February 21, 2014
OECS public servants assured no salary cuts
Public servants across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have been given the assurance that there will be no cuts in their salaries while the governments battle the effects of a current global economic downturn. The decision came…
February 21, 2014
Government reiterates that Bank of Bahamas is safe
The Bahamas government has again sought to reassure nationals that it was not interfering in the operations of the Bank of Bahamas (BOB) in which it has 65 per cent majority share holding. “The Government does not control or interfere in the…
February 21, 2014
Shell in $2.6bn Australia asset sale
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to sell its Australian downstream business to oil trading firm Vitol for $2.6bn (£1.6bn). The sale includes Shell's refinery in Geelong, 870 service stations, its bulk fuels and chemicals unit and part of its…
February 21, 2014
Wal-Mart reports fall in quarterly profits
The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, has reported a 22% drop in quarterly profit and given a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast for the coming year. Net income for the three months to 31 January fell to $4.4bn (£2.6bn) from $5.6bn a year…
February 21, 2014
BAE Systems shares down 10% on lower earnings forecast
Shares in BAE Systems have dropped 10% after the defence group announced a big fall in profits in 2013 and said earnings would decline this year. Pre-tax profits for the year fell by two-thirds to £442m, down from £1.2bn in the previous year,…
February 21, 2014
Clashes Break Out in Kyiv Despite Truce
Witnesses in the Ukrainian capital say at least 33 people were killed in clashes that erupted between anti-government protesters and police Thursday, hours after President Viktor Yanukovych announced a truce with opposition leaders. The European…
February 21, 2014
Obama to Host Dalai Lama at White House
U.S. President Barack Obama will meet the Dalai Lama Friday at the White House, prompting a statement of "serious concern" from China. The White House said late Thursday that Mr. Obama is meeting the Dalai Lama "in his capacity as a respected…
February 21, 2014
Kerry: ‘Determined’ to Reach Mideast Peace Deal
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says he is "determined" and "committed" to reaching a peace deal with Israel and the Palestinians. Kerry said in an interview broadcast Thursday by Israel's Channel 2 television, that he is not insulted by those…
February 21, 2014
UN’s Ban Wants 3,000 Troops Quickly Sent to Central African Republic
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is asking the Security Council to quickly send at least 3,000 more troops to the Central African Republic, where religious violence is spinning out of control. Mr. Ban Thursday urged that the additional…
February 21, 2014
CARICOM expresses concern over Venezuela protests
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has expressed concern about the confrontations that have taken place in Venezuela over the past few days in the course of demonstrations. In a statement deploring the deaths of at least four people arising from the…