World Bank President Robert Zoellick said on Thursday that the international financial institution was committed to partnering with Caricom to help the region build sustainable and inclusive growth.

	Mr Zoellicked appeared pleased with the Roseau talks

Mr Zoellick, in Roseau for the regional grouping's inter-sessional summit, said the talks held with the leaders were useful, and that he appreciated the practical problem solving approach of Caricom leaders.

He said on the question of debt they explored ways in which the World Bank can work to help countries identify options and customise a framework for debt sustainability and economic growth.

The bank's private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation, is according to Mr Zoellick, exploring opportunities to support renewable options, such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar, along with an energy efficiency programme.

Pushing for a development fund

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of government have said at their inter-sessional meeting in Dominica that the regional grouping is pushing for a development fund to facilitate the reconstruction of quake-hit Haiti.

The Haitian situation and debt relief are among matters topping their list of key agenda items.

Caricom wants to play a clear role in the reconstruction efforts of its newest member state that was devastated by the massive 12 January earthquake.

Its special envoy to Haiti, former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson, has said as much.

And the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas, has accused some members of the international community of excluding the Caribbean from the reconstruction efforts.

Taking aim at the gangs

A former Minister of National Security in St Kitts and Nevis, Dwyer Astaphan, wants the country's security forces to crush gangs involved in violent crime activity.

There have been eight murders so far for the year, with police investigating the latest killing.

Mr Astaphan, speaking on local radio, urged the authorities to act against the gangs behind growing violence in St Kitts and Nevis.

He also called for greater attention to be paid to young people and the choices that they make.

Neighbours talk security

Guyana has refused Suriname's request to formalise an illegal passenger docking facility on the Corentyne River that borders the two countries.

The two discussed the matter earlier this week, but the home affairs minister in Georgetown, Clement Rohee, says the government's decision is in the country's best interest.

Mr Rohee said however that the existing system will be strengthened in keeping with a security agreement.

Suriname's Justice and Police Minister, Chandrikpersad Santokhi, appeared disappointed but said that he remained hopeful.

Cuba heavily criticised

The European Parliament has condemned Cuba for what Euro-MPs described as the avoidable and cruel death of a dissident hunger striker.

	Cuba was the subject of discussion at the European parliament

The parliament voted 509-30, with the assembly calling on Havana to immediately release its political prisoners.

The European Assembly also urged EU Foreign and Security Affairs Chief, Catherine Ashton, to push the Communist-run island towards a peaceful transition to multi-party democracy.

However in a stinging response, Cuban authorities said they did not appreciate the lecture and would not respond to international pressure.

The vote follows the 23 February death of jailed Cuban dissident Orlando Zapata, who was on hunger strike for more than 80 days.

Another dissident, journalist Guillermo Farinas, started his own hunger strike on 24 February.

The EU parliament labelled his condition alarming and said it was concerned about him.