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U.S. General: Transnational Crime is the Greatest Threat to the Caribbean

Criminal gangs engaged in the transnational trafficking of drugs, guns and humans are the greatest threat to the region, according to Gen. Douglas Fraser, the head of the U.S. Southern Command. “The traffickers are well-financed and very capable,” he said, …

After 25 Years, Swiss Government Moves to Seize Duvalier’s Millions

Swiss Bundeshaus The Swiss government has moved a court for authorization to seize millions that once belonged to former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, 25 years after the funds were first frozen. If the government is successful, the government …

Branson to Create Lemur Habitat in BVI

Billionaire mogul Richard Branson plans to create a lemur habitat on an undeveloped island he owns, Moskito Island. The animals are disappearing from their native African habitat, and Branson plans on bringing the first group of 30 lemurs to the …

Slight Earthquake in Bermuda

An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale occurred 50 miles off the coast of Bermuda today, and was felt in businesses in Hamilton, along with residential households in Warwick. According to Mark Guishard of the Bermuda Weather Service, there …

International Monetary Fund: Caribbean Real GDP to Grow 4.2 percent in 2011

The Caribbean region’s real GDP is projected to grow at 4.2 percent this year, following a 3.4 percent increase in 2010, according to the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook. The organization predicted a 7.2 percent in consumer prices for …

A New Beginning for the End of the World

At the edge of the Atlantic and the farthest boundaries of the Bahamas, in a small bar off Queen’s Highway, roamed the ghosts of presidents, outlaws and writers. But after years of neglect, even Ernest Hemingway couldn’t get a drink …

New York Lawyer Contributes to Save Belize’s Mesoamerican Reef

Sir Thomas Moore, a lawyer in New York and longtime supporter of ocean renewal, donated $100,000 to help completely end all forms of trawling in Belize. Moore made the contribution as part of the Christie’s Green Auction last week. The …

CARICOM, Italy Sign MOU

CARICOM and Italy today signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening political, scientific and technical relationships between the Caribbean market and Italy, CARICOM Secretary-General Lolita Applewhaite announced today. The Memorandum places a special focus on areas including tourism, modernization …

Guyana, China Agree on Infrastructure, Healthcare Projects

China’s Assistant Commerce Minister, Li Rongcan and Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett Guyana and China signed agreements yesterday on a series of projects, including transportation, health care and cultural-related initiatives. Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Finance Minister Ashni Singh and …

Jamaica Complains to CARICOM on Alleged Barbados Immigration Incident

The Jamaican Government will raise the issue of an alleged mistreatment of a Jamaican woman by Barbados customs officials, Foreign Affairs Minister Ken Baugh announced. Jamaican national Shanique Myrie claims she was subjected to two demeaning cavity searches, along with …

Montserrat Ready for New Constitution

As of Sep. 1, Montserrat’s new constitution will go into effect, according to the island’s Chief Minister, Reuben Meade, after five years of debate. “We recognize that many persons would have liked to see more radical changes,” he said. “However, …

Jamaican PNP to Gov’t: Clarify Position on CCJ

The Caribbean Court of Justice, the court supported by some Caribbean nationals as a pan-Caribbean court of appeal replacing the British Privy Council, has jumped into the news this week as a vote is set to be taken next week …

Wyclef Jean Claims Gunshot during Haitian Election, Police Say Glass Injury

After reports emerged this morning that Haitian singer and onetime presidential candidate Wyclef Jean had been shot in the hand the morning of the presidential elections, police are saying he was injured by glass. “The way I can explain it …

Cayman to Enforce Libya Sanctions

Cayman Islands Attorney General Samuel Bulgin The Cayman Islands financial industry is preparing for restrictive measures to execute U.N. Security Council and European Union sanctions against a number of Libyan nationals and entities. Cayman’s Attorney General, Samuel Bulgin, who is …

Trinidad, Ghana Partner on Natural Gas

Trinidad and Tobago’s state-run National Gas Company has been tapped by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation to supply energy for power plants in Ghana. “NGC is breaking new ground as it is the first state company to be extending its …

Turks Governor: “Tough Decisions” Ahead

Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos, said there were “tough decisions” ahead for the territory, as the United Kingdom seeks to execute a financial support package for the archipelago, which saw its constitution suspended in 2009 after a series …

New Bahamas Airport Terminal Opens

By the Caribbean Journal Staff The first stage in a $409.5 million airport redevelopment at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport has opened, with a new U.S. Departures Terminal arriving on time and at a cost of $198.1 million. The new …

Bahamas, Chinese Firm Agree on Infrastructure Projects in Abaco, Exuma

The Bahamas signed a memorandum of understanding with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. that will see the Chinese company perform infrastructure work on several islands, including Abaco and Exuma. The projects include a bridge between Little and Great Abaco, a …