Caribbean Report 13-02-1997

Abstract

Talks aimed at preventing the impending strike by pilots for American Airlines, continues today in Washington. The pilots are demanding higher wages. Leaders of the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation say there will be serious repercussions for the region’s tourist industry if the strike is not averted. Next, the Opposition Party in Trinidad and Tobago, the People’s National Movement move to expel one of its members of parliament. Mr. Vincent Lasse, defects to the government's side and declares himself an independent. However, hours later he is sworn in as a minister in the coalition government. Next, a report by the United Nations says that the Caribbean’s delicate environment is being harmed by the illegal discharge of industrial waste. Next, a spokesman for United States Senator Jesse Helms says that Senator Helms’ approval of a proposal to greatly expand the number of media outlets in Cuba, is aimed at breaking the information monopoly of the government of President Fidel Castro. Next, the hope of a more efficient flow of aid from the British government to Montserrat is resting on the Duke of York, Prince Andrews’ visit to the island. Next, in Britain today a unanimous verdict of unlawful killing was handed down by the jury of the inquest into the death of black teenager, Stephen Lawrence. Lastly, appeals have been made to Caricom leaders by Caribbean prisoners serving time in New York State prisons to sign a rehabilitation agreement with the United States to help convicts who are sent home.