Caribbean Report 04-05-2000

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1. Headlines (00:00-00:36)
2. Opposition trade unions and other leaders of ongoing protest actions, left demonstrations behind on the streets of St Vincent and flew to Grenada today. They were invited to the OECS-CARICOM meeting in St Georges to discuss the solution to the country's political crisis which resulted in weeks of demonstrations. (00:37-03:39)
3.St Vincent opposition leaders are now in Grenada at the invitations of the OECS to discuss the political protest in St Vincent. However, the protest action continues to strengthen as other workers join the demonstration. (03:40-07:22)
4. In 1979, Dominica had a similar problem as what currently obtains in St Vincent with the demonstrators, when Dominican street protesters clashed with security forces. In order to resolve the matter within the constitution, a committee of broad-based interests was set up which steered things back on course. A former member of that committee said there are parallels that St Vincent can learn from. (07:23-10:23)
5. At the OECS, the meeting continues to be overshadowed by the demonstrations in St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, this morning the Heads of OECS spoke with the Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court, Dennis Byron, who informed them of plans to update the judiciary in the sub-region. They also met with the Cuban delegation regarding bilateral ties. (10:24-12:03)
6. US Federal Marshals moved into Vieques Island in Puerto Rico and removed protestors who have been occupying the naval range. Some protestors were arrested and detained while others were released. The protestors were trying to block the resumption of military bombing exercises by the US Navy. (12:04-15:04)
7. Despite being criticized for its human rights record, Cuba was today elected into the UN Human Rights Commission. Cuba was one of 24 new countries nominated to join the principal UN body dealing with human rights issues. (15:05-15:34)

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