United Nations Radio

Caribbean News Round-Up: a weekly 15-minute news magazine on developments at the United Nations concerning the Caribbean.

Esther Byer-Suckoo

Barbados can proudly claim a tradition of respect for the rights of women and men.
Barbados' Minister of Youth and Family Esther Byer-Suckoo tells the current session of the Commission on the Status of Women that in spite of the absence of anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of gender, successive governments have adopted policies that seek to promote harmonious relationships between the sexes and have developed programmes for the equal benefit of women and men.

St.Lucia expresses concern over the care given to those infected with HIV

HIV/AIDS patient

The issue of HIV/AIDS is particularly relevant to the Caribbean region where this scourge is all too prevalent.
And according to the Minister/Counsellor at the St. Lucioa Mission to the United Nations Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, whilst Saint Lucia's effort has been focused more on preventing the spread of the epidemic, it is understandable that given its size and the close-knit nature of families - the care of those affected has been and is a major concern within the communities.

Jamaica says its committed to strengthening measures aimed at empowering women;

The Government of Jamaica says it is committed to strengthening measures and programmes at the international, regional and domestic levels, aimed at the empowerment of women.
Counsellor at the Jamaica Mission Ms. Andrea Wilson points particularly to the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including care-giving in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Mother holds her daughter

Guyana says mutual sharing of parenting and domestic responsibilities can have a beneficial effect on the fulfillment by women of their potential in various domains

Guyana says mutual sharing of parenting and domestic responsibilities can have a beneficial effect on the fulfillment by women of their potential in various domains as mothers, workers, professionals, corporate and political leaders and ultimately as human beings.
Charge d'Affaires George Talbot says it's for this reason homes headed by single parents are often in special need of support.

Secretary-General in Haiti

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Haiti

Haiti was among the regional issues discussed this week between UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US President Barack Obama during a visit to the White House.
The Secretary-General recalled his visit to Haiti earlier this week with former President Bill Clinton during which they saw people living in desperate poverty.
Secretary-general Ban says they also saw a country still struggling to recover from last year's hurricanes, as well as decades of dictatorship.

Producer: Donn Bobb