Dominica welcomes gay cruise linersROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):
Tourism Minister Ian Douglas has reiterated Dominica's position regarding gay tourism.
"We are not going to ask anybody about any orientation whether you are black, white, Jews, racist or whatever; your preferences are not a concern of ours," said Douglas, the former Attorney-General.
He said that the island would welcome any tourist who wanted to enjoy the beauty of the island and was looking forward to the upcoming cruise season.
"Our shop is open to do business, we are open for sale. We have a product; we are putting it out on the market and it's for all to come and enjoy," Douglas added.
Last year, a number of religious organisations here warned of protest action if a ship carrying gay men was allowed to dock in Roseau. But despite the threat, the ship arrived here without any fanfare.
Support for government on Labour Code
CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):
The private sector is supporting the decision of the St. Lucia Government to make changes to the island's Labour Code.
Outgoing president of the St. Lucia Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Laurie Barnard, has supported the decision of Prime Minister Stephenson King to make changes to the legislation, and rejected statements by some trade unions and the main opposition St. Lucia Labour Party that the private sector was against the introduction of the code.
"Too many persons on the side of the unions of political colour and even in the media have misrepresented the positions and viewpoints of employers on this matter. We have never been against the introduction of the Labour Code or sought to delay the consultative process.
