Balkans musicians unveil Bob Marley 'peace' statue

"Bob Marley -- fighter for freedom armed with a guitar," reads the inscription at the base of the statue.

Musicians from the former Yugoslavia have unveiled a statue of late Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley as a symbol of peace. Several thousands gathered at a rock festival in the tiny Serbian hamlet of Banatski Sokolac for the uncovering of the statue, which features Marley in a tea cosy, clutching a guitar and fist raised towards the sky. "Bob Marley — fighter for freedom armed with a guitar," reads the inscription at the base of the two-metre-high (6.5-foot) sculpture, the first of the late reggae star in Europe.

Party official defends Turks and Caicos Premier's lifestyle

Lloyd Stubbs, the Public Relations Officer for the ruling Progressive Nation-al Party (PNP) in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has been quoted in an August 24 Miami Herald article about Premier Michael Misick and his controversial lifestyle as asking, "A brother can't make some money?''  However, the Miami Herald front page article entitled "A fairy-tale romance takes a tawdry turn" and especially the quoted comments by Stubbs are likely to raise more questions than they answer. In response to allegations and questions surrounding Misick’s financial status and extravagant spending, Stubbs is further quoted by the Miami Herald as saying, ''It's not like he bought a $10 million house out of his pocket. He is paying a bank loan," and adding, "Michael is a businessman."  As previously reported, Misick’s salary as Premier is $150,000 annually, which represents just a fraction of the yearly cost of servicing a $10 million mortgage and is bound to raise renewed questions as to where the substantial difference is coming from.

British couple sue tour operator after armed robbery in Dominican Republic

A British couple who were attacked, terrorised and robbed at gun point at a Dominican Republic hotel, have sued tour operator First Choice for substantial damages for failing to provide adequate security during a holiday in June 2007 at the Gran Bahia Principle hotel, a sprawling property in the tourist hot spot of Punta Cana. The proposed suit, which was reported in the London Times, claims that Chris and Winifred Hyde were brutally attacked and robbed by two bandits at gun point in the wee hours of the morning.

Grenada treasury empty - not enough funds to meet expenses

The Grenada treasury is empty and there is not enough money to pay its expenses. This was disclosed by Finance Minister Nazim Burke in an interview with BBC Caribbean Report, which was reproduced by local and regional media including the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). The six-week-old government led by Tillman Thomas is complaining of inheriting an empty treasury and is warning that the government may not be able to meet its monthly expenses, including paying salaries to the country's 3,000 public servants.

Dominican Republic boxer wins Olympic gold medal

The Dominican Republic boxer, Felix Diaz, became the first Dominican-born boxer in history to win an Olympic gold medal and only the second Dominican boxer to win an Olympic medal after a period of 24 years. Diaz convincingly beat the Thailander Manus Boonjumnong for the gold on Saturday morning in Beijing. Diaz, fighting in the 64k category, counterpunched his opponent and landed well executed combinations to secure the well deserved win. Pedro Nolasco was the first Dominican Republic boxer to win an Olympic medal when he won the bronze medal in the 1984 games held in Los Angeles, USA. It is expected he will receive a hero’s welcome when he returns to the Dominican Republic and will be received by Dominican President Leonel Fernandez to celebrate his win.

(Caribbean Net News)

DEAD MAN STANDING

A Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing — even in death.

A funeral home used a special embalming treatment to keep the corpse of 24-year-old Angel Pantoja Medina standing upright for his three-day wake.

Dressed in a Yankees baseball cap and sunglasses, Pantoja was mourned by relatives while propped upright in his mother's living room.

His brother Carlos told the El Nuevo Dia newspaper the victim had long said he wanted to be upright for his own wake: "He wanted to be happy, standing."

The owner of the Marin Funeral Home, Damaris Marin, told The Associated Press the mother asked him to fulfill her dead son's last wish.

Pantoja was found dead Friday underneath a bridge in San Juan and buried Monday. Police are investigating.

At right: The body of deceased Angel Pantoja Medina stands erect and leans against a wall, supported by his coffin during his wake in his mother's home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday

.(AP)

Fifth person charged in Antigua’s honeymoon murder probe

A fifth person was charged in connection with the shooting deaths of two honeymooners in Antigua, police said last week Tuesday.

Georgette Aaron, 31, was charged with accessory to murder, accessory to robbery and perverting the course of justice, court documents showed.

Aaron is the fifth suspect arrested and charged in the ongoing investigation into the murders of Ben and Catherine Mullany, who were shot and killed while honeymooning in Antigua last month.

On the day before, Avie Howell, 17, and Kaniel Martin, 20, had been charged with the murders as well as for robbery.

IMPACT ON GUYANA

Guyana's President says public officials found corrupt will be prosecuted

Following the release two weeks ago of the 2006 Auditor General’s Report, which made widespread allegations of corruption in public office, Guyana’s President, Bharrat Jagdeo has said that he would not "go lightly" on any official found guilty of corruption. The President made this announcement during a media briefing last week at his office, adding that, while sections of the media may have taken the report out of context, he was aware of the possibility of some cases of corrupt practices in public office and he backed any move to take legal action against those found guilty. "I agree that, where we have corruption, people should face the full brunt of the law. They should be charged, taken to court, all of that stuff; but a lot of the other part where people ascribe corrupt motives, there may be a time difference, a lag in financial transactions," the President said.

Guyana government going full steam ahead with airport expansion

Guyana’s President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that his government will go ahead with plans to expand the Ogle Airport to accommodate regional carriers. Jagdeo made the announcement during a media conference last Thursday, saying that once the facility was "brought up to scratch" it would ease the pressure at Guyana’s only international airport, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri. "We still plan to move the project forward," the President said. "In fact, there is a bid out for extending the runway [and] we got a grant from the European Union, the Regional Executive Programme, of Euro1.5 million."  The Guyanese leader noted, however, that if government was to invest public funds which could have been used for other projects to upgrade the facility, the beneficiary base must be expanded.

Record attendance at first CARIFESTA superconcert

The Guyana National Stadium at Providence was filled to capacity for the first time since its construction last year for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, when three of the region’s most popular artistes, along with a number of local stars took the stage on Saturday evening for the first Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) superconcert.

The concert, sponsored by Banks DIH, one of Guyana’s largest beverage producers, featured several regional artistes such as the phenomenal Trade Winds; Rupee and Biggie Irie, both from Barbados, and Mr Vegas from Jamaica, while local performers included First Born, Anaconda, the indigenous Calibro band and the impressive X Factor dancers.

The concert was free of charge, although tickets were needed for admittance, and the several thousands gathered were treated to an evening of Caribbean music and dance for approximately eight hours.

Although CARIFESTA X was expected to outshine the CWC as the biggest event in Guyana, the turnout for the concert surpassed all expectations, as the stadium’s field was packed with people who wished to get near the stage and experience a good view of the performers. Those who were unable to fit on the field were comfortably accommodated in the stands nearby and viewed the proceedings on two large screens.

The appreciative audience sang and waved Guyana’s flag, particularly to songs by the Trade Winds, Rupee, First Born and Biggie Irie.

Various artistes from the Caribbean and other countries are expected to perform at a few more super concerts planned for the same venue, while other CARIFESTA activities will continue throughout the country until August 31.

(Caribbean Net News)

Caribbean Medical Mission Joins OSHAG/C in Guyana

Nineteen colleagues in Medicine, like Dr. Berman Saunders of the Caribbean Medical Mission of New Jersey, will travel to Guyana in October with members of OSHAG/C to provide free surgery; medical care and treatment for patients in Berbice County. OSHAG/C President & CEO, Carol Bagot, is dedicated to the group's unwavering commitment of being a catalyst to bring better, improved cancer and other medical care to patients in Guyana and the Caribbean region. She credits the Guyana Ministry of Health for its support that makes the upcoming trip possible.

President receives souvenir CARIFESTA stamps, coin

In order to ensure that the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X is long-remembered and remains an important part of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s history, the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) and the Central Bank of Guyana have produced memento stamps and coins in observance of the event and recently the first of these were presented to President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President. Chairman of the GPOC, Bishop Juan Edghill, explained that the Post Office were seeking to revive the philatelic market in the country to aid in preserving the country’s history.

Guyana to benefit from US$5m disaster relief project

Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, on Monday, August 18, 2008, welcomed a US$5 million disaster relief project for which Guyana and several other Caribbean countries which are members of the Caribbean Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) are beneficiaries, to better respond to disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods and which result in the loss of lives. A release from the Ministry of Health stated that the project is funded by the European Union and is expected to help countries develop laws to address disaster management, improve technological responses and create public awareness and education.

Guyana drug enforcement officials unearth drugs in greeting cards

For the second time in August, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officials in Guyana unearthed over GY$1,000,000 (US$5,000) in cocaine at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) destined for the United States. According to a CANU official, ranks at the GPOC checked several envelopes destined for the United States and unearthed the drugs concealed in greeting cards. The official told reporters that the drugs, which came from several local addresses, were destined for the same address in the United States. "Each envelope contained two cards, laminated with one plastic pack of cocaine in the card. It has a total weight in the vicinity of 200 grammes," the official explained.

Nagamootoo, Anthony off PPP Executive

Moses Nagamootoo	Dr. Frank Anthony

The People’s Progressive Party recently elected its Executive Committee and Dr. Frank Anthony and Moses Nagamootoo were not among those elected to the top brass of the party. Donald Ramotar was once again elected, unopposed, as General Secretary of the party, while Ali Baksh, Komal Chand, Navin Chandrapal, Clinton Collymore, Jagan Janet, Bharrat Jagdeo, Roger Luncheon, Zulfikar Mustapha, Harripersaud Nokta, Reepu Daman Persaud, Robert Persaud, Ulric Ramanah, Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira were all elected executive members. President Jagdeo scored the highest number of votes followed closely by Roger Luncheon, Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, Janet Jagan, Robert Persaud and Ralph Ramkarran.

Gambling to be legalized in Guyana

The mechanism is being put in place to pave the way for casino gambling in Guyana. President Bharat Jagdeo said that draft regulations for the establishment of a gaming authority under legislation to facilitate casino gambling should be on Cabinet's agenda very soon.  The Stabroek News newspaper reported on Sunday that Jagdeo said he had seen the draft regulations — "just the basic elements of the gaming authority."  One of the major investors, the new buyer of Buddy's International Hotel, Sudi Ozkan, told Stabroek News in an interview, that he intended to operate a casino out of the hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara, but had not obtained any licences at that time.

Former Guyana National footballer passes

Former junior and senior national footballer Jamain Alleyne aka ‘Turtle’ of Laing Avenue, Georgetown passed away last Friday at the Georgetown Public Hospital at the tender age of 27, following a brief period of illness. Alleyne, a former Santos Football club player and captain, donned national colors at the under-16, 18, 20, 23 and senior levels. He also captained Guyana at the under-20 level.

He was an accomplished and skillful midfield player and among his qualities were his nimble touches of the ball, good knowledge of the game, a great motivator and warrior.

Quiet by nature, Jamain was always recognized as a good player and in most teams he was always the youngest member. This trend started at the under-16 level.

Jamain was born on Laing Avenue, where he grew up and lived up to the time of his death.

In extending its condolences to the bereaved mother, family and friends of the late Jamain Alleyne, the Guyana Football Federation stated that the entire fraternity has lost a champion player. He was laid to rest on Thursday.

(Kaieteur News)

ANNOUNCEMENT

Allan Williams, also known as Allan Baird, died at Brookdale Hospital on August 27, 2008.

Allan, who was born on August 6, 1947 to the late Robert ‘Smallboy’ Haley and Vashti McCurdy, was an ardent music lover and a skillful upholsterer.

He was the loving husband of Norma; father of Orin, Kevin and Earl; brother of Michelle and Brenda and a grandfather of two.

A Going Home Service will be held for Allan on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the Full Gospel Assembly Church on 131 Sullivan Place in Brooklyn, between Bedford and Rogers Avenues.

Viewing of the body will be from 4-7 p.m., and the Service will commence right after.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of our dear mother Hyacinth Rebecca Roach, who departed this life one year ago, on August 30, 2007.

You have left a void, which we are trying to fill, but every time it seems as if we have overcome your passing, something reminds us of the warmth and the loving way in which you consoled us in our time of need.

We miss you dearly, but we are assured that the Great Geometrician in his infinite wisdom needed your services more.

We cherish the time we had with you on earth and know that we were truly blessed to have you for such a long time to guide and nurture us, and teach us to survive when you were no longer with us. That time is here and we are doing our best to put your training to work.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Rest in Peace

Inserted by your loving children: Monica Hughes, Margaret Skeete, Michael, Carl, Kenton, and Philbert Roach and Lorraine Niles.

International Dominoes Tournament Concluded

Players from the three participating teams — England, Guyana and America, pose for this picture at the presentation ceremony. In center, white shirt is Butch Jones, President of the host organization (USA)

The victorious Guyana team members receiving their trophy from Lloyd ‘Butch’ Jones (extreme left) (l-r) Linden (Poison) Boston, captain, Desiree Edghill, Yvonne Duncan and Frank Gaul. The other members had already left for Guyana

The international dominoes tournament hosted by the Caribbean Dominoes Association (CDA, USA), which started on Monday, August 11 and included teams from England, Guyana and the United States, officially ended on Monday, August, 25, 2008, with the Guyana team emerging winners of the overall competition.

Guyana amassed 22 points to secure first place. England and United States both got 16 points, but England edged out the United States on sixes to gain second place, leaving the hosts in the cellar.

IMPACT ON JAMAICA

Jamaica to establish Center of International Sporting Excellence

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (3rd L) meets with members of the Olympic Homecoming Planning Committee at Jamaica House

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, says the Jamaican government is committed to establishing a Center of International Sporting Excellence, through which new and upcoming talents in all areas of sports will be identified and provided with professional training. The government will also be strengthening institutional support to sporting organisations such as the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, the Jamaica Olympics Association, and the Institute of Sports, to enable them to upgrade and improve their services.

Jamaica's PM calls on criminals to change their ways

No doubt motivated by the magnificent performance of the Jamaican athletes at the recently concluded Beijing Olympics, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has called on lawbreakers to lead a better life in order to make their country even more proud. Speaking during a broadcast, Golding challenged lawbreakers and thugs to put an end to violent crime, which threatens to embarrass the nation. He added, "Rampant criminality has tainted the nation’s reputation for too long." He urged criminals to "get on with the program. We are the best in the world. Stop trying to make us look like we are the baddest in the world."

Bolt Senior returns

Wellesley Bolt, father of the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, on his return from the Beijing Olympics was met at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St James, by Digicel's Joy Clark and Jamaica Tourist Board officials

Usain Bolt's new celebrity status has rubbed off on his father, Wellesley, who was mobbed by enthusiastic fans at the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, last Friday.

The senior Bolt, father of the world's fastest man and triple Olympic gold medallist, said he had to be rescued by Chinese police.

"The police had to come to get me," said Bolt, who was flown to the East Asian country courtesy of the telecommunications firm, Digicel.

Bolt, who had to be coerced into going to China because of his fear of flying, said: "Everyone wanted my autograph, the autograph of the father of the world champion."

Laughing joyously as he exited the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning, Bolt reminisced on his experience at the 2008 Olympics.

Bolt set for big bonuses in Europe after Beijing successes

European meeting organisers are prepared to increase their cash and appearance fees if track and field's newest great, Usain Bolt can match or better his breathtaking performances from the Beijing Olympics.

Bolt racked up two individual gold medals in world record fashion in both the 100m and 200m to thrill fans inside the Bird's Nest Stadium in the last seven days. The 22-year-old also collected gold and another world record as a member of the Jamaican quartet that lowered a 15-year-old world record in the 4x100m relay.

Following the Olympics, Bolt is set to compete in the 100m at the Weltklasse meet in Zurich, Germany, then at the 2008 Athletissima meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland on September 2, where he is scheduled to run the 200m.

Golding: Count us out

Manning was in Jamaica pursuing political union

Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding has told Prime Minister Patrick Manning that his country will not participate in the political union now being pursued by the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and three other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries by 2013. Golding did so when he met Manning at the Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica House, Jamaica, on Monday evening. Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, who was part of the delegation that travelled with Manning to Jamaica, confirmed yesterday that Golding expressed his administration's position that the implications of the proposed union on Caricom had to be carefully examined. "Jamaica was concerned about how it would work and how it would affect the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) and how it would affect Caricom," Gopee-Scoon said in a brief interview last evening.

Amir Abdullah Mohammed Abdul-Akbar passed on

Amir Abdul-Akbar, widely and affectionately known as ‘Akbar’, the Executive Director of the Caribbean American Program for Empowerment, (CAPE, USA), transitioned tonight at 9:04 pm, August 21st, 2008, after a short battle with cancer. Akbar’s tremendous and far reaching work in the community, nationally and internationally, has and will continue to impact lives for years to come. Akbar was Muslim and made it perfectly clear that he was Muslim, CAPE was not.  And through CAPE, he helped, assisted and empowered thousands of people, here in the United States and in several other countries around the world.

Big ride for Bolt

After sprinting in the fast lane, Jamaican triple world record holder Usain Bolt will soon be motoring along the road in a brand new BMW M3 from his main sponsor, Puma. The company's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, made the announcement at a news conference in Beijing, China, two days after Bolt celebrated his 22nd birthday. It also came a day after he ran the third leg of the 4x100 metres to help Jamaica win the gold medal and smash the world record by posting 37.10 seconds. The relay win was Bolt's third gold of the 29th Olympiad, having earlier taken the 100 metres in a world record 9.69 seconds and the 200 metres, also in a world record 19.30 seconds.

IMPACT ON BARBADOS

Barbadian athletes return home

Man of the Moment: Bradley Ally, the first Caribbean swimmer to reach the semi-finals at the Beijing Olympic Games, is greeted at the airport by Lady Forde, mother of swimmer Martyn Forde

Swimmers Bradley Ally and Andrei Cross returned home to Barbados from the Beijing Olympics with a renewed commitment to train and compete as they look towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

Along with runners Ryan M. Brathwaite and Jade Bailey, they were greeted by loud applause, lots of hugs and broad smiles at the Grantley Adams International Airport. Swimmers Terrence Haynes and Martyn Forde arrived one day later, while sprinter Andrew Hinds went to Europe with his fellow Jamaican-based MVP teammates.

No final report yet

THINKING OF YOU: Tuesday, August 26, marked the one-year anniversary of the fatal cave-in at Arch Cot, Brittons Hill, St. Michael. On August 26 last year, Donavere Codrington and his wife Cassandra and their children Yashiro, Shaquanda and Shaquille all died when the apartment they were living in collapsed. The Codrington family gathered at Coral Ridge with candles to commemorate the anniversary. Here, Donavere's family, led by mother Margaret Codrington (right) and sister Nicole place flowers and candles at the grave of their loved one

Exactly one year after a building at Arch Cot Terrace, Brittons Hill, St Michael, collapsed, killing a family of five, Government has still not received the final report from the engineers.

And as a result, families displaced by the tragedy and living at the Senior Citizens' Village at Vauxhall, Christ Church may have to stay there longer.

Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs, Freundel Stuart, told the DAILY NATION on Tuesday, that the Government had taken certain decisions based on the preliminary report, but wanted to see the recommendations contained in the final report before proceeding with other actions.

WOMAN BEATERS PUT ON NOTICE — HANDS OFF!

Women beaters have been put on notice – the days of domestic violence matters being treated lightly by the courts are over.

And to reinforce the point, one man who stabbed his former girlfriend in the back and head was jailed for 18 months, while another, who threatened to kill his former girlfriend the way a woman was stabbed last week, was further remanded to HMP Dodds.

Magistrate Pamela Beckles issued the warning as she dealt with the two men in the District "A" Magistrates' Court Wednesday.

They were two of four men during the week, who were sent to prison after appearing on charges relating to their former girlfriends.

IMPACT ON TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

COP SHOT — Gunmen in brazen attack outside Arima court

A police officer was shot by a group of gunmen in broad daylight outside the Arima Magistrates' Court Tuesday, but he was not their intended target. They were in fact trying to kill a witness in a rape case, soon after the man had testified. Police Constable Ronnie George of the Arima Police Station was in stable condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt. Hope Tuesday night. He was shot in the buttocks. The targeted witness was in "protective custody" Tuesday night, according to the police, but they refused to give his name to the media for fear of further attempts on his life.

Bas: No need for jet ride...knocks PM for not using e-mail, phone

BASDEO PANDAY

Did Prime Minister Patrick Manning have to spend US$19,000 an hour of taxpayers' money to inform and sensitise the prime ministers of Jamaica, Belize, Suriname and Bahamas to his unity proposal?

This was Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday's response to Manning's statement at a news conference yesterday, that he (Manning) had gone on an information mission to several Caribbean countries, and not to collect signatures in support of his unity plan. Said Panday: "Mr Manning could have phoned the Jamaican Prime Minister (and others) and said 'we are floating this idea, what do you think?'. It is a modern world, he could have e-mailed. Or he could have sent his Foreign Affairs Minister, or his minister responsible for Caricom affairs. But no, Mr Manning has to spend US$19,000 an hour (hiring a private jet to travel around the region)."

Manning: I was not ‘blanked’

Prime Minister Patrick Manning says he was not "blanked" by Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who said their countries were not interested in the proposed political union between Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries. They did so as Manning met with Golding and Barrow in Jamaica and Belize respectively, when he visited those countries on Monday, as part of a two-day trip which saw him visiting the Bahamas and Suriname, to discuss the proposed political union. "Nobody blanked Manning or any such thing. We never asked anybody to sign anything you know..." Manning said during his first news conference at the new Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair Wednesday, where he sought to address what he said was "misinformation" in the media about his trip.

Two dengue deaths

Health Minister Jerry Narace, left, speaks to Dr. Clive Tilluckdharry, head of the Insect Vector Control Division, during the Inter-Sectoral Forum on Dengue at Crowne Plaza hotel. At centre is Dr. Carol Boyd Scobie, PAHO country representative

The Ministry of Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Anton Cumberbatch, Tues-day confirmed that the ministry was aware of two dengue-related deaths, despite claims from Health Minister Jerry Narace earlier in August that there were none. Speaking at an Inter-Sectoral Forum on Dengue at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Port of Spain, Cumberbatch said the two people died between the end of June and the middle of July. Stating that dengue had four types, 1, 2, 3 and 4, with the last two types being more severe, Cumberbatch said the country presently had type 3 circulating. He added that over the last 20 years, the nation has been visited by types 1, 2, 3 and 4, either singly or by more than one type at the same time.

IMPACT ON ST. LUCIA

EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!

SAINT LUCIA TAKING A STAND AND MOVING FORWARD

By: Edward Harris

Well! Well! What is going on? The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Patrick Manning, has a new initiative that is causing some concerns in the minds of many of us across the Caribbean. Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to forge an Economic Union by 2011 and move forward into a Political Union by 2013. The experts are at work to refine the proposal as Prime Minister Manning forges ahead with the initiative, personally visiting capitals of Member States of Caricom and meeting with the Nations’ Leaders to discuss his new initiative. If we assume that the MOU is a commitment by the four leaders to a process, then it is understandable that at the appropriate time discussions will ensue on the way forward. Until a document is available for evaluation, we will have to trust our leaders and applaud them for taking yet another initiative to bring the people of the region closer. Guyana and Barbados were represented by their Foreign Ministers.