SANTIAGO, Chile –  The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has released its annual  statistical overview of the socio-demographic, economic and environmental development of the regional countries.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Anthony Conrad George, the designer of the Grenada National Flag died in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, the same day the island celebrated its 50thanniversary of political independence from Britain, attorney Jacqueline McKenzie has said.

BERLIN – Transparency International says only Guyana and the Dominican Republic in the Americas have improved their Corruption Perception Index (CPI) scores over the past decade, while the others have either stagnated or significantly declined.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The United States has reiterated its commitment to the security of Haiti and says it remains “unwavering” in its support for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission (MSS) as authorized by the United Nations Security Council last October.

BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize says it is “deeply concerned” at the decision of donor countries to suspend contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Special Representative to Haiti has warned that the crisis in the country has reached “a critical point”.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – A joint operation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and US Customs and Border Control earlier this week, led to the interception of a vessel suspected of carrying illegal immigrants.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Officials in Barbados have nominated road tennis and landship to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A new initiative aimed at lessening the Caribbean region’s poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition has been launched in Guyana.

UNITED NATIONS – Guyana has called for a targeted and bold approach in addressing the impact of conflict on food and climate security as the world grapples to deal with their effects.

UNITED NATIONS – The Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Wednesday that escalating armed violence in Haiti has triggered a “profound” humanitarian crisis.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – A private sector-led regional ferry service was launched on Tuesday aimed at increasing and improving transportation among the Caribbean countries.