Caribbean Report 28-05-1997

Abstract

Prime Minister Kenny Anthony has said that the banana situation in St. Lucia will be a major priority for the new Labour administration. He is, also, defending his government’s decision to undertake an emergency audit of state revenue. Next, in New York today Caricom and UN officials resume cooperation talks, the central trust being how to join to fight the trafficking of drugs. Yesterday the meeting focused on the signing of an agreement to improve cooperation between the Secretariat in Georgetown and the United Nations. Next, United States President Bill Clinton and European leaders meeting in the Dutch capital have pledged continue US backing for Europe in the next century. On the agenda were trade deals including measures to combat customs fraud and the smuggling of chemical use in the manufacture of illegal drugs, resolving differences on a long awaited agreement to co-ordinate trade standards. There were also outstanding matters on a number of issues including attempts by Washington to block trade with Cuba. Next, in Britain the Secretary of State for International Development says she is in search of an optimistic model to help eradicate poverty. In the case of the Caribbean she says that Britain remains acutely aware that treats to the region’s banana industry could lead to a serious social and economic crisis. Still in Britain, under the primary purpose rule people wanting to marry British citizens have to prove that their main aim is not to simply settle in Britain, however, this rule is being reviewed. Finally, founder and producer of Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash has died.

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Table of Contents

1.Headlines (00:00-00:41)
2. St. Lucia's Prime Minister Kenny Anthony is called on to honour his promise to relieve the debt crisis faced by the island's banana industry. Prime Minister Kenny Anthony and Rupert Gajadar, St. Lucia's Banana Growers' Association Chairman are interviewed (00:42-04:38))
3. Caricom and United Nations officials meet in New York to continue talks in fighting the drug trade in the Caribbean. Orlando Marville, Caricom Assistant Secretary General for Foreign and Commonwealth Relations is interviewed (04:39-08:08)
4. President Bill Clinton and European leaders meeting in the Dutch capital have pledged continue US backing for Europe in the next century (08:09-08:39)
5. There are plans to end the immigration rule which forces foreign nationals to prove the integrity of their intended marriage in Britain. Clare Short, Britain Secretary of State for International Development, Claude Mieres from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Michael Howard, former Home Secretary are interviewed. Rita Chakrabarti reports (08:40-11:54)
6. Tony Johnson, the founder and producer of Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash has died. Chris Blackwell, Chairman of Island Record and Tommy Cohen of Jamaica are interviewed (11:55-15:24)

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