McKeeva Bush has described the British stance as unreasonable

The governments of the UK and the Cayman Islands remain far apart over how to handle the British territory's fiscal crisis.

The leader of the Cayman Islands government, McKeeva Bush has told BBC Caribbean that he will not accept British suggestions to introduce direct taxes for the first time to raise money and narrow a widening deficit.

The territory is seeking the approval of the British government to borrow over $350 million to help clear a debt caused by huge government projects.

Mr Bush - in London attending a finance industry conference - has met with British officials on the territory's borrowing requirements.

But the UK is still not budging, a position Mr Bush considers unreasonable.

He said Grand Cayman hopes to raise new revenue through divestment and increased user fees for government services.

Death row appeal is rejected

A St Kitts-born woman on death row in the United States has had her latest appeal turned down in a move that could see her executed by lethal injection within months.

Linda Carty was sentenced to death in 2002 for her part in the abduction and murder of a 25-year-old woman after a trial campaigners say was flawed.

Ms Carty has always claimed she was framed for the crime.

In the latest ruling, the fifth circuit court in Texas conceded that Ms Carty received an inadequate defence, but refused to reverse the decision to execute her.

Failing a last chance appeal at the Supreme Court, she will be executed.

Lawyers want judge to go

The Bar Association in Belize is to ask members whether it should seek the resignation or removal of a high court judge.

The lawyers group cites what it says is the persistent failure of Mr Justice Samuel Awich to render timely decisions and judgments in breach of the duties of his office.

It says some judgements are more than three years outstanding.

The association says this is tantamount to misbehaviour in office.

It has called a special meeting on Tuesday to vote on the issue.

New bank funds for DomRep

The World Bank has earmarked up to $500 million in possible financial support for the Dominican Republic during the next four years.

The money will go toward projects aimed at, among other things, making Dominican economic sectors more competitive and reforming public institutions.

In a separate release, the bank announced the approval of $40 million for two projects - one to improve basic health services and another aimed at poverty reduction.

VAT for Grenada in 2010

The Grenada government has confirmed that it will introduce a new consumption tax next year.

International financial institutions have been pushing Eastern Caribbean nations to implement a valued added tax - a type of sales tax regarded as more effective at raising revenue.

Some have already done so, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis are now expected to go the same route.

Concert divides opinion

Half a million people are expected to fill Havana's Revolution Square on Sunday for a concert that is supposed to be about peace.

But it has become another front in the war of words between Havana and the Cuban exile community in Miami.

Colombian musician Juanes, a winner of 17 Grammy awards, has worked with the Cuban authorities to put together the event.

He and 14 other musical acts from six countries will play for free for the Cuban masses.

Many Cuban-Americans in Miami are angry about the show, saying that simply by showing up, Juanes has endorsed Cuba's closed communist system.

Windies talk a positive game

The West Indies cricket captain has been talking up his team's prospects in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament which starts in South Africa on Tuesday.

A contract dispute between the Caribbean governing board and the regional players association has led to the absence of established stars including regular captain Chris Gayle.

West Indies have reached the past two Champions Trophy finals, but it will surprise many if they get that far this time.

However, stand-in captain Floyd Reifer has insisted that his team would not be out-classed.