CARIBBEAN TODAY n e WS r6ww -arbbentda.com U.S. accuses Caribbean of widespread human rights abuses w NELSON A. KING WASHINGTON The United States has issued a scathing report on human rights practices in Caribbean community (CARICOM) countries, accusing member states of a myriad human rights violations. In its 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. State Department said while CARI- COM governments "generally respected the human rights of citizens, there were problems" in a number of areas. The agency said it was concerned about a variety of developments ranging from excessive use of force by police to poor prison condi- tions, and from violence against women to sexual abuse of children. But the report was partic- ularly critical of alleged human rights offences in Guyana and Haiti. The State Department highlighted reported abuses in Guyana of "potentially unlawful killings by police, mistreatment of sus- pects and detainees by the *1 security forces, poor prison and jail conditions, lengthy pre-trial detention, govern- ment corruption, and sexual and domestic violence against women and children". POOR PRACTICES It said prison conditions there were "poor and deterio- rating, particularly in police holding Ll 11, and that the Bharrat Jagdeo administration "did not permit monitoring of prison conditions by either independent bodies or by Members of Parliament, and turned down requests for monitoring visits from the par- liamentary opposition and from a diplomatic mission". Poor training, inadequate equipment, and acute budget- ary constraints were identified by the State Department as reasons why the effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force was "severely limited", noting that public confidence in and cooperation with the police remained low. "There were reports of corruption in the I >. it added. "Lengthy pre-trial deten- tion, due primarily to judicial inefficiency, staff shortages, and cumbersome legal proce- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8) 4< A Legacy of Leadership Thursday, April 16, 2009 6:15 p.m. Broward County Convention Center 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida Please join JM Family Enterprises and Southeast Toyota Distributors for an evening of inspiration our 17th annual African-American Achievers award ceremony. We are honored to pay tribute to five outstanding individuals whose hard work, determination, and compassion have touched the lives and hearts of others in unique and unforgettable ways. Together, they have helped build a stronger community and legacy of leadership. Mark your calendar for this special celebration! RSVPs are required. RSVP online at www.africanamericanachievers.com, or e-mail your reservation to achievers@jmfamily.com, or call 866-516-2497 or fax 800-728-0156. (ODTOYOTA Souffieat Toyota Distrbutom~LIC 4kT=LOXLL-s WEDR FM a a 99d.MZ