The Director of the Washington based Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), Professor Larry Birns, has attributed the rising crime rate in Jamaica to the illegal drug trade. More than 1,000 persons have been murdered since the start of the year. Professor Larry Burns said although the Bruce Golding led administration recently assumed office, the problem is one that needs urgent attention. He noted that the government’s task is difficult, especially in light of the...
Democratically-controlled Congress satisfied with labor, environmental issues and approves trade pact. The United States Senate approved the free trade pact with Peru 77-18 Dec. 4, the final step in the controversial agreement’s passage since negotiations began in May 2004. US President George W. Bush pressured the US Congress hard to pass the deal before Christmas break. The administration has made such bilateral agreements a central part of its trade policy, but it appears unlikely...
By Lucas Bergman BUENOS AIRES, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Seven South American nations planned to found on Sunday a development bank to demonstrate their joint independence from multilateral lending practices that some have blamed for past economic crises. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela will be founding members of Banco del Sur, or Bank of the South, an initiative of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. All of the countries except Paraguay are led...
