Trinidad to push snooping law

The Trinidad and Tobago government plans to introduce legislation to allow for the tapping of telephone conversations.

National Security Minister Martin Joseph hinted at what is to be done in his budget presentation to the Senate.

The wire-tapping bill is to be part of “omnibus legislation” to counter the widespread and very violent criminal activity that has been plaguing the country for over a decade.
Woman makes Antigua labour history

Malaka Parker has made history by becoming the first woman to head a trade union in Antigua and Barbuda.

She was elected president of the government-aligned Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, one of the largest on the island. In an interview with BBC Caribbean, the former banker rejected claims that the labour movement across the region had largely lost its clout.
Petrojam goes green

Jamaica’s Petrojam Kingston refinery is expected to start distributing ethanol-based fuel only from November.

The refinery began producing ethanol fuel last November.

Energy Minister James Robertson says producing E10 fuel will cut costs and help the environment. Petrojam officials say the 10% ethanol blend already accounts for 46% of the company’s sales.

The refinery is undergoing a US$720 million renovation that’s expected to increase capacity by 40%.
New Jamaica bank note

A new $5,000 bank note has gone into circulation in Jamaica.

The previous largest denomination was the $1,000 bill worth around US$11.