Caribbean Report 13-12-1995

Abstract

In this report the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is advising Caribbean states to seek a phased entry into the Free Trade Agreement proposed by the US to come into effect in 2005. In St. Lucia, banana farmers are closely monitoring the uncertainties surrounding the region's banana industry. Some banana growers comment on the Geest sale issue. Meanwhile, EU Deputy Director General for Agriculture, Ralf Mohler is set to meet with US Trade Representative Mickey Kantor on December 18th to discuss the bitter trade dispute over bananas. Prime Minister John Compton has criticised the region's electronic media and discussed the freedom of movement for journalists in the Caribbean Community. A British and French effort for an European initiative to clamp down on drug trafficking in the Caribbean has been welcomed by former Chairman of the Jamaican National Drug Abuse Council, Dr. Winston Davidson. In Haiti, Rene Preval, close friend and political ally of President Aristide, is a front runner in the presidential elections. However, on the streets of Port-au-Prince, the debate is not over politics but prices and the high cost of living. Mr. Preval comments on how he intends to implement security on the island, if he is elected. In cricket, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Mr. Alloy Lequay has a plan to resolve the Brian Lara controversy.