Caribbean Report 26-07-1995

Abstract

In this report Montserrat is on an orange state of alert and prepares for evacuation should the volcano at Chances Peak erupt. Keith Stone Greaves, spokesman for the Emergency Operation Center comments about what this means for the people of Montserrat. Europe's Agriculture Commissioner has been forced to retreat on the idea of reviewing the entire European banana regime. Instead the banana protocol would undergo a possible internal review in September. Leaders and Defense Ministers from the Americas wrapped up defense talks in Williamburg, Virginia. The Bahamas Defense Minister Cornelius Smith represented the Caribbean and made reference to the importance of the region's economic security. Meanwhile, Julian Hunte, Chairman of the Standing Conference of Popular Democratic Parties of the Eastern Caribbean (SCOPE) states he is willing to step aside as head of the grouping in order to give the organization a new lease on life. St. Vincent's Dr. Ralph Gonsalves agrees that SCOPE's objectives could be better served with members of governing parties in charge. In cricket, the West Indies are going into the fourth test leading the series and confident of another victory. England's captain Mike Atherton comments on the Old Trafford pitch and West Indies captain Richie Richardson is optimistic about another victory. At the World Netball Championships there were losses for the Caribbean teams and the tensions that surfaced when the Trinidad team snubbed South Africa after their game are still simmering.