Grim reaper

LONDON -- Lady Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minister, is not noted for her compassion or humanity. During her repose at 10 Downing Street, nose tilted skyward, she chanted the refrain “a crime is a crime is a crime” as 10 Irish hunger strikers died, gleefully directed the Falklands/Malvinas war and was a most willing accomplice in the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

So it comes as little surprise to hear of the “iron lady” once again working hand in glove with the grim reaper. Thatcher is reportedly now negotiating a US$1 million contract with Philip Morris, the world's leading tobacco manufacture, to further smooth their access to government decision makers.

Cashing in on her international prominence, Thatcher will help sell coffin nails to eastern Europe and the Third World.

Jamaica blocks kidnapping

KINGSTON -- Jamaica's National Security Ministry on August 5 banned a US anti-drug agent from returning to the island. Radio stations in Kingston reported that Frank Santana attempted to kidnap Guyanese citizen Hannie Ishmael, to be tried by US courts.

In July, the US Supreme Court ruled the US had the right to abduct persons in other countries for trial in the USA. Santana was detained by Jamaican immigration officers at Montego Bay airport as he attempted to take Ishmael out of the country.

Panama invasion toll

PANAMA CITY -- Four thousand

Panamanians died during the 1989 US invasion of their country, says a report by the Committee of Relatives of the Victims. The document denies figures provided by a US military report, indicating that only 300 Panamanians had been killed.

Amnesty adopts Timorese prisoner

Amnesty International has adopted Fernando de Araujo, a 26-year-old East Timorese student, who was sentenced by a Jakarta court to nine years' jail, as a prisoner of conscience. It calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

De Araujo was found guilty under sweeping anti-subversion laws of undermining the Indonesian government and “disgracing the nation in the eyes of the of the international community”. He was arrested for his participation in protests following the massacre at Santa Cruz cemetery last year.

Chamorro signs anti-homosexual law

Nicaraguan president Violeta Chamorro has signed a new penal code that puts gay men and lesbians, as well as writers, editors, poets and artists who deal with material connected with homosexuality at risk of up to four years in prison.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly on June 11 and sent to Chamorro, who signed the legislation on July 8 without informing either the press or the Sandinista opposition.

... Frank Noakes, Radio Havana, Pegasus

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