Caribbean Report 20-01-1995

Abstract

In this report, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) put together a formal study on whether it should seek entry into NAFTA. Grenada's Prime Minister Nicholas Brathwaite voices his concerns of individual CARICOM states seeking separate NAFTA entry. Debbie Ransome reports on the final document in which the OECS sought to assess what is in NAFTA for them and how the sub-region can protect its interests. British Airways is to review its new payment structure which forces travelers to the Caribbean region to pay for their tickets days after making their reservations. In Britain, the number of black people out of work is proportionally twice as much as whites. Michael Pryce reports on these findings and interviews Stan Mendham and Herman Ouseley. The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) stated that while companies had equal opportunities undertakings, their pledges were not carried through. Calls are being made to introduce quotas but Stan Mendham, who runs a Forum on Small Businesses, declared that small companies could not afford such quotas. Herman Ouseley, Chairman of CRE, also said that demands for quotas are impractical. Bermuda has appointed a new British Commissioner of Police, Mr. Colin Coxall. Meanwhile, a government-supported position calling for the appointment of a local Commissioner has collected 3000 signatures in less than a week. In the Dominican Republic, concerns are growing on the dangers linked to the transportation of radioactive wastes through the Caribbean Sea. Correspondent Jean Michel Caroit reports on attempts made by the Dominican Republic to prevent these ships from crossing regional waters. The West Indies cricket team prepares for its first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Auckland. However, the New Zealand team is battling under a cloud with the suspension of three of its players for allegedly smoking cannabis. Reds Pereira reports on how this affects the New Zealand team psychologically and how the West Indies team is looking in comparison.