Caribbean Report 19-02-1999

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1. Headlines with anchor Ken Richards (00:28)
2. The governing Antigua Labour Party released its party manifesto ahead of general elections scheduled for March 9. Prime Minister Lester Bird said the document reflects widespread consultation with various interest groups over an eighteen month period. The manifesto outlines measures for full employment, guaranteed economic growth, taxes, lower export duties, privatising government entities, endorsing land for youth policy, strengthening the island offshore sector and removal of the bond system for scholarship holders. The main opposition political party the United Progressive Party is yet to release its manifesto. Louis Daniel reports (00:29 – 03:23)
3. In Britain there is mounting concern that Montserratians exposed to dust from the Soufriere Hills volcano may be at long term risk for developing Silicosis. A team of experts point to ash from the volcano containing large amounts of carbolites which when inhaled can cause silicosis. Peter Baxter, the head of a team of British Scientists at Cambridge University comments on measures taken to protect the population of Montserrat. Ken Richards reports (03:24 – 06:15)
4. Undersea volcano Kick 'em Jenny is being closely monitored by the Trinidad Seismic Research Unit at the University of the West Indies. The unit is receiving funding from the Caribbean Development Bank to set up sophisticated equipment to keep a closer watch on the volcano. The Head of the Seismic Research Unit, Dr. John Sheppard discusses the possibility of an imminent eruption and tsunami, the impact on surrounding islands and the precautions which should be taken by residents. Ken Richards reports (06:16 – 08:36)
5. After months of political wrangling and strikes by workers at the Puerto Rico Telephone Company the path has been cleared for the company’s privatisation. Approval was given by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a Texas based consortium to purchase the island telephone facility. FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani speaks on the potential benefits of the sale. Keith Stone Greaves reports (08:37 – 10:46)
6. France is expected to call for greater assistance to debtor nations when the G7 Finance Ministers meet in Bonne. France’s President Jacques Chirac, comments on proposed initiatives broadly based on three principles, greater generosity to debtor nations, collaborative efforts by creditor countries and better management and governance by debtor countries (10:47 - 11:36)
7. A dispute between the main Hindu organisation and a small Christian group in Trinidad and Tobago has prompted calls for non-disruptive religious harmony and tolerance in the country. Hindu spokesman Sat Maharaj comments on the new philosophy which will replace Mahatma Gandhi’s method of peaceful protest. Tony Fraser reports (11:37 – 13:52)
8. In Great Britain, the mothers of five Caucasian men suspected in the killing of Stephen Lawrence have broken their silence threatening to sue the national newspaper the Daily Mail. Chelston Lee reports (13:53 – 15:28)

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