Archives for Friday, January 21, 2005:

Grenada dumps Taiwan in favour of China

BEIJING, China (AFP): Caribbean state Grenada dumped ally Taiwan in favour of arch rival China Thursday, signing a communiqué to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, which said it proved Taipei's drive for independence was doomed... read more...

Private sector assists in Guyana’s national relief effort

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The private sector, in flood-stricken Guyana, has joined forces with the government to lend a strong arm of assistance in the national relief effort, following the massive flooding which forced the closure of the city and several of its surrounding areas following persistent showers... read more...

Health officials close government school in Antigua

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: Citing serious health risks and a clear and present danger to the students, officials at Antigua and Barbuda's Health Department on Wednesday took immediate action and closed the J.T. Ambrose Primary School, located in All Saints, a community located some 7-8 miles from the capital, St. John's... read more...

First woman appointed as Antigua and Barbuda’s acting Prime Minister

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:  Minister of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment Dr Jacqui Quinn-Leandro has created history once again in Antigua and Barbuda by becoming the first woman to be appointed Acting Prime Minister.  Dr. Quinn Leandro received her instruments of appointment from Governor General Sir James Carlisle... read more...

Barbados police concerned over youth crime

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: The prevalence of crime among young people in Barbados is causing the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) one big headache.  Police Commissioner, Darwin Dottin disclosed that an alarming 40 per cent of all arrests made in 2004 involved persons between the ages of 16 and 25... read more...

Grenada Government gives update on economy following Ivan

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: The Government of hurricane-battered Grenada has in separate meetings given members of various key sectors an update on the economy following Hurricane Ivan.  Minister of Finance Anthony Boatswain updated trade unions, permanent secretaries, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce... read more...

Bahamas headed for record economic growth, says Prime Minister Christie

NASSAU, The Bahamas: Prime Minister Perry Christie says The Bahamas is headed for unprecedented economic activity. The Prime Minister's declaration was made during a ground-breaking ceremony on January 10 for the new Charlotteville home and community development in western New Providence... read more...

BVI  health officials hold cruise ship in Tortola

ROADTOWN, BVI: Health Officials on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands earlier this week prevented the cruise liner Veendam from docking at the island's port, after receiving information alleging that a number of passengers and crew members were believed to be carriers of the Norwalk virus... read more...

Free heart surgery for 12 children in Trinidad

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: In addressing a news conference at the St. Clair Medical Centre, Dr Alvaro Galindo, the Director of the Paediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, in America, expressed the view that children represented a part of the population that was not given proper medical attention... read more...

Jamaican ambassador optimistic of greater levels of co-operation

WASHINGTON, USA:  Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley has expressed optimism for even greater levels of co-operation between the Embassy and Jamaican Diaspora organizations in the U.S., in pursuit of key economic and social development objectives in Jamaica... read more...

Jamaican parliament says farewell to Seaga

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Members of the Jamaican House of Representatives on January 18, paid tribute to Leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Edward Seaga who has officially resigned as Leader of the party and Member of Parliament for West Kingston, after close to 50 years in the political arena... read more...

Jamaican photographer is runner-up in commonwealth competition

LONDON, England: Jamaican photographer, Tony Wong, has been declared runner-up in the 2004 Commonwealth Photographic Awards competition.  Mr. Wong’s photograph featuring four schoolgirls was entitled, ‘Jamaica’s Future’.  Commenting on his entry, the photographer said the four girls “are unaware of the hurdles that may lie ahead”... read more...

LETTERS

Correspondents should get the facts right

Why do you publish such lightweight contributions as written by Hudson George? Of course, if is fully understood that, by allowing posting of contrasting points of view reflect your journalistic commitment to being 'fair and balanced' in your reporting, but this?... read more...

SPORTS NEWS

Aussies turn to heavy hitters against West Indies

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP): World champions Australia, seeking a third straight win and a place in the finals of the tri-nations competition, will turn to their heavy hitters when they meet West Indies on Friday... read more...