Golding tours Tivoli
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding has met residents of Tivoli Gardens, one week after gun battles between security forces and supporters of alleged drug lord Christopher Coke.
Violence broke out when security forces attempted to arrest Coke after Prime Minister Golding agreed to extradite him to Washington, where he is wanted on guns and drugs charges.
Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, said that Golding’s visit on Wednesday was not welcomed by all residents of the area, which he represents in Parliament.
“As usual we wouldn’t expect everybody to be happy but the fact that he was there and he has heard the concerns of the people, this is now just the start to deal with the situation,” McKenzie said.
Belize opposition dismisses reshuffle
The opposition People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize, has dismissed this week’s cabinet reshuffle as a feeble game of political musical chairs.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced the changes on Tuesday as part of the government’s plan to curb rising crime.
Two new ministers were added to the cabinet and the national security ministry was split into defence and police and public security.
But the PUP said Belizeans need a plan to reverse the economic recession and restore law and order and that the cabinet changes did not reflect that.
Unrest sparks tourism fears
There are fears that last week’s unrest in Jamaica could affect the Caribbean’s tourism industry.
St Lucia’s Tourism Minister Allan Chastanet says tourism is suffering from images of burning buildings and battles between soldiers and gunmen.
He believes the situation underscores the need for a regional tourism marketing development fund.
