The governor of the US Virgin Islands says he has submitted a $20 million energy programme for funding under President Obama’s stimulus programme. The programme aims to reduce energy consumption and encourage the wider use of cleaner sources of energy, such as solar water heaters. Governor John deJongh said that the application was formally filed on May 5 receipt of funding is expected within 60 days.

Caymanians choose Bush
The general election in the Cayman Islands has produced a change of government, according to preliminary results.

McKeeva Bush, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, has claimed victory after his party won nine of the 15 seats in Wednesday’s vote.

The People’s Progressive Movement took five with the other won by an independent who’s backing the new government. Speaking to jubilant supporters in the early hours of yesterday, Bush appealed for national unity after a fiercely fought campaign. Results of a referendum, which took place at the same time as the election, were expected yesterday.

Election changes in Dominican Republic
The next batch of lawmakers, mayors and other elected officials in the Dominican Republic may get to serve an extra two years in office. That’s under a new measure that aims to cut costs by holding all elections on a single day.

Candidates who win in 2010 will stay in office until 2016, according to a constitutional amendment approved by a special government committee. Officials usually serve four-year terms.

The amendment also moves elections to a Sunday to avoid interrupting business activities, since a public holiday is traditionally declared to make it easier for Dominicans to get to the polls.