SmallShop Caribbean News

Sky News : "Scotland Yard has been asked to help solve the murder of British bride Catherine Mullany and the shooting of her husband Ben in Antigua."

Yahoo! Canada News : "ST JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda (AFP) - Antigua's prime minister has asked British police to help investigate several unsolved murders there after the brutal killing of a British doctor, shot dead on her honeymoon. ADVERTISEMENT The family of the doctor's critically wounded husband meanwhile began making arrangements to fly him home."

The Independent : "Former soldiers who had seized a building in northern Haiti changed out of their uniforms and peacefully filed out yesterday, ending a tense standoff of nearly 24 hours after negotiations with government officials. The protesters were seeking back wages and the reinstatement of the Haitian armed forces, which were disbanded by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1995."

Sky News : "Ten people have been killed on Antigua this year and Briton Benjamin Mullany remains on life support in the intensive care unit in the holiday destination's Holberton Hospital. The double shooting of the physiotherapist and his new bride Catherine at the weekend has turned the international spotlight on what had been regarded as one of the safest Caribbean islands. Antiguan PM Baldwin Spencer held an emergency meeting with the head of the island's police and defence forces to review security. A task force has now been set up to try to crack down on violence at resorts."

Bahamas Sea Turtle Group Launches International Ad Campaign to Stop the Slaughter of Sea Turtles in The Bahamas : "Bahamas Sea Turtle Conservation Group - http://www.saveourseaturtles.com , a new organization with wide support from the animal rights community, is going international in a campaign to end the harvesting of all sea turtles in the country. 'It's a national disgrace that these magnificent animals are still hunted at all, and that they are so cruelly treated when brought ashore,' said Jane Mather, President of Advocate for Animal Rights, a spokesperson for the new group. 'Fishermen bring the creatures ashore with their flippers pierced and tied with straw; they are routinely dragged on to boat ramps and turned on their backs and left to suffer for days in the hot sun,' said Mather. 'I have seen children jumping on and torturing the helpless animals and I have seen them dragged away attached to the back of trucks.'"

Daily Express: "THE BRUTAL honeymoon killing involving a British couple this week highlights the chilling murder rate and crime wave blighting the tropical haven of Antigua. Real life and fantasy have always lived side by side but far apart in Antigua. For the 35,000 Britons a year who holiday there, the fantasy of a paradise island comes to life in the palm-fringed beaches – “365 of them, one for every day of the year!” boasts the tourist board blurb – the blazing sun and the gentle lilt of calypso music."

Travel Weekly : "The shooting of a British couple on honeymoon in Antigua has prompted some customers to cancel their holidays to the island - but agents remain hopeful the fallout will be short-lived. Agents have said a number of holidaymakers about to travel to Antigua have, or are considering, changing their destination or cancelling their trip following the death of ­31-year-old doctor Catherine Mullany from South Wales."

The Nation Newspaper "HERE FOR CROP-OVER – but with no luggage. This was the plight many passengers faced after they arrived yesterday on American Airlines Flight 1385 from JFK International Airport, New York, United States. It was just after 3 p.m. when the passengers started exiting the arrival hall at Grantley Adams International Airport, many of them looking dejected"

The Bahama Journal "The 50-year-old Haitian man arrested by the police in Grand Bahama last week with more than $2.3 million cash in his possession has been released from police custody pending further investigation, the Journal has learnt. According to Head of the Drug Enforcement Unit in New Providence Superintendent Anthony Ferguson, the Haitian man, a construction worker, was released this week as the police tried to determine how the funds were derived."

Amandala Online : "Criminal madness seemed to have enveloped the country over the weekend, with six murders, four attempted murders, one break-in robbery, three home invasions, one motor vehicle stolen, and a taxi operator jacked, among other crimes – the mayhem beginning from Thursday, July 24, last week. There were six murders – four recently committed, and two bodies were found. They obviously did not die of natural causes."

Antigua Sun : "As investigations continue into the tragic killing of British citizen Catherine Bowen and the shooting of her husband Benjamin Mullany, a huge reward is being offered for information that would help the police make a successful arrest in relation to the case. Members of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) with the assistance of the local business community have put up $250,000, which equates to approximately £50,000, as a reward with the invitation left open for other businesses to make a contribution to the fund."

The Trinidad Guardian "At a special luncheon for judges on Tuesday, Chief Justice Ivor Archie announced that Justices Peter Jamadar, Alice Yorke-Soo Hon and Nolan Bereaux, had been elevated to the Court of Appeal. The Trinidad and Tobago Guardian learnt that Jamadar and Yorke-Soo Hon would take up their appointment in time for the ceremonial opening of the new law term on September 16."

Jamaica Gleaner News National Security Minister Colonel Trevor MacMillan is insisting that the Government will not bend under pressure from interest groups who have been criticising some of its recently proposed anti-crime initiatives. MacMillan's comments came yesterday, the same day the Jamaican Bar Association placed on record its apprehension over any measures that would effectively reduce or take away the court's power to determine bail or lengths of sentences."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "THE Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is investigating a controversial directive to Jamaica's environment watchdog, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) not to prosecute other government agencies for breaches."

The Nation Newspaper "THE NATIONAL CULTURAL FOUNDATION (NCF) is paying $30 000 for Machel Montano and $10 000 for his expenses, plus $40 000 for David Rudder and Patrice Roberts – all for Sunday's Cockspur Red Hot Cohobblopot. But those fees are 'a drop in the bucket', says NCF chairman Ken Knight, given that the NCF is spending $1.7 million on Crop-Over 2008."

Antigua Sun : "Prime Minster Baldwin Spencer met with senior members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force late yesterday, to discuss the country’s crime situation. Attending the meeting were Police Commissioner Gary Nelson along with the assistant and deputy commissioners of police; Chief of Defence Col. Trevor Thomas and his departmental heads; Minister of Justice Collin Derrick; Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell and Attorney-General Justin Simon. The meeting came two days after Antigua and Barbuda recorded its 10th homicide for the year."

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis : "If people are still not sure what damage adverse publicity can do for any country’s tourism industry, then they only have to look at recent developments in Antigua and Barbuda as they relate to the homicide of a British national. Her husband of approximately two weeks continues to survive on life support systems in the country’s general hospital. There seems to be only the hope of a modern day miracle to ensure his survival. For many Antiguans and Barbudans, the shock was indeed of great magnitude mostly because so many enjoy employment that would otherwise have not been available had the local tourism industry not been as vibrant as it is. These people have been told time and time again how important the industry is to the country and the livelihood of the majority of citizens and residents. They therefore fully understand the significant fallout that could occur if an incident, such as this one were to ever happen."

MiamiHerald.com : "ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- While Barack Obama, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, appears to be the rage across the Caribbean, some analysts express concerns about how his policies would affect the region. And, although John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, generates less attention in the Democratic-leaning Caribbean, some observers say his support of free trade and his policy experience could be better for the islands. Still other analysts see the Caribbean as a low priority for each and express little optimism that either will produce radical change."

WIV4 News

WIV News Turks and Caicos

ITN : "Newlywed Catherine Mullany pleaded for her life during a 20-minute ordeal before she was murdered, a witness has said. A British tourist staying at the same resort reported hearing screams 20 minutes apart and gunshots, followed by a female voice shouting, 'Help me please'."

guardian.co.uk : "The British bridegroom whose wife was murdered on the last night of their honeymoon in Antigua had struggled with her killers before being shot himself, Antiguan police said today. Benjamin Mullany, 31, is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the neck in an apparent botched robbery at their luxury holiday cottage at the Cocos Hotel on the Caribbean island's remote south-western coast."

petroleumworld : "Rafael Ramirez ministry of Energy and Petroleum told reporters on Tuesday that Venezuela has complained to the Caribbean nation of Barbados that a recent offshore oil bidding round violates the maritime border with Venezuela, as expected by Petroleumworld in June. 'There is a completely irregular situation there. We have sent a message (to Barbados) through ... the foreign ministry,' Rafael Ramirez told reporters."

Telegraph : "It is understood that the two men were working at the luxurious Cocos Hotel complex when newlyweds Catherine and Benjamin Mullany were shot. Officers on the Caribbean island believe the couple, who were attacked in their cabin at 5am on Sunday, were the victims of a robbery 'gone wrong'."

The Trinidad Guardian "Julia Esmeralda Sellier Ramdeen, also called J-Lo, smiled when the death sentence was passed on her yesterday for luring a man to his death in her apartment more than five years ago. But her co-accused, David Abraham, stood still in the dock, staring straight ahead before receiving his death sentence. The 12-member jury deliberated until the three-hour deadline before returning with the guilty verdicts. The jury went in at 10.58 am and returned at 2.02 pm."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Call girl Julia Esmeralda Sellier Ramdeen and her boyfriend David Abraham were sentenced to hang yesterday after a jury convicted them of the murder of Carlos Phillip, a National Helicopter Services courier. Justice Ian Brook read the death warrants to the couple, following a three-hour deliberation which had lawyers on the edge of their seats"

Jamaica Gleaner News "The United Nations says unprotected sex among men, who have sex with men, is one of the main causes of an increase in HIV infections in the Caribbean. UNAIDS yesterday released its 2008 report on the global AIDS epidemic, which gives a comprehensive overview of the progress made by countries worldwide in the fight against HIV and AIDS."

Jamaica Gleaner News Education Minister Andrew Holness and members from the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals are scheduled to meet this Thursday to discuss a number of educational issues, including the controversial matter of auxiliary fees."

Antigua Sun : "As the police continue to investigate the murder of a visiting United Kingdom (UK) national, a number of people have been taken into custody in connection with the matter. Catherine Bowen, 31, received a single gunshot wound to the head that killed her on the spot. Bowen and her husband of two weeks Benjamin Mullany, who is also 31 years old, were on their honeymoon at Cocos Hotel and Restaurant off Valley Road. Mullany was shot to his neck and is fighting for his life at the Holberton Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)."

Advocate : "WITH only two weeks in the post, Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas visited Barbados with two of his cabinet members to meet with Prime Minister David Thompson and discuss a number of issues and ways in which the two countries can work together to achieve their collective objectives. Speaking to the press after a meeting which took place in the Committee Room of the Parliament Buildings, Prime Minister Thompson said that the ministers met to discuss matters which he deemed as very critical to the region. The Ministers were also briefed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Christopher Sinckler, who recently returned from Geneva, about the European Partnership Agreement which will be signed in September and other related Caricom issues."

The Nation Newspaper "EMANCIPATION DAY will be more than just a walk on Friday. That was the promise from Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development and Culture Irene Sandiford-Garner, speaking to the Press yesterday at a media briefing at the Parliament building. Noting that the theme would be Emancipating the Body, Unshackling the Mind, Celebrating Our Beauty, she hoped more Barbadians would come out and participate."

Times Online : "Antigua, famous for its 365 beaches and its sailing regatta, is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for British tourists, after Barbados. It has also been perceived as one of the safer islands in a region that has the world’s highest murder rate (according to a report last year by the World Bank and the UN office on Drugs and Crime)."

The Nation Newspaper "THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARM of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was thrown into turmoil yesterday with the dismissal of a top executive and the imminent sending on leave of the chief executive officer. Corporate services manager Tony Deyal, a Trinidadian employed by the regional body for the past two years, has been dismissed with immediate effect, while chief executive officer Dr Donald Peters is expected to be sent on unspecified administrative leave. When contacted by CMC yesterday afternoon and asked if he had received a letter from the WICB, Peters, a Dominican who took up the post last November 1, said he was still very much on the job and expected 'to continue'."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "THREE men were hog-tied and had plastic bags placed over their heads before they were shot dead by gunmen in a forest in Carapo yesterday. The murdered men are Steve “Chinee” Parsons, 47, Krishna ‘Bunny’ Ramlogan, 36, and a man identified only as “Spano’ whose last known address was Peytonville Road, Arima. Police described “Spano” as a drug dealer and said he lived in Palo Seco."

mirror.co.uk : "A shaken tourist told yesterday how she heard the 5am gunfire that killed Catherine Mullany and left her new husband fighting for life. Beverley Stairs, who was in a beachside bungalow just a few yards from the one in which the newlyweds were honeymooning, said: 'I heard three shots."

The Independent : "Police in Antigua are questioning six people over the murder of a young British doctor and the shooting of her husband at their honeymoon cottage on the Caribbean island of Antigua, a local journalist said today. Catherine and Benjamin Mullany, both 31, were asleep in their villa when a gunman crept in early on Sunday morning, the last day of their holiday. Guests in the resort's nearby suites heard gunshots and screams. Dr Mullany was found with a fatal wound to her head while her husband, a physiotherapist, was clinging to life last night in an Antiguan hospital, having been shot in the neck."

The Nassau Guardian "An internal investigation among Arawak Cay vendors will be launched in a bid to determine whether the family-friendly area is a prostitution hot spot. Multiple sources have alleged that some waitresses use the popular Bahamian landmark to set up sexual encounters in exchange for money. The sources also alleged that restaurant owners were often clueless or turned a blind eye to the illegal activities, which reportedly involves Haitian, Jamaican and Bahamian women. Yesterday, Acting President of the Arawak Cay Vendors Association Bruno Minnis said he could not verify that several prostitution rings were operating out of Arawak Cay until his organization launched an official investigation into the matter."

SBS World News Australia : "A positive drug test returned by a Jamaican athlete at the national Olympic trials shouldn't affect the team's performance in Beijing, Mike Fennell, head of the Jamaica Olympic association, said today. The unnamed athlete, who was pulled from the national team, is not considered to be a 'top athlete,' Fennell said - apparently ruling out 100m world record-holder Usain Bolt and former world record-holder Asafa Powell."

Daily News - eluniversal.com : "The government of Barbados has launched an oil and gas bid for 26 offshore blocks, two of which are allegedly located in part in Venezuelan waters, claimed on Monday Aníbal Martínez, head of non-governmental organization Frente Nacional Pro Defensa del Petróleo Venezolano (National Front for the Defense of Venezuelan Oil). Martínez said that the government of Barbados put 26 oil and gas blocks for tender stretching more than 70,000 square kilometers. He added that there are two blocks in the bid, called Botton Bay and Crane Bay, 70 percent of whose area would be in Venezuelan waters."

The Trinidad Guardian "George Paul held his head with frail, calloused hands, and momentarily closed his eyes. Paul, a pensioner, was forced to face the slaying, yesterday, of his second son, 47-year-old Steve Parsons, whose life was violently snuffed out. As tears trickled from the old man’s eyes, Paul demanded that the authorities hunt down his son’s killers and bring them to justice. Paul’s first son, Eddison Lee, a security guard with the Health Ministry, was shot dead in 2001."

SOLD! - JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited yesterday announced that it had secured an agreement to acquire the group health insurance portfolio of Blue Cross Jamaica Limited, a deal that will bring to an end a contentious battle between both firms for management of the $2-billion Government Employees' Administrative Services Only (GEASO) Health Insurance Scheme."

Jamaica Gleaner News "The board of the Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Ltd yesterday named Canadian Bruce Bowen as the bank's new president and CEO. The revelation follows this month's shock announcement that William 'Bill' Clarke will retire after 40 years with the institution. Bowen currently serves as president and CEO of Scotiabank Puerto Rico. He is expected to replace Clarke come October 31, when the retirement becomes effective."

Antigua Sun : "A British tourist was killed in her hotel room early yesterday morning and her husband is now fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Holberton Hospital, as the country’s crime rate continues to spiral out of control. The tourist Catherine Bowen, 31, became the country’s 10th homicide victim. Bowen was vacationing in the country with her spouse, Benjamin Mullany, who is also 31 years old. They were staying at Cocos Hotel and Restaurant off Valley Road. The incident occurred around 5 a.m."

Telegraph : "Crime in Antigua and Barbuda is low when compared to elsewhere in the region, and visitors can usually expect an incident-free stay on the islands’ beaches and resorts. In 2007 there were 19 murders in Antigua and Barbuda, compared to 388 in Trinidad and Tobago and 1,574 in Jamaica. But although the muder rate is low, the death toll of 19 represents a significant leap from previous years; Antigua and Barbuda have in the past had an average of seven murders a year."

Larry Joseph came running to our studios seeking refuge from a man who he alleges wants to kill him. Joseph says it all began about 5am Saturday, when a man known to him came to his home accusing him of stealing a cell phone. He says he informed the man that he had not stolen the phone and knew nothing of such an incident. Joseph says the man responded by thrashing and destroying his home and property with a barrage of rocks and stones..HTS Channel 4 St. Lucia

On Friday, 59 employees of LUCELEC voted in a decertification poll to determine the future of their Union representation. The results determined that the Seamen and General Workers Union will remain as the bargaining agents for non-managerial employees of the company. Some of the workers are reportedly interested in joining the Civil Service Association. The First Vice President of the Seamen’s Union – Esther St. Marie says promises made to workers of better representation by other Unions is a fallacy. HTS Channel 4 St.Lucia

Sydney Morning Herald : "United Nations peacekeepers say at least 29 people were killed when a large truck carrying people and merchandise collided with three utility trucks in southern Haiti. More than 50 people, mostly women and children, have been treated for injuries from Saturday's crash east of the town of Cavaillon."

The Hindu News Update Service : "OLVESTON, Montserrat (AP): Montserrat's volcano spewed columns of ash thousands of feet (meters) into the sky as scientists reported an increase in seismic activity a week after it vented gases and steam. A series of blasts late Saturday and early Sunday released ash and blistering gases from inside a hardened lava dome topping the tiny Caribbean island's Soufriere Hills volcano, according to a statement from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory."

Stabroek News : "A 35-year–old Cottage, Mahaicony labourer is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital [GPHC] after he was chopped on his head by his neighbour who later hanged himself. According to a police press release, Deopaul Manie called ‘Bull’, his reputed wife Norawattie Khedoo and their neighbour Kenrick Chisholm were all consuming alcohol at Manie’s house, when Chisholm left the house. It is alleged that Chisholm later sexually assaulted a female relative of the couple. He was later confronted by the couple. The release said that Chisholm was carrying a cutlass which he used to chop Manie to the head and Khedoo on the left foot. When the police checked Chisholm’s home while carrying out investigations, he was found hanging from a length of polythene rope in his Cottage home. The body was taken to the Lyken’s funeral home were it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. The police statement put the time of the incident at around 3.30 am."

The Trinidad Guardian "Media personality Dennis Mc Comie says the wreath-laying ceremony to observe the tragic events of July 1990 should not be a meaningless ritual. He was speaking at the18th wreath- laying ceremony at the Red House Cenotaph on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Mc Comie said: “Let us ensure that this ceremony is not a hollow and meaningless ritual with meaning only for a few.”"

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls will make a final stand today against the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) when his lawyers file an appeal to the Privy Council to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold disciplinary charges against him. Mc Nicolls’ lawyers will file the appeal to the Privy Council in London this morning, sources said yesterday."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "Twelve days before the start of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has confirmed that a member of its team tested positive for a banned substance at the June 27-29 National Track and Field Championships. 'All I can tell you is yes, there was a positive one,' JOA president Mike Fennell admitted to the Observer yesterday."

Jamaica Gleaner News "Summer has the longest days and marks the hottest time of the year. It is a time when the majority of adolescents are on summer break. The summer is an important season for the social agenda of individuals and so many people look forward to this time, especially teenagers. A mini interview was done on a sunny Thursday afternoon in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, with adolescents to find out their plans for the holiday, whether they included working or simply staying at home or going out with friends."

BBC SPORT "Jamaica is the 138th most populous nation in the world. At 2.65 million souls, the Caribbean island nestles between Kuwait and Mongolia in the population ladder. It is in similar territory when it comes to national wealth. The United States, on the other hand, is the world's richest and third most populous country. As neighbours go, these two live at very different ends of a very long street. But there is one place where these two meet as equals - the running track." Usain Bolt answers on Performance Enhancing Drugs

Cubans in Santiago are treated to celebrations commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

Jamaican Usain Bolt wins 200m 19.76 creates British Record!

Trinidad Express : "BETWEEN 9 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. yesterday there were five murders in North Trinidad. In all of these cases the police have declared that the murders were either drug- or gang-related."

guyanachronicle.com "THE Guyana Consulate in Barbados has dismissed a Kaieteur News story in Guyana which intimated that the recent shooting to death of a Guyanese national and the wounding of another in an apparent bungled robbery at a Barbados bar was a premeditated anti-Guyanese attack. 'The Consulate has no evidence of this. I read the item in the Guyana press and it was speculative nonsense.

Kaieteur News : "It has been one year since the nude body of 25-year-old hairdresser Iesha Byron was found in a clump of bushes at D’Urban Backlands, and her relatives are still waiting for her killer to be brought to justice."

Kaieteur News : "Home alone children…Brother,3, stabs five-year-oldFive-year-old Emmanuel Peters was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday afternoon after his three-year-old brother accidentally stabbed him in the right side neck with a pair of scissors."

The Trinidad Guardian "The Government should put an immediate freeze on Harry Harnarine’s assets. Secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Sat Maharaj feels this should be done while the HCU is being liquidated by chartered accountant R D Rampersad and Company. “The Government should freeze all Harnarine’s assets until this thing blows over. I also feel that the authorities should correspond with the Attorney General of Florida to unearth information about Harnarine’s properties in the USA.”"

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Five persons were murdered and three others shot dead by police officers between Friday night and early yesterday, pushing the murder toll for the year to 299 thus far. The first murder occurred at about 9 pm on Friday when police officers responded to a report of a stabbing death at New Tent City Mall in Port-of-Spain. Officers found 25-year -old Elijah Huggins of Sea Lots lying on a staircase with his throat slashed. He was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

SUN Weekend : "One youth is in custody after police went on an exercise in the Bolans area which yielded among other items over 100 rounds of .38 ammunition and a black mask. According to a statement from the police, a search warrant was executed on homes in the Bolans area and as a result of their recovery of a number of items, one youth from Crabbe Hill was arrested. Besides the ammunition and the mask, the police also recovered two laptops, cell phones, watches and a quantity of latex gloves. Meantime, the police have advised that Redcliffe and High streets will be closed to vehicular traffic today from 6 a.m. until the opening parade for the Carnival celebrations has passed."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "CHILDREN in some of Jamaica's toughest neighbourhoods begin training for their lives of crime from as early as age three when they are first taught to smoke marijuana, drink alcohol and use a gun, according to a senior investigator with the intelligence arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), who has worked in law enforcement for more than two decades."

Jamaica Gleaner News - "A STUDY OF 53 inner-city boys ages six to eight years suggests there is a deliberate attempt by politicians, dons, community members and parents to influence succeeding generations of underprivileged boys to fear, hate and harm persons who support the rival political party. This is the assertion of anthropologist Dr Herbert Gayle of the University of the West Indies, Mona, who recently completed a report entitled: 'Young Birds That Know Storm: Life Experiences of Boys of Ages Six to Eight Years Living in Communities of Extreme Poverty and Violence'."

The Nation Newspaper "THE LEFT REAR TYRE of a Transport Board bypass bus bound for Speightstown suddenly caught fire yesterday panicking about 50 passengers. No one was injured in the incident, which occurred at Paynes Bay, St James, around 6:40 p.m., and the passengers found alternative transport."

The Nation Newspaper "A NIGERIAN VISITOR has lost his life in the waters off Barbados. According to police reports, Kingsley Osodolor, 37, who was staying at a guest house in The City, was reported to have gone to Browne's Beach with two women Friday evening and never re-emerged after entering the water."

RTÉ News: "Dozens of people are feared dead and many more injured after a truck plowed into a busy street market in the town of Cavaillon in southern Haiti. Local media reported that the accident may have left as many as 30 dead. Joseph Serizier, a journalist at the scene of the accident, said there were at least 19 bodies at the scene, adding that about a dozen more bodies had been taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Cayes."

Forbes.com : "LOS ANGELES - About two months ago, Dr. Kevin Antario Brown was hobnobbing with guests at a celebrity poker tournament at the Playboy Mansion, his disaster-relief medical charity the beneficiary of the lavish event. Hugh Hefner was there, of course. So was Brown's father, the leader of the Bermudan government. Now the 37-year-old doctor is in a Los Angeles jail cell, charged with molesting eight patients, one of them only 15 years old. Investigators are also looking into Brown's finances and several other sexual allegations, some dating back about a decade."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls has again lost his bid to quash misconduct charges against him and may have to turn to the Privy Council to save himself from being suspended by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC). Yesterday, the Court of Appeal dismissed Mc Nicolls’ challenge to the JLSC’s decision to institute six charges of misconduct against him, and the ruling effectively paved the way for his suspension."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "MONTEGO BAY, St James - A fed-up Clayton Morgan yesterday resigned as a vice-chairman of the People's National Party's (PNP) North West St James constituency, following another aborted attempt Thursday night to stage an internal poll to decide who should chair the body. Morgan, an attorney, also vowed not to participate any further in the upcoming presidential race between the incumbent Portia Simpson Miller and challenger Dr Peter Phillips."

Jamaica Gleaner News : "The rules of engagement for the looming presidential contest will be at the top of the agenda when the People's National Party's (PNP) National Executive Council (NEC) meets today and tomorrow. Already, there are clear signs the battle lines have been drawn in the high-stakes contest, which pits president Portia Simpson Miller against challenger, Dr Peter Phillips."

The Nation Newspaper : "That was the result, surprising to many, when the nine names to face defending monarch Red Plastic Bag in next Friday's Cable & Wireless/FirstCaribbean International Bank Pic-O-De-Crop Finals at Kensington Oval were announced at the Wildey Gymnasium in the early hours of this morning. The two kings, who have 12 crowns between them, were stopped at the Gymnasium, while the other three monarchs in the show, Adrian Clarke of Cave Shepherd All Stars, De Big Show's John King and Romeo of Bacchanal Time have all advanced."

Stabroek News : "A 35-year-old scrap metal dealer was fatally shot yesterday afternoon on Brickdam by one of two bandits who had seconds before snatched a bag containing some $2 million from his wife."

The Trinidad Guardian "It’s the end of the road for the Hindu Credit Union (HCU), according to its president Harry Harnarine. * About 900 employees out of work * $776 million in liabilities * Assets to be liquidated * About 190,000 members should recover their deposits within six months...or longer. “I don’t think we can recover from this,” a defeated-looking Harnarine said yesterday, during a press conference at the HCU’s Edinburgh office yesterday."

Jamaica Gleaner News "THE GOVERNMENT'S Forensic Laboratory is improving its technology to deal with the expected increase in requests for DNA tests under the latest anti-crime plan. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced plans to allow the taking of 'non-invasive' DNA samples and the establishment of a DNA database as part of efforts to help the police identify and secure the conviction of criminals."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "ONE DAY after the Government announced Professor John Uff as the chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott), the beleaguered state corporation remained in the spotlight at yesterday’s Whitehall post-Cabinet press briefing with two Government ministers failing to shed light on questions about the billion-dollar enterprise.

The Nation Newspaper "THE Urban Development Commission (UDC) is refusing to construct a house for a disabled woman even after it partially dismantled her dilapidated home. Nola Cumberbatch, who lives in Nurse Land, Eagle Hall, St Michael, said the UDC visited her last year and arrangements were made to rebuild her old wooden, two-bedroom home. As a result, in July last year workmen started to dismantle the house by removing the doors, windows and floor."

Radiojamaica.com... "The United States Coast Guard has sent more than 100 Haitians back to their homeland after spotting an overloaded ship southwest of the Bahamas over the weekend. It said the crew had boarded the ship and distributed life jackets to the migrants as well as other essential items, along with necessary medical attention. The Coast Guard said the 107 Haitians were sent back to the north of the country. It said one thousand three hundred and thirteen Haitians had been sent back since October 1 last year."

The Trinidad Guardian "The High Court has given the Government full control of the Hindu Credit Union Co-Operative Society Limited (HCU). The Commissioner for Co-Operative Development, Charles Mitchell, applied and got several orders yesterday afternoon, taking full control of HCU, which has been experiencing financial problems over the past months."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Leader of Government Business Colm Imbert yesterday told the House of Representatives that the long-awaited commission of inquiry into Udecott and the construction sector would be headed by Prof John Uff, CBE, QC, an eminent British engineer and barrister, and would begin sitting by October or November. Imbert hailed Uff as a “world renowned expert in construction practice, engineering and law.”"

Jamaica Gleaner News "Prime Minister Bruce Golding is defending his government's new anti-crime measures following stinging criticisms from some members of the local human-rights community. Yesterday, the prime minister scoffed at claims that the anti-crime proposals announced in Parliament on Tuesday are insufficient to make an immediate impact on the orgy of violence gripping the island."

The Nation Newspaper "THREE CHRISTIAN CALYPSONIANS criticised by former Pic-O-De-Crop chief judge Jeff Shepherd never objected to Shepherd judging them in this year's Pic-O-De-Crop. Ronnie De Announcer Clarke, Sheldon Hope and Owen Dragon Slayer John said yesterday they never made formal objection to the Barbados Association of Tent Managers (BATMAN) or anyone else, and took issue at the mention of their names as objectors in yesterday's DAILY NATION lead story, carried in detail on Page 3 and headlined Chief Judge Out."

The President of the National Principals Association says the programme is not to teach students how to have sex, but how to say no. Cyrus Cepal says the NPA is concerned about the level of sexual promiscuity among students. However, he insists the problem of carnal knowledge involving teachers and the sex education campaign are unrelated. Cyrus Cepal says the level of sexual activity among young children is alarming especially for lower classmen.

The new Calypso Monarch beat out ten other competitors to win his first ever Calypso Monarch title. Earlier, Herb Black won the Groovy Soca Monarch title with his popular piece – Suzette and he used that song in tandem with “What You Bringing” to capture the more coveted title. Herb Black had indicated that while he was happy to win the groovy soca crown, he would be more gratified with the Calypso Title. The perennial finalist in the competition, Herb Black came close many times but had never won the big prize, until Saturday night. His songs – “What you Bringing” and “Suzette” were fan favourites from start to finish. Among the ten finalists he beat, were seven former Calypso Monarchs. Defending Calypso monarch – Menelle had to settle for third place. The second place finisher was Morgie – another strong competitor who returned to the arena this year after a break. The fourth place went to six-time Calypso Monarch – the Mighty Pep. HTS Channel 4 St.Lucia

Mc Cartney Edwards is the island’s latest homicide victim. Edwards was stabbed in the chest while attending the Caribbean Soca Monarch show at Marchand. The incident took place about 1:30AM Monday. Edwards’ stabbing followed a verbal dispute reportedly over a stolen gold chain. The Assistant Police Commissioner for Crime Vernon Francois says lawmen are investigating. Mathilda Monrose – the mother of the deceased says when her son last words to her on Sunday were “Mom I’m not going to the field”. Monrose says her son was not the type to look for trouble. She says the prosecution of the perpetrator will never make up for the sadness she feels from losing her son. HTS Channel 4 St. Lucia

Stabroek News : "Emotions ran high yesterday when relatives of those killed at Lindo Creek visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary to provide DNA samples in the hope that they match burnt remains found at the mining camp in June."

Kaieteur News : "Local surgeons operating at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) may soon be able to perform kidney transplant procedures without the assistance of overseas-based specialists like Dr Rahul Jindal, who recently undertook the first such operation in Guyana on July 19 last. Dr Jindal, who was aided by a team of doctors and nurses from the United States, performed the inaugural operation on 18-year-old Munesh Mangal, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, with his 41-year-old mother, Leelkumarie Nirananjan Mangal, being the donor."

The Trinidad Guardian "An Anglican priest and his bedridden mother were held up at gunpoint by two men as they prayed inside their Vistabella home yesterday. One robber was caught by police as he fled empty-handed from the Gopaul Street, Vistabella, house. Last night, the suspect was being quizzed in connection with several robberies, while a manhunt was on for his accomplice."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "CONSUMER AFFAIRS Minister Peter Taylor’s recent advice to start eating ‘blue food’ (certain types of ground provisions) may very well be out of the reach of many persons in the lower income bracket. Checks with various vegetable vendors in Port-of-Spain yesterday revealed the price of dasheen and eddoes has almost doubled, with dasheen selling for as much as $8 per pound, up by four dollars a pound in June."

For Caribbean, Rum More Interesting Than Ethanol : "SAO PAULO (Dow Jones)--Although Brazil and the U.S. have urged the tropical countries to use more sugarcane for ethanol, Caribbean producers think making rum is a much better use for the commodity. After two years of an ethanol boom, the Central American and Caribbean sugarcane producers have yet to turn to ethanol in any way. There has been no movement toward a national gasoline blending policy like those in the U.S. and Brazil or toward an export strategy targeting the duty-free U.S. ethanol market."

DAWN "The doctor son of Bermuda’s premier Ewart Brown was arrested in Los Angeles on Monday over sex abuse allegations, including rape, involving six patients, prosecutors said. Kevin Brown, 37, who had already been charged with sexual battery of a female patient and an undercover police officer, now faces charges relating to six more women, the District Attorney’s office said. Brown, a doctor at Crenshaw Expo Medical Centre in Los Angeles, was detained in lieu of four million dollars bail following his arrest at his home. He is due to be arraigned in court on Wednesday."

Jamaica Gleaner News "Caribbean sugar factories have produced and exported less sugar so far this crop year than the prior season, a portion of which is due to Trinidad and Tobago's total exit from the market. The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) said in its May report on production figures that operations began slowing down ahead of the close of the current crop."

UN report : "Haitian children remain the target of kidnappings, killings, sexual violence and child trafficking, and they have also been active participants in recent public protests, the United Nations peacekeeping mission to the impoverished Caribbean country reports. The latest report from MINUSTAH, covering the period from January to July this year and released this week, found that children continue to be affected by armed violence, despite the general improvement in the security situation in Haiti."

St. Lucia Star "Residents and owners of property at Morne Beausejour, Vieux Fort have been kicking up a stink over the on-going construction of a piggery and a chicken farm in their area. More than three months ago they issued a letter of complaint to the executive chairman of the National Development Corporation, Mr Nicholas John, copied to the minister in charge of NDC, Mr Ausbert d’Auvergne and to the chairman of the Development Control Authority. Signed by Mr Eudes Bourne, the letter revealed that the writer had been mandated by the other concerned residents and property owners to inform the authorities of their malodorous situation. Moreover, that the piggery was being constructed on crown lands vested in the NDC. Observed Bourne in his letter: 'The area in question is situated at the base of the hill and beyond, opposite the solid waste landfill and is being cleared by spot burning and heavy equipment.'"

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis : "I had to co-operate they forced me to. I complied because I didn’t want to get beaten up. It was six of them, I didn’t know if they were armed. They made me take off my clothes and told me to run round town naked.” This was the cry of a local bottle collector and fisherman, 35-year-old George Elliot of Caunt Street, Newton as he recalled an assault during an exclusive interview with Sun St. Kitts/Nevis. The incident allegedly occurred last Saturday at the bottom of Fort Street, Basseterre, during the wee hours of the morning."

Antigua Sun : "Russell Hodge, proprietor of the Russell’s Fort James Seafood Restaurant, is exploring his legal options after access points to the Fort James Beach were reportedly blocked on Sunday to accommodate the hosting of the “Wet Fu Daze” jam. Several beach goers have raised concerns about the lack of access to Fort James. Reports reaching the Antigua Sun indicate that people were not allowed on the beach unless they paid the $10 fee which was required for the fete organised by the Carnival Development Committee (CDC)."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "PRIME Minister Bruce Golding yesterday promised tough new legislative measures to reduce crime, including a minimum 10-year sentence for gun crimes. 'It is proposed to introduce legislation to specify that, on conviction for serious gun crimes, a person shall not be eligible for parole before 10 years,' Golding told the House of Representatives, in a statement outlining the measures agreed to by the Government and the Opposition in previous bipartisan discussions."

Jamaica Gleaner News "One of Jamaica's human rights groups yesterday described the Government's new anti-crime plan as reactive, saying it neglects how to ensure that criminals are caught. 'All of these legislation kick in after the person has been caught,' said Yvonne McCalla Sobers, convenor of Families Against State Terrorism, adding that the problem was with 'catching the people'."

International conservation agency asks Turks and Caicos government to halt dolphinarium PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands: An international charity organisation dedicated to the conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises has written to the Governor and the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), asking them to put a stop to the proposed plan to build a dolphinarium in that country. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), which has global accreditation on the issue of dolphin and other cetacean captivity, has been in existence for over 20 years and Captivity Programme Manager, Cathy Williamson of its UK office, said that the organisation was gravely concerned by the TCI government’s proposal. Read story on Caribbean Net News

Also see this Turks and Caicos to donate donkeys

New Nation : "When it comes to sprinting, no one does it better than the Jamaicans. From Arthur Wint winning Olympic gold back in 1948 to Usain Bolt’s new 100m world record in May, the Caribbean island’s tradition of producing world class athletes is at an all-time high. The JA Hall of Fame reads like a Who’s Who of Track and Field – Wint, Herbert McKenley, Lennox Miller, Donald Quarrie, George Rhoden, Merlene Ottey, Veronica Campbell-Brown. Next month in Beijing, the class of 2008 will be eyeing their own place in history. For the likes of Bolt, Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Maurice Smith and Kerron Stewart, the time is now."

ClimateChangeCorp.com : "The island of Bermuda escaped relatively unscathed after the close passage of Hurricane Bertha to the east of the touristy island. The Bermudan capital of Hamilton was a ghost town on Monday as authorities cleared the streets and canceled ferry service and flights to and from the United Kingdom-administered island. White-capped waves marked the near miss of Bertha, a minimal hurricane with peak winds of 75 MPH as it missed by less than 100 miles to the east of the island. Over 4,000 residents lost power and almost five inches of rain fell at the airport."

Sand brought in to improve Caribbean beaches "The Dominican Republic is spending $25 million dollars improving its beaches to make them more attractive to visitors. It is part of a wider plan to boost tourism as officials are worried that cuts in flights from the US and other problems such as the recent power cuts could seriously hit the number of people interested in investing in the country, the second largest island in the Caribbean."

Reuters : "NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Dolly continued to strengthen slightly early Tuesday as it moved over the warm waters of the western Gulf of Mexico towards the Texas-Mexico border, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its latest update."

Kaieteur News "A Guyanese businesswoman who was shot when gunmen invaded her Bay Street, St Michael, Barbados restaurant and bar is clinging to life in a Barbadian hospital. Seelochanie Samuels was shot several times in her abdomen, and underwent emergency surgery immediately after she was admitted. Her close friend, Christopher Samuel Anthony Griffith, 26, formerly of Pomona Village, Essequibo, was killed in the incident which occurred last Saturday night. According to reports, doctors have removed a bullet from Samuels’s body while another is lodged near her heart. This newspaper also understands that several of the woman’s ribs have been damaged but she remains in a stable condition, though still critical."

The Trinidad Guardian "Homicide detectives were bracing themselves last night for what they said could be a bitter reprisal, in wake of yesterday’s killing of former murder accused and reputed drug dealer Merlin “Cudjoe” Allamby, 40. It was while comforting the relatives of friends—killed two hours before—that Allamby, of Laventille Road in San Juan, was shot dead by gunmen near Sookia Trace. Dead also are common-law couple Rosanna Seemungal and Raffick “Puna” Mohammed, 59, of Crystal Creek in Lange Park, Chaguanas. Bar owner Pradeep Ramnine, 48, of Aranguez Main Road in San Juan, remained warded in critical condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope up to late yesterday."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "POLICE are bracing for an upsurge in killings and gang violence following the shooting death of ‘community leader’ Mervyn “Cudjoe” Alamby during the early morning hours yesterday. Alamby, 35, a father of 12, was gunned down while at the scene of a double-murder near a bar in Aranjuez where his close friends and business associates Rosanna Seemungal and her common-law husband Raffick Mohammed were fatally shot."

JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM : "ALUMINA Partners has agreed to grant three days' leave with pay to fathers of newborn babies in a landmark agreement that could pave the way for national adoption of the benefit. Under the agreement, reached recently between the Manchester/St Elizabeth-based bauxite/alumina mining company and the National Workers Union (NWU) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, fathers become entitled to three days on each occasion their partner gives birth up to a maximum of three occasions or nine days. The three days start at the time of birth."

Jamaica Gleaner News "A MAJOR deployment of police and soldiers and several legislative changes should form the primary planks of new anti-crime measures to be announced by Prime Minister Bruce Golding today. With more than 900 persons killed across the island in the first seven months of this year, the prime minister is expected to provide details of what he has described as 'extraordinary measures' to deal with the crime problem."

SUN St.Kitts & Nevis : "Government’s proposal of a 10 cents increase on bread which now sells for $1.25 was described as “insulting” but an increase of 25 cents has been deemed as acceptable for the time being by the country’s bakers. Owner of American Bakery, Reginald Amory said the extra 25 cents increase which was granted for the government controlled product is not reasonable, noting that the last increase was approximately 13 years ago. Amory said they (the bakers) “were hoping to get $2 (increase) on the $1.25 bread or a minimum of $1.75 (but) government came back with the 25 cents for a new cost of $1.50 and they agreed that this will be the price until the end of the year.”"

The Nation Newspaper "PUBLIC COMPLAINTS against the police are piling up. DAILY NATION investigations reveal that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has not had one single meeting in several months and hundreds of complaints, some dating back as far as two years, are yet to be investigated."

Cuban Colada Izvestia: Russia sees Cuba as landing strip : "Russia is considering sending long-range bombers to Cuba in response to Washington's intentions to deploy an antimissile shield in eastern Europe, the Russian newspaper Izvestia reported Monday. 'While [the Americans] deploy antimissile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, our long-range strategic aircraft will be landing on Cuba,' a military source told Izvestia, hastening to add that 'such talk is ongoing, but it's only talk.'"

The Trinidad Guardian "Most people put on weight as they get older, but when that excess weight hampers you from carrying out normal daily activities, you could be overweight. If so, watch out! Obesity may be right around the corner. Nutritionists continuously warn of the dangers of unhealthy eating—those warnings seem to be falling on deaf ears. In T&T obesity is now a growing concern"

BAW: "DESCHAPELLES, Haiti (AP) Every inch of Rivilade Filsame's body hurt, from his swollen, empty stomach to his dried-out, wrinkled skin. The 18-month-old had been crying for so long in the hospital malnutrition ward that his mother no longer tried to console him. After soaring food prices led to deadly riots in April, the U.S. and the U.N. promised millions of dollars in aid to poor families like Rivilade's, as well as help for farmers to break Haiti's dependence on imported food."

Storm Dolly is moving over Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and headed for the Gulf of Mexico, where it could become a hurricane tomorrow.

The Trinidad Guardian A prisoner is pleading with the High Court to grant certain reliefs, so his life can be saved. Stephen Harrington suffers from scoliosis and Marfan’s syndrome. According to an opinion from a British specialist, if Harrington is not dealt with soon, he can become paralysed or die in prison. So serious is the matter that Madame Justice Carol Gobin has granted Harrington leave to file for judicial review, and has summoned lawyers for the prisoner and the Commissioner of Prisons to come before her on Thursday to deal with his medical problems.

Antigua Sun A vessel owned by businessman Paul Ryan sank off Antigua’s southern coast yesterday after a fire on board turned a weekend pleasure cruise into a nightmare scenario. According to an account given by Ryan, he was captaining his boat Paradise, a 44 feet Sea Ray Sundancer, from Jolly Harbour to Pigeon Point and had reached the Cades Bay area when smoke and fumes began to pour from the engine hatch. Eleven people, including a baby, were on-board the vessel at the time. Ryan said the engine has an automatic extinguisher, but this was insufficient and as the blaze grew, he and his crew used hand held fire extinguishers in an unsuccessful attempt to contain the fire.

New York – The Board of Directors of the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. a, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization is pleased to announce its First Annual Yellow White and Black Fundraising Gala, scheduled for Saturday November 15th, 2008 at Maestro’s Caterers in the Bronx. ( http://www.maestroscaterers.com/ ) The Yellow White and Black Fundraising Gala will celebrate the Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc’s tenth anniversary. Funds raised at the Gala will be used for the development of the Garifuna Coalition Advocacy Center in the Bronx. The Center will serve as the basic advocacy and organizing needs of Garifuna immigrants from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The theme for the First Annual Yellow White and Black Fundraising Gala is based on the colors of the Garifuna flag, which consists of three horizontal stripes: Yellow is for the Amerindian heritage, hope and liberation, White is for peace and freedom and Black is for the African Heritage, death and sufferin...

UK news..... The Guardian : "The army has begun a recruitment drive in the Caribbean to boost its depleted forces, according to local media. Representatives finished a six-week tour of the islands this month, resulting in 600 people signing up. After academic and medical tests, 186 men and women aged 17 to 24 were selected, said Radio Jamaica. Candidates are expected to arrive in Britain for training by November, it said. The army recruiters have visited Belize; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Grenada, and St Lucia. Jamaica is said to be next on their list."

Trinidad Express : "Tobago has become a snorkelling and scuba-diving paradise for many tourists and nationals who frequent the popular Buccoo Reef or Speyside on glass-bottom boats. The island's coral reefs are not just beautiful natural wonders but they are a vital part of the ecological fabric and economic activities of the island. They are the backbone of Tobago's two largest industries: tourism and fishing, providing both jobs and food. They also protect the coastline from erosion by breaking ocean swells."

Stabroek News : "Mining operations along the Arau River in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) have damaged a section of the waterway, changing the lives of residents of Arau village as they struggle to cope with the environmental degradation and its effects on them."