Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Government Renews FCD Macaw Research Permit

    Government Renews FCD Macaw Research Permit

    In a significant development for wildlife conservation, the Belizean government has officially renewed the research permit for Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) after weeks of negotiation. The resolution ends considerable uncertainty surrounding the organization’s critical macaw conservation programs.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the previous delays, explaining that tensions between FCD and a private logging company operating in the same region had necessitated additional discussions. The primary concern involved safety protocols regarding research activities in areas with active logging operations.

    “We successfully mediated the situation,” stated Briceño. “FCD represents an invaluable developmental partner, and ensuring their continued operation remains a government priority. The safety concerns regarding research personnel working near logging vehicles have been satisfactorily addressed through collaborative dialogue.”

    The resolution has paved the way for an expanded government partnership with the conservation organization. Current initiatives include developing the Las Cuevas Research Station with enhanced facilities for long-term research and educational tourism. This will enable students to reside onsite while conducting field studies.

    Additionally, plans are advancing for establishing new FCD headquarters near Chalillo Dam with Belize Defence Force consent, including a visitor center to promote public engagement with conservation efforts.

    Briceño, who previously supported FCD during his tenure as minister, expressed strong personal commitment to the organization’s mission: “I maintain a vested interest in ensuring they continue their exceptional environmental stewardship. Their work aligns perfectly with our national conservation priorities.”

    The renewed partnership signals strengthened governmental support for biodiversity research and sustainable environmental management practices in Belize.

  • Minister Mira Unsure Why Media Missed CompStat

    Minister Mira Unsure Why Media Missed CompStat

    In an unusual departure from established protocol, the Belize Police Department conducted its inaugural CompStat presentation for 2026 without extending invitations to media representatives. The statistical briefing, which traditionally provides comprehensive crime data comparisons between years, occurred as a closed-door session absent journalistic oversight.

    Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira, attending his first CompStat meeting since assuming office approximately two months prior, expressed surprise when questioned about the media’s absence. “I do not know. That was my first compstat that I was invited as well by the commissioner of police,” Minister Mira stated during a press interaction. “I didn’t know that they were not invited. I will ask the commissioner of police why? I think it’s important that the media is invited.”

    The Minister acknowledged the significance of transparent crime statistics while defending police efforts beyond quantifiable metrics. He emphasized that while the department recorded one fewer homicide compared to the previous year and demonstrated reductions in major crime categories, statistical analysis fails to capture crimes prevented through proactive police operations and patrols.

    Minister Mira committed to prioritizing thorough murder investigations, emphasizing his administration’s focus on achieving arrests, charges, and convictions. This incident marks the first instance in several years where media organizations were systematically excluded from the nationally significant crime statistics briefing, raising questions about governmental transparency and accountability mechanisms.

  • Missing Cocaine Evidence Recovered in Orange Walk

    Missing Cocaine Evidence Recovered in Orange Walk

    The Belize Police Department has initiated an internal investigation following a significant procedural violation at the Orange Walk Police Station involving mishandled narcotics evidence. The incident centered on approximately one gram of cocaine seized during a law enforcement operation that was never formally logged or transferred to designated exhibit custodians.

    According to official reports, the controlled substance was improperly stored in an officer’s personal locker instead of following mandated evidence protocols. Another officer subsequently accessed the locker and removed the material, creating a chain of custody breach.

    Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado confirmed the ongoing internal investigation into the evidence handling failure. Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira provided clarification to News Five, stating the missing cocaine had been successfully recovered and accounted for.

    Minister Mira attributed the incident to an officer’s failure to adhere to established evidence protocols, emphasizing that drugs should never be left unsecured. He explained that proper procedure requires all evidence to follow a strict chain of custody, ultimately being signed over to exhibit keepers for secure storage.

    The internal investigation will focus on ensuring compliance with evidence handling procedures and preventing similar incidents in the future. The case has highlighted the importance of strict protocol adherence within law evidence management systems, even for relatively small quantities of controlled substances.

  • Politic : The Security Council renews the mandate of BINUH

    Politic : The Security Council renews the mandate of BINUH

    In a decisive move to address Haiti’s ongoing political and security crisis, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2814 (2026) on January 29, 2026, extending the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for an additional year through January 31, 2027.

    The revised mandate significantly expands BINUH’s responsibilities across six critical areas, with particular emphasis on facilitating inter-Haitian national dialogue to support constitutional and political processes. The mission will provide crucial assistance to Haitian authorities in organizing and conducting municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections throughout 2026, aiming to achieve a peaceful transfer of power to democratically elected officials.

    A substantial enhancement to BINUH’s operational framework involves direct collaboration with the newly established Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This partnership will focus on implementing community violence reduction strategies, including the development of a Haitian-led disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program. The mission will additionally support safe exit pathways and rehabilitation services for individuals formerly associated with gangs, with special attention to vulnerable children.

    The resolution mandates BINUH to assist Haitian judicial institutions in addressing prolonged pretrial detention cases while providing advisory support for handling high-risk individuals. Furthermore, the office will maintain dedicated monitoring capacity to document and report on gang violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses—including sexual violence affecting all demographics.

    During the Security Council deliberations, the United States representative characterized the resolution as “a decisive step toward the stabilization of Haiti,” emphasizing the need for efficient utilization of member states’ funds. Panama’s delegate noted the resolution’s balanced approach between electoral process assistance and judicial system support, reaffirming commitment to Haiti during this critical historical phase.

    China’s representative expressed serious concerns regarding the continued influx of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging source countries to implement concrete border control measures and strengthen arms regulation in coordination with UNODC and other relevant agencies.

  • Unions Urge Halt to BTL–SMART Deal

    Unions Urge Halt to BTL–SMART Deal

    The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a formal demand for the immediate suspension of Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications, operating as SMART. This development follows organized protests by opposition politicians and labor unions outside BTL’s Belize City headquarters this week, signaling growing resistance to the telecommunications consolidation.

    The NTUCB’s January 26th position statement frames the proposed transaction as a matter of significant public interest rather than merely a commercial arrangement. The labor organization has raised multiple substantive concerns regarding valuation methodology, competitive impacts, employment consequences, and corporate governance standards.

    Valuation integrity represents a primary concern, with the NTUCB asserting that the current assessment lacks proper independence. According to their analysis, the evaluating firm maintains established ties to BTL and received compensation from the acquiring entity, potentially compromising objective assessment. The Congress consequently demands a new valuation conducted by an accredited independent technical entity that would comprehensively evaluate assets, financial performance, and customer base value.

    Competition considerations form another critical aspect of the opposition. The NTUCB references Section 42 of Belize’s Telecommunications Act, which expressly prohibits arrangements that substantially reduce market competition. The organization warns that merging the dominant industry incumbent with its largest competitor risks creating a telecommunications monopoly that would undermine market discipline and regulatory effectiveness once alternative providers disappear from the marketplace.

    Regarding employment impacts, the NTUCB anticipates potential job losses at both organizations and expresses concern about jeopardizing redundancy services essential for business continuity. Notably, no independent socio-economic impact study has been made publicly available to assess effects on workers, consumers, or broader national interests.

    The labor body further questions corporate governance standards at BTL, suggesting the board permitted a conflicted valuation process to advance without adequate independent scrutiny. The NTUCB has called for the chairman’s recusal from acquisition proceedings and demanded enhanced fiduciary oversight mechanisms.

    Significantly, the NTUCB highlights public stewardship implications, noting that worker contributions held through the Social Security Board are invested in BTL. This connection raises concerns about exposing public funds to undue risk through the proposed transaction.

    As immediate remedial measures, the organization demands suspension of the acquisition pending prior written approval from the Public Utilities Commission—a step they assert is legally mandated. Additionally, the NTUCB advocates for national consultations and legislative reviews to strengthen worker protections, consumer safeguards, corporate stability, and constitutional freedoms within a consolidated telecommunications environment.

    The Congress has committed to continued engagement with social partners and pursuit of lawful avenues to challenge the transaction in its current form, noting that the Telecommunications Act provides mechanisms for the public to seek court orders preventing unlawful mergers and compelling regulatory compliance.

    This stance aligns with political opposition recently voiced by the United Democratic Party. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has previously raised transparency, financing, and accountability concerns, particularly given BTL’s status as a public institution. Earlier this week, UDP representatives joined union members in protests outside BTL’s headquarters, demanding full disclosure and enhanced safeguards before any transaction proceeds.

  • Santo Domingo Este expands with major housing project

    Santo Domingo Este expands with major housing project

    Santo Domingo witnessed a significant milestone in urban development as Grupo GHR inaugurated its Brisas de las Colinas 6 residential complex during a ceremonial groundbreaking event attended by President Luis Abinader. The ambitious project, representing a substantial investment exceeding RD$5.5 billion, is poised to catalyze urban transformation and economic advancement in Santo Domingo Este—one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding regions.

    Comprising 806 contemporary apartments distributed across 11 residential towers, the development addresses the growing need for secure, modern, and practical housing solutions. Its strategic positioning along Avenida Ecológica highlights the area’s emergence as a focal point for structured and sustainable urban growth. Beyond housing, the initiative is anticipated to create more than 1,600 employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, thereby injecting vitality into the local economy.

    The project distinguishes itself with over 7,000 square meters dedicated to communal and leisure facilities, featuring sports courts, a fully-equipped gymnasium, an Olympic-sized pool, a water park, event venues, and scenic walking paths. In a innovative approach to market diversification, one tower is specifically designed for short-term rental investments, catering to both local entrepreneurs and members of the Dominican diaspora interested in the Airbnb market. Future plans include the establishment of a Sirena Market, augmenting the zone’s commercial appeal and residential convenience.

    Grupo GHR emphasized that Brisas de las Colinas 6 embodies the company’s enduring dedication to sustainable development, improved housing accessibility, and the enhancement of social welfare throughout the Dominican Republic.

  • Exports Plunge 68% as Sugar Shipments Vanish

    Exports Plunge 68% as Sugar Shipments Vanish

    Belize’s export economy experienced a severe contraction in December 2025, with official data revealing a dramatic 68.2% decline in domestic export earnings compared to the same period in 2024. The Statistical Institute of Belize reported total exports plummeted to $24.5 million from $77.0 million the previous year, marking the most significant monthly downturn of the year.

    The collapse was predominantly driven by the absence of bulk sugar shipments, which accounted for a staggering $49.9 million reduction in earnings. While December 2024 had seen substantial sugar exports totaling $52.4 million, the same month in 2025 recorded merely $2.5 million in sugar revenue. This timing discrepancy in major shipments was identified as the primary factor behind the drastic year-over-year comparison.

    Multiple export sectors faced parallel declines. Molasses exports deteriorated by $2.7 million, alcoholic beverages decreased by $1.4 million, and citrus products fell by $1.1 million due to reduced orange concentrate sales. Animal feed and marine products also registered declines of $1.0 million and $0.3 million respectively, with the latter attributed to weaker lobster tail sales.

    Amid the widespread downturn, banana exports emerged as a notable bright spot, increasing by $2.4 million to reach $9.0 million. Smaller gains were observed in cattle and pineapple concentrate exports, which rose by $0.5 million and $0.4 million respectively.

    The export contraction manifested across key international markets. United Kingdom revenues collapsed by $49.8 million, directly mirroring the sugar shipment absence. The United States market declined by $4.7 million, while CARICOM countries saw a $1.9 million reduction. Conversely, exports to the European Union increased by $3.6 million supported by banana sales, and Mexico recorded a $0.7 million gain from stronger cattle exports.

    For the full year 2025, Belize’s total domestic exports reached $390.0 million, representing a $74.0 million (16.0%) decrease from 2024. The annual decline was again led by sugar, which dropped $68.6 million due to both reduced quantities and less favorable pricing. Several traditional export commodities including molasses, citrus products, and alcoholic beverages contributed to the annual downturn.

    Partially offsetting these losses, marine products rose by $9.2 million, bananas increased by $6.9 million, cattle exports climbed by $4.3 million, and crude soybean oil gained $3.0 million. The data indicates that while December’s extreme contraction resulted primarily from shipment scheduling anomalies, the broader annual decline reflects more fundamental challenges including reduced export volumes and weaker global prices across multiple commodity sectors.

  • FLASH : Transitional advisors seek to remove Laurent Saint-Cyr

    FLASH : Transitional advisors seek to remove Laurent Saint-Cyr

    Haiti’s fragile political transition has plunged deeper into crisis as dissenting members of the Presidential Transitional Council attempt to oust their coordinator, Laurent Saint-Cyr, with less than ten days remaining in their mandate. This move comes as a direct response to the failed effort to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé from office, which collapsed when Saint-Cyr refused to publish the dismissal resolution in Haiti’s official journal, Le Moniteur.

    The removal initiative has exposed significant fractures within the council’s dissenting faction. Councilor Smith Augustin, one of the original five signatories of the prime ministerial removal resolution, has publicly broken ranks with his colleagues. In a meticulously reasoned letter addressed to fellow advisors, Augustin declared he would not endorse any resolution targeting Saint-Cyr’s position, effectively rendering the removal effort mathematically impossible due to the resulting minority status of its proponents.

    Augustin’s correspondence reveals deep concerns about the legal and institutional implications of pursuing such aggressive measures during the transition’s final days. He argues that attempting to force through an unpublished resolution to override previously published decrees establishes a dangerous precedent that could trigger an “uncontrollable institutional spiral.” The councilor further notes that the initial removal attempt has already exacerbated political tensions and created diplomatic friction with international partners, particularly the United States government, which has expressed unusual public support for Prime Minister Fils-Aimé.

    This internal crisis emerges against the backdrop of Haiti’s extreme institutional fragility, with the transitional council’s mandate scheduled to conclude on February 7, 2026. Augustin’s withdrawal from the removal campaign represents a significant setback for those seeking last-minute political changes, potentially preserving the current leadership structure through the transition’s completion.

  • U.S. grants presidential permit for Puerto Rico–Dominican Republic submarine power cable

    U.S. grants presidential permit for Puerto Rico–Dominican Republic submarine power cable

    The Trump administration has granted crucial authorization for a landmark energy project that will establish the Caribbean’s first submarine power interconnection between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. This presidential permit approval represents a significant milestone for one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives.

    While the U.S. Department of Energy has yet to issue formal notification, the Caribbean Transmission Development Company (CTDC) has confirmed receiving essential ‘no objection’ clearances from both the State and Defense Departments. An official public announcement is scheduled for February 17 in the Dominican Republic, with anticipated attendance from Dominican President Luis Abinader, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González, and U.S. government representatives.

    The proposed submarine cable will enable bidirectional electricity transmission of up to 700 megawatts, substantially enhancing energy security for both territories. In the Dominican Republic, the connection will integrate with a newly developed natural gas power plant specifically designed for this project, while in Puerto Rico, it will interface with the electrical grid via the Mayagüez substation.

    Despite the regulatory progress, CTDC faces several implementation challenges including finalizing power purchase agreements with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, securing fuel supply contracts, obtaining environmental approvals in both jurisdictions, and raising approximately US$2.5 billion in project financing.

    The company targets January 2031 for operational status. Initially, the interconnection will address Puerto Rico’s energy demands, with long-term potential to facilitate solar energy exports from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic. Upon completion, this project will join over 160 similar cross-border power connections currently operating between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a transformative development in Caribbean energy infrastructure.

  • FCD’s Macaw Research Permit Renewed

    FCD’s Macaw Research Permit Renewed

    The Belizean government has officially renewed the research permit for Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) following successful resolution of concerns raised by logging operations in protected areas. Prime Minister John Briceño confirmed the two-year extension, emphasizing FCD’s role as “a very good partner in development” that deserves full governmental cooperation.

    The permit uncertainty emerged when logging companies operating under sustainable forestry practices reported conflicts with researchers accessing active logging zones. According to Briceño, the situation required careful negotiation to balance conservation research with commercial interests. “But we worked it out, and that’s important,” the Prime Minister stated, highlighting the successful resolution.

    With the renewed permit, the government and FCD are expanding their collaborative efforts. Significant developments include enhanced operations at the Las Cuevas Research Station, where plans are advancing for long-term agreements and the introduction of “educational tourism” programs. These initiatives will enable students and professors to reside on-site while conducting field research.

    Additionally, a new headquarters location has been identified near the Chalillo Dam with consent from the Belize Defence Force. The facility will incorporate a visitor center to support expanded conservation education efforts. Prime Minister Briceño expressed personal commitment to FCD’s mission, noting his historical involvement dating back to his ministerial tenure: “I feel very strongly about the work that they do… I do feel I have a vested interest in seeing that they continue the fantastic work that they do.”