The opposition Jamaica Labour Party has set out to dispel concerns that it's not committed to CARICOM.

Speaking at the launch of his party's manifesto for the August 27th election JLP leader Bruce Golding said they are not anti-CARICOM - just anti-stagnation.

According to Mr Golding the JLP feels that Caricom has missed the boat, as it was too inward looking - concentrating more on what each country could sell each other rather seeking overseas markets.

Referring to Trinidad dominance of the CARICOM Single Market and how it has affected Jamaica, the JLP leader said all that CARICOM has achieved in its 30 years was only to redistribute poverty.

Ban Ki Moon comes calling

When U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon makes his first visit to Haiti today, officials say he will see signs of some improvement in security, and indications of a turnaround in the country's social and economic conditions.

The UN has a peace keeping mission in Port Au Prince - and officials say its role is gradually changing from a military to a policing one.

The senior U.N. envoy to Haiti says it's still too early for the U.N. to consider withdrawing its peacekeeping force, noting past failed attempts to help the country.

In fact Edmund Mulet says withdrawing now would be a big mistake.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will today meet with President Rene Preval and other
political leaders during his 36-hour trip.

His visit comes as the U.N. Security Council prepares to renew its Haiti mandate in October.

Kenny to monitor Sierra Leone polls

Former Saint Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony will head a Commonwealth election observer mission to Sierra Leone.

Elections are scheduled for later this month.

Sierra Leone, in West Africa, is rebuilding its infrastructure and institutions after a decade of civil war ended in 2002.

Doctor Anthony describes the ten-member mission that will include representatives from Canada, the United Kingdom, Africa and the South Pacific as one that has been entrusted with a very delicate mandate.

Sweet deal?

There's been mixed reaction by developing countries that supply sugar to the United States to a new blueprint for U.S. sugar policy.

The policy keeps intact measures to ensure higher sugar prices and spans the next five years.

While many countries have welcomed it, some others including the Dominican Republic worry that proposed rules will lock them out of greater trade with the US.

Experts say the more competitive countries could benefit from lower prices.

Taiwan and China's charm offensive

Taiwan and China continue their diplomatic tussle to win allies in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the latest development the Chinese have said that Honduras has expressed interest in dumping Taipei for Beijing.

But the Hondurans says that's not the case.

Taiwan is lobbying to hang on to its 24 remaining diplomatic partners including those in the Caribbean after several switched to China.

Just recently St Lucia did a U-turn and restored relations with Taiwan when Sir John Compton won the elections.

Many countries, like Honduras, recognize Taiwan while maintaining commercial ties with China.

Taiwan has been signing a number of free trade agreements with several Latin American countries and is presently negotiating with the Dominican Republic.