Sunday,May 8th, 2011
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Caribbean News
IDB warns on Impact of Is Swine Flu Here Again? Rising Food Prices Region warns of H1 N1 Threat, Again
WASHINGTON, United States, Monday May 2, 2011 – Rising international food prices could trigger an acceleration of inflation in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean this year, highlighting the need for policies to protect the urban poor, according to a new study by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). And it warned that the urban poor that do not have access to any enhanced income from self-grown products are most at risk from the food price shock. Also expected to be hard hit by higher international food prices are net food importers with a greater share of spending concentrated on tradable foodstuffs and with little room to let their currency appreciate.
“There is a need to increase and improve targeting of aid, perhaps through reformed conditional cash transfer schemes, to these groups to compensate the effect of the food price surge,” according to the Policy Note published by the IDB’s Research Department. “How will the food price shock affect inflation in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The report estimates the potential inflationary impact of higher international food and oil prices in the region and discusses policies that can be used to alleviate the impact of higher food prices on inflation. The study concludes that rising oil prices will only significantly affect inflation in a small number of countries in the region this year.
Jamaica to stay under IMF Longer
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday April 29, 2011 – If the Jamaica Government gets its way, its current borrowing arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will continue for two additional years. The US$1.27 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) signed in February last year is to come to an end in May 2012, but Finance Minister Audley Shaw announced during the Budget presentation yesterday that Cabinet has authorized him to
seek a 24-month extension. “This is a commitment by this Government to staying the course of fiscal discipline,” he told Parliament. “We believe it is in the best interest of the country to continue its relationship, with the IMF. A continuation of the programme will send a positive signal that will maintain stability, reinforce confidence, provide the important factor of certainty to stakeholders.” Shaw said the business community has already expressed support for an extension of the 27-month SBA. A review of the country’s performance is conducted by the IMF for every quarter under the arrangement and the Finance Minister said most of the quantitative targets for the 2010/11 fiscal year were met. However, Shaw acknowledged that the primary surplus of J$53.4 billion (US$626.7 million) was J$4.2 billion (US$49.3 million) below the revised SBA target.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday April 27, 2011 – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) has warned of the possibility of an outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), better known as swine flu. The bug spread in a worldwide pandemic during the 2009-2010 flu season and left thousands dead. Based on the occurrence of sporadic outbreaks reported in countries in the Americas since the beginning of this year, CAREC has recommended that countries in the Caribbean reactivate their National Preparedness Plans for the pandemic. There is currently no outbreak in the region and health authorities have said there is no cause for alarm. However, the various Ministries of Health in the region have advised the public to continue to practise proper hygienic measures, including frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. Persons who were experiencing fever, cough or sore throat have been
advised to stay away from school or work until they are fever free, for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication. Those most susceptible to H1N1, especially pregnant women, persons with asthma and other lung conditions, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and impairment of the immune system, should seek prompt medical attention. What is Influenza A (H1N1)? Influenza is an acute viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and occasionally lungs. There are 3 types and further subtypes of influenza – one such subtype is Influenza A (H1N1). The influenza caused by A (H1N1) is commonly referred to as “Swine Flu”. What are the symptoms of this flu? The symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Also read on on How to track Swine Flu Globally
Caribbean Appeal for re-allocation of HIV/AIDS KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday May 3, 2011 – Prime Minister Bruce Golding has made an appeal to the United Nations (UN) to revisit the criteria for allocating funds to fight HIV/AIDS as it is not possible for the Government to divert funds and resources from other urgent priority areas to fight the disease. Golding said he is concerned about the UN criteria which specifies that Jamaica which has recently been designated as a high middle income country will not be eligible for funding assistance from the Global Fund as of 2013. Addressing a high level Leaders Consultation on Stigma, Discrimination and Gender Inequality affecting Jamaica’s HIV/AIDS Response, he
said the Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer will place before a UN meeting in June, the needs of Jamaica before they re-allocate and re-designate countries. He also appealed for a special submission to be made for the struggle against HIV/AIDS in terms of containment. Part of the consultation saw the signing of a declaration of commitment to eliminate stigma, discrimination and gender inequality affecting Jamaica’s HIV/AIDS Response 2011. Prime Minister Golding noted that this signaled the commitment of the leaders of the country to continue the effort to break down the walls of humiliation and prejudice associated Continued to page 9