KINGSTON, Jamaica - Perhaps we can now get down to a serious, coherent and fact-based analysis of Jamaica's trade relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its membership in the Community. Up to now, that debate has been characterised largely by emotive rants, aimed primarily at Trinidad and Tobago, in which private-sector leaders merely ran with the crowd. Now, they are doing something far more sensible and of potential value.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - It seems worthwhile to return once again, editorially, to the subject of the recent CARICOM Heads of Government conference held in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month. Most commentaries suggest a certain pessimism about the outcome of the meeting, and there has been no substantial comment from any of our heads refuting this view. Instead, we are left with a conclusion that among the subjects on which some progress might have been expected to be made, nothing suggesting forward movement has transpired.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC - The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says regional integration is key to development, as delegates discussed the medium-term challenges and the shaping of a post-2015 development agenda in the Caribbean.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua - Late Saturday evening, many of us heard first hand when the jury declared George Zimmermnan “not guilty” of the death of Trayvon Martin.
The emotionally charged trial, which lasted about two weeks, gripped the nation and the major networks ensured that the world saw the inner workings of the American justice system.
The “not guilty” verdict touched a chord like few things could have done and once again evoked memories of the turmoil of the Civil Rights era.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - From whatever angle one views the current political crisis in Egypt, the spectre of an unchanging United States foreign policy returns an unflinching stare. The truth is that it mattered little to Washington whether the events of July 3 that removed Mohamed Morsi from office amounted to a military coup or otherwise. What mattered was whether Morsi’s removal from office was consistent with Washington’s foreign policy interests.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) Monday said that members of the executive had resigned as the fallout continues over conflicting reports that the impasse involving management and journalists at the Trinidad Guardian newspapers had been resolved. In a brief statement, MATT said that the “remaining members of the interim executive “ had resigned “with immediate effect”. Earlier vice president Judy Raymond, who is also the editor in chief at the Trinidad Guardian newspaper and Trinidad Express columnist, Kevin Baldeosingh, resigned..
KINGSTON, Jamaica - That five more of our athletes - including Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson - tested positive for banned substances is a body blow to Jamaican athletics. It has happened when we are still reeling from the shock of Veronica Campbell-Brown's positive test and the six-year ban of Dominique Blake for a second doping infraction. This, however, is not the time for a pitiful whinging, feeling set upon and/or of being the victim of hidden hands or circumstance. The situation requires deep introspection by the track and field community - associations, clubs, athletes.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says while it “stands by all our athletes” it adheres to the rules governing anti-doping in sports. Minister with responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita Headley said that Jamaica, through its Anti-Doping Agency (JADCO) “has consistently had a rigorous programme for in and out of competition testing while providing public education for all who participate or wish to participate in sport, including at the high school level.
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Monday said it will announce by Wednesday what action it will take in support of its member, Vynette Frederick who was arrested last Thursday. Frederick was slapped with nine charges relating to making false declarations, swearing falsely, and fabricating evidence, hours after a magistrate dismissed six charges against her. The initial charges stemmed from a private complaint that Frederick had made against Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves following the December 2010 general elections.
ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Radio talk show host, Lennox Linton, is being tipped to lead the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) as it prepares for the next general elections constitutionally due by March 2015.