With a painting of Cuba's President Fidel Castro in the backdrop, Opposition Leader Martha Beatriz Roque talks to journalists in Havana yesterday. Roque said that seven protesters who gathered peacefully outside Cuba's Justice Ministry to demand a mass release of political prisoners were detained last Thursday and escorted home by police, who also mobilised to stop dissidents across the island from joining the demonstration. - AP
US seeking relationship with Muslim groups
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):
Muslim leaders from several Caribbean islands attended a ceremony hosted by the United States aimed at improving relations and "cementing ties of friendship".
A statement issued by the United States Embassy here said that Ambassador Mary Ourisman hosted an "Iftaar banquet" this week for the Muslim leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis.
"One of our country's greatest strengths is the diversity and richness of our many religious traditions: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, people of many faiths, and even some of no religious affiliation at all live together peacefully and in a climate of mutual respect," the ambassador said.
Former dictator among 25 to be tried
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC):
The highly anticipated trial of 25 people implicated in the December 1982 extrajudicial killing of 15 political opponents of the then military regime is to start on November 30, sources close to process here have revealed.
"I can confirm that the Military Court has decided to start the 8 December Trial on Friday November 30," said spokesperson, Marjory Sanches.
Surviving relatives and human rights organisations in a first response voiced relief with the announcement of the trial date.
On December 8, 1982, 15 political opponents of the military junta, led by than army commander Desi Bouterse, were tortured and ultimately executed by military officers.
Guyana to be represented at PAHO meeting
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):
Guyana will present a number of issues for consideration at the 27th Pan-American Sanitary Conference that gets under way in the United States on October 1, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has said.
He told reporters that Georgetown would be presenting matters relating to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for consideration during the October 1-5 meeting to be held in Washington.
He said the meeting is also expected to elect a PAHO director.
Diplomat confirms arrest of his son
BEIJING, China (CMC):
Grenada's Ambassador to China, Joslyn Whiteman, yesterday confirmed that his son had been detained by police and an investigation has been launched into the incident.
Whiteman said authorities were looking into his request for an explanation into the alleged arrest and beating of his son, Joslyn Whiteman Jr., and a group of black men.
"I can confirm that an incident did occur but because of the ongoing discussion between the authorities and my office I am not in a position to give further details," he said yesterday.
Cuba to provide assistance to Dominica
ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):
Cuba is providing Dominica assistance in a number of areas including health, education and infrastructural development, Education Minister Vince Henderson has said.
Henderson, who has just returned from Havana where he attended the September 19-21 Dominica/Cuba Joint Commission, said the health sector would benefit from the presence of several specialists from Cuba.
"The government of Cuba will assist us in getting the services of two lab technicians, one neurologist, one oncologist, a cardiologist, a psychiatrist and an anaesthesiologist," Henderson said, noting that they would be arriving here over the next three months.
PM calls for equitable multilateral system
UNITED NATIONS (CMC):
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer yesterday urged the international community to use a multilateral approach for effecting international peace, security and human development.
Addressing the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Spencer said that there was also need for an equitable international system that is responsive to the needs of all countries and people, adding that this goal is "not beyond our reach".
"There are some who would prefer for multilateralism to recede and for the world to be run by a few dominant powers.
Guyanese student to be arraigned after arrest on campus
NEW YORK (CMC):
A Guyana-born student who strode across the Queens campus of St. John's University in New York Wednesday, wearing a mask and carrying a loaded rifle, was yesterday scheduled to be arraigned at his hospital bedside.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said Omesh Hiraman, 22, who has been confined to the Bellevue Hospital centre in Manhattan, would be "arraigned on charges including fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon".
Hiraman was subdued and arrested on the campus after students and faculty members were instructed in cellphone text messages to remain indoors.
Gov't searches for new Tourism Minister
ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is searching for a new Tourism Minister after the incumbent Yvor Nassief has kept to his promise to serve just two years.
Prime Minister Skerrit thanked Nassief for his stint saying that his contribution in public office should be emulated.
"We are extremely grateful in the Cabinet, country and government for the services that Mr. Nassief has granted to Dominica. I believe if we can get people who are prepared to sacrifice and serve in the manner that Mr. Nassief has served, I believe that the country would be making greater strides," Skerrit said.
Trade Union wants Manning's intervention
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has called on Prime Minister Patrick Manning to halt plans by the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) to retrench more than 400 workers as part of a restructuring exercise.
CWU said it has embarked on a "war" against the company, including a protest march outside the offices of the Mexican-born Chief Executive Officer Roberto Peon.
CWU President John Julien said that the company intends to dismiss 441 workers and rejected claims by TSTT that the union was against the restructuring exercise.
"The company has made it clear that 441 workers will be retrenched," he said.
