Caribbean Report 27-07-1993

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1. Headlines (00:00-00:35)
2. In Jamaica, a boycott of parliament by the opposition’s Jamaica Labour Party over electoral fraud and intimidation from elements in the police force after the general elections has ended. The decision to return to parliament comes as result of an agreement reached with the government on reforms in the police force and the appointment of an Electoral Advisory Committee. Interview with Edward Seaga, Opposition Leader, Jamaica Labour Party (00:36-04:01)
3. In Cuba, there has been mixed reactions to Fidel Castro’s plans to decriminalize the possession of foreign currency by nationals. By making Cuba’s currency convertible, it could pave the way for thousands of Cubans in exiled to send dollars to families at home. Interview with Phil Gunson, BBC’s Specialist on Latin American Affairs on the likely impact of the decriminalization of foreign currency on the Cuban economy. Lionel Martin reports (04:02-09:29)
4. The manner in which the main opposition party in Aruba dismissed what was recently seen as an assassination attempt on the Prime Minister seems to have backfired. A mass demonstration called by the party to protest tax increases and demand the resignation of the government only attracted a small turnout. Earlier in the month, a device believed to be a petrol bomb was found under a car belonging to Prime Minister, Nelson Oduber. The opposition’s Aruban People’s Party (AVP) dismissed the claim but many Arubans have taken the matter seriously, especially as there has been another bomb scare. Adrian Madura reports (09:30-11:31)
5. There is a strong feeling in Britain’s black community that the time has come to emigrate to the Caribbean. In addition to older folks, many young people are heading home. Recently, the trend has been the focus of several articles in the British press. Interview with William Trant, Director, West Indian Standing Conference, London. Mike Jarvis reports (11:32-14:25)
6. The Netherlands is to stop its balance of payments support to Suriname from August 1st. The government in The Hague says it is not pleased with the pace at which Suriname has been applying the structural adjustment programme designed to stimulate the country’s fledgling economy. The programme devised by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was endorsed by the Dutch government. Dutch’s technical and social aid to Suriname, its former colony will continue (14:26-14:55)

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