1991 January-June CR
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Item Caribbean Report 01-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-01) Croskill, Hugh (interviewer); Mc Donald, Trevor (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationIn this special edition BBC Correspondent, Hugh Croskill interviews Trevor Mc Donald, Diplomatic Editor and top News Presenter of the British Independent Television News, ITN.Item Caribbean Report 03-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-03) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Jagernath, Lachmon (interviewee); Haffcamp, Roy (interviewee); Charles, Mary Eugenia(interviewee); Ryan, Selwyn (interviewee); Norton, Michael (correspondent); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationThis segment reports on how Suriname prepares for new elections after the country was taken over by a military coup on December 24, 1990. The future of civilian governance in Suriname is highlighted as this has been the second time in ten years that such an act was committed. Dominica’s Prime Minister Eugenia Charles speaks to Hugh Croskill on how this incident is impacting on the CARICOM community. It also highlights the results of the Haiti general elections where Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s party emerged victorious. Finally, Debra Ransome interviews Professor Selwyn Ryan of Trinidad and Tobago to get his views on the political stability of this country’s governance as resignations occur within the ruling National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) government.Item Caribbean Report 04-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-04) Goffe, Leslie (anchor); Grant, Bernie (interviewee); Bennendijk, Chandra van (correspondent); Khan, Sharief (correspondent); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationIn this segment, Guyanese born, British Labour Party MP, Mr. Bernie Grant speaks about his recent visit to Iraq and explains the serious implications that the Caribbean regions face should a war occur in the Gulf. A report from Suriname explains the ‘coup by telephone’ which was conducted by the military and how one of the biggest floods in 50 years is seen in Suriname as a washing towards a fresh start. The impact of the Suriname coup on a neighbouring country,Guyana, is also featured. Finally, a report is given on the implementation date of CARICOM’s Common External Tariff and the appointment of a CARICOM Commissioner.Item Caribbean Report 07-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-07) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); de Jour, Louis (interviewee); Norton, Michael (correspondent); Joseph, Raymond (interviewee); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Singh, Rickey (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationThis program highlights the current political situation in Haiti following the overnight coup attempt by Roger La Fontant which was followed by his arrest. During this unrest, 30 persons were killed and following the arrest of La Fontant the country is returning to normalcy. Raymond Joseph, Haiti Ambassador to the United States explains how he learnt that the coup attempt in Haiti was foiled. He also comments on the United States of America’s support for the Haitian government during this critical period in its governance. It is also reported that Dr. Don Blackman will not be contesting the upcoming Barbados elections. Ricky Singh gives his views on this new development and suggests that this may be the end of Dr. Blackman’s political career.Item Caribbean Report 08-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-08) Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Prescod, Trevor (interviewee); Ford, Henry (interviewee); Binnendijk, Chandra van (correspondent); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Barsotti, Frank (interviewee); Theodore, Karl (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationThis program reports on the resignation of Dr. Don Blackman, Member of Parliament of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). Dr. Blackman was seen as a very controversial figure and politician since he was always outspoken about racial issues that impacted on the country’s social and economic landscape. He was seen by some as a critic of Barbados’ white population, a view which was not fully supported by the private and other sectors. Some argue that his resignation indicates that there was disunity within the DLP party. A report is done on the newly formed interim government in Surname and the composition of the new cabinet following the military coup. Economists from Trinidad and Tobago provide a review of the country’s economy since the recent Christmas budget. An update on the political situation in Haiti is also provided following the recent coup activity where it is reported that 60 persons were killed and 60 were wounded in the capital. Also, Guyana and Belize become fully fledged members of the Organization for American States (OAS).Item Caribbean Report 09-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-09) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Whitehorne, Pat (correspondent); De Freitas, John (interviewee); Baker, James (interviewee); Martin, Atherton (interviewee); Manley, Michael (interviewee); Musa, Said (interviewee); Williams, Colin (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationThere is a breakdown of talks in Geneva and plans to avert the war in the Gulf proves unsuccessful. Mr. Michael Manley, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica, pledges CARICOM’s commitment to support the move by the United Nations Security Council that Iraq must withdraw from Kuwait. The Caribbean region continues to experience severe debts and it is suggested the region needs to get its act together to deal with its economic challenges. A senior member of the Chamber of Commerce in Guyana believes that CARICOM is a waste of time and the economic prospects for this country lie with Latin America. In Kingston, St. Vincent, there is uncertainty on the inaugural sitting of the Constituent Assembly of the Windward Islands. This is as a result of the pressure being placed by the opposition coalition parties. As Belize and Guyana become members of the Organization of American States, the benefits of becoming an OAS member is discussed.Item Caribbean Report 10-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-10) Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Croskill, Hugh (interviewer); Bhajan, Caral (correspondent); Matheson, James (interviewee); Walcott, Clyde (interviewee); Varsi, Mehdi (analyst); The British Broadcasting CorporationTrinidad and Tobago tightens the security of its oil supplies as the grim prospect of the Gulf war on fuel prices looms near. The country takes this preventative measure in case there is a possible sabotage by supporters of Saddam Hussain. A report from a representative of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) explains the perceived silence of the ACP given the impending war. The issue of economic aid to the ACP countries being hampered by the war is also discussed. A top analyst in Britain gives his perspective on the prospects for the Caribbean in terms of the changing price of oil. He suggests that Trinidad and Tobago should not adjust its budgets too significantly to avoid disrupting developmental plans. A report from Suriname indicates that a Minister of the interim appointed cabinet is subject to suspicion because of his credibility. It is also reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided that neutral umpires must be used in Test matches. The President of the West Indies Cricket Board comments on this decision.Item Caribbean Report 11-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-11) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Robinson, A.N.R. (interviewee); Panday, Basdeo (interviewee); Louis, John St. (interviewee); Slimforth, Joanna (interviewee); Rigsby, Dereck (interviewee); Franks, Stanley (interviewee); Parry, Joseph (interviewee); Lee, Mark (correspondent); Heath, Ivor (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationAs the Gulf crisis looms on the horizon, Trinidad and Tobago is assessing its options and stepping up with its domestic preparations to deal with this matter should a crisis occur. Meetings are apace with the Prime Minister and Leaders of the Opposition parties and other representatives in the country in order to formulate measures to protect the population. An update from Dominica and Cuba on their views on the situation in Iraq is also provided. In Antigua, there is uncertainty as to whether Mr. John St. Louis, Antigua’s Finance Minister has submitted his resignation. Dr. Ivor Heathe, Leader of the Opposition, United Democratic Party provides his perspective regarding some of Mr. St. Louis’ plans for the future. He contends there was no announcement on whether Mr. Louis had resigned given that he has been out of the country for quite a while. Expatriates in Nevis are very disturbed as they have been targeted for arrest of drug charges. They claim that marijuana is being planted in their homes and personal property by people who tip off the police. One expatriate believes that they are being charged unfairly and it may stem from Nevisians becoming unhappy that expatriates are being hired for jobs which they would like to have. Both the Prime Minister of Nevis and the Foreign Minister in charge of Nevisian Affairs have refuted these claims by the expatriates of unfair charges laid on them. In Canada, great publicity is being mounted on Ben Johnson who will run his first race after he was stripped of his 100 metre Olympic gold medal. Concerns are raised as to why Johnson is making this comeback at the age of 29. Mr. Mark Lee, Canadian track and field commentator, believes that Johnson has the personality to perform and he is also a tremendous gifted physical athlete who can perform at his optimal ability.Item Caribbean Report 21-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-21) Crosskill, Hugh (anchor); Hamlet, David (interviewee); Martin, Lionel (correspondent); Haynes, Richie (interviewee); Ford, Henry (interviewee); Clarke, Horris (interviewee); Sandiford, Erskine (interviewee); Toppin, Ronald (interviewee); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationThe Jamaican Energy Minister predicts that consumers will not benefit from a reduction of oil prices until after existing stocks have been used up. He also believes that the government’s ability to use foreign exchange from tourism will be down. Mr. David Hamlet of Haynes and Jarvis which is one of Great Britain’s largest tour operators believes that the Caribbean stands to benefit from an increase in tourism during the war. As Cuba and the Soviet Union sign a new one year trade agreement, it is believed that Cuba would no longer enjoy the benefits that existed before. There is speculation in Barbados of a low voter turnout at the upcoming general elections. Political leaders are interviewed to give their own perspective on this speculation as well as provide predictions for the outcome of the elections. Due to the impending war in the Gulf Lloyds of London opened for the first time on a Sunday to cover risks for ships on Sunday 25th January, 1991. On this day they rescued a motor vessel and its crew members bearing a St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag unwittingly creating a bit of history.Item Caribbean Report 22-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-22) Anyaoku, Emeka (interviewee); Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Gomez, Drexel (interviewee); Mayo, Edward (interviewee); Sandiford, Erskine (interviewee); Ford, Henry (interviewee); Hayes, Richie (interviewee); St. John, Bernard (interviewee); Morgan, Peter (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationPolling day closes in Barbados with a few minor hitches such as discrepancies with the voting lists and persons turning up at the wrong polling stations. Leaders of the three leading political parties are all hopeful that their respective party will emerge with the majority of votes. Voters are reminded by Anglican Bishop Rexell Gomez to elect a government that would stand up for Christian principles while radio announcers remind voters about the rules to be followed on elections day. A senior spokesperson from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission claims that voting in Barbados went off very smoothly and efficiently. The Commonwealth General Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku leaves London for talks in Washington with the IMF and World Bank. He hopes to discuss matters of mutual interest. High on the agenda would be the impact of the Gulf war on Commonwealth developing countries such as relief measures and aids and pursuing debt relief measures to assist the heavily indebted countries. A recently published report states that developing countries are losing out to Eastern Europe.Item Caribbean Report 23-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-23) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Gomez, Drexel (interviewee); Odelle, Jack (interviewee); Mc Clean, Vendel (interviewee); Emmanuel, Patrick (interviewee); Ford, Henry (interviewee); Sandiford, Erskine (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationAt a peace rally in Washington, the Rainbow of Coalition led by Rev. Jessie Jackson believes that the Caribbean would suffer for supporting the Bush administration on the war. A spokesman from this group believes that US aid earmarked for the Caribbean would be diverted to other areas. He thinks that the Caribbean leaders should provide leadership in a peace initiative instead of supporting the war. In Barbados, the National Development Party emerges victorious by a reduced majority. Mr. Erskine Sandiford gets a second successive term in office despite a low voter turnout amounting to approximately 60-62%. Mr. Sandiford identifies some of the priorities that he will be focusing on under his leadership. Bishop Drexel Gomez of Barbados believes that Caribbean leaders were too quick to endorse the American military effort, and thus bowing to the dictates of the United States. Barbados Political analyst, Dr. Patrick Emmanuel explains that this is first time Mr. Erskine Sandiford has led the DLP into victory and believes that this would boost Mr. Sandiford’s confidence. People will be waiting for the presentation of the 1991 estimates and budget to gain insight into the government’s economic policy.Item Caribbean Report 24-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-24) Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Martin, Atherton (interviewee); Bennendijk, Chandra van (correspondent); Khan, Sharief (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationNew negotiations between Guyana and the IMF for economic recovery support are expected to take place soon. All signs show that these talks would be tough since Guyana has not met last year’s targets. There is speculation that electricity charges will increase and the Guyana dollar will be devalued. In Suriname, the interim government is expected to announce the date of the next elections. Suriname has mounted a motivational campaign to encourage persons to vote and to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. Caribbean leaders are receiving increasing criticism for supporting the US by giving them the green light to commence war in Iraq. Mr. Atherton Martin, a Dominican and member of the Development GAP Organization in Washington, believes that the Caribbean has compromised its negotiating position with the United States. He adds that the Caribbean will be paying the price for fragmenting its bargaining position and this would affect the Caribbean in terms of receiving US aid. Martin adds that the Caribbean stands to lose out significantly because the US believes that it has the Caribbean it its back pocket. Britain’s Michael Robinson, whose parents are Jamaican, retained his Commonwealth Middleweight boxing title. He is hoping for a second shot and has set his sights on taking on Jamaican born, Chris Eubank.Item Caribbean Report 25-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-25) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Bennendijk, Chandra van (correspondent); Tadwah, Jean Michel (correspondent); Montagne, Michele (correspondent); Sahadeo, Basdeo (interviewee); Rollingson, Neil (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationThis program presents reports on the impact of the war in the Gulf on Suriname, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. The Muslim Association of Suriname intends to lead a protest demonstration in Paramaribo against the bombing of Iraq and it is urging the government to speak out against the killings in the Gulf. It believes that these differences can be solved through consultation instead of destroying lives. In the Dominican Republic (DR), there is a delay in the signing of an agreement between the Dominican Republic and the IMF. The DR is hoping that the signed agreement will reopen the doors of international credit for the country because it has accumulated over 4 billion dollars in foreign debts. In Haiti, radio call-in programmes are receiving more attention about the war in the Gulf as the interest in the recently coupé d'état in the country has decreased. The citizens are interested in getting more details of the military affair and the impact of the war on their lives. Although CARICOM countries and its leaders are receiving criticisms for their stance in supporting the war in the Gulf, the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Sahadeo Basdeo, explains that CARICOM’s decision was a principled one. He adds that they have taken a position at the United Nations level and not at a United States level. Also in Trinidad and Tobago, the worry is not about the war in the Gulf but on whether Carnival will take place in the country because of the war. An Trinidad and Tobago economist states that the country should not only depend on the revenues from oil but the economy needs to diversity and grow differently by increasing its foreign direct investment.Item Caribbean Report 31-01-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-01-31) Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Sandiford, Erskine (interviewee); Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Ninvalle, Pete (correspondent); Charles, Eugenia (interviewee); Park, Leslie (interviewer); Taylor, David (interviewee); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Griffith, Leslie (interviewee); Pargass, Guyatri (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationCARICOM countries have decided on the respective dates that they would implement the Common External Tariff (CET). However, Barbados expresses frustration but says it is still interested in the CET and is committed to the Caribbean regional integration movement. However certain things have not been achieved by CARICOM governments as they have not yet met their deadlines. The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Erskine Sandiford, believes that people from the Caribbean countries should have been given specific responsibilities to speed up the process. The CET is the main agenda discussed by the OECS in a two day meeting held in St. Lucia. CARICOM leaders attended the meeting and Prime Minister of Grenada, Eugenia Charles indicated that the serious issues that they are facing with finance were addressed. The British government has given Montserrat £12.5 million towards the long term rebuilding programme following the ravages of Hurricane Hugo. Britain’s total commitment to Montserrat amounts to £17.5 million. The Governor of Montserrat, David Taylor speaks to correspondent Leslie Park on how this aid will be spent and the projects earmarked for completion. In Trinidad and Tobago, delegates took part in a Domestic Violence Seminar that was organized by the Rape Crisis Centre, CAFRA and UNECLAC. It was revealed that Domestic Violence is on the upswing in the Caribbean region. However, the delegates are unable to say how big is this problem. Representatives call for legal reform and the tightening of loopholes regarding domestic violence. They argue that the law will not work unless society continues to accept and tolerate violence against women. With the recent appointment of Jean Bertrand Aristide in Haiti, a British based Methodist Minister has been appointed to act as an intermediary between President Aristide and the Roman Catholic church. The rift between President Aristide and the Catholic Church has caused deep divisions between Haiti’s religious communities. The Jamaican government receives confirmation from the IMF as it meets all the targets set by the government last December. As a result, Jamaica is now able to access further funds from the IMF.Item Caribbean Report 01-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-01) Goffe, Leslie (anchor); Khan, Sharief (correspondent); Millie, Chris (interviewee); Vernon, Gary (interviewee); Procer, Jeffery (interviewee); Croskill, Hugh (interviewee); Ashby, Timothy (interviewee); Braithwaite, Nicholas (interviewee); Benson, Howard (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationAn American company buys 80% shares of Guyana’s telecommunication system replacing the state owned company. Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) based in the US Virgin Islands has an exclusive license for 20 years and will be aiming to improve the quality of the Guyana’s telecommunication service. Mr. Clement Rohey, the International Secretary of Guyana’s Opposition People’s Progressive Party held talks with officials of the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London. These talks centered on the upcoming general elections in Guyana and the need to have a free and fair election. Mr. Rohey expressed the need for electoral reforms in Guyana and accused the government of dragging its feet with the completion of a new electoral list. The FCO advised that the British government is not able to link future aid to Guyana for the holding of free and fair elections. The election date has not yet been announced. Dr. Timothy Ashby, formerly from the United States Department of Commerce, believes that levels of US aid will continue to fall in the Caribbean. Dr. Ashby who is currently in London addressed a discussion on US aid to the Caribbean and believes that the US no longer sees the Caribbean region as one that commands its interests. He adds that the Caribbean region only has itself to blame for this decision because it is viewed by the US as a group of disparate, argumentative countries. He believes that Caribbean countries should have a collective stance instead of seeking individual aids for their countries from the US. He contends that the US has a stronger interest in Mexico, rather than the Caribbean. Heads of Government of the OECS are meeting for a 2nd time in Castries, St. Lucia. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Mr. Nicholas Braithwaite believes that the emphasis at the meeting should be placed on the Common External Tariff and that the OECS countries should try to increase intra regional trade. He admits that there are problems with foreign exchange in certain countries which make it difficult for some of them to find a market. Representatives from CARICOM and the International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) have signed off on the Caribbean Fisheries Assessment Programme. This is a major project aimed at improving the Caribbean’s fisheries resources and management. The final signature on the agreement worth 20 million dollars took place in the headquarters in Belize.Item Caribbean Report 07-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-07) Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Croskill, Hugh (interviewee); Baptiste, Sandra (correspondent); Patterson, P. J. (interviewee); Alan, Gary (correspondent); Thompson, David (interviewee); Adams, David (correspondent); Sampson, David (interviewee); Miller, Billie (interviewee); Pindling, Lynden (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationHaiti’s new President, Rev. John Bertrand Aristide is sworn in as Haitians celebrate the beginning of a second independence. The new President has gained widespread praise as this is the first time Haiti has had a properly elected Head of State since it gained independence from France in 1804. President Aristide has received endorsements from President Jimmy Carter and Jamaican President Michael Manley. The major priorities for the new President are the setting up a Cabinet and the appointment of a Prime Minister as the country sets to celebrate its Carnival activities over the weekend. The Governor General of Barbados, Dame Nita Barrow, made her first throne speech at the official opening of both houses of Parliament. She unveiled the government‘s policies for the next 5 years and outlined a number of proposals to get the economy moving and to tackle the social problems in the island. Whilst she announced the setting up of a broad based commission to tackle youth problems one researcher explains that specific research is necessary before the concerns of youth can be addressed. Jamaica is caught in the debt servicing trap although it has become eligible for more loans from the IMF after meeting the targets set for the fund. However, Mr. P.J. Patterson, Minister of Finance admits that the country will be borrowing money to pay off borrowed money used to discharge the present debt obligations. He adds that the net inflows from the multi-lateral institutions are below the country’s net outflows to these institutions. The Prime Minister of Bahamas, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling responds to the recent statements made by Dr. Timothy Ashby that the Bush administration had taken the Caribbean off its agenda as a region of strategic importance. Sir Pindling believes that the Caribbean was never high on Washington’s agenda and does not see it happening in the future. Sir Pindling provides his some views on the economic prospects for the Caribbean.Item Caribbean Report 08-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-08) Goffe, Leslie (anchor); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Alexis, Francis (interviewee); Croskill, Hugh (correspondent); Khan, Sharief (correspondent); Whitehorne, Pat (correspondent); Aming, Neville (interviewee); Awong, Max (interviewee); Hoyte, Desmond (interviewee); Herrenberg, Hendrik Frans (Henk) (interviewee); Adams, David (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationAs Haiti’s new President, Rev. John Bertrand Aristide is sworn in as the country’s new President, David Adams reports on some of the decisions that the President plans to take. The President did not shy away from taking tough decisions as he dismissed some very senior military officials, most of them Generals, from the armed forces. His decisions are seen as an intelligent move and there are signs that the new Haiti will succeed although the elite class is not fully supportive of Rev. Aristide. Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Guyana’s President has shown support for the Surinamese military backed government and explains that no one can dictate his country’s foreign policy. Mr. Hoyte is the first Head of State to meet with the Suriname’s interim President, Johanne Kraag as Guyana did not join the other CARICOM countries in condemning the recent coup d’état in Suriname. Mr. Francis Alexis, Legal Affairs Minister of Grenada believes that the slow pace of integration in the Caribbean is due to historical circumstances since unity was not promoted in the Caribbean until the 2nd world war. He adds that there is need to understand the psyche of the people across the Caribbean region before any aspect of integration can succeed. He however believes that the region’s future lies in integration. If this does not happen he foresees that the bigger Caribbean islands may get into President Bush’s initiative on its own and there will be no option for the smaller Caribbean islands but to do the same. In Trinidad and Tobago, Debbie Ransome reports on how the country is getting prepared for its Carnival celebrations which takes place over the weekend. Despite the war in the Gulf, the country continues with its preparations although there is a decline in foreign visitors.Item Caribbean Report 11-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-11) Crosskill, Hugh (anchor); Whitehorne, Pat (correspondent); Norton, Michael (correspondent); Small, Hugh (interviewee); Ransome, Debbie (correspondent); Tewarie, Bhoendradatt (interviewee); Robbins, Charles (interviewee); Bertrand, Ian (interviewee); The British Broadcasting CorporationA new Prime Minister is expected to be sworn in by Haiti’s President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. However, Michael Norton reports that Prime Minister may end up being more powerful than President Aristide. Debbie Ransome reports on a meeting held between CARICOM’s two largest markets i.e. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Debbie Ransome speaks to Mr. Hugh Small of Jamaica and Mr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie of Trinidad and Tobago who were the two key participants at this meeting. Trinidad and Tobago is frustrated with the hold up of payments of its exports to Jamaica. Mr. Hugh Small of Jamaica says that the nature of the crisis with Trinidad and Tobago will be taken to his cabinet. He believes that these two countries need to move towards the absolute abolition of exchange controls. He adds that the future of the Caribbean community depends on a strong Jamaican economy and Jamaica is taking steps to implement the CET by 15 February, 1991. Mr. Tewarie explains that the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and the private sector have discussed to solve the problem within a CARICOM context. Also with regard to the issue of payment in Jamaican currency, he proposes that preferential arrangements should be made in settling CARICOM arrangements. Caribbean banana producers are awaiting a draft proposal from the European Community on the regulation of the Banana market after 1992. The Caribbean is faced with unbeatable competition from Latin American banana producers and they are pressing for continued market access and protection. The possible merger between BWEE and LIAT is imminent and an official from BWEE claims that plans for this merger has gained increased momentum as international carriers have cut back services to the countries. Mr. Ian Bertrand shares the proposals being considered with this impending merger.Item Caribbean Report 12-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-12) Croskill, Hugh (anchor); Khan, Sharief (correspondent); Goffe, Leslie (correspondent); Sale, Kirkpatrick (interviewee); Hart, Richard (interviewee); Fraser, Patricia (interviewee); Skippings, Oswald (interviewee); Rawling, John (correspondent); The British Broadcasting CorporationThe Opposition parties in Guyana are concerned about whether the upcoming elections will be free and fair. The Guyanese government is being condemned by the Guyana Human Rights Association for supporting the interim administration of Suriname following its recent Christmas Eve coup. A former Jamaican political and Trade Union activist, now based in the United Kingdom, has criticized CARICOM governments for backing the US led military action in the Gulf. One of the biggest global parties of the century is being planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the so called discovery of the New World of the Americas and the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus. A 30 year old Jamaican tries to attain another world title as he ttakes his second step on the comeback trail.Item Caribbean Report 13-02-1991(The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1991-02-13) Whitehorne, Pat (anchor); Crosskill, Hugh (correspondent); Pursue, Eugene (interviewee); Basdeo, Sahadeo (interviewee); Balintulo, Marcus (interviewee); Bazin, Marc Louis (interviewee); Morris, Bill (interviewee); Hart, Richard (interviewee); Gray, Annemarie (interviewer); The British Broadcasting CorporationAs the war in the Gulf enters its 4th week, Caribbean Diplomats believe that it is time for the General Assembly to assess the situation. However, Dr. Sahadeo Basdeo of Trinidad and Tobago maintains that CARICOM’s position to support the war was a principled one. Commonwealth Foreign Ministers will be meeting in London to review the parliamentary speech by South Africa’s President, F.W. DeKlerk who promised to abolish the remaining apartheid laws. The appointment of the new Haitian Prime Minister, René Garcia Préval should be ratified on Thursday. The Deputy Secretary General of Britain’s powerful Transport and General Workers Union is tipped to take over the Union’s leadership when the President retires next year. It is reported that Jamaican born, Jim Williams who was the first black Lord Major to be installed in Bristol last year, has been kicked out of his seat because he is not left enough.