GRENADA: Bears Hurricane Ivan’s Deepest Wounds
Devastation of unimaginable proportions is the only way to describe Grenada’s ‘face to face’ with Ivan the terrible. The island was no match for Ivan’s ferocity and voracious appetite for destruction. Over ninety percent of the tiny island’s homes and buildings were either severely damaged or destroyed, the Prime ministers residence bearing no kinder treatment. The islands nutmeg industry was said tobe no more and looters followed in Ivan’s steps plundering what was left in his wake. With thousands homeless and the infrastructure of the island destroyed Grenada needs immediate and urgent help to feed the hungry and provide emergency health care. Many nations and overseas organizations are working feverishly to keep this dire situation under control.

JAMAICA: Spared?
Expecting a direct hit from hurricane Ivan, Jamaicans breathed somewhat of a collective sigh of relief when Ivan veered slightly away from the island, causing devastating damages in certain areas but sparing vital sectors in it’s wake. The island’s tourism business and the recently revitalized bauxite industry seemed to have escaped to a large extent Ivan’s wrath, however some resorts in coastal areas especially world-renowned Jakes Hotel and Rick’s Café, were said to be destroyed. Ivan, packing winds of up to 155 miles per hour battered the capital, Kingston and town and villages along the north coast were hardest hit. Roofs were ripped off, power and telephone lines downed and the nations agricultural and livestock sectors suffered severe losses. Deaths caused by Ivan stood at about 19 with several persons left homeless. Jamaica’s Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has since appealed to the international community for help while Jamaica’s active immigrant population overseas has mobilized themselves to assist.

BARBADOS: HOSTS- 2007 WORLD CUP FINAL
From Bridgetown to all around Barbados, Prime Minister Owen Arthur, cricket and government officials alike, as well as legends of the sport, were struck by the surprising, yet gratifying announcement, that the 2007 Cricket World Cup final would be hosted at Barbados at the Kensington Oval. Chris de Caires, chairman of World Cup Barbados Inc. and the Barbadian delegation, were awarded the crystal goblet, presented to all eight-host venues during the presentation of the venues. Sure countries such as Jamaica who will be hosting the semifinal and other countries play small parts, but Barbados can declare itself the real winners here.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: OIL PRICES
Many are calling the increase of the price of oil a mixed blessing, though it isn’t certain if the U.S $49.40 per barrel price would really benefit the country. Still Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Eric Williams said it could prove to be a potential benefit, even though importing 80 to 100,000 barrels a day, but could mean a higher energy bill. The government calls it a mixed blessing however because although it may benefit the country, it may have a significant impact on Caricom neighbors, with whom they are committed to assisting with energy costs. The crude price of oil is being pushed up because of the ongoing war in Iraq, in addition to the high demand from countries like China, India, and the USA.

HAITI: CARICOM’S POSITION
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda called upon the Caribbean Community, otherwise known as CARICOM to move forward on the issue of Haiti. This statement came from a previous standoff in which Caricom leaders were to submit their positions by August 16th on whether the group should take on the interim Haitian government headed by Prime Minister Gerald LaTortue. Prime Minister Spencer felt that CARICOM should fully engage with the Haitian people to assist this progression, though St. Vincent, Grenada, and St. Lucia have objected to CARICOM engaging with the Haitian Interim Administration, Spencer noted that Haiti is still a member of CARICOM and leaders must find ways of dealing with the issue.

Compiled by:
Andrea Daley Andre Brown – Intern