News stories by Peter Richards, page 12

Wayne Kublalsingh could hardly contain himself. Minutes after Trinidad's High Court issued a ruling Tuesday temporarily halting construction of a controversial smelter plant, Kublalsingh ripped open his shirt, revealing a jersey emblazoned with the words: 'No Smelter'.

– If Trinidad and Tobago and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are to embark on their long touted economic and political union by 2013, it would involve the surrender of some political power to a European-style commission.

When the G20 countries met in London earlier this year and agreed to pump more money into the coffers of major financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the news was largely greeted with enthusiasm by developing nations, particularly those in the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region.

Premier Galmo Williams came to the United Nations Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism conference here with a simple message: Britain must withdraw its threat to suspend the constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), or better still, allow his people to determine their future in a referendum.

There is only one signature on the Declaration of Port of Spain, out of 34 slots.

President Barack Obama had promised that his administration would be different. His, he said, would be a listening, caring one, even though like previous United States leaders, he came to the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago bearing gifts - no doubt hoping for support for his new initiatives.

U.S. President Barack Obama may be the star attraction at the three-day meeting, but the U.S. embargo on Cuba – which has not been invited to attend – remains a major issue at this weekend’s Fifth Summit of the Americas to be held for the first time in an English-speaking Caribbean country.

Two years ago, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged his country’s neglect of the Caribbean in recent years.

In the wake of the British government’s decision to partially suspend the constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), politicians in this and other British Overseas Territories are worried that London has embarked on a process of 're-colonisation'.

Everyone concedes that the media got it wrong that day. But a decision by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) to launch a formal investigation is raising fears that the incident is being used to clamp down on press freedom here.