Britain says it is about to provide Jamaica with debt relief, to the tune of some $7.4 million.

	Jamaica expected to use funds saved on education and security

The British minister for International Development, Mike Foster, said the decision was made in light of Jamaica's high debt.

Officials say that the debt burden is constraining the island's ability to achieve economic growth.

The money saved will be spent on education, security, and justice.

The government in Kingston is introducing a new budget featuring sharp cuts and a wage freeze in the public sector.

It's hoping the new fiscal package will help stimulate an economy that is feeling the impact of the global economic downturn.

More aid for developing world

Aid agencies have welcomed plans by the European Commission to speed up aid to developing countries hit hard by the economic crisis.

But the agencies in endorsing some components of the plan, have said that it falls way short of the needs of the developing world.

The commission said it was bringing forward to 2009 nearly $5.82 billion of previously earmarked funds to help poor countries fight the recession.

A sizeable chunk is intended as budget support to African Caribbean and Pacific nations.

Fewer unemployed youths

The authorities in St Kitts say some 365 youths have been pulled off the unemployment line through a work experience and job placement project.

Officials of the country's national skills training programme said more than 280 young people were being equipped "with the necessary professional and social skills to function efficiently in a work environment".

Another 78 on work experience programmes have been attached to various private and public sector agencies.

Powell not keen on Jamaica/US showdown

Former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell is not keen to take part in a sprint clash between Jamaica and the United States.

	Powell not overly enthusiastic about the proposed clash

He has been quoted in the local media on the island as suggesting that the meet was meaningless.

Powell said that with athletes competing in so many meets on the circuit every year, having a one-on-one "doesn't make any sense".

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association and USA Track and Field last week announced plans to stage meets in each country, starting in May or June 2010.

Football coach goes

Trinidad and Tobago's football coach, Colombian Francisco Maturana, has resigned.

The country's football federation said in a statement that Maturana had offered to quit due to differences of opinion on the team's future.

Trinidad and Tobago are bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup finals.

They lost their most recent match 3-0 to the United States.

Russell Latapy, who is still part of the Trinidad squad at the age of 40, has been named player-coach on an interim basis.

Praying for economic recovery

Hundreds of nationals in Dominica braved rains on Wednesday to celebrate a national day of prayer.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was among speakers at a special concert marking the occasion.

Prayers were offered there for economic recovery and national development.