Caribbean & International

CARICOM’s silence on Venezuela’s threat against Guyana should not be seen as reluctance -SG LaRoque

As the 36th Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government opens at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados, the regional body is still to offer a definitive statement on the latest decree by Venezuela which claims Guyana’s oil rich territorial waters. While The Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States and the United States government have all […]

Jamaica and Antigua ban “Charlie Charlie” game in schools

The education ministries in Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda have banned the controversial Charlie Charlie Challenge in schools, following reported displays of “paranormal behaviour” by students. In Antigua, Minister of Education Michael Browne said the game had no place in the island’s schools and the ministry would be adopting a zero tolerance approach. He warned […]

Jamaica records 5% increase in tourist arrivals

(Jamaica Observer) TOURISM and Entertainment Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill says Jamaica recorded a five per cent increase in overall visitor arrivals for the 2014/15 winter tourist season over the corresponding period last year. Speaking at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s (JHTA) 54th annual general meeting and convention at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa […]

Government to place Telecommunications Bill on the front burner for passage in new parliament

The liberalisation of the Telecommunications Sector is set to become a reality with the new administration. Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon, in an interview with the National Communications Network on Monday, indicated that the new APNU+AFC administration intends to put the passage of the Telecommunications Bill on the front burner when the new […]

HIV affected children in Jamaica to benefit from new programme

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Over 100 children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS will benefit from psychological, educational and social support under a J$8 million (US$70,000) grant assistance programme. The grant is being provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with World Learning, and will support a four-month initiative that will […]

New Florida-Cuba Ferry set to begin

(BBC) Passenger ferries could be set to run between Florida and Cuba for the first time in more than 50 years after the US government approved new services. Services between the two countries stopped when the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in 1960. But Washington announced the restoration of diplomatic ties in December […]