Pope Francis has said the death penalty is “inadmissible” and that the Catholic church would work for its abolition across the world. Capital punishment was “an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, Francis said in a change to Catholic teaching. The church previously viewed the death penalty, carried out by a legitimate authority after a fair trial, as an “appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good”, according to a Vatican statement.
But it said there was an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person was not lost even after “the commission of very serious crimes”. More effective systems of detention could ensure the protection of citizens without depriving “the guilty of the possibility of redemption”. Pope Francis has previously spoken out against the death penalty, saying last year it “heavily wounds human dignity” and is an inhuman measure. Capital punishment was “in itself, contrary to the Gospel”, he said.(theguardian)…[+]

The army is patrolling the streets of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, one day after three people were shot dead when soldiers and police fought running battles with hundreds of protesters, firing live ammunition, teargas and water cannon.

Less than 72 hours after polls closed in Zimbabwe’s presidential election – the first since the fall of Robert Mugabe last year, and billed as the beginning of a new era for the impoverished country – soldiers warned the few office workers and vendors around to go home. The main post office, banks and many shops were closed on Thursday. Traffic remained light and military helicopter flew overhead, with scattered debris and scorch marks betraying the scenes of violence from the day before. “We are scared,” said Mildred Masara, a hotel worker. “We don’t know what’s going to happen now. I have to earn a living but I would like to be at home now.”(theguardian)…[+]

BRIDGETOWN – The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding in the amount of USD4.4 million (mn) to help Guyana enhance its transportation sector, and support the development of interior communities. The funds will be used to finance feasibility studies and designs for the upgrade of the Lethem aerodrome, and the construction of a new bridge at Wismar and a new riverine transport terminal at Parika.

The selected sites are all considered to be priority areas for improvements by the Government of Guyana. The Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge was constructed 51 years ago, and includes just one lane. On average, approximately 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, which results in traffic congestion. It is a major connection point between Georgetown and Demerara, as well as to several interior locations and Brazil.

Upgrading the Lethem aerodrome is expected to capitalise on current and future demands for travel between Northern Brazil, the Caribbean, Latin/South America and North America. It is also expected to facilitate the development and expansion of businesses and other economic activities in the Region 9 area. The Parika riverine transport terminal is the main hub for riverine transportation services between Parika and the neighbouring communities separated by the Essequibo River. It has deteriorated over time and is becoming a threat to public safety.  The project, to be implemented through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Guyana, will complement other CDB interventions, including ongoing work to improve sections of the road link from Linden to Lethem…[+]