Caribbean Report 21-01-1998

Abstract

For the first time in Cuba's history, head of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II is visiting Cuban soil. Thousands of Cubans lined the streets to welcome the Pope on this formal occasion. During his visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II's political views will receive the most attention. CARICOM Chairman Dr. Keith Mitchell prepares to announce the names of audit team for the elections in Guyana. Political scientist Prof. Selwyn Ryan discusses how successful the peace accord in Guyana will be. In Jamaica, the operation of a reform facility for troubled US teenagers has raised concerns as it permits officers to use electrical shock treatment to control youths. Moral questions are raised about how the operations at the Tranquility Bay facility has continued without public knowledge. Meanwhile, the Caribbean continues to lobby against the shipment of nuclear wastes through their waters. Dr. Theo Agard, radiation physicist, states that these shipments pose minimum risk. However, Paul Leventhal, President of Nuclear Control Institute in Washington disagrees and states that international standards are weak to begin with.