GEORGETOWN, Guyana, – The Guyana government says it has not promised any increase in wages to sugar workers who last weekend downed tools in support of their claims as well as a pending agreement between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

BELMOPAN, Belize,  – Belize has nominated Dr. Carla Barnett, former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Deputy Secretary-General, for the region’s top civil servant job.

WASHINGTON, – The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday encouraged the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to continue its active engagement with Haiti to try and resolve the ongoing situation there.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia,– Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has presented an EC$1.12 billion (One EC dollar=US#0.37 cents) budget to Parliament saying it is the best estimate for both revenue and cost; with the understanding that if the coronavirus (COVID-19)  continues it will impact revenue negatively and increase cost.

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, – The Prime Minister of this Dutch Caribbean Island, Evelyn Weaver-Croes has resigned.

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC -President Jovenel Moïse has declared a state of emergency in several areas o the country an effort to stem the upsurge in crime across the country. 

BELMOPAN, Belize,–Opposition legislators are expected on April 22 to respond to the BDZ$1.030 billion (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) national budget that Prime Minister John Briceño presented to Parliament over the last weekend.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, – The High Court has upheld the Government’s decision to close the twin-island republic’s borders in its effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua,  CMC – Several editorials in respected newspapers as well as blogs by influential persons in the region are, once again, expressing deep concern about CARICOM, particularly over its lack of unity in international affairs and the failure of its leaders to implement their own decisions regarding the single market.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana,– Guyana says it has introduced and voted in support of a resolution urging a global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada,  – A member of Grenada’s Marijuana Decriminalization Committee has confirmed that proposed legislation looking towards the approach to be taken by the country concerning decriminalizing the use of marijuana is presently before the Cabinet of Ministers for discussion and the next step will be public consultation.

MIAMI  —Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released the following statement: