BBC Caribbean News in Brief

Taiwan chases Grenada funds
Jilted Taiwan is demanding the immediate repayment of US$25 million owned by Grenada.
The government in St George’s says it has received a formal demand notice from the Import Bank of Taiwan in respect of four loans issued between 1990 and 2001.

Two years ago, a US court ordered Grenada to repay the funds, following the failure of the then Government to service the loans. The 10-month-old administration of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said it was considering all options to resolve the matter.
Grenada cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan in January 2005 and re-established ties with China.

State Department:Cuban steps significant
The US State Department has insisted that
Washington had taken significant steps in improving relations with Cuba. This follows President Barack Obama’s recent announcement to ease travel restrictions.

Ambassador Craig Kelly, the second-ranking diplomat responsible for Latin America at the State Department, said the US will be guided by what is in the best interest of the American people and also the cause of freedom for the people in Cuba  President Obama has made clear he favours relaxing limits on family travel and cash remittances by Cuban Americans to Cuba.

But he said the US trade embargo against the island should stay in place to press for democratic reforms.
Meanwhile, speaking in Canada, a top Cuban foreign ministry official has said dialogue should occur without preconditions.

Britain studies TT honours ruling
A recent Privy Council decision declaring Trinidad and Tobago’s top national honour as unlawful may have repercussions in Britain.

The Privy Council ruled that Trinidad’s Trinity Cross discriminated against Hindus and Muslims because it was based on a Christian cross.

The Times newspaper reports that the UK Cabinet Office, which oversees the honours system, is studying the implications of the judgement on British decorations.

Chavez moves on oil service providers
The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, has announced plans to take over companies that provide services for the country’s oil industry as he increases his grip on the economy.

The National Assembly earlier approved a new law that would make it easier for the government to act.

The state oil company has recently clashed with foreign and local service providers complaining that the falling price of oil means they are being paid too much for their work.

President Chavez has re-invigorated his nationalisation programme since his victory in a referendum in February.