Brazil offers firms tax breaks for hiring youths

President Dilma Rousseff has announced a government initiative to promote youth employment at a time when Brazil’s jobless rate is on the rise due to a weak economy. (Latin America Herald Tribune)

Puerto Rico should be allowed to file for bankruptcy, US Treasury Secretary say

A path should be created as soon as possible to allow Puerto Rico’s government to file for bankruptcy which would help the US territory recover from its economic crisis, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said. (Fox Latino)

Jamaica government moving ahead with plan to merge, close or privatise entities

The Government is moving ahead with plans to merge, close, privatise, or outsource the services of several public sector entities. (Jamaica Observer)

Caribbean countries develop plan against new bird flu virus

Caribbean countries have developed a strategic plan to ensure food security and safeguard livelihoods across the region in the face of the threat posed by the new H5N2 strain of avian influenza, the government of Barbados said. (Latin America Herald Tribune)

Uruguay announces controversial massive infrastructure investment program

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez announced a controversial plan for 12.37 billion in infrastructure investment over the next four years. Two-thirds of the investment will come from the government. Where the other third was to come was not confirmed. (Merco Press)

Several Cayman Islands websites go offline over new domain rules

Several Cayman Islands websites, including the government’s Economics and Statistics Office, were taken offline after failing to renew their registrations and pay fees under a new regulatory regime. (compasscayman.com)