Caribbean News

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Wyclef Jean has released a protest song criticizing Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) for refusing to let him run in the upcoming presidential election and accusing President René Préval of being behind his rejection.

Sung in Creole, the song 'Prizon pou Kepa' (Prison for the CEP) was released via Jean's Twitter account and later posted on other blogs.

Jean accuses Préval, who appointed him as roving ambassador in 2007, of betraying him. The singer alleges that even after Préval assured him of his friendship and told him he was a good candidate at a meeting last week, days before the announcement that he was among 15 who did not meet requirements to contest the elections, the President betrayed him.

BACK ON JOB

Bridgetown, Barbados: Prime Minister David Thompson has returned to work after a two-month leave of absence due to illness.

A statement from the Prime Minister's official residence said Thompson and his family returned home last Sunday, two days short of the end of his official leave.

In July, Thompson told the nation he would be taking leave of absence to undergo medical treatment for a serious illness.

In a statement released on Monday, Thompson said he will spend the next few days in briefing sessions with Cabinet members, senior public officers and close advisors.

Thompson also announced that acting prime minister Freundel Stuart has been re-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Wyclef Jean filed an appeal on Monday in an attempt to get on a list of candidates contesting the November 28 presidential election in Haiti.

Although initially saying that he would "respectfully accept" the ruling of the Provisional Electoral Commission (CEP) to disqualify him last Friday even though he did not agree with it, Jean has changed his mind.

The 40-year-old artiste has told media organizations and posted on Twitter that his lawyers would file an appeal with the national electoral dispute office.

"Our lawyers are appealing the decision of the CEP. We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be respected," he wrote in a statement.

UNHAMPERED

Bridgetown, Barbados: The governing Democratic Labour Party says its operations and the government have not been hampered by the continued absence of Prime Minister David Thompson.

Thompson is receiving medical treatment and is not scheduled to return to office until September.

The DLP held its 55th annual conference last weekend.

Following the conference, DLP second vice president John Boyce said party members were not worried about the DLP losing momentum due to Thompson's illness.

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