Barbados Vacation Package
G) The Caribbean
Policy Initiatives. The political impasse that followed the December 2001 election, and the resultant inability to convene Parliament until new elections were held in October 2002, limited further progress in strengthening GOTT counternarcotics capabilities. Nevertheless, the GOTT supported counternarcotics efforts through public statements by senior GOTT officials and the provision of resources for ongoing programs. During the year, GOTT officials participated actively in regional counternarcotics fora and in the negotiations for a Caribbean regional maritime counternarcotics agreement. The GOTT continued to fund a three-person U.S. Customs advisory team, which worked closely with the GOTT’s Customs and Excise Division to improve the effectiveness of its passenger and cargo processing and enforcement capabilities. The GOTT also continued to fund an Internal Revenue Service advisory team that worked with the Bureau of Inland Re ... [Read More]
The Caribbean
Policy Initiatives. GOJ officials publicly state the government's commitment to combating illegal drugs and drug-related crimes. To stem Jamaica’s rising tide of crime and violence, in late 2002, the GOJ unveiled a broad-based anticrime program that explicitly identified drug trafficking as the primary revenue source and the basis of organized crime in Jamaica. One component of the program is a package of legislative reforms to enhance law enforcement and judicial powers. The first part of this package to be enacted was the requirement, effective August 2003, to declare cross-border movements of currency or monetary instruments in excess of $10,000. The Fingerprint Act and a comprehensive counterterrorism package were presented to Parliament in October 2003. A new Port Security Act has reportedly been drafted, but has not yet been presented to Parliament. Reforms in the areas of firearms, forfeiture of the proceeds of crime (including civil asset fo ... [Read More]
The Caribbean
The BahamasI. Summary Because of its geographic location, The Bahamas continues to be utilized as a major transit country for cocaine and marijuana bound for the U.S. from South America and the Caribbean. The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (GCOB) cooperates closely with the United States Government (USG) to stop the flow of illegal drugs through its territory, to target Bahamian drug trafficking organizations, and to reduce the domestic demand for drugs within the Bahamian population. An important bilateral milestone was achieved in June 2004 with the signing of a Comprehensive Maritime Agreement to provide law enforcement officers a ... [Read More]
George P. Shultz
Met with President Aquino. Signed an emergency aid package. Visited Corregidor. ... Vacation. ... [Read More]
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Members of the Rastafarian community have complained that law enforcement officials unfairly targeted them. However, it was not clear whether such complaints reflect discrimination on the basis of religious belief by authorities or simply enforcement of laws against marijuana, which is used as part of Rastafarian religious practice. For a more detailed discussion, see the 2003 International Religious Freedom Report. d. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation The law provides for these rights, and the Government generally respected them in practice. No formal government policy toward refugee or asylum requests exists. In practice, the Government provided protection against refoulement, but did not routinely grant refugee status or asylum. A Red Cross representative served as the h ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
The Telegraphic Address is AMEMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO. The Mission has several fax machines. The main Embassy fax, located in the chancery reception area is (809) 686–7437. InternetLast Updated: 2/3/2004 7:19 AM Internet Service Providers (ISP) charge about $15-20 per month for dial-up service of basic connectivity, up to 56K. Other package plans, (e.g., Verison's “VIP” for cell phone and Internet combination, or for more on-line time and higher speeds) are offered by a dozen ISPs in Santo Domingo. Digital Subscriber Lines (e.g., “Flash”) are available in certain parts of the city and are priced between $25-35 per month. Mail and PouchLast Upd ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
There are strict limitations on what can be received via the pouch. Packages must be no larger than the combined length and girth of 62 inches and must weigh no more than 40 lbs. Length is defined as the measurement of the longest size and girth is the sum of the other four sides. In addition, incoming packages may not contain liquids, aerosols, or illegal substances. American postage must be affixed to all personal mail sent through the Diplomatic Pouch system. American and Czech stamps are sold at the commissary. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
The Canadian tourist industry is quite developed and offers attractive package trips to warmer climates during winter, such as to Barbados, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, as well as bargain charters to Europe. Package tours and reduced airfares within Canada are not as attractive. The principal Canadian air carrier, Air Canada, offers frequent and reasonably reliable service between Ottawa and other major Canadian cities. Ottawa’s airport is not a major one, however, and travelers wishing to take direct, widebody jets on cross-country or transatlantic trips must make connections in Toronto or Montreal. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
A good private primary school, Westmorland Primary, has an average class size of 24. It has a few trained Montessori teachers and takes children in nursery class; after nursery class they join kindergarten and start basic reading, writing, and math. The school year is divided into three terms, running from early September until mid-July. Vacations are held at Christmas, Easter, and the long summer holiday. Westmorland Primary is part of Westmorland School, which is known to have the island’s highest standard of education, based upon CXC results. The primary department has few vacancies and securing a place may prove difficult. Government-run secondary schools, designed for Grenadians, are not geared to U.S. requirements. Away From PostLast Updated: 5/13/2004 1:07 PMParents of older children may, in most cases, have no option but to ... [Read More]
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