Reform debate launched
Cuba has launched a public debate on plans to transform its struggling socialist economy by reducing the role of the state and boosting private enterprise.
Ordinary Cubans are being encouraged to discuss the changes in meetings so their views can be taken into account at a congress of the ruling Communist party next April.
It’s not clear how much influence they will have, as most details of the economic changes have already been announced, and the government insists the socialist nature of Cuba is irrevocable.
The government says everyone should have a free say as the future of Cuba is at stake, and it must be the people who decide.
Manigat explains dramatic change
One of the favourites for the presidency of Haiti, Mirlande Manigat, has been explaining why she reversed allegations of fraud in Sunday’s elections.
Manigat was among 12 of the 18 presidential candidates who called for the cancellation of the polls.
But within 24 hours, the former First Lady and another favourite, Michel Martelly, changed their position and said they wanted counting to proceed.
She explained: “The solution is to see whatever discussions you may have … in order to save the electoral process.”
Telecoms giant expands in Caribbean
Cable and Wireless has announced that it will buy a majority stake in the state-owned Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). The deal is worth $210 million.
BTC is the exclusive mobile operator in the Bahamas and also provides fixed-line and broadband services.
Cable and Wireless Communication, the British firm’s Caribbean arm, is buying a 51% stake in BTC.
The Bahamas company will retain a monopoly on mobile operations for at least three years after privatisation.
Chief Executive Tony Rice said the deal represents a great opportunity for Cable and Wireless to expand business in the Caribbean.
‘Switch to low-energy bulbs’
The United Nations has urged a global phase-out of old-style lightbulbs and a switch to low-energy lighting.
Low-energy bulbs are more expensive but last far longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.
The UN said their use would save billions of dollars and combat climate change.
However there was a caution that the most common compact fluorescent low-energy bulbs contain toxic mercury.