Caribbean Report 15-04-1999

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1. Headlines with anchor Debbie Ransome (00:32)
2. The World Trade Organization published a report supporting the US position that the European Union banana import arrangements needs restructuring to fall in line with current free trade rules. This change can have a debilitating effect on the banana industry in the Caribbean which relies on special import conditions. Saint Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony calls on regional leaders to influence trade negotiations which are favorable to the Caribbean. Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States Simón Molina Duarte discusses a political solution to the ruling. Tony Fraser reports (00: 33 - 04: 19)
3. Britain Home Affairs Minister Jack Straw issues a ruling that former Chilean dictator Pinochet can face extradition to Spain. Pinochet faces charges of torture during his rule in Chile. Jane Peel reports (04: 20 – 8: 03)
4. Paris based European Association for a Democratic Cuba tries unsuccessfully to have Cuba’s President Fidel Castro tried before a French court for alleged crimes against humanity (08: 04 – 09: 27)
5. London Metropolitan Police confirmed that it is considering paying compensation to the parents of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence following the botch investigation into the murder (09: 27 - 10: 12)
6. In Bahamas, the government of Prime Minister Hubert Ingram launched a privatisation programme for state owned companies (telephone, power, and the national airline). The development in Bahamas comes at a time when the Organisation of eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is finalising new laws aimed at ending the monopoly by Cable and Wireless in the subregion. Saint Kitts/Nevis Communication Minister Cedric Liburd speaks on broadening the telecommunication base in the OECS countries. Jerome Sawyer and Keith Stone Greaves reports (10: 13 - 13: 10)
7. In Bermuda, the issues of independence and Britain’s recommendations on future relations with former colonies in a recently published White Paper are topics of heated debate between government and opposition political parties. The proposals in the paper state that overseas territories should change local laws and legislations dealing with homosexuality, the death penalty and off-shore banking. Vicki Abraham reports (13: 11 - 15: 32)

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