BARBADOS: Region urged to make environment priority. The 25th Special Meeting of the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on the Environment opened yesterday with the acknowledgement that collective action is critical to confronting the environmental challenges facing the region. Full article

BERMUDA: Cabinet Office launches internship programme. The Cabinet Office is launching an internship programme so jumpstart the careers of young Bermudians. Full article

BERMUDA: 'We used to think learning Shakespeare was boring, but we now know it can be good fun'. The mere mention of Shakespeare to a classroom of teenagers is usually greeted with moans and groans. Full article

BERMUDA: 'Don't take away our school'. United Dance Productions has been described as the staple of a young person's future dance career. Full article

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: Over 200 students benefit from MSSU visit. The BVI Health Services Authority welcomed faculty and health students from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) over their Spring Break and according to the Chief Nursing Executive, Dr. Jenecia Fairfax, “the exchange has proven to be very productive and beneficial.” Full article

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: BVI gets closer to a strategic framework on HIV/AIDS. Stakeholders from the public and private sectors gathered this week to make contributions to a strategic framework to address HIV/AIDS in the region. Full article

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: HLSCC promotes honours programme among students, faculty. Students and members of faculty at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will next week engage in a series of activities aimed at promoting the institution’s honours programme, and more particularly its chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honours Society. Full article

CUBA: Technical and Professional Education in Cuba. Objective and subjective factors and the work of the ministries, organizations and institutions affect the quality of technical and professional education in Cuba. Full article

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Lehman Creative-Writing student wins scholarship to prestigious summer program. Lehman College student John Infante has won full scholarship to the prestigious New York State Summer Writers Institute at Skidmore College for Summer 2008. Full article

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Young business leaders concerned over increase in 1Q government spending. The National Young Business Leaders Association (ANJE) said they are concerned over the increase in prices in the first quarter. Full article

JAMAICA:  Cops target students and teachers in anti-violence campaign. As part of the constabulary's 'Get the Guns Campaign', Operation Kingfish personnel say they intend to spread their violence free message in several primary and secondary schools across the island. Full article

JAMAICA: Investigation into breakout at St Ann juvenile centre. THE DEPARTMENT of Correctional Services has launched an investigation into the escape of 11 wards from the Armadale Juvenile Correctional Centre for females in Alexandria, St Ann, early yesterday morning. Full article

JAMAICA: Do young, single women need life insurance? Full article

JAMAICA: Mary's Child gets computers - PM, C&W make donation to help pregnant teens. Mary's Child, home for pregnant teenagers, received a boost this week when Prime Minister Bruce Golding made good on his promise two months ago to provide the home with computers. Full article

JAMAICA: FirstCaribbean gives US$345,000 to support youth businesses in the Caribbean. FIRSTCARIBBEAN International Bank Jamaica's managing director, Milton Brady, cemented the FirstCaribbean International Bank pledge of US$345,000 to support youth businesses in the region, when he presented a cheque yesterday of US$30,000 to David Clarke, chairman of the Jamaica Youth Business Trust. Full article

NETHERLAND ANTILLES: Local stakeholders help refine regional HIV/AIDS document. Local stakeholders in the field of HIV/AIDS met last week Thursday to review and contribute to the refining of a regional policy document on HIV/AIDS. Full article

NETHERLAND ANTILLES: Police urge youngsters making bombs to stop. Police are warning teenagers involved in tossing homemade explosives in and around school districts to cease this practice or risk injuring themselves or others. Full article

STA LUCIA: Students show off talent in Thumbelina. If the enthusiasm that came out of the final dress rehearsal for the students who will stage their version of Thumbelina this weekend is any indication of things to come, then patrons of the event can expect a premier show complete with an adorable all-star cast. Full article

STA LUCIA: Youths Urged To be More Proactive. A call has gone out to the youths of St. Lucia to become more involved in the decision-making, as well as in executing the initiatives formulated to help tackle the plethora of problems facing that often marginalized demographic. Full article

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: National HIV/AIDS workplace policy launched. Representatives of trade unions and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have appealed for the Government to implement legislation protecting PLWHAs from stigma and discrimination in the workplace and job loss due to their HIV status. Full article

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Young mom of 2, seeks shelter. Natalie Edwards is pleading with the authorities and the public for assistance to improve her life and the lives of her two young children. Full article

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Barrackpore group marches against school violence. THE Barrackpore Improvement Group, for the second consecutive year, took to the streets in the district to sensitise people on school violence.. Full article

US VIRGIN ISLANDS: Clinics Get Senate Committee OK to Pursue HIV/AIDS Grant. The Committee on Finance gave the thumbs up Tuesday for Frederiksted's Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic to seek a federal Ryan White Grant for $250,000. Full article