Jamaica has accused of bvlocking some of its products

Jamaica has accused Trinidad and Tobago of erecting barriers to trade.

The Jamaican Commerce Minister Karl Samuda has complained of some Jamaican products unable to get into the Trinidad market.

He has also warned other the regional free trade system risks being jeopardised.

Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caricom member states are part of the Caricom single market.

Pointing an accusing finger at Port of Spain, Mr Samuda said: " What we have found, to our great concern, is the extent to which barriers have been put in place to impede the expansion and development of exports from Jamaica, and I speak now particularly about Trinidad."

Customs authorities in Trinidad recently blocked a shipment of Jamaican beef patties.

The product was however subsequently allowed entry to the Trinidad market, but only after what was described as "several weeks of consultations between both governments".

Lock them up or send them home?

The cost of locking up and maintaining Caribbean immigrant criminals is forcing a rethink by regional governments.

Ministers are now said to be seriously considering sending them 'back home' to serve their sentences.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Security Minister Martin Joseph has said that Caricom governments are reviewing reciprocal arrangements for deporting non-national criminals.

According to the Trinidad minister, it's costing too much to maintain foreign prisoners in his country's jails.

He said consideration is being given to just "put them on a plane and send them back".

Another issue of concern for regional governments is known to be the US policy of deporting foreign criminals.

Several convicts of Caribbean origin have already been sent back to the region, and there has been concern about how they are reintegrated.

The matter was discussed at the recent Summit of the Americas in Trinidad, and a follow-up meeting on the issue is being planned by regional authorities.

OECS leaders to meet Libyans

OECS prime ministers are to meet with a delegation from Libya in St Vincent on Saturday.

The main talking point will be Tripoli's relationship with the Eastern Caribbean.

The meeting will also discuss the setting up of a Libyan embassy in the region, and the establishment of a development bank and an investment company.

Sir James questions lifting of Cuba suspension

	The OAS voted Wednesday to lift Cuba's suspension

The former prime minister of St Vincent, Sir James Mitchell, is questioning the lifting of the OAS suspension on Cuba, even after that island said it was not interested in rejoining the grouping.

The OAS voted on Wednesday to reverse the 47-year expulsion.

While he welcomed the move, Sir James said that the OAS action does not show "diplomatic finesse".

Haitian students protest

At least one person was injured in Haiti on Thursday, as police fired tear gas and gunshots to deter protesting students in the capital Port-au-Prince.

About 300 students protesting curriculum changes threw rocks at police and national guard officers, as they marched through barricaded streets.

Their protest followed similar action by about 130 medical students last month, who clashed with authorities over changes to the syllabus at their school.

They were protesting the removal of courses such as medical statistics and family medicine.

Caribbean linguist dies

Caribbean linguist Dr Richard Allsopp has died. He was 86.

He passed away on Thursday evening in Barbados following a period of illness.

Dr Allsopp, a native Guyanese, is credited for being a pioneer in the linguistic study of Caribbean Creoles.

He authored several publications, including the Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage.

He was awarded the Crane Gold Medal for the most outstanding work in education in Guyana in 1958.

Dr Allsopp received several other accolades including the Companion of Honour of Barbados, for distinguished national achievement.

Cayman Islands records one swine flu case

Swine flu continues to spread across the Caribbean, with the latest case being a student in the Cayman Islands.

It is the first case of the virus in the British territory.

The health department says the student showed symptoms after a trip to New York last month.

It advises people not to panic, but continue to take precautions against the virus.

Swine flu has been detected in five other English speaking Caribbean countries.

Windies face Australia

West Indies face Australia on Saturday in the World Twenty20 at the Oval in London.

Ahead of the match Windies batting ace Ramnaresh Sarwan shrugged off the team's dismal performance on their current tour of England.

He said the team is positive going into the tournament, and is focused on the job at hand.

West Indies meet Sri Lanka next Wednesday at Trent Bridge.