Caribbean Report 06-01-1998

In Guyana, political tensions rises in the wake of another bomb explosion. Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte calls on the Chancellor of the Judiciary to clarify a conflicting statement made between him and the Army Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, Caribbean Rights is alarmed at what it describes as the deteriorating political situation in Guyana. The US has issued an advisory warning against travel to Guyana and Richard Humphrey, President of the Tourist Association comments on how this statement could affect tourism. American diplomat Jeanette Hyde states that the EU banana regime is flawed and short on delivery of benefits to Caribbean banana farmers. In Antigua, Cyril Taffy Bufton is granted bail following a shooting incident involving Vere Bird Jr. As Britain seeks to strengthen its role with its European partners, its allegiance to Caribbean states comes into question. The US government allowed Cuban baseball player Orlando Hernandez into the US, however Mr. Hernandez turned down US residency to seek asylum in the Bahamas instead. In cricket, the West Indies Cricket Board held a series of meetings in Antigua aimed at implementing strategies for the improvement of the game. The captaincy of the West Indies team for the England tour is also on the agenda.