Cheaper drugs under Clinton deal
HIV patients in developing countries could get cheaper drugs under agreements signed between former US President Bill Clinton’s foundation and two drug companies.
The deal takes effect next year.
One deal, with Mylan Inc, lowers the annual price of four anti retroviral drugs that are used as a second line of treatment when patients develop a resistance to their first prescription. The second, with Pfizer, reduces the cost of medication that can be used in conjunction with the drugs in patients with tuberculosis. The Clinton Foundation began its HIV/AIDS initiative in 2002.
Since then it has worked with 25 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia to set up AIDS treatment and prevention programmes.
British teacher struck off
A former head teacher in Britain who took a Caribbean holiday on expenses has been struck off the teaching register for five years.
Susan Duncan was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.
She claimed more than £3000 (US $5010.56) for a trip to Jamaica.
Duncan was also found guilty of making a false claim of £306 (US $510.73) for a swimming-with-dolphins excursion during a personal holiday to Antigua.
ALP delays inquiry
The opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has succeeded in delaying the start of a Commission of Inquiry to examine transactions between a Japanese company and the party while in office.
Lawyers representing ALP leader Lester Bird and his opposition colleague, Asot Michael, filed a constitutional motion and application for leave for judicial review of the commission.
On Thursday Justice Louise Blenman set 17 September for the hearing of the motion.
Bird told BBC Caribbean the judge’s ruling was fair.
Jamaica disputes S&P rating
The Jamaica government is disputing the latest ratings issued by international agency, Standard and Poor’s.
S&P has downgraded Jamaica’s rating from B- to CCC+ and said the outlook on the country remains negative.
But Finance Minister Audley Shaw says the analysis ignored the several positive economic developments that have taken place in recent weeks.
He said there have also been continued signs of an improved outlook for Jamaica’s credit profile.
