Caribbean Report 12-02-2003

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1. Headlines with anchor Karen Weir (00:00-00:29)
2. A group of CARICOM Prime Ministers who believe in political federation for the advancement of integration will lobby colleagues in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago at the CARICOM Intercessional Meeting of the Heads of Government. Ahead of this Summit leaders will discuss new options for government. Prime Minister Patrick Manning describes his expectations. Tony Fraser reports (00:30-04:03)
3. Detectives from Britain’s Scotland Yard and the Antigua and Barbuda police force interview eleven persons including Elmeade Jarvis and Jennifer Joseph. They are linked to the report of a commission of enquiry into alleged corruption involving the country’s health insurance plan. Colin James reports (04:04-05:40)
4. Authorities in Trinidad say that forensic tests on the chemicals at an alleged terror lab in south Trinidad are harmless. This follows a report that radical Muslims factions are preparing in the event of a war against Iraq. Howard Chin Lee, Minister of National Security reports on the government’s plan to investigate further as he reassures citizens. BBC’s Karen Weir reports (05:41-06:56)
5. Jamaican police are remaining tight lipped about the status of ten Iraqis who were held in Montego Bay. The men arrived on a flight from Cuba and were in transit to Belize before becoming stranded in Jamaica. FBI agents have arrived in Jamaica but it is not confirmed if their investigation is complete and if local police have questioned the men. BBC’s Karen Weir reports (06:57-07:42)
6. As CARICOM marks its thirtieth anniversary, the Jamaican Gleaner’s editorial suggests that the organization has little to celebrate, and that it has failed to improve quality of life in the region. Ken Allen, Editor-in-Chief of the Gleaner explains the perspective expressed in the newspaper (07:43-11:06)
7. While Britain works to bring offshore tax havens among its overseas territories in line, evidence shows that the tax evasion department is conducting embarrassing offshore business of its own. Poor handling of a transfer involving six hundred of its buildings in Bermuda is possibly costing British taxpayers millions of pounds. David Laws, Liberal Democrat MP is on the Parliamentary Select Committee and hears evidence on the matter (11:07-12:24)
8. In Bermuda, government workers go back to work after a one-day strike in support of airport fire fighters as they demand recognition of their union. Workers agreed to return after talks between the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Labour Minister. Buses and ferries also stopped in a show of solidarity (12:25-12:58)
9. Following months of negotiations, US Continental Airlines adds Aruba to its list of destinations out of Houston, Texas. It will transport more than three hundred and fifty tourists weekly from mid-year (12:59-13:23)
10. In cricket, the West Indies team makes one change for its second Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand by recalling Nixon McLean to replace fellow fast bowler Pedro Collins. Confidence seems high fuelled by the victory of the century made by star batsman Brian Lara. BBC’s Bertram Niles reports (13:24-14:54)
11. South Africa joins Nigeria in seeking to re-admit Zimbabwe into the fold of the Commonwealth. The BBC’s Karen Weir reports (14:55-15:59)

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