Boycott call attacked
Officials of the governing party in Jamaica have criticised the main opposition party’s decision not to contest a parliamentary by-election next month. The election was caused when ruling Jamaica Labour Party MP Everald Warmington resign-ed his seat in the southwest St Catherine parish, on the grounds that his previous dual citizenship violated constitutional law.
There have been four by-elections in Jamaica since 2007 involving governing party MPs who quit on similar grounds. The party has successfully defended all four seats so far.
The opposition Peoples National Party has said it won’t contest elections where candidates were ineligible when elected – but the Labour Party says it wants a challenge in the by-election.
American
sentenced in Cuba
An American contractor has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison for crimes against the state in Cuba. Alan Gross, who’s 61, was arrested in December 2009.
He was accused of providing satellite communications equipment — which is illegal in Cuba — to Jewish groups under a programme funded by the United States government. The White House condemned the ruling and called for Mr Gross’ immediate release.
Dominican
‘imposter’ held
The authorities in the American state of Maryland have charged a man they say posed as a diplomat from the Dominican Republic in a fund-raising scam.
Alberto Gautreaux Calcano allegedly told victims he was raising money to transport donated utility and emergency vehicles to various towns and organisations in the Dominican Republic.
