SmallShop Caribbean News

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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

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."

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."

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."

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."

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…"

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."

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."

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.'"

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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'."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.'"

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."

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."

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.”"

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

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."

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

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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:"

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."

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."

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.'"

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."............

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."

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."

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

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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'."

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.

_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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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

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."

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"

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."

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."

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."

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 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."

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."

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."

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

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."