PM Gonsalves favours Republic status for the country

Vincentians are voting Wednesday on whether to adopt a new constitution.

A two-thirds majority is needed to adopt a proposed constitution that would replace the charter that was established when the country gained political independence in 1979.

If the charter is approved, St Vincent and the Grenadines would join other caribbean countries that have enacted new constitutions in recent months, including the Cayman Islands and the Dominican Republic.

Under the proposed constitution the British monarch would be replaced by a President as the head of state.

Both the government and opposition agree that the islands should become a republic.

But the opposition has been encouraging the public to vote 'no' because they claim the proposed changes do not sufficiently reduce the powers of the prime minister.

St Kitts opposition file fresh challenge

Lawyers representing two opposition legislators in St Kitts and Nevis have filed a fresh court challenge to stop the government from changing the island's constituency boundaries.

They contend that Constituency Boundaries Commission is improperly constituted following last week's resignation of the two opposition members from the body.

Meanwhile the opposition People's Action Movement (PAM) is planning a public demonstration on Wednesday in the streets of the capital, Basseterre, ahead of Thursday's sitting of parliament, when the report of the commission will be tabled.

Investors told to plan for economic recovery

Caribbean tourism investors are being told to start planning for a return of economic growth in developed countries.

That advice from nobel laureate in economics, Professor Joseph Stiglitz, who is attending the Commonwealth Business Forum in Port of Spain.

Tourist arrivals have declined in the past year, as a result of the financial crisis.

But Professor Stiglitz is confident that the region's industry will rebound when the global economy improves.

ACP countries criticise EU

Banana producing countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) have accused the European Union (EU) of sacrificing their interests by reaching a deal with Latin America.

The EU has said it is very close to an agreement that will end the long-running dispute over banana tariffs.

But Suriname's ambassador in Brussels, Gerhard Otmar Hiwat, said the EU was pushing for the deal to show that progress is being made in removing obstacles to the conclusion of the Doha Round of global trade talks.

The only thing standing in the way of an end to the bananas dispute is an agreement between Brussels and ACP countries on a compensation package for the former European colonies.

Gayle for first test, Sarwan doubtful

West Indies captain Chris Gayle has confirmed that he will be part of the opening Test against Australia tomorrow.

Gayle arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday morning, after travelling home last week to be with his sick mother.

But his return was offset by news that veteran batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan would be in doubt for Thursday's match, due to injury.

Gayle has admitted that the potential loss of Sarwan for the first Test would damage his side's chances.