corruption

Jamaica Gleaner News "One of the immediate moves of newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, will be to shut down some police stations across the island, which he believes are inadequate and ineffective.
'You have police stations all over the place and most of them don't make one good station. We're going to shut some down,' Admiral Lewin told a press conference of senior police personnel, journalists and other public and private sector officials."

Suspects held

The Trinidad Guardian"Law enforcement officers stormed a house in Laventille yesterday and rescued a Venezuelan national who was snatched from a hotel in Mount Lambert.
Police were up to late yesterday in Laventille searching the rooftops of several houses for a woman, believed to be a prostitute, and the mastermind behind a kidnapping ring."

Cops probe missing money from National Insurance

The Nation Newspaper "POLICE WERE called in to investigate the theft of over $500 000 from the National Insurance Department.
According to sources, the money was stolen, using a scheme involving the payment of benefit cheques to unauthorised persons."

Video-Prime time news....Jamaica

Bruce fires back at Portia for giving JLP fail grade!!

Danville vs Dabdoub - EOJ boss, PNP candidate square off outside court

Jamaica Gleaner News "After having his feathers ruffled while under cross-examination, Director of Elections Danville Walker lost his cool yesterday and had to be restrained by a female lawyer, as he approached People's National Party (PNP) candidate Abe Dabdoub in a threatening manner outside a courtroom at the Supreme Court in Kingston.
Walker had engaged Dabdoub outside the courtroom in a short, heated conversation, in which the director of elections used expletives to Dabdoub."

Court clash

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "DIRECTOR of Elections Danville Walker yesterday had to be led away from the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston by a female lawyer after throwing verbal blows at the People's National Party's (PNP) Abe Dabdoub, just seconds after the luncheon adjournment of the case brought against West Portland MP Daryl Vaz by Dabdoub."

Video-PORTIA GIVES JLP A FAILING GRADE (F) FOR FIRST 100 DAYS !

Rotting away

The Jamaica Star : "While several police stations across the island are forced to make do with one service vehicle, and in some instances none at all, THE STAR has learned that a large number of damaged vehicles at the Police Transport and Repairs Department are yet to be fixed.
Though both the transport manager, Errol Reid, and Deputy Superintendent Kenute Bignall, in charge of the department, declined to comment on the matter, a source at the unit told THE STAR that there were over 150 vehicles needing repair."

Landslide renders family of five homeless

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"TRAGEDY struck a Diego Martin family on Tuesday, just seven days before Christmas, when their house was completely destroyed by a landslide.
Dino Fraser told Newsday that at 3 pm he was at their home in Johnson Lane, Bagatelle Road, Diego Martin, when he heard a loud rumbling noise. Within seconds, he said, he felt himself suddenly being swept along with the structure of his house some distance down the hill. Fraser, who was home alone at the time, sustained injuries to his legs after pieces of wood with protruding nails fell on him."

Ramesh out of order—Ganga

The Trinidad Guardian "Opposition chief whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj didn’t comply with requirements for filing a motion at Monday’s convening of Parliament, former Opposition chief whip Ganga Singh said yesterday."

FISHERY CONCERNS ... Bay Road vendors asked to relocate

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "The Minister responsible for Fisheries Cedric Liburd has painted a bright picture for fishing folk in the Federation but had advised them that they all need to cooperate with the government in its attempts to gain the maximum from the industry.
Minister Liburd has suggested that one of the first things that should happen is the voluntary relocation of vendors who ply their trade on the Bay Road in the area adjacent to the ferry terminal.
He said the area and the methods being used are not the best as far as proper sanitation is concerned."

DRIVERS TERMINATED…School bus operators, conductors made redundant

Antigua Sun: "It may be a blue Christmas for some of the county’s school bus operators and conductors who are crying foul after receiving letters from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, informing them that their positions will be made redundant, effective 31 Dec., 2007.
The school bus operators and conductors were told that the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (A&BTB) has been mandated to manage the National School Bus System, thereby making their employment with the Ministry of Education unnecessary."

Cuba hopes for another native Saint

Catholic Online: "CAMAGUEY, Cuba (Zenit) - Cubans may soon have another native son proclaimed blessed by the Church, just over a year after the first Cuban blessed was beatified."

GROUNDED

The Nation Newspaper: "INTER-REGIONAL TRAVEL took a hit yesterday, when 24 LIAT cabin crew attendants staged a sickout.
The airline's chief executive officer Mark Darby said in a telephone interview from Antigua that the action caused LIAT to cancel 35 of its 120 regional flights, but management had no idea as to the cause.
'We have been talking to staff about the provident fund settlement, a pension fund which was stopped in 1998 due to financial trouble. However, we are in the final stages of settling the matter with the Caribbean Development Bank. We are making our best effort,' he said."

CEO quits

The Nation Newspaper : "ANTHONY MURRELL, chief executive officer of the controversial Hardwood Housing Factory Inc, has resigned.
Murrell, who has been at the helm of the company since it opened in February this year, stepped down 'in the interest and reputation' of the company.
He handed in his resignation to board chairman Tony Hoyos yesterday evening."

How the election unfolded

Bermuda Sun "Pundits predicted there would be lots of surprises in the election and that the vote would be close.

But the biggest surprise was the 22-14 result, which was identical to that in 2003. Widespread predictions that PLP voters would either stay home or switch to the UBP because of disillusionment with Premier Dr. Ewart Brown were way off the mark.

The biggest upset was in Southampton East Central, where Zane DeSilva defeated hotelier and veteran MP David Dodwell, who was widely expected to win, 569 to 521.

Mr. Dodwell was one of two UBP heavy hitters to fall. The other was Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley who lost his gamble to unseat Patrice Minors in Smith's North. Mrs. Minors won 536 votes to Mr. Dunkley's 444.

The UBP won seats in St. George's North, where Kim Swan captured a seat from Dean Foggo, and in St. George's South, where Donte Hunt beat Attorney General Philip Perinchief, but those successes were cancelled out by the UBP's loss of seats in St. David's and in Southampton East Central."

Bermuda's ruling party wins general election

Yahoo! : "The ruling party on the wealthy, North Atlantic island of Bermuda won an emphatic victory and a third straight term in office on Tuesday after a bitterly-fought election on the British territory."

Natalee Holloway moved to cold case file

Boston.com: "ORANJESTAD, Aruba—Prosecutors dismissed the case against the three main suspects in the disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway, saying they still believe they were involved in her death but can't prove it after 932 days of searching failed to turn up a body.
more stories like this"

At Chateau Margot Man kills self after chopping wife

Stabroek News: "Years of verbal and physical abuse ended on Tuesday night for a 40-year-old mother of two, when her husband committed suicide but not before brutally chopping her about the body.
Due to the savagery of the attack, Sheermattie Vivekanand may lose her hand which was hanging by the skin at the end of the 15-minute ordeal. Vivekanand is presently a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Hospital and although conscious, she is in a serious condition and is taking blood. She sustained chops to both hands, head, neck and back."

Escapes serious injuries in car crash...Woman robbed by ‘good Samaritan’

The Trinidad Guardian "She narrowly escaped serious injury or possible death on Monday evening.
But the trauma of being involved in a vehicular accident was deepened when Dawn Pierre—adviser to Energy Minister Conrad Enill—was robbed almost immediately after by a man posing as a good Samaritan.
Pierre, 24, of Norton Street in Curepe, was yesterday described by St Joseph police officers as “lucky,” as she sustained minor injuries after a thick, metal pipe ploughed through her windscreen during the accident."

Abuse of office

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "MONDAY’S refusal by Speaker of the House, Barendra Sinanan, to allow UNC A Chief Whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj to raise a matter of urgent public importance - crime - on behalf of the Opposition during the ceremonial opening of TT’s Ninth Parliament, caused the UNC A to accuse Sinanan of disregarding the Order Paper and Maharaj, to promise to despatch a letter warning Sinanan that his actions could be the subject of judicial review."

Pay hike for MPs - To get 20 per cent wage increase

Jamaica Gleaner News "Parliamentarians will receive a 20 per cent increase in salary early next year. This has been confirmed by Finance Minister Audley Shaw.
Accordingly, $96 million has been included in the First Supplementary Estimates, approved yesterday by the House of Representatives.
Mr. Shaw told the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament yesterday that the long delayed payout to MPs would take place in the final quarter of the fiscal year, starting in January."

St Lucia signs EPA agreement. Nation braces for fall-out!

St. Lucia Star " On January 1st the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and CARIFORUM will take effect. Negotiations between the two parties concluded in Barbados last Sunday with Caribbean nations signing on the dotted line.

The EPA will allow Caribbean goods to enter the European Union duty free and quota free while there is a phased period between three to 25 years for European goods to enter CARIFORUM markets duty free as well as an important number of exclusions for sensitive products. Initialing on behalf of the two sides were Karl Falkenberg, the European Commission’s Deputy Director General for Trade and Ambassador Richard Bernal, Director General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery. A ministerial signature of the EPA is foreseen no later than April 2008 possibly in Barbados."

INTERNET FRAUD ... Designer ‘Calvin S’ victim of identity theft

Antigua Sun: "Antigua and Barbuda’s premier designer Calvin Southwell became the victim of an Internet fraud yesterday after an unknown person hacked into his e-mail account and sent out messages to over 50 people claiming the designer was attacked and robbed in Nigeria and was soliciting £800.
Southwell is pleading with those people who would have received e-mail messages in their inbox to disregard the message.
The e-mail, which claimed that Southwell was visiting the African Culture Open Show at the time of the “attack”, asked that the money be sent through Western Union in the name of a hotel manager because the embassy in Africa had Southwell’s passport."

PM blocked

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "OPPOSITION Leader Portia Simpson Miller yesterday obtained an injunction in the Supreme Court restraining Prime Minister Bruce Golding from replacing the members on the Public Service Commission (PSC) who were fired last Thursday by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall on Golding's instruction.
The court ordered that the injunction is to remain in effect until after a judicial review application on December 28, and that the defendants - Golding and the attorney-general - be served with the relevant documents by tomorrow."

video-Turks and Caicos CXC Awards Ceremony

The 11th Annual Turks and Caicos National Awards Ceremony wiht 85% passes in CXC exams

TAKE CARE

The Nation Newspaper "BARBADIANS might have to cut back on partying and entertainment.
Executive member of the Barbados Bankers' Association (BBA) and head of Bank of Nova Scotia, Stephen Cozier, warned Barbadians yesterday to make changes to their spending patterns and not to look to Government to continue subsidising food and oil prices.
The banker said rising food and energy prices represented a challenge to countries around the world and Barbadians might have to cut back on extras such as parties and entertainment."

Politics taints effort to mitigate Dominican tragedy - DominicanToday.com

DominicanToday.com: "SANTO DOMINGO.- In addition to the topic of the budget for 2008, president Leonel Fernandez’s administration and the opposition center their political confrontation in the caused disaster from the storm Olga and in the former’s handling of the emergency."

Police Constable among three on gun charges

Radiojamaica.com"Twenty-two year old Orville Spence of Hopewell in Hanover, and 34-year-old Clive Atkinson of Bogue Village, Montego Bay, have been charged with illegal possession of firearms.

The two men were held along with Constable Raul Khouri of the Area One flying squad on Sunday."

MUNGA ATTACKS DJ AT SHOW

The Jamaica Star "The stage of the Stone Love Anniversary became a boxing ring yesterday morning, as blows were exchanged between dancehall sensation Munga Honorebel and upcoming Portmore Empire artiste Deva Bratt.
The fracas was said to have begun about 4:45 a.m., when Deva Bratt walked onstage during the performance of his recent lyrical nemesis at the popular event, staged this year at Mas Camp, Oxford Road."

Stop trying to muzzle the free press!National footballer found dead in burnt home

Stabroek News: "National footballer Neil Hernandez, who was preparing for the popular Kashif and Shangai tournament, was found dead after a blaze ravaged his Bartica home around midday yesterday.
His partially burnt body was removed from the ruins of the two-storey building by police in Bartica who are yet to determine exactly how the footballer died.
Police in Bartica questioned a few persons close to the footballer including his reputed wife, but Stabroek News was told that the information gathered so far was varied, particularly in relation to what happened in the hours prior to the fire at the house."

Parties end mourning period. Kenny says: No more Mr Nice Guy!

St. Lucia Star "If the United Workers Party’s first-anniversary celebrations in Micoud last Sunday proved anything, it was that when it comes to skipping the light fandango opposition leader Kenny Anthony has nothing to worry about.

The presumably rehearsed star performance by St Lucia’s second selected prime minister Stephenson King (Compton first selected Vaughan Lewis, remember?) and the Central Castries MP Richard Frederick was nothing short of nightmarish, reminiscent of some of early Hollywood’s worst portrayals involving possessed demonic savages at some bloody voodoo ritual."

Young man dies in weekend accident

Antigua Sun: "The life of a 23-year-old primary school teacher was gruesomely snuffed out early Saturday morning after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a lamp-post.
The accident occurred a stone’s throw from the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway. The driver, Sea View Farm resident Sylvester Francis, was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by the district doctor, a few minutes after the collision.
According to reports reaching Antigua Sun, Francis was making his way home after feting at a popular night club when tragedy struck. He was alone in the vehicle and, with no witnesses, there has only been speculation as to what might have caused the crash."

Vocal UNC dominates opening of Parliament

The Trinidad Guardian "The Opposition UNC, led by Basdeo Panday, took charge of the House of Representatives in a heated start yesterday, firing off several volleys against the PNM administration and House Speaker Barendra Sinanan.
The very vocal charge during the convening of the Ninth Parliament was led by UNC chief whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and UNC leader Panday, both back in the Parliament after absences (for different reasons)."

Stormy UNC A in the House

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"THE UNC ALLIANCE yesterday morning took the Ninth Parliament by storm just as they had promised, turning its ceremonial opening into open warfare. Their first shot was fired at 9.20 am, just before the start of the sitting and the target was Prime Minister Patrick Manning who had entered the Chamber and was going from MP to MP shaking hands."

Cuba Leader Fidel Castro Suggests He May Step Down

Sky News "Fidel Castro has hinted that he may step down from power in Cuba.

Castro has not been seen in public for 16 monthsThe 80-year-old has not been seen in public for 16 months since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July 2006.
In a letter read out on Cuban state television he said: 'My elemental duty is not to hold on to positions and less to obstruct the path of younger people.'"

Rich island of Bermuda to vote in general election

ABC News: "HAMILTON (Reuters) - The rich, North Atlantic island of Bermuda votes in an election on Tuesday as the ruling party pushes for a third term in office against an opposition that says it has failed to tackle the nation's challenges."

'They have failed'

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "OPPOSITION Leader Portia Simpson Miller yesterday gave the Jamaica Labour Party Government a 'failing grade' for its performance in its first 100 days in office.
'We find this Government guilty of failure in a number of areas; they failed miserably in the first 100 days. Those promises they did not break, they changed. They have spent the first two months trying to cast blame on the former administration,' said Simpson Miller."

Lewin raring to go - New commissioner vows to make Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) best in the world

Jamaica Gleaner News "Newly appointed Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, is vowing to make the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) the best in the world, providing Jamaicans with a safe environment in which to live and work."

"Chinois" peacekeepers leave indelible impression in Haiti

People's Daily Online: "What do you do when your armored car has a blowout on Haiti's 'road of death?'

That was the scenario faced by Chinese peacekeepers on their first mission in the strife-torn west Caribbean island nation when they joined the United Nations operation eight months ago.

On April 16, China's fifth contingent of peacekeepers were assigned to carry out joint armed patrol in the central area of Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince together with counterparts from Brazil."

Cops kill five men in Westmoreland, Kingston

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "THE police on Saturday night outgunned four men, killing them all in an alleged gun battle along the Bay Road main road in Westmoreland.
Earlier that day, the police also fatally shot a man at White Hall Avenue, Kingston 8, after the man allegedly brandished a firearm at them. The dead man has been identified as 25-year old Howard Shane Clarke, of White Hall Avenue."

Strap yourself in for Haiti's wild ride

Los Angeles Times: "PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A shirtless man leaps from a crowded tap-tap to rescue a woman's lunch pail that had flown from her hands when the bus hit a pothole.

Lithe women with head bundles that weigh more than they do slink between dump trucks, SUVs, peacekeepers' armored vehicles and wobble-wheeled pushcarts, deftly navigating the lurching, smoke-belching river of rolling stock.


The crush of vehicles and people filling the streets of this most destitute of Caribbean slums every day plays across a windshield like a frantic tango, the horrors of urban poverty dominating one minute, glimpses of the humor and humanity the next."

$4 Mil For Oasis Workers

The Bahama Journal: "When the House of Assembly meets today, one of the items on its agenda will be a supplementary appropriations bill for the approval of $8 million for expenses related to the Royal Oasis Resort in Freeport, which was recently sold to the Ireland-based Harcourt Group.
The government is seeking $4 million of 'emergency' funds in the public interest, which will be paid to workers who were laid off from the resort when it closed in 2004."

$4 Mil For Oasis Workers

The Bahama Journal: "When the House of Assembly meets today, one of the items on its agenda will be a supplementary appropriations bill for the approval of $8 million for expenses related to the Royal Oasis Resort in Freeport, which was recently sold to the Ireland-based Harcourt Group.
The government is seeking $4 million of 'emergency' funds in the public interest, which will be paid to workers who were laid off from the resort when it closed in 2004."

Businessmen linked to airstrip bulldozer

Stabroek News: "Two Corentyne businessmen, one of whom had been accused in the past of having connections with the drug trade, have been linked to the bulldozer which was found abandoned on an illegal airstrip discovered last week, 80 miles upriver from Orealla.
Police in Georgetown are also still holding three foreigners: two Colombians and a Venezuelan who were nabbed at a city hotel on Thursday afternoon in connection with the illegal airfield."

Arouca man stabbed by relative

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"SEVEN YEARS of abuse ended in murder early yesterday morning when an Arouca man was stabbed to death at his home by a female relative. The victim, Jason Charles, 26, of St Hill Street, Arouca, was rushed to the Arima District Health Facility where he died at about 7.30 am.
Up to late yesterday, Arouca police were questioning a 26-year-old woman in connection with the killing."

Historic deal

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Effective January 1, 2008 all exports in goods (with the temporary exception of rice and sugar) and services originating from within the Cariforum group will be entitled to duty-free and quota-free access in Europe.
This follows the conclusion of the first-ever Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) between the Caribbean's team of negotiators and their European counterparts."

'Ungrateful nation' - Jamaicans blasted at Kameka's funeral - Senior cop demands an eye for an eye

Jamaica Gleaner News "Jamaica was accused yesterday of being an 'ungrateful nation' for the disrespect shown to the nation's police force which daily battles brazen murderers. This charge was issued by Sidjea Robinson, niece of Gilbert Kameka, the slain assistant commissioner of police whose marathon funeral took place at the Mount Salem Seventh-day Adventist Convention Centre in Montego Bay.
'We criticise the police, lambaste them and discount the value of the work that they do, while they get a basket to carry water,' said a passionate Robinson."

Dogs bite into meter readers' work

The Nation Newspaper "NEARLY HALF of all Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P) meter readers have been bitten by residential guard dogs in the past 24 months, triggering a call for meter boxes to be placed outside fenced properties."

Beach access 'private'

The Nation Newspaper "WHILE RESIDENTS continue to complain about the blocked access to the beach opposite the former Coach House Restaurant, one of its owners wants to make it clear that the property is private.
This comes months after the St James buffet restaurant moved from its Sandy Lane location to the former Baku Club, Holetown location."

At least 114 U.N. troops in Haiti linked to sex crimes

Houston Chronicle: "PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — Girls as young as 13 were having sex with U.N. peacekeepers for as little as $1. Five young Haitian women who followed soldiers back to Sri Lanka were forced into brothels or polygamous households. They have been rescued and brought home to warn others of the dangers of foreign liaisons. In the latest sex scandal to tarnish the world organization, at least 114 Sri Lankan troops have been expelled from the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti for sexual exploitation of Haitian women and girls."

Video-Reduction in crime since dismantle of some gangs

Netsurf Guyana

'UAWU embracing JUTC corruption'

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "A litany of corrupt actions that have resulted in some employees at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) collecting millions of dollars annually - some as much as three times their gross salary - has been uncovered by the state bus agency's new board. And the JUTC chairman, Douglas Chambers, says the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) is embracing and encouraging this dishonesty."

GIFT FOR ALL

The Nation Newspaper : "WITH CHRISTMAS just a week away, shoppers have begun to benefit from price reductions on some food items.
A check on the 26 items which Government and supermarket retailers promised over a month ago would benefit from reduced prices have started to take effect.
The SUNDAY SUN hit the aisles on Friday at a Christ Church supermarket and found that reductions were placed on at least half the items originally listed, mainly the food items."

100 days of Golding: 'It is a basket of success and failures' - analysts

Jamaica Gleaner News "Political commentators and the parliamentary Opposition have identified a mixture of success and failures in the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) first 100 days in office.
Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, has sharply criticised the Golding administration on its handling of the economy. He argues that, while the increase in oil and other commodity prices is beyond the control of the Government, the depreciation of the local currency under the JLP's watch has 'compounded the external problems'. Indeed, he believes the instability in the foreign-exchange market provides 'perfect cover' for possible price gouging. Furthermore, Davies argues, the 'puzzling' hike in domestic interest rates is not caused by external factors."

Community action saves nearby houses from…RAGING FIRE

Antigua Sun: "Two weeks away from Christmas, two brothers in Golden Grove have lost their home and all of their belongings in a morning fire that threatened two other homes.
At 9:40 yesterday morning, the St. John’s Fire Station responded to the fire on the Golden Grove main road, opposite the community playing field. According to Forensic Fire Investigator Whitfield Joshua, when fire officers arrived, the two-bedroom wooden house was fully engulfed with flames.
The fire also caused the electrical wire to burst, which created a dangerous situation until APUA showed up to disconnect the electricity."

Now triplets born at PoS Hospital

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"Triplets were born at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, last Thursday. The multiple birth follows another delivery of triplets two weeks ago at the Mt Hope Maternity Hospital. Mother of the triplets, Shashi Lakhan-Lopes, 30, of St James gave birth to three girls by Caesarian section on Thursday. According to her sister, Anjali Lakhan, the triplets are named Isabelle, Alyssa and Juliana. She said that Alyssa and Juliana both weigh about four lbs, but Isabelle weighs about 3 ½ lbs and was placed in the care of nurses of the Neo-Natal Unit. Lakhan explained: “All of the babies are fine, but Isabelle was placed in an incubator because the doctors would like her to gain a little more weight.”"

Deadly plunge...

The Trinidad Guardian "A Cocoyea man escaped death yesterday when the vehicle in which he was driving ran off the San Fernando Bypass and plunged about 30 feet into the Cipero River.
According to reports, at around 5.30 am Kevin Shah, 23, of South Street, Cocoyea, was driving his silver Mazda 323 motor car north along the San Fernando Bypass when he lost control of the vehicle.
The car then careened off the roadway, smashed into a network of pipelines suspended above the river, and landed on its wheels into the swollen river."

Opposition says dialogue at standstill- govt feels political climate improving

Stabroek News: "The parliamentary opposition is not satisfied with the level of the dialogue with the government. However, the latter sees the post-2006 elections period as signalling an improved political climate and a maturing of the political process in Guyana."

Plane carrying drugs crashes in Dominican eastern region - DominicanToday.com

DominicanToday.com: "Santo Domingo. The National Drug Control Department (DNCD) says that a plane that crashed on Saturday in Rancho Cumayasa was making a cocaine drop in the vicinity.
DNCD spokesman Roberto Lebrón said that the accident could have been caused by drug dealers, and that the aircraft showed signs of having been used in a drugs operation, because “it only had seats in the cockpit”."

LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE

Trinidad Express"Kevin Shah had his lifetime of lucky breaks used up all in one day yesterday when he survived a crash into a bridge, a 20-foot plunge into the river below, and rising flood waters that threatened to take his wrecked car out into the Gulf of Paria.
With a broken leg and unable to help himself, Shah lived because a stranger saw the early morning crash and called for help."

'PLP has lost people's trust'

The Bermuda Sun: "The UBP will win the election on Tuesday because the PLP has lost the trust of the people.

That is the verdict of a broad cross-section of Bermuda's public figures and intellectuals.

Just days before the election, the Bermuda Sun conducted a straw poll of largely non-partisan figures from the world of business, law and politics.

All of the respondents - some of whom would have traditionally described themselves as PLP supporters - agreed on one thing: that Dr. Brown's regime has failed to convince the electorate that it is corruption-free or properly accountable."

Police find weed, cell phone in bread; two girls arrested

SKNVibes.com "Basseterre; St. KItts} Police officers stationed at the Basseterre Police Station found more than bread and meat in sandwiches intended for two men who were, at the time, in police custody.

SKNVibes was reliably informed that earlier this month, two girls from the McKnight area, Neilecher Williams and a 17 year old, went to the aforementioned police station to deliver which has been described as “ham sandwiches”, when the discovery was made."

Former Dominican Ambassador Charged with filing a $2.7 million false claim with the IRS

he Dominican: "A federal jury in the U.S. has charged Mr. Rudolph King, whom U.S. prosecutors said has been using the alias Klever Rosales, with filing a false $2.7 million claim with the Internal Revenue Service.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the IRS. King remains in a California jail awaiting trial.

King was first introduced to the Dominican public when he was featured in theDominican.net presenting his credentials to Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Tuesday August 29, 2006."

Port Authority apologises to travellers

Tobago News, "The Port Authority has apologised to travellers on the seabridge for the undue absence of the T&T Express from the service.
The fast ferry which was taken out of service during the first week of November for its mandatory dry docking was first due to return last week. However, the work on the ferry at the dry dock in South Carolina, USA took longer than first estimated."

Police investigating unnatural death

Starcom network news
Police are investigating what appears to be another unnatural death.
The body of 75-year-old Sheldon McGeary, of Crab Hill St. Lucy, was recovered about 100-yards off Shroud Bay in the same Parish. A passerby made the discovery at around 2:30 yesterday afternoon.

Palisadoes flooded

Radiojamaica.com"The Palisadoes road leading to the Norman Manley International Airport, is being affected by strong winds and high tides.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the National Works Agency, (NWA), Stephen Shaw, said persons should exercise caution when using the corridor as water and other debris from the sea are being thrown onto the road."

Police receive forgery complaint

The Royal Gazette: "An official complaint has been made to Police alleging that cheques from a company part owned by Progressive Labour Party candidate Zane DeSilva were forged.

The complaint was made on behalf of Bermuda Composite Construction (BCC) to fraud officers yesterday about what is understood to be more than 50 cheques from the company all bearing the name of Southampton East Central candidate Mr. DeSilva and one of the company's other directors."

Social Program Backs Workers in Sancti Spiritus

Cuba: "Since the very triumph of the Revolution, the Cuban government has dedicated part of the foodstuffs purchased abroad to supply the canteens in factories and other working centers throughout the island.
Recent reports reveal that every month, the central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus earmarks over 600 tons of rice, beans, sugar, meat and oil, among others provisions, to be distributed in 722 canteens. Educational and health institutions are not considered in these figures."

Bauxite company steals from JPS

Sunday Herald "An unnamed bauxite company is the latest entity found tampering with the Jamaica Public Service Company facilities. Sources told the Sunday Herald that the company is located in central Jamaica and that settlement was over $80 million. The JPS in a release last week said the company has identified significant cases of irregularities in two large entities — in the retail and production sectors. The company estimates the combined value of the unbilled electricity for these entities at approximately J$150 million. The other party according to sources settled for over $50 million"

V.I. Senators Fail in Bid to Deny Radio Station License Transfer

St. John Source: "The Federal Communications Commission Thursday dismissed the bid of a half-dozen Virgin Islands senators and a handful of citizens to deny the transfer of the broadcasting license of St. Croix radio station WYAC-FM from its current owners, Philip and Ellen Kuhlman, to the station’s lessee, Roger W. Morgan."

DR government blamed for storm deaths

Caribbean360.com: "Authorities in the Dominican Republic are being blamed for causing the deaths of at least 20 people after Tropical Storm Olga. About two dozen people were reported to have drowned in flood waters but residents say the government deliberately flooded villages. They said that the authorities opened six flood gates to a dam and gave them little warning."

Joint Group to be set-up in January to prevent recurrence of incursions-Minister Insanally tells National Assembly

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY GUYANA: "Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudy Insanally yesterday reported to the National Assembly that Guyana and Venezuela have agreed to set up a joint working group to examine measures for maintaining security and stability at their borders.
This is in light of the November 15 incursion, of this country’s territory by Venezuelan military.
“After some discussion, it was agreed by both sides that a joint working group would be set up in early January to recommend measures and mechanisms to obviate the recurrence of such incidents. Therefore, A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed with the concurrence of both Governments, establishing forms of co-operation to maintain security and stability in the border areas,” Minister Insanally said."

Junior Junknaoo Parades For Family Islands

The Bahama Journal: "Minister of State for Culture Charles Maynard announced Thursday night that both the junior and senior junkanoo parades would continue until the month of February.
Minister of State for Culture Charles Maynard announced Thursday night that both the junior and senior junkanoo parades would continue until the month of February."

Editorial- Get rid of the guns

The Freeport News "The rate at which murders have been taking place in Grand Bahama lately has been scary. About five murders have taken place within the last four weeks and these chilling incidents have left many residents wondering who will be next.
From November 10 to December 7, Kenneth Lightbourne, Gifford Martin, Vincent Pedican, Ryan Wood and Julian Nicholls were all tragically killed and memories of them are painfully being treasured by their families.
In the case of Martin, Wood and Nicholls, each died because of apparent gunshot wounds. Their passing speaks volumes about the amount of guns that are present on this island."

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION FEE GOES UP FROM JANUARY 1, 2008

Grenada Broadcast - U.S. EMBASSY RELEASE: "Effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for a U.S. non-immigrant visa will increase from US$100 to US$131.

This increase allows the Department of State to recover the costs of security and other enhancements to the non-immigrant visa application process. This increase applies both to non-immigrant visas issued on machine-readable foils in passports and to border crossing cards issued to certain applicants in Mexico."

Cash registers jingle merrily on jampacked Main Street

Virgin Islands Newspaper, "ST. THOMAS - Downtown Charlotte Amalie was full of miracles on Friday night. Emancipation Garden was covered in delicate icicles. A boat flew through the harbor. Stores were so packed with shoppers that it was impossible to see the merchandise. Traffic - of people, not cars - was thick on Dronningens Gade.
But the greatest miracle of all?"

Robbery victims to sue hotel

The Jamaica Star"Eight Americans who were robbed while on vacation in Runaway Bay last year, say they have not been fully compensated for the incident and are planning to sue the owners of the resort.
The four couples visited the island in June 2006 and were expecting to have the time of their lives. Four days after they arrived and checked into the Whiffle-Tree Villa in Runaway Bay, St.Ann, however, they were robbed by three armed men."

International Officials, Haitians Differ on Economic State of Country

The Haitian Times "In recent months, international donors had given good marks to Haiti’s economic improvements. At the same time, some Haitian critics of President René Préval say his government has not done enough to lower prices in the impoverished country where three-quarters of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

'The population is dying of hunger and nobody seems to care,' said Josue Bellerive, a street sweeper in the downtown area of Port-au-Prince. 'The government should simply limit the exaggerated profit made by shopkeepers.'"

Drug traffickers lay siege to the Dominican Republic

DominicanToday.com: "SANTO DOMINGO.- The Dominican antinarcotics authorities (DNCD) seized 30 packages of cocaine or heroin after an aircraft airdropped them in the sugar cane plantation near the township Ramón Santana, San Pedro province (southeast), the fourth shipment brought on a plane in as many months."

Pirate treasure ship found off the Dominican coast

DominicanToday.com: "Santo Domingo.- Divers have discovered the wreckage of a ship once captained by one of the most legendary pirates in history near the Dominican Republic.
The wreckage of the Quedagh Merchant, which was captured by notorious pirate William Kidd in 1698 carrying treasure from East India, was found just 10 feet from the surface off Catalina Island, off the south eastern coast of the Dominican Republic."

40 dead in Caribbean tropical storm

NEWS.com.au: "The death toll from Tropical Storm Olga's Caribbean rampage rose to at least 40 people today, with all but three victims reported from the Dominican Republic.
Authorities said 12 Haitian immigrants in the north-eastern Dominican city of Castanuelas were among those killed by the storm. Rescuers said they received reports of further deaths in the area but were not immediately able to verify them."

A year after kidnapping, Vindra Naipaul-Coolman’s husband says he’s still

The Trinidad Guardian "On December 19, 2006, Vindra was kidnapped, by armed gunmen in her driveway of her Lange Park, Chaguanas, home.
Based on the pattern of blood left behind, police said that Vindra fought with her kidnappers.
Crime stoppers had posted a $100,000 reward for information leading to whereabouts. Also Lange Park residents and Chaguanas Crime Watch offered $25,000 and $10,000 respectively for any information."

Heavy rain looms -systems in place, Jagdeo says

Stabroek News: "Over the next few weeks, Guyana can expect heavy rainfall in almost every area, the Timehri Meteorological Office has said. And President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday expressed concern since there have been reports of flooding in some areas along the coast."

US issues warrant for Barry Datram -wanted on drug charge

Stabroek News: "The United States on Wednesday issued a provisional arrest warrant for West Coast Demerara businessman, Barry Datram and will soon take steps to extradite him to New York to face charges of conspiracy to export over five kilos of cocaine into that country.
Yesterday afternoon, Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton remanded the 29-year-old Ruimzeight Gardens, WCD resident to prison until Monday. Datram, also known as Kevin Mogatani or `Fatman' is one of many people here the US has on their radar for alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking."

NO CHARGE

The Nation Newspaper "NO REQUESTS FOR FEES will be made of any public patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) from now on – at least until there's a clearly stated policy.
This directive was given by the QEH board yesterday after the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) expressed its intense displeasure and dissatisfaction with the recent introduction of fee payment for public patients at the Martindale's Road, St Michael hospital."

Big oil spill on Ironshore coastline

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "MONTEGO BAY, St James - Officials of the Montego Bay Marine Park and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) were up to press time last night unable to identify the source of a big oil spill on the Ironshore coastline which, if not contained soon, could wreak havoc on marine life in the area.
'Up to this point we are still unable to identify the source of the spill,' said Roland Haye, the regional co-ordinator at the ODPEM."

'Dirty money' - Police probe legitimacy of NSWMA contractors

Jamaica Gleaner News "Payments to contractors hired to conduct the Hurricane Dean clean-up exercise have been temporarily suspended while the police conduct a probe to establish their legitimacy.
This is according to Joan Gordon-Webley, executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)."

SSB – bottomless bucket of Belize?

Amandala Online: "The Universal Health Services (UHS) debacle has taken a new and shocking turn with news that the Government of Belize has advanced a proposal for the hospital to be taken over with public funds from the coffers of the very liquid Social Security Board.

The Social Security Fund is supposed to be there for the needs of the workforce and retirees in their “Golden Years”, but the vast majority of the fund is tied up in “investments,” some of which have been the subject of public debate and scrutiny."

Community action saves nearby houses from…RAGING FIRE

Antigua Sun: "Two weeks away from Christmas, two brothers in Golden Grove have lost their home and all of their belongings in a morning fire that threatened two other homes.
At 9:40 yesterday morning, the St. John’s Fire Station responded to the fire on the Golden Grove main road, opposite the community playing field. According to Forensic Fire Investigator Whitfield Joshua, when fire officers arrived, the two-bedroom wooden house was fully engulfed with flames.
The fire also caused the electrical wire to burst, which created a dangerous situation until APUA showed up to disconnect the electricity."

Video-Reduction in crime since dismantle of some gangs

Netsurf Radio Guyana

Video--George lee-outgoing mayor Portmore

Two gang members get life sentences in Haiti for journalist's murder

Caribbean Net News: "PARIS, France (RSF/IFEX): Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has hailed Wednesday's outcome of a two-day trial before a court of assizes in the southern town of Petit-Goâve, Haiti, in which two members of a local militia known as Domi nan Bwa were given life sentences for the murder of Radio Echo 2000 journalist Brignol Lindor on 3 December 2001.

THE RAPE OF CENTRAL

Trinidad Express: "The killers living in the forest and tormenting the villages of Central Trinidad, emerged again on Wednesday to plunder and pillage.
Hours after murdering a farmer, the five men stormed a house, held two women and a man hostage and terrorised them for hours while police searched surrounding areas for them.
The women were made to cook, feed, and model for the men, while they waited for a fourth relative to come home, a police report said."

Video--George Lee--outgoing mayor Portmore

‘Parrot’ allegedly killed by police at Linden.

guyanachronicle.com "INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into how a 22-year-old Old England, Linden farmer met his death yesterday after ranks from the Guyana Police Force swooped in the area mid morning in Linden.

According to reports Police allegedly shot and killed Ronald “Parrot” Parris as he and two other colleagues were carrying out tests on the engine of a boat in the community of Old England.

Reports are that the young man was allegedly shot as he and his two friends were about to board the boat as a party of policemen arrived in the area and allegedly opened fire resulting in Parris being fatally shot.

The dead man’s body was retrieved from the Demerara River by relatives and friends who had gathered at the scene hurling abuse at the ranks for what they felt was cold blooded murder of an innocent man."

Freeport’s Economic Boost

The Bahama Journal: "FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – An expansion of the Freeport Container Port is set to pump $585 million into Grand Bahama’s economy and generate 300 additional jobs, according to officials, who broke ground on the 35-acre site on Thursday.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, cabinet ministers, and executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and shipping industry were at the groundbreaking ceremony of the $250 million phase five expansion at the Container Port."

Bullet a symbol of ugly election

The Bermuda Sun "The mailing of a bullet to Premier Dr. Ewart Brown signals a new low in an election campaign already marred by open hostility, lies and dirty tricks, observers say.

Reaction to the incident is predictably polarized - with Brown supporters reeling in disgust and sceptics daring to suggest the whole thing was a stunt to buy sympathy for an under-fire Premier.

Whatever the origins of the bullet might be, police are taking the matter seriously and security has been beefed up around the Premier. The jury is out on how it might play out"

Ish, Steve lose

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "BUSINESSMEN Ishwar Galbaran-singh and Steve Ferguson moved one step closer to being extradited to the United States to face fraud charges after they lost their judicial review case in the Court of Appeal yesterday.
But their lawyers are considering appealing to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council although extradition cases have not found favour with the British Law Lords."

The Trinidad Guardian -Online Edition Ver 2.0

The Trinidad Guardian "Former prime minister Basdeo Panday, his wife Oma and former works and transport minister Carlos John will stand trial before a judge and jury on bribery charges as the committal caution was read to them yesterday.

The order for trial, however, was not formally read as the fourth accused, businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh, indicated that he wanted to call witnesses in his defence.
The accused were made to sign the committal form.

When Magistrate Ejenny Espinet asked if he had anything to say in answer to the charge, Panday, the Opposition Leader and co-leader of the UNC-Alliance, said: “This charge is totally false and politically instituted."

FIRED!

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "The five members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) were early yesterday morning cashiered on the instruction of Prime Minister Bruce Golding in a move that pre-empted a scheduled mid-morning court action by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller to prevent the dismissals.
Both King's House and Jamaica House confirmed through separate press releases yesterday that the members - Daisy Coke, Michael Fennell, Edwin Jones, Pauline Findlay, and Alfred Sangster - were issued letters of termination by Governor-General Sir Kenneth Hall."

'Virtually illiterate' - Students' performance in core CSEC subjects appalling

Jamaica Gleaner News "Jamaican students continue to underperform in core subjects in the main regional assessment examination - the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) - after five years in high school, causing at least one education advocate to describe the results as appalling.
According to an analysis of the 2007 CSEC results, conducted by Dr. Ralph Thompson, education advocate and businessman, 89 per cent of students in non-traditional high schools failed English language, while 37 per cent of their peers in traditional high schools also failed the subject."

Mazaruni River Businessman dies after boats collide

Stabroek News: "Tragedy struck in the Mazaruni River on Wednes-day night when two speed boats collided not far from the riverain community of Bartica resulting in the death of a city businessman.
Dead is 41-year-old Bobby John Rafferty of Lot 3884 South Ruimveldt and the owner of Rafferty Engineering, Building and Spare Parts Service. The other passengers who were in the boat with Rafferty were injured."

After the deaths, Dominicans count Olga's damages to crops

DominicanToday.com: "VALVERDE, Dominican Republic. – Millions in losses to agriculture and livestock, at least three people missing, more than 500 homes damaged and around 300 families evacuated were the grim totals so far Thursday morning from the flooding as a swollen North Yaque river passed though this northwestern province. Meanwhile, as the waters began entering the community Hatillo Palma on dawn Thursday, senator Hans Vieluf said most residents in areas prone to floods had already been taken to different shelters. “All this makes one suppose that the floods will be the most dramatic in this zone’s history.' This morning Civil Defense PR chief Yesmin Simon said evacuated families were taken to the La Barranquita sports complex, as their homes were flooded when the North Yaque, the Amina and Arroyo de Mao overflowed their banks. "

Video;keith Hinds...Mayor Elect...Portmore

for more of these videos please visit http://www.youtube.com/brianmax4438

Video-police call for opening of night court to help with cases

Netsurfradio

Video-JLP'S ED BARTLETT TACKLES GAY TOURIST ISSUE FOR JAMAICA.

'How we intercepted bullet'

The Bermuda Sun : "A bullet and threatening letter addressed to Premier Ewart Brown was intercepted by chance just before being delivered to his home address. An envelope containing the bullet, which was taped to a short letter, was discovered at the airport's sorting office right at the last minute. A female postal worker only opened the envelope because it had been accidentally ripped; she was sorting the letters into postal areas when she spotted the torn envelope addressed to Dr. Brown. The letter had already been through the stamping machine - looking back, postal workers say they were lucky the bullet wasn't detonated by the process. The envelope had been posted in Bermuda and was addressed to Dr. Brown at Gombey House in A. P. Owen Road, Devonshire, where he lives with his wife Wanda. Security has now been stepped up as police try to protect the Premier in the run up to next week's election."

Residents warned: Beware rising waters

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"RESIDENTS in the vicinity of the Caroni, Caparo and St Joseph Rivers are being asked to be extremely cautious and vigilant due to the rising water levels along these rivers. In a release, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Manage-ment (ODPM) cautioned against the “elevated water levels” and advised residents in low-lying areas to move to higher grounds if flooding was imminent. This comes after the Meteorological Service reported that Trinidad and Tobago experienced “prolonged periods of rainfall which were heavy at times” over a 12-hour period from Tuesday evening and Wednes-day morning. The release also revealed that the ODPM received several reports of minor flooding in some areas. "

Two months after Molotov cocktail attack-Teenage girl passes away

The Trinidad Guardian "In her final waking moments, 17-year-old Tamee Gajadharsingh finally felt relief. Relief from the pain which had ravaged her petite body for the past two months. The teenager—who suffered 79 per cent first-degree burns about her body after a molotov cocktail was thrown on her Bamboo Village, Valsayn, home, on October 11—died around 3.40 am at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mt Hope, yesterday. As her eyes fluttered for the last time, Gajadharsingh told nurses that she saw a bright light and a beautiful, smiling lady appeared at her bedside. "

Ambulance damaged by jet blast outside PJIA

thedailyherald.com: "PHILIPSBURG--An emergency vehicle of St. Maarten Emergency Services EMS suffered damage to one of its front doors and glass windows on Monday from the jet blast of a departing aircraft at Princess Juliana International Airport. According to reports, the ambulance had just come from the Beacon Hill area where it had responded to an emergency and was transporting a patient to St. Maarten Medical Center when the incident occurred. "

CRIME WATCH ... Prime minister focusses on illegal activities in budget speech

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "Crime-related matters were one of the major areas of focus when Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Denzil Douglas presented the 2008 Budget yesterday. The PM said, “The present unacceptable situation with respect to crime requires that the capacity of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs be continually strengthened so that justice can be swift and effective….” and that area has therefore been allocated $6,561,000 representing an increase of $471,000 or 7.7% over the allocation for 2007. “The present unacceptable situation with respect to crime requires that the capacity of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs be continually strengthened so that justice can be swift and effective. "

Edghill flays police over pastor murder investigation

Stabroek News: "Amidst an outpouring of grief Pastor Ian David who was shot execution style in his Hadfield Street church one week ago was laid to rest yesterday but not before a scathing attack by Bishop Juan Edghill on the police investigation. There have been suggestions that Pastor David was executed over a private matter and that robbery was not the motive. The police are said to be looking at all angles. Following two elaborate sermons the 41-year-old pastor was buried at Le Repentir Cemetery late yesterday. "

Former MPs’ Hefty Pensions

The Bahama Journal: "Thirteen former parliamentarians are each collecting more than $40,000 in pension annually – some of them nearly $50,000 – according to a document tabled by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham in the House of Assembly Tuesday night. The document also shows that a current MP – Edison Key – is being paid just over $1,000 in pension every month, as he previously served as a member of parliament and a senator. The Bahama Journal was unsuccessful in reaching Mr. Key on Wednesday to ask whether he is also collecting his MP’s salary of $28,000. The prime minister tabled the information, noting that much had been made about his pension as a former prime minister by several former MPs."

People Affected by Violence and Abuse Hang Their Issues on the Line

St. Croix Source: "Women and men wrote, painted and drew personal messages about the impact of domestic violence and sexual abuse on themselves, family members and loved ones in a workshop Wednesday evening at the Alice S. Pfaelzer Children's Center in Christiansted. The shirts are part of Project Clothesline, a nationwide and now international and pan-Caribbean project. Community activist V. Celeste Fahie led the private and confidential workshop. 'It is airing the dirty laundry,' Fahie said. 'It is a cleansing process. It is not just for victims of domestic abuse, but survivors and family members and those who love them.' "

MegaMart bypasses JPS

Sunday Herald "The management of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has remained silent on the discovery of illegal power connections at two outlets of local retail giants, MegaMart, recently. The discovery of state-of-the art bypass equipment by agents from the power company’s revenue department could cost MegaMart, owned by well-known businessman and chairman of Jamaica Trade & Invest (formerly Jampro), Gassan Azan, millions of dollars, sources say. According to sources, the sophisticated equipment with timing devices which were found installed at the Waterloo Road and Portmore branches, diverted electricity from meters between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily for close to three years. Informed sources told the Sunday Herald that the discoveries were made by a team of police personnel in the company of managers and technicians from the JPS, during an operation at MegaMart Portmore last Tuesday."

Tropical Depression OLGA Public Advisory

National Hurricane Center "...OLGA DEGENERATING INTO A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WITH A FEW SQUALLS... AT 1000 PM EST...0300Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION OLGA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 77.6 WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES...130 KM...NORTHWEST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA AND ABOUT 235 MILES ...380 KM...EAST OF GRAND CAYMAN. THE DEPRESSION HAS SLOWED DOWN AND IS NOW MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 13 MPH...21 KM/HR. THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS."

Portia takes Bruce to court

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "A suit filed by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, challenging Prime Minister Bruce Golding's decision to dismiss the current members of the Public Service Commission (PSC), is scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court today. The suit, which named the prime minister as first defendant, was filed by the opposition leader following Golding's decision to proceed, contrary to her disapproval, with the issuance of a directive to Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall instructing the dismissal of the PSC members on the grounds of misbehaviour."

Azan resigns - MegaMart boss steps down from Jamaica Trade and Invest

Jamaica Gleaner News"Gassan Azan, head of the MegaMart stores, last night stepped down as chairman of Jamaica Trade and Invest in the wake of revelations that electricity bypass equipment, which interrupts the recording of the consumption of electricity supplied by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), was found at two of his stores. Mr. Azan's resignation comes following calls from the Opposition People's National Party for him to step down as chairman, noting that his ability to continue had been seriously compromised by this disclosure."

$750m LOSS

The Nation Newspaper "CAN YOU IMAGINE how many houses could have been built with $750 million? That was the question Leader of the Opposition David Thompson posed last night while charging that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) had chalked up $750 million in project cost overruns during its administration. "

Tropical Storm Olga batters Haiti

Tropical Storm Olga has left up to 12 people dead in the Dominican Republic, and one dead in Haiti after drenching the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and moving west towards Cuba. The toll could rise because Dominican Republic authorities said many people were still missing after the storm hit on Wednesday. Flooding has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The latest disaster came on the heels of Hurricane Noel, which caused more than 100 deaths in the Caribbean in October.

Portia and the new Jamaica

Trinidad and Tobago Express "NOW that the People's National Party (PNP) has been soundly defeated in both the September 3 general election and the December 5 local government election, this brings into sharp focus the political future of its President and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller. And the recent Bill Johnson polls which showed her popularity plunging by some nine points provided further fodder for her detractors who feel that it is time she contemplates riding off into the sunset. The potent question, therefore, is: 'What shall we do with Sister P?' "

Olga kills eight in Caribbean

Herald Sun: "TROPICAL Storm Olga, a rare December cyclone, left eight people dead in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico overnight as pounding rains triggered major floods and landslides. In the Dominican Republic, rescuers found numerous people clinging to trees or perched on their rooftops as floodwaters rose, according to the governor of Santiago province, Jose Izquierdo. The northern city of Santiago, the country's second largest, was the worst hit, after floodwaters breached a dam overnight."

Video-JLP'S MONTAQUE AND WARMINGTON APOLOLGISE! DEC.11.07

Video-another child molestor

Tropical Storm Olga Soaks Caribbean

ABC News: "Tropical Storm Olga began to weaken slightly as it left the Dominican Republic and headed into Haiti on Wednesday, but heavy rains forced the evacuation of low-lying areas. The rare December cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and forecasters warned it could trigger dangerous floods by dumping as much as 10 inches of rain on Hispaniola, the island shared by the two countries."

Man on way to see sick wife dies in crash -vehicle ran into parked truck

Stabroek News: "A forestry worker is dead and two others are in critical condition after the vehicle they were travelling in slammed into the back of an unlit truck parked at the shoulder of the road at Dora on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway last evening. Dead is Paul Teixeira, 45, of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. Workers at the Guyana Forestry Commission said that Teixeira, who was stationed at Lethem, was returning to Georgetown to be with his wife who is in a critical condition at the hospital. Those injured in the crash and in critical condition up to press time last night are Brian Roberts, 32, of Mocha, East Bank Demerara and Kitty resident Sean Alves. "

Gun went click click

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "A 25-YEAR-OLD man told a jury yesterday how he was unlawfully picked up by seven to eight soldiers in Morvant nearly three years ago and taken to Lady Chancellor Hill in St Clair, where he was beaten. Kwesi Hackett of Poinsettia Extension, Morvant said one of the soldiers pushed a gun in his mouth and then he heard, ‘click, click, click.’ “I was begging for my life, ah thought ah was dead. I was scared for my life,” Hackett told the court. "

Caregiver apologises for baby’s fall

The Trinidad Guardian "“I feel sorry for what has happened to baby Shania. It has left me emotionally and physically distraught. It’s so unfortunate. As long as I live this is something I will never forget.” These were the sentiments expressed yesterday, by the woman in whose care baby Shania Small was left when she fell from an apartment building on George Street in Port-of-Spain last Thursday, and landed some 30 feet to the ground, sustaining injuries to her body. The child is now warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Shania had been left in the care of an eight-year-old mentally-challenged boy and a 14- year-old South East Government Secondary School student. "

COUNT US OUT

The Nation Newspaper "THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) yesterday announced an indefinite boycott of both Houses of Parliament. Instead of Parliament, it is taking its case and agenda to the streets, with a major highlight being a public meeting in National Heroes Square tonight. 'We are on the street. The Government, for the time being, can keep the Parliament,' Opposition Leader David Thompson said yesterday. The boycott is the latest move in a dispute the Opposition has with Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ishmael Roett, after heated sessions in the House of Assembly, culminating in a walkout. "

St Lucia ready to dance to piper’s new tune!

St. Lucia Star Online "As far as EPA negotiations go, it seems unlikely that any of the attempts by regional pressure groups: rallies, concerts and protests, all intended to prevent premature signing of new trade agreements, have resulted or will result in any change of position by the EU in terms of a deadline extension for the EPA. "

Tropical Storm OLGA Public Advisory

National Hurricane center "...CENTER OF OLGA MOVING INTO HAITI...HEAVY RAIN THREAT CONTINUES... A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF HISPANIOLA FROM CABO ENGANO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS HAITI. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM CABO ENGANO TO PUNTA PALENQUE. THESE WARNINGS AND WATCHES WILL LIKELY BE DISCONTINUED LATER TODAY. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF EASTERN CUBA TODAY. INTERESTS IN JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF OLGA."

Warmington bows! - Letter of apology submitted, but not signed

Jamaica Gleaner News "Everald Warmington, Minister of State for Housing and Water, has yielded to public pressure and apologised for disturbing statements he made while on the campaign trail in the run-up to the December 5 local government election. In a release late yesterday, Mr. Warmington said his remarks at a public rally were improper and contrary to 'the principles and policies of the party and government of which I am a member'. "

The Buchanan shuffle

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Donald Buchanan, the irascible general-secretary of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP), yesterday sidestepped the issue of his status in the party even as highly placed insiders insisted that he had tendered his resignation. 'I have been hearing that news all day long, but it is the first and last time that you will ask me that,' he told the Observer, adding that the 'news was merely speculation'."

Video-Louis Cesar updates us on Subtropical Storm OLGA and how it could affect the Turks and Caicos

Caribbean leaders propose measures to combat rising food prices

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "Several measures have been proposed by Caricom leaders by which implementation would address mounting food prices which are being fuelled by a number of factors including rising oil prices; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, and the shift in agricultural production from food to bio fuels. Measures that were outlined to mitigate the effects of price increases at the 12th special meeting of Caricom heads of government in Guyana last Friday include a pledge to proceed urgently with the transformation of agriculture, particularly the Jagdeo initiative. "

New twist in supermarket shooting. Will guard face charges?

St. Lucia Star Online "On the surface, it seemed a pretty simple, cut and dried case: a man who attempted to rob a city supermarket while armed with a gun was chased by a security guard after he fled the premises. A scuffle ensued. The suspect ends up shot in his thigh and elsewhere in his lower torso. The man is taken to hospital where he succumbs a few hours later. Simple right? The security guard was merely doing his job. The other man was armed. You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Simple. Well, not so simple, it turns out.

REGGAE BRAWL …Photographer takes a beating from security, cops

Antigua Sun: "The theme of Sunday night’s Peace and Unity Concert held at Miller’s By the Sea and put on by Staying Alive Promotions was severely compromised, after an Antiguan entertainer was rushed to the Holberton Hospital with wounds allegedly inflicted by several police officers. Thirty-three-year-old Kobla “Promise” Mentor of Yorks is a patient on Edwards Ward, nursing a broken left jawbone, swollen and inflamed left eye and numerous cuts and bruises.

Subtropical Storm Olga Weakens, Threatens Haiti With Floods and Landslides

FOXNews.com "MIAMI — Subtropical Storm Olga weakened slightly as it lashed the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Tuesday, but forecasters feared its heavy rains could trigger flash floods and mudslides by the time it reaches Haiti. At 7 a.m. EST, Olga was centered over the waters west of Puerto Rico, about 45 miles east of Cabo Engano in the Dominican Republic. It was moving toward the west at 15 mph, the National Hurricane Center said."

Antigua eyes big win over US

BBCCaribbean.com "Antigua and Barbuda is talking up its chances of another successful ruling in its internet gaming dispute with the United States. A World Trade Organisation panel is expected to rule on Friday. Mark Mendel, a lawyer for the government in St John's, says it expects a big damage award. "

DEMS' D-DAY

The Nation Newspaper : "WILL THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) Members of Parliament (MPs) be attending Parliament this morning? That's the question on the lips of Barbadians up to press time last night. DLP MPs were in a special meeting to decide whether or not they would participate in today's debate in the House of Assembly. On Sunday night, Opposition Leader and DLP president David Thompson said he would meet with his colleagues to determine the next course of action. "

'I'm sorry'

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Local Government State Minister Robert 'Bobby' Montague yesterday apologised for offensive comments he made on a political platform in the run-up to the December 5 Local Government Elections after coming under heavy criticism that mushroomed last weekend into a call from an election observer group for his dismissal from the political directorate. 'In retrospect, I acknowledge that my utterances have not only embarrassed the Government and the Jamaica Labour Party, but also run counter to the vision of consensus-building and good governance articulated by the prime minister,' Montague said in a statement after emerging from a meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding."

Subtropical Storm OLGA Public Advisory

National Hurricane Centre "A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM CABO ENGANO WESTWARD TO BAHIO DE MANZANILLO AT THE BORDER WITH HAITI...AND A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM CABO ENGANO TO PUNTA PALENQUE SOUTHWEST OF SANTO DOMINGO. INTERESTS IN HAITI SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF OLGA...ESPECIALLY DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. AT 500 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF SUBTROPICAL STORM OLGA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 67.0 WEST OR ABOUT 60 MILES... 95 KM...WEST OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO AND ABOUT 190 MILES... 305 KM...EAST OF SANTO DOMINGO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. OLGA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 17 MPH...28 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT DAY OR SO. ON THIS TRACK THE CENTER OF OLGA WILL MOVE AWAY FROM PUERTO RICO LATER THIS MORNING...AND NEAR OR OVER HISPANIOLA THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS EXPECTED BEFORE OLGA REACHES THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...BUT WEAKENING IS FORECAST THEREAFTER AS OLGA INTERACTS WITH THE TERRAIN OF HISPANIOLA."

Cuba: Spain Twists Human Rights

Madrid, Dec 10 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban embassy denounced in Madrid the manipulation of this island's record in human rights.
The Cuban embassy to Spain pointed out in a communique published on the Day of Human Rights that those enemies of the Revolution are the same as those who started wars like Iraq and killed hundreds of thousands of innocent victims.
They are the ones who keep in secret the concentration camp of U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, the oldest existing U.S. military base outside US territory, it adds.
They allow torture, internationally carried out by the CIA, and the secret flights of that US institution over Cuban territories.

Chinese business delegation visits Dominica

The Dominican.net: "The Commonwealth of Dominica is seeking to deepen and broaden areas of cooperation with the People’s Republic of China following the visit of a fifteen member delegation from Guangdong Province in China. The delegation which is led by Director General of Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, Mr. Fu Lang, arrived on island a little over a week ago. "

Gangster cops - Montego Bay police involved in criminal activities - McGreggor -

Jamaica Gleaner News "Superintendent of Police Steve McGreggor says it would be foolhardy for Jamaicans to believe that some members of the St. James police are not involved in criminal activities. 'It would be foolhardy to think that there won't be some police who are involved, even intimately involved in bandoolo or as much as criminal activity, but you need to have the evidence to take action against them,' said McGreggor, the divisional commander for St. James."

Academy team sings praises of bush medicine, takes top prize

The Daily Herald: "CAY HILL--St. Maarten Academy students impressed the judges Sunday as they sang the praises of bush medicine and advocated that in reviving the island territory’s culture, the importance and relevance of bush medicine should be given greater priority. Their performance as they convincingly drove home their point that bush medicine was much better than conventional medicine in curing certain ailments placed them in the winner’s seat at the Sixth Annual Interscholastic Panel Discussion held at the Belair Community Centre and with “Reviving Our Culture” as the theme. "

AG wants youth facility

Cay Compass News Online "Government is actively looking at building a dedicated juvenile justice facility to ensure children do not wind up in adult jails, says Attorney General Sam Bulgin. Responding to a recent Cayman Islands Human Rights Committee report criticising the detention of children – particularly young girls – in adult prisons, Mr. Bulgin said a secure residential school focusing on educational and corrective outcomes is needed."

Cuba deports 8 Spaniards for joining demonstration

Boston.com: "HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba deported eight Spanish women on Monday who took part in a dissident protest for the release of political prisoners, a Spanish diplomat said. more stories like thisCuban authorities seized their passports and airline tickets and told them to stay in their hotels after they took part on Sunday in a march by Cuban women demanding the release of their husbands and sons jailed for political reasons. 'They told us they were coming for us later to expel us,' the spokeswoman for the group, Barcelona city councilor Francina Vila, told reporters."

Subtropical storm Olga hits Puerto Rico

USATODAY.com: "MIAMI (AP) — Subtropical Storm Olga lashed the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Tuesday and forecasters feared it could trigger flash floods and mud slides by the time it reaches Haiti. At 4 a.m. ET, the Olga's center was about 60 miles west of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and about 190 miles east of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It was moving toward the west at 17 mph and was to be near or over the Dominican Republic later Tuesday without a change in strength, the National Hurricane Center said. Olga has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 200 miles. Some additional slow strengthening may be possible before the center reaches the Dominican Republic, forecasters said."

Water Worries

water disruption at Rose hall town

Haitians struggle with rising costs despite gains

Yahoo! Canada News: "PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - While international donors have praised Haiti's recent economic improvements, some Haitians say President Rene Preval's government has not done enough to lower prices in the impoverished country where three-quarters of the population lives on less than $2 a day. 'The population is dying of hunger and nobody seems to care,' said Josue Bellerive, a street sweeper in the downtown area of Port-au-Prince. 'The government should simply limit the exaggerated profit made by shopkeepers.'"

Dominican consumers spared electricity rate rise

DominicanToday.com: "Santo Domingo.- The Electricity Superintendence is promising that it will not pass on recent increases in the cost of generating electricity to the consumer, and will keep electricity rates stable this December. According to a statement from the government body, customers will not be subject to increased charges for their electricity supply, although generation costs have gone up due to the price rise in fuel oil number 6, which has gone up by 11.70% from US$57 to US$63.6 in recent months."

Drug link seen in kidnap, fatal shoot-out

Stabroek News: "An explosive shoot-out on Saturday in the Pomeroon which resulted in the death of a Venezuelan man and the arrest of another after they kidnapped a mother and a child is believed to be linked to drugs, a statement from the Guyana Police Force last evening said. 'Police are of the view that this incident is drug related as one of the men involved is identified as being involved in drug-related activities,' the police statement said. The mother and child were freed from a house after the shoot-out and the police were yesterday still hunting for other suspects in the case. "

Poor safety blamed for worker’s death

The Trinidad Guardian "A contract worker fell more than 15 feet to his death from a platform he was walking on at a catalyst unit at Petrotrin’s Pointe-a-Pierre refinery. The worker, of St Clair & St Clair Contractors, has been identified as 50-year-old Finbar Adonis, of Gasparillo, who was commissioned by Petrotrin to do maintenance work. He fell as he was about to conduct repair works on the unit, sources said. "

COPS GET TOUGH

Trinidad Express "IN AN effort to stem the trend of losing almost half of its criminal cases in the magistrates' courts, the Police Service has beefed up its anti-crime arsenal, with a team of highly trained prosecutors ready to battle skilled defence attorneys in the courtroom. "

No shoot-out in my church

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "ROMAN CATHOLIC Priest Garfield Rochard has pleaded with one of his parishioners who witnessed two murders recently to stay away from the compound to avoid the killers coming to the church to engage in a shoot-out. Rochard stunned parishioners at his Sunday morning mass at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval yesterday, not to give weapons or assistance to this witness. "

Gang has police hit list

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Police in St James are on high alert after receiving information that a notorious gang based in the parish have compiled a list of cops who they have marked for death. Assistant commissioner in charge of the Major Investigation Task Force, Les Green, yesterday confirmed that the Stone Crusher Gang, which has been blamed for a series of murders and other violent incidents in Montego Bay and its environs since last year, has masterminded the hit list."

Montego Bay outlaw killed

Jamaica Gleaner News "A MAN believed to be one of Jamaica's 12 most wanted criminals was fatally shot and three others taken into custody following a police-military operation at Rosemount Gardens in Montego Bay late yesterday. Up to press time, there was no official disclosure of the deceased man's identity, but The Gleaner understands that he is Gerado 'Rado' Taylor, one of the island's most notorious outlaws. A reward of $1 million was offered for each of the men. Three illegal firearms - a rifle and two handguns - were allegedly recovered."

| A FORCE AT SEA

The Nation Newspaper "BARBADOS IS HELPING its neighbours fight drug smuggling on the high seas. Attorney-General Dale Marshall said yesterday during the commissioning of the Barbados Coast Guard's newest patrol vessel, the 42-metre long (around 12 feet) Rudyard Lewis, that some of the other islands had 'no capacity' to fight the scourge of the illicit trade. "

Turks & Caicos Crime Stoppers aim to stop illegal human trafficing in the TCI

CARICOM---ACTION ON TWO FRONTS

guyanachronicle "BRIDGETOWN--Caribbean Community Heads of Government have decided on immediate action on two important fronts--rising cost of living and new trade and economic relations with the European Union. The decisions resulted from tense working sessions at which tempers flared, at both plenary and caucus levels, during a day-long 12th special meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government at the National Conference Centre in Guyana."

Murder #75 in Freeport

The Nassau Guardian "A pre dawn shooting in the Eight Mile Rock Community has left one man dead and police in search of his assailant. According to Press Liaison Officer Loretta Mackey, around 3:42 a.m. on Friday, police responded to a call to the Old Friendship Shopping Centre in Eight Mile Rock where a male was discovered lying down in the parking lot bleeding from the head area. 'He was transported to the Accident and Emergency Section of the Rand Memorial Hospital where he was treated by a medical team for his injury,' she said. "

PM outlines plans to strengthen Public Service

Searchlight Newspaper : "The IMF in 2006 suggested that some public servants should be laid off, but this country’s Prime Minister is doing the opposite. The government plans to hire 246 new public servants in 2008.

Editorial-Earthquake preparedness

The Daily Herald Newspaper Online "The severity of last week Thursday’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake off Martinique that rocked the entire eastern Caribbean and sent quivers through places as far south as Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana is still very much a talking point throughout the region. That is a good thing, for the quake, its tremors and aftershocks have combined to provide a wakeup call for the entire region, which is not very familiar with the ravages often wrought by earthquakes"

Three-month killing spree

Sunday Herald: "Statistically, the 445 recorded murders between September and November of this year is the highest over the corresponding periods since 1999. Four hundred and twenty one murders recorded over the three-month period in 2004 was the second highest. Investigators are not sure of the motive for the escalation of murders. However, some cited increased cases of reprisals, while others attributed increased robberies, which often end in the death of victims. Before 6:00 p.m. yesterday, police recorded six murders around the island for the day, including that of a prominent businessman in Linstead, who was gunned down while opening his business place."

Seven pirates arrested

::KAIETEUR NEWS::: "Surinamese law enforcement officers have reportedly busted a gang of pirates suspected of creating widespread terror along the coasts of Guyana and Suriname . Six Guyanese and one Surinamese national, who is said to be born in Guyana , were arrested between Wednesday and yesterday in that country, Kaieteur News understands. All the suspects were said to be fishermen. Surinamese law enforcement officers have reportedly busted a gang of pirates suspected of creating widespread terror along the coasts of Guyana and Suriname . Six Guyanese and one Surinamese national, who is said to be born in Guyana , were arrested between Wednesday and yesterday in that country, Kaieteur News understands. All the suspects were said to be fishermen. "

Education office in turmoil?

The Freeport News "Senior Ministry of Education officials in Grand Bahama were tight-lipped yesterday on reports that the Ministry's Freeport office was experiencing problems and was in need of an overhaul. An article published on page one of the Tuesday's Tribune newspaper, titled 'Call for a revamp of Ministry's Freeport HQ,' claimed that 'political tribalism and familiar relationships between employees' are causing major problems at the Freeport office. "

Man killed in home invasion robbery off Skyline Drive

Virgin Islands: "ST. THOMAS - Masked intruders broke into a home on a quiet St. Joseph & Rosendal street Friday morning and fatally stabbed a 60-year-old man in his bedroom. Police officers responding to a report of a home invasion robbery off Skyline Drive found a gardner tied up on the property, and a woman inside the bedroom with the slain man, St. Thomas Police Chief Rodney Querrard said at the crime scene. The woman was not physically harmed, Querrard said. "

Case of Cuban Five Shows Double Morals of US Government

Cuban News Agency "Alarcon told participants that the Bush Administration is keeping five Cuban antiterrorist fighters imprisoned in violation of all laws and with no reason whatsoever while it gives shelter to self-confessed terrorists such as Luis Posada Carriles. The trade union leaders described the incarceration of Rene Gonzalez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Gerardo Hernandez and Fernando Gonzalez - internationally known as the Cuban Five, who infiltrated anti-Cuba terrorist groups in South Florida - as a serious violation of human rights"

Airlines looking at extra security measures to thwart drug mules

Stabroek News: "The plastic wrapping of passengers' baggage and extra security are some of the measures international airlines servicing Guyana have been looking at in order to thwart drug smugglers. While the smuggling of drugs, particularly cocaine, has for years been a bugbear at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, recently drug barons have employed airport personnel to place their illegal cargo in passengers' bags. While some of these have been discovered before the flights left, others have made it to their destinations before being uncovered. Airlines face punitive fines when drugs are found to have been transported on their planes. "

McKenley's final race draws praise and pain

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "THE sharp hoot of the whistle was missing. There was no clap of the starter's gun and no roar from the stadium crowd, but Jamaican Olympian Herb McKenley's final race across the sands of time yesterday was no less legendary than the first which brought him fame. Hundreds of Jamaicans, many of them men whom he had trained to run like the wind, yesterday paid their last respects to the track legend in a star-studded official funeral at the National Arena in Kingston."

Break the silence! Talk to authorities, citizens urged, Rival gangs brokering deals that keep residents from testifying

Jamaica Gleaner News : "Rival gangs are brokering deals - even from behind bars - to enforce the culture of silence that mitigates the crime-fighting efforts of the police and the apprehension of criminals. It is a situation that has baffled the police, who are struggling to get citizens to 'tell them what they know'."

Govt must heed court decision on Caroni

The Trinidad Guardian "Cabinet could face contempt of court charges if the Government fails to implement the decision of the Supreme Court to award former Caroni Ltd workers their agricultural and residential lands. So says attorney and UNC MP for Tabaquite Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, who is also head of the T&T Civil Rights Association. High Court judge Lennox Deyalsingh said on Friday that the Government must deliver the land in six months’ time. Deyalsingh said that the promise to lease the land had been made since 2003, and up to mid-year, not a single lease had been granted. "

Tainted toys in TT

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"Toys recalled by US toy manufacturer Mattel which have prompted a public reaction by concerned parents all over the world, are still stocked on shelves at some of Trinidad and Tobago’s toy stores. Sunday Newsday visited several stores and discovered that several Mattel toys that were recalled because they were found to contain dangerously high levels of leadpaint are on sale. Yesterday store owners distanced themselves from the tainted toys, some denying that they were on their shelves. However, a check yesterday, revealed that the toys were still there."

BETTER WATCH OUT!

The Nation Newspaper : "MOTORISTS who flout the law had better watch out – the long arm of the law will soon be catching up with you. If you are one of those involved in illegal car racing late at night and into the wee morning hours, beware. Or if you are among those driving about an uninsured vehicle without paying your road tax, or with an expired driving licence, get your house in order this minute because time is about to run out. "

Strike: ANGLEC And Workers Differ On Profit Sharing

The Anguillian Newspaper: "A disagreement between employees and the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) Board, over a demand for five percent of profits as a bonus, which resulted in a strike by some workers, is still unresolved although the employees have returned to work. The strike occurred on Thursday, November 29, when workers, bearing placards, converged outside the company’s Administrative Building in The Quarter and remained there throughout the day, attracting much attention from the public. "

Police Report On Offences In Anguilla

The Anguillian Newspaper: "Police arrested three persons in Anguilla over the past week, according to Inspector Alice Proctor. One of them was a juvenile female, whose arrest was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. Another person was arrested for possession of a small amount of cannabis. The other arrest was for suspicion of theft. Three burglaries were reported in The Valley, Rey Hill and South Hill and there were three thefts in Stoney Ground, Sandy Island and West End. There was one case of forgery and one case of criminal damage to a car. "

Cuba Satisfied with CARICOM Links

Insidecostarica.com: "The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MINREX) of Cuba states Friday in a declaration its deep satisfaction with the friendship, respect and cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). By celebrating the Cuba-Caricom Day December 8, the island feels a great confidence in the continuous and subsequent development of those exemplary ties, which have been greatly multiplied, the text stresses. Published by 'Granma' newspaper, the document recalls that tomorrow marks the 35th anniversary of the moment in which Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago decided to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba."

Aruba officials mull closure of Holloway case

USATODAY.com: "SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Aruba's chief prosecutor said he might finally close the case of missing American teenager Natalee Holloway after a lengthy investigation that was labeled as botched in its early stages and has never led to anyone being formally charged. Hans Mos told The Associated Press Friday he will drop the case unless prosecutors agree before the New Year that they have strong enough evidence to go to court."

St Kitts-Nevis gets 7,000 barrels of diesel from Venezuela

Caribbean Net News: "BASSETERRE, St Kitta (CUOPM): St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas said Thursday that the Venezuela PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement recognises the need for urgent assistance in the fight of Caribbean societies to cope with the high price of fuel and the need to urgently transform Caribbean societies. "

BREAD UP

The Nation Newspaper "AS BARBADIANS anticipate Government's stated drop in food prices, Purity Bakeries is about to raise mark-ups on bread and pastries for the second time in just over a year. Purity, the country's main bakery, will increase its prices from next Thursday by between four and eight per cent as a result of the recent massive hike in local flour. "

Barbados for death penalty

The Nation Newspaper "BARBADOS HAS VOTED against a move at the United Nations to temporarily stop state executions worldwide. Although Barbados hasn't executed any convicted killers for about 20 years, the country, according to its Ambassador Dr Chris Hackett, opposed the European-led resolution in the Third Committee of the General Assembly because it believed the death penalty was a national issue to be decided by individual sovereign states and should not be forced by those countries, especially European nations which have abolished the death penalty. "

Manslayer gets three years

Advocate: "THE killing of a 53-year-old man on Baxter s Road, City five years ago was brutal and horrific, according to a High Court judge. In handing down a three-year sentence yesterday on manslayer, 30-year-old Sha Elton King for the offence, Mr. Justice William Chandler, told him that it was laudable that he left school at 15 years-old and worked in various areas to help his family, but it was lamentable that he abused marijuana. "

Cuyuni invasion Govt will not wait much longer for Venezuelan response-Insanally

Stabroek News: "The Guyana government will not wait much longer for a response from Venezuela in relation to the invasion of this country's Cuyuni waters on November 15 by the Venezuelan military. Speaking with the media at the Guyana International Convention Centre, Liliendaal yesterday prior to the start of the Special Heads of Government Conference of Caricom, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudy Insanally said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be in touch with his Venezuelan counterpart as Guyana would not be waiting 'much longer' for a response and would soon be reviewing the situation. "

Man shot, decapitated

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"A MAN, who up to late yesterday, remained unidentified was shot through the head and neck before being decapitated by two men who also chopped two other men and set a house alight during an early morning rampage in rural Carapo, Arima, yesterday. And while the search continues for the killers police say their initial investigations point to a case of mistaken identity. They are also asking any member of the public who can assist in identifying the dead man, to come forward. "

Judge orders Govt: Give Caroni workers their land leases

The Trinidad Guardian "High Court judge Lennox Deyalsingh has ordered the Government to grant leases to ex-Caroni (1975) Ltd workers for Caroni lands which were promised to them more than four years ago. The judge set a deadline of June 30, 2008, for the two-acre agricultural plots to be leased to 7,900 displaced workers and ordered that “proper infrastructure, including access, drainage and irrigation facilities” be attached to each plot. "

'We will not panic'

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "SECURITY Minister Derrick Smith, despite coming under fire for his perceived non-responsiveness to the recent upward spiral in the murder rate, underlined by an increase in attacks against members of the constabulary, says the government will not panic. Smith, speaking with reporters at yesterday's official opening of the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard station at Bowden Harbour in St Thomas, said his administration would not be taking action in its anti-crime fight based on knee-jerk decisions."

'Cast them out' - CAFFE wants Warmington, Montague dismissed

Jamaica Gleaner News " call by observer group Citizens Action For Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), for two junior government ministers to resign in the wake of recent comments on the political stage, has been immediately dismissed by one of those named. Everald Warmington, State Minister for Water and Housing, yesterday brushed aside CAFFE's concerns as he trivialised its call for his removal."

Protest at Cabinet draws Premier's ire

Bermuda Sun: "Angry protestors gathered outside Cabinet today to protest against plans to build more fossil-fuel power stations on the island. The demonstrators were briefly challenged by Premier Ewart Brown, who broke into the protest to ask why they were at Cabinet and not at BELCO's front door. Residents from Pembroke are leading the resistance to BELCO'S plan - which has gone before the Planning Department - to build two new power plants at its existing Serpentine Road site. They were joined today by environmentalists and other islanders who say that adding more smoke stacks to the skyline will reduce the quality of air and drinking water for all Bermudians. "

TOURIST ARRESTED

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "The Empress of the Seas left St. Kitts without one of its passengers as he was picked up by the police after substances, believed to be illicit drugs, were found in his possession. A well-placed source told the SUN that Wednesday afternoon, the Florida, USA man, was on his way to board the vessel when he was met by the K9 Unit and other members of the Royal St. Christopher/Nevis Police Force. The SUN understands that the unit and the others members of the force were conducting routine stops and searches when the man was searched."

DIVIDED DAY…ALP, AT&LU separate on heroes holiday

Antigua Sun: "As the divide between the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU) and the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) continues to widen, there has even been a parting of ways by both on an occasion that celebrates the movement’s patriarch. National Heroes Day, which celebrates the contribution of the country’s four national heroes, Sir V. C. Bird being one of them, will see the union and party holding separate activities to recall the work of the father of the nation. This has further upheld speculations that the unity between the two entities will soon be a thing of the past, particularly since they have been at loggerheads during the last several months especially as it relates to political candidates."

Video--Mocha Girl Killing....Guyana

First low-cost Caribbean airline to be launched in Jamaica

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: " group of entrepreneurs has applied to the Jamaican government to create the first Caribbean low-cost airline. Group head representative Ian Burns said: 'We have made a formal application to the Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority under the name of Airone Ventures Ltd, although this isn't the name that we will be flying under. We have the potential to add one million tourist arrivals to Jamaica within five years, a huge boost to the tourism industry.' The airline will also seek to open new markets and new routes. It will service the Caribbean, the United States and Latin America."

Kern Spencer in a fighting mood, My hands are clean

Re: Cuban Light bulb Scandal.....

Manning for Caricom meeting in Guyana

The Trinidad Guardian "PRIME Minister Patrick Manning is expected to leave for Guyana today to attend the 12th Special Meeting of the Heads of Government of Caricom. The meeting was decided on by the principals in Uganda last week, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said yesterday. The issues expected to be addressed at the meeting include high and rising food prices, as well as the status of the ACP-EU negotiations for an economic partnership agreement. "

Normalcy returns to Pierre Charles

Dominica's News in Brief: "Normalcy Returns to school following a series of bizaare occurences that left several students hospitalized Principal of the Pierre Charles Secondary School in Grand Bay, Benedict Charles is reporting that classes are back to normal at the school. His remarks come just two weeks after a series of strange occurrences at the school resulted in several students been admitted to the psychiatric unit of the Princess Margaret Hospital. In late November, more than thirty female students at the secondary school were said to be behaving strangely and making strange animal noises. They were also reported to be shouting praises for Satan and denouncing God. It also proved very difficult to restrain them. "

Drugs master plan unveiled

The Bermuda Royal Gazette: "Government unveiled its new drugs master plan today which will give equal weight to reducing demand and supply. Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler said the five-year plan, which has been two years in the making, will bring together all the agencies including Police, customs and the department of National Drug Control in one coordinated effort. "

V.I. refuses to explain how teacher accused of sex crimes continued working with children

Virgin Islands Newspaper "ST. CROIX - Top officials in the V.I. Education, Police and Justice departments failed Wednesday to explain how a St. Croix public school teacher accused of multiple sex crimes against students was allowed to work among children despite a history of complaints against him. Government House officials would not comment on the case. Additional details about previous allegations of misconduct by Tydel John, a 55-year-old teacher at Evelyn Williams Elementary, surfaced Wednesday following his advise-of-rights hearing in V.I. Superior Court"

Girl, two, falls 30 feet

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"A two-year-old girl, whose name was given as Sheninah, and who was left in the care of an eight- year-old mentally challenged boy, fell from the window of a high-rise apartment building on George Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday afternoon. The child is said to be in critical condition. She fell 30 feet to the ground and up to last night had not regained consciousness at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope (EWMSC). "

Cops blast minister

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "CHAIRMAN of the Jamaica Police Federation, Corporal Raymond Wilson, yesterday blasted the national security minister, Derrick Smith, for what he described as Smith's non-responsive manner in the face of an escalation of attacks against members of the force. The latest cop to be cut down is 55-year-old Sergeant Errol Brown, who was assigned to the Montego Bay Highway Patrol."

Who wants Hylton dead? - Men in masks lurking around banker's home

Jamaica Gleaner News "Patrick Hylton, the group managing director of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and president of the Jamaica Bankers' Association (JBA), has received death threats and is reportedly being stalked near his upper St. Andrew home by men wearing masks and dark glasses. A well-placed source told The Gleaner that, on several occasions, unknown persons have parked darkly tinted vehicles near Mr. Hylton's upscale property."

Controversial health facilities licensing bill passed

Stabroek News: "Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy in opening the debate said there was no malicious intent, nor any attempt to muzzle the private sector under the Bill. He called it progress and said it would make it more difficult for ineligible persons to operate health facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, dialysis centres, maternity wards, surgical centres, pathology laboratories and laboratories in general. Private doctors' offices will not be governed under this legislation. "

Minister Fights For Seat

The Bahama Journal: "The legal team for Marco City MP Zhivargo Laing has made a new legal maneuver asking the Supreme Court to set aside its decision to allow the petition of PLP Senator Pleasant Bridgewater to proceed. Ms. Bridgewater is challenging the results of the Marco City race on May 2. The Bahama Journal learnt on Thursday that Mr. Laing – the minister of state for finance – wants to have all his legal bases covered as he fights to hold on to his seat in the House of Assembly."

Consultant responds to Labour Code ‘attack’.‘Just because I’m a woman!’

St. Lucia Star Online "I am happy for the opportunity, in the interest of a fair press, to respond to an article written by the Editor of the STAR and to clarify matters raised therein. I am unclear whether Mr Wayne was privy to the entire contents of my email to NewsSpin’s host since only selective titbits were reproduced in the STAR article. "

Earthquake tsunami rumours shake St. Lucia

CBC.bb: "The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) Thursday sought to put to rest rumours in St. Lucia that the region was about to be hit by another powerful earthquake, triggering a tsunami. The rumours arose following a number of aftershocks from last Thursday’s 7.3 magnitude tremor - the latest of which occurred here Wednesday morning. NEMO said the rumours were sufficiently widespread to warrant a reaction. "

Video Clip:Guyana Prime News:Missing girl found dead

home affairs minister wants child molesters given full punishment

ALMI Brings Christmas Presents to Orphans in Haiti

Turks and Caicos News source WIV4 reports Abundant Life Ministries International Visits Haiti bearing Christmas gifts for the islands orphans

Grenada not against gay cruises

BBCCaribbean.com "Grenadian authorities have denied that they intend to bar gay cruises from docking at the island's ports. The government says it is hurting from foreign press reports that suggest the country was moving to ban gay cruises to Grenada."

Jamaica calls on army to help police curb violence

USATODAY.com: "KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Jamaican soldiers will join police on patrols on the Caribbean island in a new strategy to fight rising violence, the prime minister said. Nearly 60 homicides over the last week have pushed the number of victims this year beyond 1,430, police spokesman Karl Angell said. Most of the violence has been linked to gangs in the capital, Kingston, and the rural parishes of St. Catherine, Clarendon and St. James."

Two Mormon missionaries found in Martinique

CNN.com: "FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (AP) -- Two Mormon missionaries who got lost during a hike in Martinique this week were found, hungry but unharmed, on the slopes of a volcanic peak on Thursday, authorities said. Tyson Gray, 19, of Taylorsville, Utah, and Thomas Swain, 21, a British citizen from New Zealand, were weak from lack of food but otherwise healthy and were not sent to a hospital, Martinique Police Cmdr. Jean Michel Robinet said."

PNP'S Danny Buchanan responds to local government election results

Tsunami 'overdue'

The Barbados Nation Newspaper"ALTHOUGH THE EPICENTRE of the November 29 earthquake was in the sea, just north of Martinique, most of the eastern and southern Caribbean shook. From Puerto Rico in the north to Guyana and Venezuela in the south, and the islands in between, felt the tremor. The 7.3 intensity Richter scale quake was at a depth of 90 miles (145 kilometres). And mercifully this was so, because had it been not so deep a tsunami could have been generated. And this would have spelt disaster to many of Martinique's neighbours. "

2 Missionaries Vanish in Martinique

The Associated Press: "FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (AP) — Police and church members were searching for two Mormon missionaries who vanished while hiking a volcanic peak on this eastern Caribbean island. The missionaries, identified by police as American and British, were last seen Monday, said Police Cmdr. Jean Michel Robinet. He declined to give their ages and names, saying only that the American was from Utah and had arrived in November, some five months after the Briton."

‘Machine gun Kelly’ killed

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"Days before he was to give evidence in a murder trial, the main witness Kelly Denoon, alias “Machine gun Kelly,” was shot dead at Foster Road, John John, Port-of-Spain on Tuesday night. His killing has put the trial in jeopardy according to state attorney Kathy Ann Waterman who yesterday told Justice Rajendra Narine in the Port- of-Spain Criminal Court that “without Denoon it would be difficult to proceed with the case.” "

Also on Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
TB keeps students home
Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive School students took no chances with their health as hundreds failed to show up for classes yesterday morning.

Man Murdered In Car

The Bahama Journal: "FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – A 35-year-old male resident of Grand Bahama was gunned down in his car on Wednesday afternoon, pushing the murder count on the island for 2007 to 13 and the national count to 74. The victim was identified as Ryan Wood of Freeport. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Loretta Mackey, it was around 2pm when word reached the control room that there was a shooting in the Redwood Lane area. 'It was discovered that a black male who appeared to be about 35 years old, was sitting in his vehicle when another vehicle pulled up,' ASP Mackey told the Bahama Journal. 'The passenger got out and opened fire and then jumped back into his vehicle and sped off. The injured man was later taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.'"

CASE DISMISSED…Accused in Stables murder walks free

Antigua Sun: "A Gray's Farm man who was charged with the murder of Jamaican Stacy-Ann Hall was set free after the case against him was dismissed. Sevon Greenaway, 21, after spending nine months on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison, will now be able to spend the Christmas with his family. Crown Counsel Joanne Walsh, who represented the office of the director of public prosecutions (DPP), asked for the matter to be dismissed against the young man. She had first requested that the case be adjourned sine die and that Greenaway be discharged. But the man’s lawyer made objections and Magistrate Joan Fung said she could not release him; he would have to go to the High Court. Walsh then asked that that case be dismissed."

FULL FORCE

The Barbados Nation Newspaper : "POLICE HAVE MOVED their fight into high gear following a spate of aggravated burglaries and robberies across the country over the last few weeks. Increased foot and mobile patrols, along with the stopping and searching of vehicles and suspected wrongdoers, were among a number of strategies which swung into action Tuesday, as the force took steps to curb the lawlessness. "

Soldiers abused, slow voting in St Catherine

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers rushed to the White Marl All-Age School yesterday afternoon when a group of men from the area, whom the soldiers felt were armed, entered the premises. However, by the time the two jeep loads of soldiers drove in the men had melted into the crowd of orange-shirted women who defended their presence."

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) again! Wins local government polls amid low turnout

Jamaica Gleaner News : "The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is celebrating its second straight victory at the polls in just three months, its third in four years, having swept yesterday's local government elections. At the end of the preliminary count last night, the JLP had won nine of the 13 parish councils, while the St. Ann Parish Council was declared a tie, with both the JLP and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) winning eight divisions each in the 16-seat council. The PNP, which only won Westmoreland and Portmore in the 2003 elections before adding Portland, yesterday picked up Hanover and Manchester to go along with Westmoreland."

Police beat dissidents in Cuban church: priest

Yahoo!7 News: "Police beat dissidents in Cuban church: priest HAVANA (Reuters) - Plainclothes police kicked their way into a Roman Catholic church in eastern Cuba, beat and used pepper spray on a group of dissidents, a priest said on Wednesday. The incident took place on Tuesday at the parish of Santa Teresita in Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, as the Rev. Jose Conrado Rodriguez was dressing before evening Mass. 'I thought the church was on fire when I heard all the shouting,' Rodriguez said in a telephone interview"

Alexandra principal gives frank report

The Barbados Advocate: "Indiscipline, selfishness and dinosauric behaviour , and a charge that schools should not be treated like the civil service were just some of the matters which Principal, Jeffrey D. Broomes, chose to voice at the Alexandra School s Annual Awards Ceremony yesterday morning. Some might have felt it inappropriate but Principal Broomes Report was indicative of the love, as he described it, which he feels towards the children and their academic interests. "

Latest updates re caribbean earthquake

Please be advised that the Seismic Research Unit has not issued a warning that a large aftershock will occur within the next hour.

Please be advised that a tsunami warning has not been issued for the region.

University of the West Indies - Seismic Research Unit: "On Wednesday 5th December at 8:11am local time, an aftershock following the 29/11/07 earthquake which occurred north of Martinique was felt in Saint Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent. The preliminary location of the event is 15.11°N 61.05°W with a depth of 128km and magnitude of 5.3. A map of the event can be found "

Man freed 10 years later

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "A MAN was freed of murder yesterday because the main witness could not be found, the police complainant was dead, and the accomplice witness was murdered. In a proverbial comedy of errors, Aaron Karim was acquitted of murdering businessman Sue Poi Chang ten years ago. The matter came to an abrupt end after State Prosecutor Aden Stroude told Justice Rajendra Narine that his main witness Xi Lian Su could not be located, the accomplice turned witness Junior Charles was murdered, and the police complainant had died. "

European court rules...Ferguson to pay US$1.2

The Trinidad Guardian "LOCAL businessman Steve Ferguson has been ordered by a Liechtenstein court to pay the T&T Government more than US$1.2 million allegedly tied to money laundering. In a ruling on October 31, Dr Lothar Hagen, a judge in the principality of Liechtenstein, ordered that Corethra AG, a company owned by Ferguson, pay the Government US$1,270,240.41. "

DEMS PUT CASE

The Nation Newspaper : "A PAPER-WAVING David Thompson unleashed a string of attacks on Minister of State Clyde Mascoll yesterday, when the no-confidence motion relating to Hardwood Housing Factory got under way in the House of Assembly. "

Another brother and son shot down

Amandala Online: "There will be a wake on Wednesday, December 5, at # 6 Gill Street. There will be a funeral on Thursday, December 6, at the Anglican Cathedral on Regent Street at 2:00 p.m. The tears are for young Feron Felix, 16. On Friday, November 30, Feron, a part time employee of the Atlantic Bank, received the exciting news that he had been promoted as a full-time employee. On Friday night, just hours later, his life was robbed from him in the mad streets of Southside Belize City."

Apology For Racism

The Bahama Journal "FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Director of the One Bahamas Foundation Sir Durward Knowles on Tuesday apologized for the oppression of blacks in The Bahamas, which occurred decades ago.

Sir Durward spoke at a flag-raising ceremony at Independence Park where One Bahamas ceremonies were held after a five-year hiatus. 'Boys and girls, you are living in a great country. I was brought up when white people were in charge of these lands and they treated the black people very badly,' Sir Durward said. 'I’m here to apologize on our behalf. Today, we’re living in a great society. We’ve [beaten] all the trials and temptations and now we’re here as one Bahamas,' added Sir Durward, who said he was glad that he lived in the time of oppression because he came out better for it. "

Will Castries cops benefit from quake?

St. Lucia Star Online "Instead of a change of working conditions, the hellish Port Police Station was under the Labour administration renamed Central Police Station. Even Marchand was treated better. On more than one occasion, police officers were forced out of the building by exploding toilets and consequent rain. The officers were again out on the street this week, forced out, they say, by the hand of God. According to one officer, the authorities have been given their final warning: either they do something for us or nature will take its course—which is usually disastrous. "

Parties worried about violence as Jamaica votes

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "AS Jamaicans go to the polls today to cast their votes in local government elections, both major political parties are expressing concern about the levels of violence which have led up to the day and are pleading for a reprieve."

Brazen brutes! - Gunmen kill 47 in 7 days

Jamaica Gleaner News "Despite the deploying of military personnel in the 142 hot spots across the country, the bloodletting continued yesterday, with the murder toll reaching a staggering 1,442 homicides. The 12 latest victims were killed between Monday night and yesterday, 47 over the past seven days. A majority of the killings yesterday occurred in Clarendon, where more than 113 persons have been killed since the start of the year."

Jamaica battles mealybug

Cay Compass News Online : "KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – Thousands of ladybug beetles have been released in Jamaica to combat an island–hopping insect that has destroyed crops throughout the region, authorities said Monday. The tiny, spotted beetle is a natural enemy of the pink hibiscus mealybug, a ravenous agricultural pest which was first detected in the Caribbean country in June, according to a government statement."

Caribbean, US to fight firearms

Cay Compass News Online "The United States and members of the Caribbean Community have agreed to pool their efforts toward combating the smuggling of small arms, light weapons and ammunition within the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. State Department said Monday. Officials agreed to improve import and export controls; promote the tracing of recovered firearms and ammunition; advocate the destruction of obsolete and excess national stockpiles; and restrict the availability and use of illicit firearms."

St. Kitts and Nevis foreign minister arrives for visit

The China Post: "TAIPEI, Taiwan -- St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Harris and the country's resident minister to the United States, Jasmine E. Huggins, arrived in Taiwan Tuesday for a five-day visit, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). "

Wyclef Jean chides Haiti AIDS theory

UPI.com: "PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean lashed out at a recent report suggesting AIDS arrived in the United States by way of Haiti. Jean, whose parents moved him to the United States from Haiti when he was 9, said that Haiti should not be made the 'scapegoat' for AIDS in America. 'AIDS is a worldwide illness that does not discriminate. Making Haiti the scapegoat only gets in the way of world progress in AIDS research,' said Jean, Gigwise.com reported Tuesday. "

Bermuda gears up for general election

Reuters: "HAMILTON (Reuters) - The rich, North Atlantic island of Bermuda votes this month in an election being fought over the tenure of Premier Ewart Brown, but the issue of independence from Britain looms in the background. Politicians are campaigning door-to-door in Britain's oldest and most populous remaining colony, where the 36 constituencies are so small, at around 1,100 voters each, that every vote weighs heavily and many sitting members of parliament defend razor-thin majorities"

Crime Council Named

The Bahama Journal: "National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest has appointed the members of the National Advisory Council on Crime weeks after a national assembly recommended its creation as an essential move to address the crime situation in The Bahamas. Murders have surged past 70 and violent crimes are on the increase, leaving decision makers anxious to beef up existing strategies and come up with other novel ones"

Church members in shock at pastor's murder

Stabroek News: "Grieving church members, gripped with disbelief and shock, gathered at their Hadfield Street, Lodge church compound yesterday consoling each other over the news that their pastor had been cold-bloodedly murdered. According to reports, on Sunday around 23:15 hrs, the 41-year-old pastor, Eion David of Kitty, was shot twice after a lone gunman entered the Prophecy One Delivery Ministry Church at Hadfield Street Lodge, held three members of the congregation at gunpoint and robbed them. "

‘My name is Kaylem’

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"A nurse found a crying two-year-old boy abandoned outside of ward 13 at the San Fernando General Hospital on November 13. When asked, the boy, who sat on a bench with two bags containing clothes and toys, told the nurse his name is Kaylem but that was the only information he could give her. "

Enter special squad to protect shoppers

The Trinidad Guardian "A special squad is being established this Christmas season, with the specific goal of targeting pickpockets in and around Port-of-Spain. Shoppers can also expect to see additional police and soldiers, as extra units are to be deployed to patrol shopping centres and known crime hot spots. These patrols will operate into the carnival season. There was no word, however, on whether or not they would be continued past that point. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Gilbert Reyes, during the weekly police briefing in Port-of-Spain yesterday, announced these new initiatives for the season. "

Another Compton in the House. This week’s shake-up was just the beginning!

St. Lucia Star Online : "Few would argue that hyperbole is not the high octane of political campaigns—especially in our particular backwater where politicians routinely prevaricate, secure in the knowledge that should their stories be challenged they can usefully point to similar dishonesty on the part their accoster, as if indeed two lies had ever amounted to one verifiable truth."

Cops name suspect in Kameka's murder

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "Police yesterday released the photograph and identity of a man who they say is wanted for the murder of Assistant Commissioner of Police Gilbert Kameka. Adams. considered armed and dangerous According to the police, Massinissa Akhenaton Adams, o/c Massi, was a member of the infamous Joel Andem-led Gideon Warriors gang, and is considered armed and dangerous. He frequents the areas of Mount Industry, Papine, Kintyre, and Gordon Town."

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) team shot at - Three persons injured, one fatally in St Thomas attack

Jamaica Gleaner News "Gunmen last night brazenly opened fire on Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for West St. Thomas, James Robertson, while he did last-minute campaigning for tomorrow's local government elections, injuring three persons in the process. The police confirmed that one man died in hospital last night from gunshot wounds. According to initial reports from the police, there was a JLP motorcade in the Seaforth area of the parish when, upon reaching Navarre Lane, shots were heard. "

Ambushed - Montego Bay thugs kill policeman - 20th cop slain since January

Jamaica Gleaner News The St. James police were last night hunting for clues in their bid to unravel the murder of one of their colleagues, who was gunned down in the Montego Bay community of Dallas in Glendevon. The dead cop has been identified as Sergeant Alan Lindsay, a sub-officer attached to the Motorised Patrol Unit. He served in the Jamaica Constabulary Force for more than 20 years."

Army-police merger

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "The government appeared ready to merge the police and the army to bring about a two-fisted onslaught against crime, reliable Observer sources said last night. Lewin's appointment fits neatly into the puzzle The first indication of the merger, the source said, would come today with the creation of a new joint task force comprising senior operational and intelligence officers of both arms of the security forces."

Govt to welcome Beauty Queen home

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday"Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Marlene Mc Donald and Minister of State Donna Cox, along with Parliamentary Secretary Junia Regrello, will all be at Piarco International Airport on Thursday to welcome home beauty queen Valene Maharaj. Maharaj was, the Trinidad and Tobago’s delegate who placed in fourth at the 2007 Miss World Beauty pageant that was held in Sanya, China on Saturday."

Cop nabbed in police sting

The Trinidad Guardian : "A Police constable with 12 years in the Police Service has been charged with accepting a $400 bribe. The 42-year-old acting corporal, who is assigned to the Northern Division, is expected to appear before a Tunapuna magistrate today. He was held during a sting operation at Food Masters Supermarket in Tunapuna on Saturday. The arrest follows allegations in a letter purportedly written by Snr Supt Chandraban Maharaj in which he claimed there was “rampant corruption” in the Police Service Southern Division. "

Major shake up at Camp Ayanganna

guyanachronicle.com : "THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has announced that following the discovery on Friday, of a missing AK 47 rifle from the army; it has since relieved the Base Commander, the Adjutant and the Base Sergeant of Camp Ayanganna of their duties. These relieved officers have been instructed to hand over their respective duties to replacement officers who have already been appointed, and to make themselves available to the army and police investigators."

Missing army AK triggers shake-up Missing army AK triggers shake-up

Stabroek News: "As the probe intensifies into a missing AK 47 from Camp Ayanganna, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday announced that it has removed three senior officers from their posts and remanded another eight soldiers into police custody. "

Another Top Cop Leaving

The Bahama Journal: "Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has said it was his idea to send two senior police officers abroad for a year of additional training and he disclosed that yet another top cop is headed down the same path. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames are leaving the country early next year for Canada at a time when worries linger about rising crime and a murder count that has surged to 73.

MASSIVE QUAKE...Residents panic as powerful tremor strikes

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis: "People in St. Kitts/Nevis were among those in the Caribbean who felt the effects of an earthquake which is said to be “one of the largest events to be recorded in the Eastern Caribbean in historic times.” Screams of fear rang out yesterday at about 3 p.m. when the earth shook, causing some individuals to run out of their offices and homes in panic and fright. In the Sand Complex, where the SUN is located, when the earthquake began, individuals situated at the top floor of the complex ran downstairs and outside. Those on the ground floor also vacated their offices, everyone seeking to find out exactly what was going on and if there were any injuries or damage. "

BUDGET DAY …Finance minister to make announcement on taxes

Antigua Sun: "One of the most anticipated national budgets, that will guide the country’s fiscal policies during the coming year, will be delivered to the House of Representatives this morning. The document is eagerly awaited because of the heavy speculation that Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort is expected to introduce some measure of relief to citizens after significant yields from the two main tax measures, the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) and the Personal Income Tax (PIT). "

Globalisation 'unfair to poor countries'

The Nation Newspaper "PROFESSOR JOSEPH STIGLITZ came out to the 32nd Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture with economic guns blazing, in defence of developing countries disadvantaged in trade with the developed world. In his lecture on Making Globalisation Work For Developing Countries last Monday at Frank Collymore Hall he said money was supposed to go from the rich to the poor, but in the modern world of globalisation this was reversed. "

The day Barbados trembled

Advocate: "What were you doing on Thursday, November 29 around three o' clock in the afternoon? That must be the most frequently asked question in Barbados, as we still seek to come to grips with the events that literally shook Barbadians to the core. It was truly a phenomenal day, that will rightfully take its place in history. Not just because of the fact that it was so wide reaching and felt across the region, but because of modern technology which was able to capture its effects and because almost everyone on the island felt it and have their own account of what happened. "

KIDS HOOKED ON GAMBLING

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "HOW did harmless childhood games such as jacks, marbles, 'lastic' and money football cause a 'chronic' gambling problem now being identified among many Jamaican children? A recent study on 'gambling among children and adolescents in Jamaica' found that a growing number of children have been skipping school to spend their days betting on crown and anchor, Cash Pot, horse racing and playing slot machines in bars."

Tight race: Parties neck and neck for local polls

Jamaica Gleaner News "With the local government elections only three days away, a Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll has placed both major political parties in a dead heat, with 31 per cent each in approval ratings. Johnson's polls were conducted on November 24 and 25 among 1,008 residents in 84 communities across the island. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent."

British immigration bias against Jamaicans

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM: "It comes as no surprise to me that Jamaicans are more likely to be refused a visa than people from any other Caribbean country. But, when British Immigration Judge and Solicitor Cordella Bart-Stewart revealed this at an immigration seminar organised by the Jamaican Diaspora UK recently, some people were surprised."

Double efforts to find cure, vaccines for HIV/AIDS

guyanachronicle.com "An inter-faith service to mark World AIDS Day was held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) yesterday morning in recognition of Guyana’s commendable efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to call for continued leadership in this regard."

Woman, two children burnt to death

Stabroek News: "A 42-year-old woman and her two children were yesterday morning found burnt to death at her Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home after she had earlier told neighbours that she would kill herself and burn the house down. "

Love, tears bubble over for Latrisha

The Trinidad Guardian "As Lisa Jack leaned over her daughter Latrisha’s pink and white coffin at the Simpson’s Funeral Home in Laventille yesterday, her tears flowed freely. She stood motionless, quietly crying, comforted by relatives as the funeral service for her daughter began. Baby Latrisha, who was 19 months old, died last Monday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex after being dealt several blows to her head by a male relative two days earlier. "

Valene in Miss World top 5

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday: "Miss Trinidad and Tobago 21-year-old Valene Maharaj placed in the top five of the Miss World beauty pageant held in China, yesterday. Television coverage showed a small contingent of Trinidad and Tobago supporters – including Valene’s mother – waving this country’s national flag. Valene greeted the audience in Chinese. She spoke about her work in the field of AIDS, “this is what beauty with a purpose is,” she added."

Quake forecast 'not on'

The Nation Newspaper : "PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – The Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) cannot predict whether there would be more earthquakes or even aftershocks, in the light of Thursday's powerful 7.3 magnitude quake that jolted several Caribbean countries. "

Rapists on the run in St Catherine -

Jamaica Gleaner News "The Old Harbour police in St. Catherine are now searching for a group of men who abducted and raped three females in the Bodles area yesterday morning. Reports reaching The Gleaner are that at about 1:50 a.m., the father of the two women and a girl - aged 15 to 25 - was at home when the men kicked off the door to the dwelling, grabbed the females and took them to the nearby train line where they were sexually assaulted by their attackers."

PANDAY BRIBERY TRIAL SET TO START

The Trinidad Guardian : "Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday, his wife Oma, former works minister Carlos John and businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh are likely to stand trial for bribery offences after a Port-of-Spain magistrate ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against them. But the committal proceedings against the four were stalled yesterday after John’s attorney Gillian Lucky asked the presiding magistrate Ejenny Espinet to refer the matter to the High Court—pursuant to Section 14 (4) of the Constitution. "

HARDLEY A SURPRISE - Lewin new top cop -

Jamaica Gleaner News "Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, the former Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), will become the new commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, confirming initial Gleaner reports that the ex-army man was favoured for the top post."

Aftershocks follow 7.3 quake

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "IN THE wake of Thursday’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake which rocked the Caribbean region, at least six aftershocks ranging from 3.5 to 4.8 on the Richter Scale were recorded near the epicentre of Thursday’s quake between the islands of Martinique and Dominica. According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit, “no felt aftershocks were reported in Trinidad.” These aftershocks occurred between Thursday afternoon and yesterday afternoon."

Three bandits killed in robbery attempt

Stabroek News: "Three armed bandits were last night shot dead, but not before they wounded a policeman during a blazing gun battle at a house, the bandits had invaded in Section 'C' Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara. Up to press time last night, Stabroek News was unable to verify the identities of the bandits. Residents of Fifth Street, Section 'C' Non Pareil, where the incident occurred, said they all appeared to be in their late teens or in their early 20s. The bodies are at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary. "

FRET NOT

The Nation Newspaper "THERE'S NO NEED for Barbadians to worry about serious damage to their homes following Thursday's earth tremors. According to Andre Brathwaite, chief geologist in the Ministry of Energy and the Environment, the earthquake, which was centred just off Martinique, and about 167 miles (270 kilometres) from Barbados and originally measured 7.3 on the Richter scale, was too far away to have significant impact. "