April 2009
May Day, a time of celebration for workers
By MURPHY BROWNE
Most countries celebrate Labour Day on the first day in May. Even in countries that do not recognize May 1 as Labour Day, there are celebrations by workers on May 1 (International Workers Day).
As a child growing up in Guyana, May Day was more than the celebration of workers; it was a day when the descendants of enslaved Africans and the descendants of indentured labourers imitated the antics of their former colonizers. Dressed in our new, special for May Day clothes, we gleefully danced around the Maypole during May Day celebrations as we plaited the colourful ribbons attached to the Maypole.
Financial system remains strong – Minister
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, has announced that Jamaica's financial system remains strong and well capitalized.
Shaw, who was opening the budget debate in the House of Representatives last week, commended the steps taken by the Bank of Jamaica earlier this year to stabilize the financial system, noting that they were successful.
Jagdeo urges caution on Canada trade talks
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: President Bharrat Jagdeo says development dimension needs to be discussed before proposed trade negotiations commence between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Canada.
"That discussion is critical for us before we start the discussions (on trade). We don't want another pure free trade agreement based on reciprocity. It will not bring the benefits to our people," he said recently.
Jagdeo, who attended the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad two weeks ago but did not attend a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, was pleased by reports suggesting the Canadian leader was open to discussions on these issues.
Minister announces plan to help economy
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda: Finance Minister, Harold Lovell, has announced that the government is developing a National Economic and Social Transformation (NEST) plan to help combat the nation's economic crisis.
The early measures include addressing procurement practices, the management of government vehicles, the utility of rental quarters and the consumption of energy. Lovell has assured there will be no job cuts in the civil service among the cost-cutting initiatives.
Caribbean Briefs -- April 30-09
CORBIN FLOWN TO U.S. FOR TREATMENT
Georgetown, Guyana: People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader, Robert Corbin, has been flown to the United States to undergo further medical treatment after being hospitalized last weekend.
While on his way to a parliamentary committee meeting of the PNCR last Saturday, Corbin experienced chest pains. He drove himself to the Woodlands Hospital in Georgetown and was later transferred to the Caribbean Heart Institute, located at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Several reports have stated Corbin suffered a heart attack. However, they have not been confirmed as of press time.
