Caribbean Report 23-11-1995

Abstract

In this report, a US bill set to look at NAFTA raises questions as to whether the vast majority of people living in the Caribbean would benefit from NAFTA. Jamaican Ambassador to the US Richard Bernal states he is skeptical of any real support for the NAFTA Accountability Act and its impact on the Caribbean. The Director General of the OECS, Dr. Vaughan Lewis has confirmed reports that he wishes to step down from office. However, there is speculation that Dr. Lewis may be considering a career in politics although there has been no confirmation of this. Britain's Home Secretary Michael Howard outlined the government new proposal on immigration and asylum. This planned legislation has met fierce criticism from Opposition and ethnic groups. Dominica's banana industry could be plunged into further crisis as farmers protest against government's plan to scrap the Dominican Banana Growers Association. Meanwhile, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Sir Neville Nichols has advised Caribbean countries which suffered hurricane damage to set up their own emergency funds. In Jamaica, the debate over how Jamaica should find the funds to educate the young, became controversial after a statement made by US Ambassador to Jamaica Gary Cooper which suggest that the proceeds from gambling ventures be used to help finance education.