Caribbean Report 18-02-1999
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Date
1999-02-18
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The British Broadcasting Corporation
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Table of Contents
1. Headlines with anchor Ken Richards (00:28)
2. The Inter American Press Association is criticising Cuba’s new law aimed at impeding political opposition. The new legislation facilitates legal sanctions for censorship and on media reporting by foreign correspondents. Ken Richards reports (00:29 - 00:56)
3. There was sharp criticism on standards used by the international community in determining the welfare of small developing states at the opening of a conference in Saint Lucia on assistance to small developing countries. Prime Minister Kenny Anthony called for an enlightened approach to the circumstances and needs of developing countries citing the current banana trade crisis and urged consideration should be given to input by small states on rules of international trade and finance. Pete Ninvalle reports (00:57 - 03:08)
4. A London based organisation Jubilee 2000 is calling on World Bank officials to cancel all debts of the world’s poorest states in the new millennium. Advisors at the World Bank view this request as impractical, as it would not achieve the required goals of increasing growth rate and alleviating poverty. Chelston Lee reports (03:09 – 04:38)
5. A European request for the World Trade Organization to rule on US trade sanctions has rekindled the banana dispute between the United States and the European Union. Claire Doyle reports from Brussels on ongoing procedural rulings and strategies (04:39 - 07:06)
6. The Pan America Health Organization (PAHO) is continuing its educational programme in the Caribbean and in Central American countries threatened annually by hurricanes. At a conference hosted in the Dominican Republic the organization outlined measures to assist with future natural disasters proposing solutions for inadequate shelter, food, water, medical and psychological care. PAHO Public information Officer Daniel Epstein explains the social and psychological aspects of natural disasters. Keith Stone Greaves reports (07:07 - 09:31)
7. Antigua Prime Minister Lester Bird is expected to announce the date of the next general election. Neville Duncan, political scientist at the University of the West Indies gives his assessment on the impending elections, viewing the ruling party as the overwhelming favorite to return to power. Mr. Duncan calls on the opposition parties to professionalise their organisations, recognize active members and partner with community groups. Ken Richards reports (09:32 - 11:35)
8. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the number of persons estimated to go blind will double in the next 20 years if urgent action is not taken. WHO is currently launching a global initiative to counteract avoidable blindness by year 2020. Executive Director for the Caribbean Council for the Blind Arvel Grant views the problem in the region as grave and highlights causative factors such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataract and vehicular accidents (11:36 - 13:00)
9. The French National Assembly voted unanimously on a draft law to officially recognise slavery as a crime against humanity. This is the first time any country has officially condemned slavery. The passage of this law and the ensuing slavery debate is taking on international dimensions and the United Nations Human Rights in Geneva may adopt a similar proposal at its next session. Geraldine Cockland reports (13:01 – 15:36)
2. The Inter American Press Association is criticising Cuba’s new law aimed at impeding political opposition. The new legislation facilitates legal sanctions for censorship and on media reporting by foreign correspondents. Ken Richards reports (00:29 - 00:56)
3. There was sharp criticism on standards used by the international community in determining the welfare of small developing states at the opening of a conference in Saint Lucia on assistance to small developing countries. Prime Minister Kenny Anthony called for an enlightened approach to the circumstances and needs of developing countries citing the current banana trade crisis and urged consideration should be given to input by small states on rules of international trade and finance. Pete Ninvalle reports (00:57 - 03:08)
4. A London based organisation Jubilee 2000 is calling on World Bank officials to cancel all debts of the world’s poorest states in the new millennium. Advisors at the World Bank view this request as impractical, as it would not achieve the required goals of increasing growth rate and alleviating poverty. Chelston Lee reports (03:09 – 04:38)
5. A European request for the World Trade Organization to rule on US trade sanctions has rekindled the banana dispute between the United States and the European Union. Claire Doyle reports from Brussels on ongoing procedural rulings and strategies (04:39 - 07:06)
6. The Pan America Health Organization (PAHO) is continuing its educational programme in the Caribbean and in Central American countries threatened annually by hurricanes. At a conference hosted in the Dominican Republic the organization outlined measures to assist with future natural disasters proposing solutions for inadequate shelter, food, water, medical and psychological care. PAHO Public information Officer Daniel Epstein explains the social and psychological aspects of natural disasters. Keith Stone Greaves reports (07:07 - 09:31)
7. Antigua Prime Minister Lester Bird is expected to announce the date of the next general election. Neville Duncan, political scientist at the University of the West Indies gives his assessment on the impending elections, viewing the ruling party as the overwhelming favorite to return to power. Mr. Duncan calls on the opposition parties to professionalise their organisations, recognize active members and partner with community groups. Ken Richards reports (09:32 - 11:35)
8. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the number of persons estimated to go blind will double in the next 20 years if urgent action is not taken. WHO is currently launching a global initiative to counteract avoidable blindness by year 2020. Executive Director for the Caribbean Council for the Blind Arvel Grant views the problem in the region as grave and highlights causative factors such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataract and vehicular accidents (11:36 - 13:00)
9. The French National Assembly voted unanimously on a draft law to officially recognise slavery as a crime against humanity. This is the first time any country has officially condemned slavery. The passage of this law and the ensuing slavery debate is taking on international dimensions and the United Nations Human Rights in Geneva may adopt a similar proposal at its next session. Geraldine Cockland reports (13:01 – 15:36)