Jamaica’s opposition capitalised on discontent over the economy to return to power, as voters gave the country’s first female leader a second chance to govern the island.

Caribbean officials yesterday criticised a World Trade Organisation ruling against a new EU tariff on imported bananas, saying the move could squeeze regional producers out of a market vital to their fragile economies.

Hurricane Ivan lashed Jamaica’s coast today but is not expected to make a direct hit, meteorologists said.

Jamaica’s leader ordered the entire army to be deployed across the island last night, trying to restore calm after three days of politically charged violence left at least 20 people dead.