The International Monetary Fund has approved a $1.7 billion loan programme to help the Dominican Republic through the economic crisis.

In common with several Caribbean nations, the Dominican Republic has suffered rising unemployment and reduced exports, tourism and remittances.

The IMF said the funding will allow the Dominican Republic to inject a short-term fiscal stimulus while also laying the foundations for a gradual recovery and sustained growth.

The stimulus will focus on high-return investment projects and strengthening social programs.

The Fund also said the agreement will pave the way for additional financing from other multilateral sources.

The Inter-American Development Bank agreed to a loan of $500 million dollars in October.

Norway offers Guyana forest funds

Norway has agreed to pay Guyana up to $250 million by 2015 to preserve forests as part of a scheme to slow climate change.

The Nordic state said it wanted to help Guyana maintain forests that cover three-quarters of its land but payments would be linked to performance.

Last year, Norway promised Brazil $1billion under a similar agreement to protect the Amazon rainforest.

The Norwegian Environment Minister said saving the world's remaining tropical forests was a crucial element in the battle against climate change.

Spencer calls for peace accord

Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Baldwin Spencer, has said he hoped that Colombia and Venezuela reach a diplomatic solution to their simmering border dispute.

Colombia said on Sunday that it would seek help from the United Nations after President Hugo Chavez ordered Venezuela's armed forces to be prepared for war.

Baldwin Spencer said he was concerned about the tension between the two neighbours and hoped they would find a solution to bring stability to the area.

USVI governor says sorry

The governor of the US Virgin Islands, John DeJongh, has apologized for using public funds for improvements to his private home.

The governor told a news conference that he would return some of the new fences and security systems to the government after he leaves office.

The improvements are believed to have totalled about $500,000.

The governor chastised some of his critics for using radio talk shows to mount a steady drumbeat against the home improvement project.

The top elected official in the US Virgin Islands is provided the use of an official residence during his tenure in office.

But Governor deJongh said he preferred to remain at his private home on St Thomas.

Prosecutor fined over Facebook postings

A prosecutor in Bermuda has been fined $1,000 for posting Facebook messages about testimony in a murder case while the trial was in progress.

The Bermudian Bar Council found that Takiyah Burgess acted improperly by posting messages describing testimony given at the trial in February as "a pack of lies."

Defence lawyers complained the messages could sway jurors and called for a mistrial.

The judge allowed the trial to continue and the defendants were convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Bar Council President Kiernan Bell told The Royal Gazette newspaper that the prosecutor accepted responsibility and the matter is closed.

Price of privacy

Travellers are being tempted with the ultimate get-away-from-it-all Caribbean trip, but privacy will come at a price.

Tourists are being offered exclusive use of Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands in what is described as an island "buy out" package.

But prices for five nights at the island's resort and spa, including all rooms and villas come at a jaw-dropping $350,000.

Guests can specify what meals they have and which champagne is available in their room.