BBC Caribbean News in Brief

Trinidad oppostion parties unite

The Trinidad and Tobago opposition is promising a solid alliance that’ll work to defeat the governing Peoples National Movement (PNM) in the yet to be announced general elections.

The new leader of the United National Congress (UNC), Kamla Persad Bissessar, told BBC Caribbean on Friday that she has been holding talks with Congress of the People (COP) leader, Winston Dookeran, and other opposition groups to unite in a bid to defeat the PNM in the elections.

Yeterday, Mr Dookeran confirmed that these talks were continuing, and that a broad anti-PNM alliance was emerging. He said the UNC and COP had so far agreed to a joint platform and a joint manifesto, and intended contesting the election under a political accord.
Maritime boundaries

Grenada says a 21 April date has been set for signing a Maritime Boundaries Treaty with Trinidad and Tobago.

The treaty outlines where the boundaries of the two neighbouring states begin and end.

It follows just over a year of joint delimitation talks between Port of Spain and St Georges.

The document details how their waters and their natural resources should be shared. Some concern had been expressed in St Georges that the calling of a snap general election in Trinidad and Tobago could derail the process.

The Trinidad and Tobago Parliament was dissolved last week, and Prime Minister Patrick Manning is expected to announce the elections shortly.
UK visas

The risk posed by Dominican travellers to Britain will be assessed over a six month period during which the UK will decide whether or not to impose visa restrictions on Dominican nationals.

British High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean, Paul Brummell, met in Roseau on Monday with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his government to discuss the matter. High Commissioner Brummell says the talks were constructive. The British government announced earlier this month that it was considering introducing a visa requirement on visitors from Dominica and St Lucia.