Caribbean Report 24-02-1999

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1. Headlines with anchor Keith Stone Greaves (00:30)
2. British Prime Minister Tony Blair comments on the release of the public report on the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in London six years ago. The report lists among its recommendation the extensive reform of the British Police force and improved race relations in Britain. In the House of Commons Jack Straw acknowledges that Lawrence parents were denied justice and points to fundamental errors, professional incompetence, institutional racism, and the failure of leadership. Paul Condon defends the metropolitan police force ability to provide support to the society. Stephen Lawrence parents reacts to the Macpherson report by suggesting that black youths are not protected on the streets in Britain. BBC correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti reports (00:31 - 06:50)
3. In Antigua, the main opposition party the United Progressive Party (UPP) launched its election manifesto. The UPP manifesto emphasises the need for meaningful change in the country, trustworthy leadership, good governance with new codes of conduct, the establishment of a national council charged with overseeing misbehavior in public office, embarking on a programme to balance ownership and control of the island’s economy, rescheduling the nation’s debt, tourism, land housing and constitutional reform. Louis Daniel reports (06:51 – 9:10)
4. Guyana Opposition leader Sir Desmond Hoyte denies that his political party the People National Congress has pulled out from CARICOM brokered peace talks with the ruling party People Progressive Party. Hoyte in an interview acknowledges problems with the current negotiations. CARICOM facilitator Maurice King reiterates the need to resume dialogue. Keith Stone Greaves reports (09:11 – 11:58)
5. Another round of European Union (EU)/United States talks on the banana trade impasse is scheduled at the World Trade Organization in Geneva. The US is seeking authorisation to impose more than 500 million dollars in EU imports. Keith Stone Greaves interviews Dominica’s High Commissioner George Williams on the effects of the trade war on Caribbean countries (11:59 – 13:54 )
6. Puerto Rican prison officials have begun investigation into riots by inmate at a juvenile detention center. Miguel Riviera administrator in charge of the facilities comments on the official handling of the riots and surrender by the inmates (13:55 – 15:24)

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