KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - A new database developed jointly by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the World Bank reveals that trade costs fall disproportionately on the Caribbean and other developing countries. The World Bank said this has taken place although the international economy has integrated considerably in recent decades.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer -LABOUR and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier says the country is currently experiencing an unprecedented degree of industrial stability, pointing out that this is a result of the robust and mature industrial relations mechanism that now exists in Jamaica. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry's North Street offices in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, Kellier reported that work stoppages have declined over the 2010/2012 period.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - JAMAICAN manufacturers of some key items are likely to have their profit margins squeezed by higher duties in the Canadian export market, if Caricom fails to reach a new trade agreement with the North American country before year end.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - THERE were two occurrences within the past week that reminded me that Jamaica still has a lot to do in order to see long-term sustainable development. There was an announcement that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is on the island, and it is expected that a staff-level agreement should be reached after this visit. This means that we can expect board approval within six weeks, which would be just before the 2013/14 budget is tabled.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - IN his report on Jamaica's epic 0-0 draw against mighty Mexico in the Azteca stadium in Mexico City on Wednesday night, Sports Editor Mr Ian Burnett asks the rhetorical question "who would have thought it possible?"
Truth is, not many of us.
The Reggae Boyz, their coaching and support staff, deserve our salutations not just for their achievement in becoming the first Jamaican football team to come away from Mexico City with a point, but also for their obvious belief that it was possible and that their time had come.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - THE population of developed countries is ageing rapidly as people in those affluent societies live longer as a consequence of good nutrition and better health care, as well — a drop in the birth rate, reflecting more women in the workforce and the desire for fewer children. These twin trends have resulted in a major demographic shift in population structure with a higher percentage of these populations being over 60 years of age and a lower percentage of working age.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Observer - THE big storm heading for the United States Northeast is already disrupting air travel.
United Airlines said it has cancelled 900 flights for today in advance of the storm. Delta Air Lines Inc cancelled 740.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - In the effort to address the situation with CLICO, the leader of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) is suggesting that Barbados should begin by focusing on its own people and attend to the needs of others after. At a spot meeting in Amity Lodge, Christ Church last night Owen Arthur responded to comments made on the political platform by Minister of Finance Christopher Sinckler at the presentation of the Democratic Labour Party ( DLP) candidates at Passage Road, St. Michael on Wednesday night.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - In the midst of the election fever heating up Barbadians, one noteworthy occasion passed with very little fanfare – World Cancer Day. Observed on February 4 every year, this year’s theme, “Together It Is Possible”, seeks to focus on screening and vaccination efforts across the globe.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Stabroek News - Obviously, when we focused, in last Friday’s editorial, on PJ Patterson’s cry from the heart and forthright warning about the perils of neglecting Caricom, we thought that his argument was well reasoned and very persuasive. We still do. He and we may, however, have missed a most important point.