Caribbean

Could The Caribbean Be Next?

By Franco Ordonez
UNION-TRIBUNE MCT NEWS SERVICE
March 24, 2008
 
MEXICO CITY ““ Fueled by the rising popularity of soft drinks and fast food restaurants, Mexico has become the second-fattest nation in the world. Mexican health officials say it could surpass the United States as the most obese country within 10 years if trends continue. More than 71 percent of Mexican women and 66 percent of Mexican men are overweight, according to the latest national surveys.
 
With diabetes now Mexico’s leading cause of death, activists and leaders hope to renew efforts to crack down on fatty-food consumption and encourage citizens to exercise more. But it will be a tough battle, as industry groups are expected to put up a fight. No one knows better the country’s affection for fattening foods than Lidia Garcia Garduno, who’s run a fruit stand in central Mexico City for the past 10 years.
 
“People don’t eat right anymore,” said Garcia Garduno, mixing a drink of strawberries and pineapple. “Instead of coming here and purchasing a fruit drink, they prefer to walk across the street and buy fried pork chips. That’s why so many Mexicans are obese.”

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Nevis Government Commends Local Contractors

Charlestown, Nevis
March 15, 2008

While Contractors on Nevis were commended for their sustained outstanding work they were urged to continue to produce and to take advantage of the opportunities created for them under the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) led Nevis Island Administration (NIA).
 
The praise and words of advice came from Mr. Ashley Farrell Cabinet Secretary when he addressed a number of local contractors at a workshop. Mr. Farrell represented the Minister of Labour on Nevis who was at the time off island on other government duties. The half day event was hosted by the Department of Labour on Wednesday March 12, at the Red Cross Centre in Charlestown.
 
“I wish to commend you for the very outstanding work you continue to produce. This NRP government supports you, we want to see local construction firms expand into mega companies and in this regard I wish to inform you that several projects will be coming on stream later this year and it is anticipated that job opportunities in the construction field for at least the next three years will continue to increase.

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Anguillian Delegation Likes What They See In Nevis

Charlestown, Nevis
March 13, 2008

A delegation comprised of government officials from Anguilla traveled to Nevis last week to hold talks with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and to visit the geothermal site at Spring Hill. They were briefed by officials from West Indies Power Nevis Limited (WIP) and viewed a slide show related to geothermal energy.
                                                                                                          
Minister with Communications and Works in the NIA Hon. Carlisle Powell said the Anguilla delegation heard about the newly constructed St. Johns Primary School and requested the consent of the NIA’s consent to tour the school with the expectation of erecting a similar educational facility in Anguilla.
 
Phase three of the Island Main Road constructed by the Nevis Reformation Party led NIA on assuming office, was another issue discussed. Mr. Powell said “they drove the entire length of the project and were keenly interested with the road’s drainage and how they were rerouted and straightened and the timely manner the roads were completed.”

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CARICOM To Give Special Attention To Tourism And Crime

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 11, 2008 (CUOPM)

Two important issues ““ tourism and crime and security ““ are to get special attention by Caribbean leaders over the next few months.

CARICOM will devote a full day during its regular meeting of Heads of Government in July to focus on Tourism, and has agreed for the first time to make Tourism a standard item on all CARICOM agendas in view of its importance to the economies of the region.

A Special Session of Heads of Government will be held in Trinidad in April of this year to discuss issues of crime and security.

CARICOM Secretary General His Excellency Dr Edwin Carrington, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas, Jamaica Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Bruce Golding, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Manning and Bahamas’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham also took part in the press conference at the end of the 19th Inter-Sessional of the Conference of Caribbean Heads of Government.

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St. Kitts – Nevis Welcomes CARICOM’s Duty Reduction

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis March 10, 2008 (CUOPM) The Federation’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has indicated that “national governments have been advised that they should take appropriate action so as to safeguard the interest of their …

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