HAITI
A tragedy of devastating proportions is the only way to describe the recent floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While several villages slept, the raging torrents from three days of rain swept them away. Several aid agencies including the Red Cross, The UN and US Teams are spearheading relief and recovery efforts. Of concern is the recovery of bodies to prevent the contamination of the water supply and the spread of diseases. With one thousand already declared dead the fear is that that number could rise to over two thousand.

JAMAICA
When many of us think about the agricultural sector in Jamaica, coconut is the last produce that comes to mind. Coconuts once held a place of pride as one of the top five agricultural crops and a significant supplier of raw material to the agro-processing industry in Jamaica. In fact Seprod the island’s largest producer of soaps, cooking oil, and numerous edible products was once the sole owner of the Coconut Board. The industry took a back seat however over the years as the crop was devastated by the lethal yellowing disease. Much research is being undertaken to identify new resistant varieties or hybrids more resistant to this disease. Non-infected plants are being brought to Jamaica in a major collaborative project involving several international funding and research agencies. The, much maligned, coconut oil is on its way to regaining its place of prominence, so the coconut industry is once again seen as a viable industry.

BARBADOS
Barbados’ unique cotton, the sea island variety, has caught the interest of some US companies, who after using it to produce various garments were so impressed with its quality that they visited the Island to discuss potential partnerships. Six years later, the formation of Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean (ECCI) is generating much excitement among local interests. Many see this as the boost that the industry has been seeking and the promise of a bright economic future for the industry. The major objective according to Coleridge Pilgim, president of the Barbados Cotton Growers Association is to sign a memorandum of understanding so that all parties involved know exactly where they stand.

GUYANA
Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar announced recently that Guyana’s developmental challenges are being addressed with the injection of sizeable grants from the United States government to aid in various areas which have been targeted for improvement, and in some instances education. US$20M (4B) has been earmarked to boost governance, democracy and economic growth; US$5M will provide wheat under the US PL480 program and US$21M to reduce the threat of HIV and AIDS.

TRINIDAD
The BP (British Petroleum) Group announced recently it will be investing US$10 million in the soon-to-be established University of Trinidad & Tobago. They have also committed to spending an additional US$2.5 billion in exploration off the East coast of the islands. The announcement was made by BP Group CEO, Lord John Browne, at an event attended by Prime Minister Patrick Manning, opposition leader Basdeo Panday, and the leaders of the local energy sector. The commitment by BP represents a healthy recognition of the importance of education to the development of the society and to the growth of the company.