Caricom and US talk security
Caricom security officials have received an assurance from a top US diplomat that Washington was committed to $45 million pledged by President Barack to underpin a security partnership with the region. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Arturo Valenzuela, was speaking at a meeting in Washington to discuss security matters between the two sides.
Valenzuela told the meeting that the success of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative will require the allocation of adequate resources for enhanced law enforcement and prevention programmes as well as judicial reforms.
On the issue of the illegal drugs trade, Valenzuela said Washington knows it must also reduce domestic demand to limit the flow of illicit drugs to the United States.
Antigua considers reform policies
The Antigua government says it has accepted recommendations of a committee set up to consult with the public on matters related to immigration, work permits, citizenship and electoral reform. National Security Minister, Errol Cort, said the recommendations include tougher positions on issues such as illegal immigrants and the use of entry visas.
Cort said the issue of immigration continues to be a cause of concern for many citizens who believe that there needs to be greater control of the number of migrants allowed into the country, particularly in the current economic climate.
Cabinet has also agreed to create a national development plan which will, among other things, examine and consider the avenues for economic growth.
The plan also calls for the creation of a national identification card and continuous training of Immigration officers.
Pay cuts for Bahamian MPs
The Bahamian government has announced significant pay cuts for parliamentarians as part of new fiscal measures to cope with the effects of the global financial downturn.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham made the announcement during his budget address on Wednesday.
Ingraham’s salary is being reduced by 10%, while those of parliamentarians in both the House of Assembly and the Senate are being cut by 5%. Ministers’ duty allowances are being reduced by half. Other fiscal measures announced include a wage freeze for 2010/2011, a freeze on public service employment and promotions except in special cases.
