Haiti

Demonstrations in Haiti are increasing in size, frequency, drama and consequence, against President Aristide and his Lavalas party. The biggest to date was staged recently when thousands of university students, who were attacked the previous week for demonstrating against the President returned bigger, stronger and louder, to make their voices heard. The president’s supporters did the same a few days later. Student supporters subsequently staged an invisible but loud protest on December 8, staying inside the university rooms all the while banging on metal doors and walls, making what could only be described as thunderous noise, to register their disgust with the government.

Jamaica

“A feather in the cap and a much needed boost for Jamaica’s tourism sector,” is how the most recent accolades heaped on two of the Island’s major tourist attractions—Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin’s Cove, both located in the resort town of Ocho Rios, should be viewed. Declared “the most popular and exciting attractions,” by cruise industry officials, based on passenger feedback; both destinations are seen as a cut above the rest. “There is nothing to compare to Dolphin’s Cove and Dunn’s River Falls,” said Captain Leif Otto Bang from the Royal Caribbean mega liner, Navigator Of The Seas. A sentiment endorsed by an executive of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Antigua & Barbuda

The new thrust and emphasis on the education front in the tiny island of Antigua and Barbuda is Information Communication Technology (ICT). According to one education official it means more than putting computers in the schools. The larger issue is to ensure that the Ministry of Education is completely automated and networked to all schools to effect better communication.

Trinidad & Tobago

Following a threatening phone call made to President George Maxwell Richard’s home his security detail has been strengthened. A male caller made the call to Mr. Richard’s home threatening the safety of the president, his wife and daughter.
An all-out effort is being made to trace the call but in the meantime both homes of the president are been heavily guarded as well as additional army support added to his mobile unit. Recently there has been a spate of threatening incidences involving Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Speaker Barry Sinanan and Opposition leader Basdeo Panday.

Barbados

In a strategic move designed to build its retail business to fully compliment its already successful wholesale & manufacturing side, T-Shirt manufacturer, Gildan has developed a five-year plan for expansion in Barbados. Gildan, a leading T-Shirt manufacturer, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with several operations worldwide, already has its planning and sales operations in Barbados. This news only bodes well for the Barbados economy, as its population will provide the highly skilled and trained employees necessary for Gildan’s success.

Compiled by Andrea Daley.