Church ‘credibility’ hurt
The most senior Catholic cleric in the Eastern Caribbean has said the archdiocese in the sub-region is taking steps to deal with any allegations of sexual abuse by priests.

Robert Rivas, who heads the the Archdiocese of Castries, was responding to questions about the scandal facing the Catholic Church.

His archdiocese includes St Lucia and five neighbouring islands.

Archbishop Rivas said a review board had been put in place to investigate any allegations of abuse that many arise.

He said the scandal had damaged the church.

“It has affected the image of priest, it has also undermined the credibility of the church and the leadership in the church,” he said.

Archbishops and Cardinals across Europe apologised for the Catholic Church’s record on child abuse in their Easter messages, but the Pope himself made no mention of the crisis.

Castro: No giving
in to dissident ‘blackmail’
Cuba’s president has defended the island’s policy towards hunger strikers, after the death of a dissident in February.

The president, Raul Castro, has accused the United States, and Europe, of waging an unprecedented war of publicity against Communist-run Cuba over it.

He’s also indicated that the authorities will not make any concessions to prevent the deaths of other hunger strikers.
Bird appeals for calm
The Leader of the Opposition in Antigua and Barbuda has appealed to his supporters to “let the law take its course” after last week’s election court decision.

A judge nullified the election of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and two ministers because of irregularities during last year’s general election.

The government has appealed the decision and remains in place.  Opposition Leader Lester Bird wants the administration to step aside.

In a speech on Sunday, he said backers of his Antigua Labour Party should however remain calm.

“While I understand how irate you are that you are being ruled by an illegal regime, I ask that you hold your anger, salvation is at hand.”