Manifesto torn
In Trinidad and Tobago, United National Congress (UNC) leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has angered the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) by publicly tearing to pieces the PNM’s manifesto for the 24 May general election.
Persad-Bissessar, who is heading a coalition of opposition parties, relegated the PNM’s colourful and detailed manifesto to the dustbin at a political rally.
Officials of the Patrick Manning-led PNM have reacted angrily to what they’ve described as political vandalism.
Spokesman Jerry Narace denounced the act and chided Mrs Persad-Bissessar.
OECS moving on
Officials of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) say the OECS is seeking to move forward with the integration process in the sub-region and with arrangements which have already been finalised.
Heads of government expect to sign the OECS Economic Union Treaty on 10 June.
Regional Integration Unit Co-ordinator, Elma Gene Isaacs, says the OECS is seeking to build on all of the integration processes that have already taken place.
Aid request
There has been no rush to follow Brazil’s example of supplying aid funds promised to a Haiti Reconstruction Fund by the international community.
In March, international donor countries and organisations pledged $10 billion over 10 years to put Haiti back on the road to recovery.
Brazil, which oversees the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti, has just paid $55 million into the fund.
The World Bank is calling on other donors to make good on their pledges.
Ann Poulsen of the World Food Programme, who is visiting Haiti, says her organisation wants to attract much needed funds to more effectively carry out its emergency operation in the country.
