SVG ready to join ALBA
St Vincent and the Grenadines says it is now ready to sign on to the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas, ALBA.
That announcement from Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, follows last week’s ALBA summit in the Venezuelan city of Cumana.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves had previously deferred involvement, saying there were still some issues to be cleared up. Last year Dominica became the first Caricom member state to officially sign on to ALBA.
Antigua has also signed on to the principles of the grouping, but is not yet a member. Grenadian Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas, has indicated that he does not intend to join his colleagues as members of the Latin American bloc.
Darby leaves Liat
Regional carrier Liat has announced it has parted ways with its Chief Executive Officer Mark Darby with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Antigua-based airline said that the board has put arrangements in place for the management of the company, pending the appointment of a new CEO. “The Board places on record its appreciation to Mr Darby for his efforts in those areas that have brought value to LIAT over the past 3 years,” the statement said.
The company has not given a reason for Darby’s departure.
Guadeloupe union leader criticised
France’s secretary for Overseas Territories Yves Jego has criticised a decision by Guadeloupe union leader Elie Domota, to boycott talks with French government officials.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed the talks weeks ago, after month-long strikes paralyzed the departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Discussions on economic and social ties, diversity and cultural heritage began Saturday in Martinique, and will be held intermittently for a month.
Mr Domota and other union leaders are not attending the talks, but they continue to insist that the government create more jobs and benefits.
