Caribbean Report 06-02-2003

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1. Headlines with anchor Bertram Niles (00:00-00:22)
2. Hundreds of sugar workers in Trinidad and Tobago stage a protest outside the office of Prime Minister Patrick Manning accusing the government of discrimination. The administration wants to restructure the sugar industry which is operating at a loss of TTD five hundred million annually. According to Rudy Indarsingh, Trade Union Leader the government seems to be implementing forced retrenchment instead of voluntary separation. BBC’s Tony Fraser reports (00:23-03:02)
3. In Curacao, about three hundred of the island’s policemen are on strike due to sub-standard working conditions. Benard Komproe, the Minister of Justice says he will not meet with the officers until Friday much to the concern of nationals. Report by BBC correspondent Neil Nunes (03:03-04:39)
4. In Jamaica, teachers remain on the job despite threats made based on their demand for a pay increase to match inflation. Neville Ying, Professor of Labour Studies at the UWI, Mona gives an analysis of the situation. BBC’s Bertram Niles reports (04:40-07:35)
5. Allen Stanford, American Businessman and Texan millionaire gives the Antiguan government a day’s notice for positive response to his proposed two hundred and fifty six million Eastern Caribbean dollar investment offer and to the development of an offshore island. He also announces that the head office of his airline Caribbean Star is moving to St. Kitts (07:36-08:32)
6. Belize Parliament is formally dissolved ahead of March elections. Prime Minister Said Wilbur Musa of the People’s United Party holds a twenty-six to three majority over the United Democratic Party at the dissolution. The Opposition appears to be facing an uphill electoral fight as expressed to journalist Karla Heusner who reports on the current pre-election political climate and issues (08:33-10:59)
7. Rastafarians in Jamaica win an out of court victory against the government to get their religion recognized and to be granted the constitutional right to practice their faith. The Church of Haile Selassie now has the right to access prisoners and conduct acts of worship within the correctional institutions. However, smoking of marijuana is prohibited and prison rules as well as Jamaican laws must be adhered to. BBC’s Karen Weir reports (11:00-12:53)
8. Guyana sees a drastic increase in crime and violence especially in the east coast village of Buxton. Vendor Linda Mingle is displeased about the unfair treatment, racial discrimination, and marginalization towards black Guyanese in Buxton. Professor Mark Kirton, Political Scientist, University of Guyana agrees that such practices exist. BBC correspondent Dennis Sjoberg reports (12:54-15:34)

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