Caribbean Report 12-07-1988

Abstract

This program is a bit of a 'mixed bag' in terms of content, in that it reports on a broad range of activities and topics in the Caribbean, in Central America and in Great Britain. Topics include the dangers of using mercury-based soaps, and the growth of this trend in the Caribbean; The targeting of Haiti as a new haven for drug smuggling activities; and a report on Mother Teresa's visit to Central America.

Description

This program has no opening or closing billboard, and no headlines. Correspondents for some segments are unidentified.

Table of Contents

1. This segment reports on the targeting of Haiti as a new destination for the drug trade amidst the acceleration of the US drug war along traditional Caribbean smugling routes. Conditions in Haiti such as convenient location with respect to air and sea routes, poverty and corrupt government officials make it the location of choice for Colombian drug barons. This segment includes an excerpt of an interview by Thomas Cash, Head of the Miami Division of the DEA. Cash notes that other factors contributing to the choice of Haiti as a drug transshipment point are its numerous airstrips and long coastline, which facilitate small airplanes and boats plying the drug trade. Additionally, Cash notes that the absence of radar as well as the lack of surveilance by air force, navy and coastguard personnel also add to the problem. (00:00-02:26)
2. The sale of mercury-based soap is criticised, based on the dangers of using the product, which has been banned in certain countries, yet sold to others such as African and Caribbean countries. These countries are targeted because of their large black populations, and because of the desire to have lighter skin which is achieved through use of the product. Lighter skinned role models also have a great impact on young people who tend to use the soap in order to look like them. (02:32-04:32)
3. Financial Segment -- Stock market reports; Interview with Robin Stainer, commodoties expert. (04:35-05:55)
4. Hugh Crosskill interviews West Indian cricketer Michael Holding. (05:56-07:45)
5. Correspondent Pat Whitehorn reports on the Bar Council's Professional Conduct Committee's claim of a contravention of the profession's code of conduct by attourney Mohammed Ali Rudy Narayan. The Committee claims that Narayan who accepted briefs for two seperate trials which were being held simultaneously in two different courts failed to write to the two judges with due courtesy, by accusing them of racial discrimination. Narayan dismissed the charges against him as "total racist rubbish". The report also includes comments from a correspondent of the Daily Telegraph on Rudy Narayan's outspoken and controversial nature. (07:47-09:52)
6. This segment reports on a visit by well-known Indian nun, Mother Teresa, to Central America. The correspondent is unidentified. (09:53-11:34)

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