Cuba must make human rights gestures
The European Union’s development commissioner wants Cuba to show signs it’s serious about protecting fundamental human rights.
Karel De Gucht met President Raul Castro while wrapping up a visit to Cuba.
The island’s government wants the EU to scrap its “common position” calling for a transition to democracy and better human rights guarantees in Cuba.
Lines behind Antilles amnesty
Hundreds of people have been lining up outside immigration offices in the Netherlands Antilles this week to take advantage of an amnesty for illegal migrants.
As many as 70,000 immigrants – mostly Haitian, Guyanese and Jamaican – are estimated to be living on the five Dutch Caribbean islands without valid residency papers or work permits.
Papers will be given to those who can prove they have lived in the Antilles since 31 December, 2006, or can show a valid contract from an employer.
PM nomination’s ‘secure’
The economist named to become Haiti’s new prime minister looks set to win approval by both houses of parliament.
Jean-Max Bellerive will replace Michele Pierre-Louis, who was fired by the Senate last month on the grounds she failed to improve the country’s economy.
Influential lawmakers are predicting a speedy ratification for Mr Bellerive, the experienced and respected former planning and external cooperation minister.
The Senate is expected to meet as early as Friday to consider his appointment.
Senator Joseph Lambert, a leader of President Rene Preval’s governing Lespwa party, said the nominee should win easy confirmation in the Senate.
Luca Sainvil, a majority leader in the lower Chamber of Deputies, said he hoped to see Bellerive take office and form a new government within a matter of days.
LIME reports revenue drop
Cable and Wireless has announced a 10% fall in revenues from operations in the Caribbean, where it is a major telecoms player.
The company, which has rebranded in the region as LIME, said revenue was $427 million in the six months ending 30 September.
The revenue drop occurred even though the company cut staff by 12%.
Cable and Wireless blamed the decline on tough trading conditions.
It noted that tourism, a key source of international call income, has seen a double digit decline in arrivals in several Caribbean countries.
The company said it had maintained mobile market leadership and grown mobile and broadband customers.
