Caribbean Report 08-01-1998

Abstract

Europe has won a minor battle in the struggle to balance its duty to the WTO and its responsibility to the Caribbean under the Lome Convention. Gordon Myers, the European Representative of the Caribbean Banana Exporters Association, comments on what interest groups are doing to help Europe decide on the way forward. The British government has followed their US counterparts in issuing a travel advisory against all but essential visits to Guyana. St. Lucia's Prime Minister Kenny Anthony suggests that CARICOM should set up a mechanism to solve disputes over general elections results in the region. As Jamaica forges ahead with its plan to become a republic, Deputy Vice Chancellor of The UWI, Mona, Professor Rex Nettleford comments on the issue. Montserrat is experiencing problems with the pink mealybug which was discovered in November last year. Claude Gerald, Director of Agriculture comments on what is being done to eradicate the pest. Supporters of the new West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara continued their celebrations throughout the region. Colin Croft and Colin Murray offer advice to the new captain and Brian Lara insists that he wants the best team possible for the opening test against England at month's end.