Caribbean & International

Crisis in Haiti turns deadly as power vacuum looms

(BBC)  Protesters in Haiti have beaten a man to death in a clash with ex-soldiers, as political uncertainty continues. Witnesses say the crowd in the capital Port-au-Prince attacked the man, thinking that he was from the country’s disbanded military. About 100 former soldiers, some armed, had been parading through the capital in pick-up trucks and […]

Cuba announces broadband home internet project

(BBC) Cuba has announced it will launch residential broadband internet services in two areas of its capital, Havana. The government has also said it will allow cafes, bars and restaurants to order broadband service. Currently, broadband home connection is legal only for diplomats and employees of foreign companies, a report said. The Caribbean nation is […]

Guyana presses other CARICOM states to respect free movement and CSME privileges

Guyana’s Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, has called on Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to ensure that there are no discriminatory acts meted to persons seeking to take advantage of the privileges within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Lawrence made the call while joining Guyanese stakeholders from the private sector, employer organizations […]

Venezuela court suspends three new opposition MPs

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has suspended the inauguration of three opposition MPs who were due to take office next week. The move follows legal challenges by the governing socialist party of President Nicolas Maduro. The suspension removes the opposition coalition’s super-majority which gave it extensive powers to challenge President Maduro. The opposition had called the challenge […]

Haiti’s run-off elections set for January 17

(BBC)  Haiti’s President Michel Martelly says the run-off election to choose his successor will be held on 17 January. The run-off was due to take place last week, but was postponed after opposition factions alleged fraud during the first round in October. A special commission was asked to investigate the electoral process following widespread street […]

Panama orders arrest of ex-leader Ricardo Martinelli

Panama’s Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of former President Ricardo Martinelli, who governed the Central American country from 2009 to 2014. Mr Martinelli is accused of using public funds to illegally spy on more than 150 prominent people. Among those he allegedly spied on are trade union activists, politicians, lawyers, doctors and business people. […]

Colombia fully legalizes medical marijuana

(BBC) Colombia’s president has signed a decree fully legalising medical marijuana in a shift away from preventing drug crop production. Juan Manuel Santos said the move put Colombia “in the group of countries that are at the forefront…in the use of natural resources to fight disease”. But, he said, the country would still fight illegal […]