Carib Scope

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  • Peter David: Budget lacked “deep structural changes”

    Peter David: Budget lacked “deep structural changes”

    Grenada’s parliamentary opposition has delivered a sharp critique of the EC$1.9 billion national budget presented by Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall on December 1st, characterizing the fiscal plan as inadequate for driving meaningful economic transformation.

    Peter David, Opposition MP for the Town of St. George and political leader of the Democratic People’s Movement, asserted that while the budget contained some positive elements, it fundamentally lacked the structural reforms necessary to revitalize Grenada’s economy. According to David, the expenditure allocations merely perpetuate existing patterns of resource distribution without addressing core developmental challenges.

    “What we are witnessing is essentially maintenance-level governance rather than transformative policy-making,” David contended during parliamentary debates. “The current approach applies temporary fixes rather than implementing the deep structural changes that would genuinely transform our nation as the government claims to intend.”

    David elaborated that authentic structural reform would involve comprehensive support systems for agricultural producers, young entrepreneurs, and enhanced community participation in decision-making processes. He emphasized that these measures constitute development priorities rather than partisan political issues.

    The opposition leader highlighted several critical areas requiring immediate attention, including youth entrepreneurship development, agricultural sector revitalization, and food price stabilization. With approximately 80% of consumed food being imported, David warned that without strategic intervention, grocery prices would continue their upward trajectory, placing additional burdens on Grenadian households.

    David painted a vivid picture of the economic anxieties facing ordinary citizens, noting that kitchen table conversations across the nation consistently revolve around concerns about medical expenses, educational costs, employment security, and basic subsistence. He framed the opposition’s critique as necessary advocacy for addressing these pressing public concerns through substantive policy recommendations.

    The Democratic People’s Movement leader concluded that without significant alterations to the budgetary approach, the government’s transformation agenda would remain unfulfilled, leaving structural economic challenges unaddressed.

  • Gov’t will not victimise; obstructionist workers should quit — Leacock

    Gov’t will not victimise; obstructionist workers should quit — Leacock

    In his first major interview since assuming office, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock has issued a firm directive to public sector workers: cooperate with the new administration or step aside. Speaking on Boom FM just days after being sworn in as Minister of National Security and Immigration, the four-term MP for Central Kingstown outlined his vision for governance without retaliation.

    The newly appointed minister addressed several contentious issues, including the status of Police Commissioner Enville Williams. Leacock declined to publicly evaluate the commissioner’s performance, emphasizing that Williams deserves “his own degree of privacy and protection” until a proper assessment is conducted. This stance comes amid social media speculation about alleged disrespect toward Prime Minister Godwin Friday, specifically regarding saluting protocols.

    Leacock, who holds the rank of major in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force, demonstrated nuanced understanding of police protocols. He noted that while officers are required to salute MPs, many younger officers might not recognize officials, and more experienced officers understand these courtesies. He dismissed claims of intentional disrespect, stating, “I don’t think outwardly, the commissioner of police will disrespect the prime minister.”

    The deputy prime minister revealed he had already met with Williams for three hours to discuss standards in the police force, including concerns about officers “sauntering about the city” rather than marching professionally. While acknowledging that police commissioners are appointed by the governor-general on the prime minister’s advice, Leacock emphasized that the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration is “not in the business of head-hunting.”

    However, Leacock issued a clear warning to those considering obstructionism: “If you know that your intention is to be an obstructionist, make life easy for us… If you know that you’re uncomfortable, you do not want to walk with this administration, then do the right thing; take leave of the office.” He stressed that while the government prefers continuity and best practices, it would act decisively when presented with sufficient evidence of non-cooperation.

    The minister also addressed broader governance issues, noting that some state board members had yet to resign despite protocol requiring them to do so when a new government takes office. He characterized this as a matter of good governance rather than “witch-hunting,” allowing the new administration to appoint its preferred leadership.

    Leacock concluded with a vision for national unity, moving beyond partisan divisions: “If we remain the divisive red party, yellow party, if we remain as colour-coded as we came into this paradigm, then we would lose our way… There has to be a reconciliation. There has to be a healing.” He described reciprocity as “the order of the day” for what he characterized as “a new Democratic Party administration for all Vincentians.”

  • Gonsalves will get only what he’s entitled to — Leacock

    Gonsalves will get only what he’s entitled to — Leacock

    A significant political confrontation has emerged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines regarding security provisions for former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock has declared that the opposition leader will receive “nothing more than what he’s entitled to” from the state, directly challenging Gonsalves’ expectations of continued privileges following his electoral defeat.

    The controversy began when Gonsalves, who served as prime minister from March 2001 until November 27, 2025, publicly stated his expectation of receiving “usual courtesies and privileges” consistent with practices in civilized nations. Without specifying details, he warned that any deviation would be brought to the attention of national, regional, and international communities for corrective action.

    Minister Leacock, who also serves as deputy prime minister, revealed that Gonsalves had initially been assigned a security detail of six police officers, including an inspector—a arrangement Leacock deemed excessive and inappropriate. By Monday, this detail had been reduced to two officers, with Leacock emphasizing that active opposition politicians typically don’t qualify for such comprehensive security coverage.

    The National Security Minister outlined specific limitations: any security personnel assigned would not wear uniforms to avoid creating the impression of official police endorsement, and officers would primarily function as drivers rather than providing household security. Leacock referenced historical precedents, noting that former Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell received only a police driver for official functions after leaving office, while former Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace received similar limited assistance only after retiring from politics and experiencing health decline.

    Leacock questioned why Gonsalves, who hasn’t driven personally in over twenty years, couldn’t employ a private driver given his financial means. The minister confirmed that the matter remains under investigation, with the government seeking official cabinet records that might specify entitlements for former leaders. He committed to resolving the situation by week’s end, ensuring Gonsalves receives only legally mandated benefits.

    The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the new administration and the former ruling party, with security provisions becoming symbolic of broader political reassessments in the post-election period.

  • Community mourns the loss of Ken Joseph, beloved coach and councillor

    Community mourns the loss of Ken Joseph, beloved coach and councillor

    The Newtown Youth Development Program (NYDP) has issued a moving tribute honoring the life and legacy of Ken “Ratin” Joseph, whose unexpected demise has created an profound emptiness within the Kingshill community. The 43-year-old met with a fatal bicycle collision on the evening of December 6th in proximity to the Ocean Edge Oasis Hotel.

    Joseph was celebrated as far more than a Kingshill resident—he stood as a foundational pillar of strength, service, and inspiration. To countless young individuals, he was affectionately known as “Coach,” investing innumerable hours mentoring aspiring athletes on football fields. His coaching methodology extended well beyond athletic techniques; he embedded essential values of discipline, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering perseverance, actively steering youth toward more promising futures.

    For the younger generation throughout Kingshill and Newtown, Joseph represented a consistent guiding force—an exemplary role model and a wellspring of motivation during both victorious moments and challenging times. Concurrently, he served with dedication on the Roseau City Council, channeling his profound community passion into tangible public service initiatives. Colleagues memorialize his relentless drive to enhance municipal unity, safety, and accessible opportunities for all citizens.

    The NYDP, an organization committed to uplifting disadvantaged youth through athletic engagement and life skill development, characterized Joseph’s influence as genuinely transformative. He was remembered not merely as a coach or public official, but as an authentic friend who engaged others with radiant positivity, heartfelt encouragement, and an unmistakable personal presence that made everyone feel recognized and valued.

    While Joseph’s absence resonates deeply across all facets of community life—from athletic grounds to governmental proceedings—the NYDP encourages residents to perpetuate his legacy by persistently supporting young people, administering kindness in service, and fostering mutual care within the community. The tribute concluded with shared condolences for his family, friends, and all who held him dear, expressing hope that comfort may be found in cherished memories, shared laughter, and the enduring impact of a purpose-driven life.

  • PM urges Vincentians to move past election results

    PM urges Vincentians to move past election results

    In a historic political shift, Prime Minister Godwin Friday has extended an olive branch to supporters of the defeated Unity Labour Party following his New Democratic Party’s decisive 14-1 electoral victory on November 27. The swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet in Arnos Vale became a platform for national reconciliation as Friday addressed citizens disappointed by the election outcome.

    The newly inaugurated Prime Minister emphasized his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating, “My ministers and I are dedicated to collaborating with all citizens who wish to contribute to St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ rapid development, peace, and progress.” Friday outlined an ambitious vision for national transformation, prioritizing youth opportunity, job creation, foreign investment, and substantial improvements in healthcare and education systems.

    Acknowledging the emotional impact of the election results, Friday demonstrated remarkable empathy by noting, “I know how you feel. I have been there.” He referenced his previous electoral defeat in 2020, when the NDP lost despite winning the popular vote for the first time since 1998. The Prime Minister stressed that while political differences exist, stronger bonds of family, community, and shared national pride should transcend partisan divisions.

    Friday’s victory marks the end of Ralph Gonsalves’ 24-year administration, making Gonsalves the nation’s longest-serving prime minister. In a gesture of political grace, Friday publicly thanked his predecessor for his service to the nation, acknowledging that while their approaches may have differed, he never questioned the intentions of those who offered themselves for public service.

    The Prime Minister announced immediate educational reforms, including the abolition of community college admission fees and measures to make secondary education more affordable. “In this country where we value education highly,” Friday declared, “costs should not be an obstacle to basic education.” He emphasized his personal commitment to addressing economic inequalities, particularly the struggles faced by mothers making difficult choices about their children’s education and young people excluded from economic opportunities.

    Friday concluded with a promise of responsive governance: “We will be a government that listens. We cannot represent you unless we find out from the people what you want us to represent you about.”

  • American Airlines adds four new routes from Punta Cana to the U.S.

    American Airlines adds four new routes from Punta Cana to the U.S.

    In a significant boost to Caribbean air connectivity, American Airlines has announced a major expansion of its operations in the Dominican Republic. The carrier has inaugurated four new seasonal routes from Punta Cana International Airport to key U.S. metropolitan centers: Indianapolis, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham.

    This strategic enhancement reinforces the airline’s five-decade presence in the Dominican market, substantially improving accessibility between the popular tourist destination and the United States. The new Saturday-exclusive services, operating through April 4, 2026, will utilize Boeing 737 aircraft configured with 172 seats.

    Oliver Bojos, American Airlines’ Regional Operations Manager for the Central Caribbean, emphasized that these additions make Punta Cana “increasingly accessible” to American travelers. The expansion received enthusiastic endorsement from Punta Cana Airport executives, with Giovanni Rainieri highlighting the positive implications for regional tourism development and national economic growth.

    The route expansion forms part of a broader winter season capacity increase that will see American Airlines operate up to 95 weekly flights from Punta Cana to 11 U.S. cities. The airline is boosting its Punta Cana capacity by over 12% and increasing overall operations by 13% for the season.

    Concurrently, American Airlines is strengthening its footprint across the Dominican Republic, with plans to operate more than 162 weekly flights to five Dominican destinations. In a complementary move, the carrier will launch a new Philadelphia-Santo Domingo service commencing December 18, 2025, further expanding connectivity options between the two nations.

  • Moiwana-voorzitter Ajintoena put hoop uit 8 December-vonnis

    Moiwana-voorzitter Ajintoena put hoop uit 8 December-vonnis

    Suriname is witnessing significant judicial developments in two of its most notorious historical massacre cases as victims’ families intensify their pursuit of justice and official accountability. André Ajintoena, chairman of the Moiwana Foundation and himself a survivor, has drawn parallels between the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the 1986 Moiwana massacre and the recent advancements in the December 8th murders case.

    During Monday’s annual memorial ceremony at Fort Zeelandia’s Bastion Veere, Ajintoena expressed renewed hope that the judicial preliminary investigation (GVO) into the Moiwana case would culminate in formal court proceedings. “We expect the initial verdict to be respected and those responsible for the atrocities in Moiwana to receive their punishment,” Ajintoena stated, emphasizing his community’s unwavering support for the judicial process.

    The Office of the Public Prosecutor formally requested the GVO in October, granting the investigating magistrate expanded authority to compel witness testimony and implement coercive measures when necessary. According to Ajintoena, potential witnesses previously hesitant to testify now draw courage from recent developments in the December 8th case, where several convicted individuals are currently serving sentences.

    Ajintoena maintains that the Surinamese state bears responsibility for the horrific events of November 29, 1986, when approximately 39 villagers—including women and children—were killed during military operations in the Marowijne district. He expressed particular satisfaction with President Jennifer Simons’ recent stance on pardon requests, noting that she “respects the rule of law and the verdict” despite expectations she might take different action.

    In a parallel legal development, victims’ families and heirs of the December 8th massacre have initiated civil proceedings against the state. Hugo Essed, legal representative for 60 surviving relatives, explained that the lawsuit seeks both moral rehabilitation and financial compensation. “Moral restoration means rehabilitating the good names of victims and their families,” Essed clarified, “who for over 40 years have been defamed, humiliated and harassed by the Surinamese state, Mr. Bouterse and his Military Authority.”

    Both legal advocates emphasize that presidential apology represents a crucial component of justice. Ajintoena noted that previous administrations under Bouterse ignored such requests, while Essed identified the president as the most appropriate official to offer state apologies. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights had already condemned Suriname in the Moiwana case in 2005, resulting in some implemented measures including a public apology by former President Ronald Venetiaan in Moengo.

    The current criminal investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office constitutes another element of that international verdict, now gaining renewed momentum under the Santokhi administration after years of stagnation.

  • Former Chief Physical Planner calls for halt to airport project as PM Skerrit meets stakeholders

    Former Chief Physical Planner calls for halt to airport project as PM Skerrit meets stakeholders

    A brewing environmental crisis has engulfed Dominica’s ambitious international airport project, prompting former Chief Physical Planner Annie Edwards to demand an immediate suspension of all construction activities. Edwards warns that extensive quarrying and excavation operations in the Deux Branches area are causing severe ecological damage without proper preliminary studies.

    The controversy has reached the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit convening an emergency meeting today with ministry officials, developers, and contractors to address growing concerns from residents and environmental advocates across the island nation.

    Edwards asserts that the project commenced on fundamentally flawed foundations, noting the apparent absence of completed essential assessments, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. She points to visibly sediment-laden rivers in Marigot and surrounding regions, directly linking the ecological deterioration to widespread deforestation and land clearing at the quarry site.

    “We are witnessing multiple rivers transforming from clear to turbid brown within an alarmingly short timeframe,” Edwards cautioned, further suggesting that operations may be infringing upon legally protected forestry zones in direct violation of the Forestry Act.

    The former planner’s concerns reflect broader community anxieties. Residents from Concord, Stonefield, Pagua, and the Kalinago Territory report increasingly murky waters in the once-pristine Concord-Pagua River, with some experiencing skin irritations and noting significant declines in aquatic biodiversity. Local commentator Gary Auguiste poetically described the relentless sound of heavy machinery as “a river being broken down again,” highlighting fears that fragile ecosystems—including habitats of Dominica’s endangered national bird, the Sisserou Parrot—face irreversible disruption.

    Critics further allege the project advances without proper permits, public hearings, or adequate community consultation, raising serious questions about governmental transparency and public trust. They contend that quarrying within a critical watershed area sacrifices long-term environmental security for short-term economic gain, warning of potential slope collapses, species displacement, and permanent ecological damage. The Kalinago chief has joined calls for an immediate suspension, while some speculate the valley’s mineral-rich soil may be targeted for purposes beyond mere construction materials.

    Project developers MMCD and contractor CR5 have vigorously rejected these allegations as misinformation. They emphasize that a complete Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, along with ten Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety management plans, have been mandated and submitted for regulatory review under both the Physical Planning Act and World Bank standards. The companies highlight extensive community engagement initiatives since April, including door-to-door visits and public consultations, while insisting the quarry site operates outside protected areas and critical parrot habitats. They maintain sedimentation levels remain within natural variation parameters, with stringent control measures actively implemented.

    Prime Minister Skerrit, following a site inspection on December 4, acknowledged environmental concerns while underscoring the project’s national significance. “All government agencies have roles to play in this process,” he stated, noting that forestry, environment, physical planning, and other departments would collaborate with developers to review documentation and expedite solutions. The Prime Minister emphasized the project’s importance in facilitating international aid, while affirming that mitigation and restoration practices could effectively reduce environmental impacts.

    As Dominicans await the outcome of the high-stakes meeting, the controversy transcends infrastructure development to touch upon the very identity of the “Nature Island.” Whether the airport project ultimately represents a milestone of national progress or becomes synonymous with ecological degradation now hinges on decisions made in yesterday’s critical deliberations.

  • Abinader inaugurates Dreams and Secrets Playa Esmeralda hotels

    Abinader inaugurates Dreams and Secrets Playa Esmeralda hotels

    MICHES, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – In a landmark event for the nation’s tourism sector, President Luis Abinader has officially inaugurated the Dreams and Secrets Playa Esmeralda hotel complex. This dual-property development, representing a monumental investment of RD$23 billion, establishes a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the Eastern corridor and is poised to transform Miches into a premier global destination.

    The inauguration underscores a pivotal achievement in the government’s strategic plan to decentralize tourism and stimulate substantial economic growth beyond traditional hubs. The project is a testament to a successful public-private partnership model that has rapidly accelerated development in the region.

    Tourism Minister David Collado heralded Miches as ‘the new tourist destination of the Dominican Republic,’ attributing its swift ascent to the synergistic collaboration between government initiatives and private enterprise. This concerted effort has yielded the construction of over 2,000 new hotel rooms in a relatively short timeframe, with the Inversora Playa Esmeralda complex being the latest and most significant addition.

    Demonstrating exceptional market confidence, Minister Collado revealed the resort’s remarkable performance metrics. Despite the absence of a local airport, which is often considered critical for accessibility, the property has achieved occupancy levels surpassing 80%. This figure is projected to climb to 85% in December, indicating robust demand and validating the strategic bet on Miches’s potential. The immediate commercial success signals strong investor and consumer confidence in the government’s vision for the area.

  • Dominican Republic’s e-passport officially added to ICAO’s Public Key Directory

    Dominican Republic’s e-passport officially added to ICAO’s Public Key Directory

    In a significant advancement for national security infrastructure, the Dominican Republic has gained formal entry into the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Public Key Directory (PKD). This strategic integration substantially bolsters the cryptographic security framework of the nation’s electronic passport system while facilitating seamless interoperability with global travel document verification protocols.

    The official admission ceremony took place during ICAO’s traditional Key Ceremony, where Director General of Passports Lorenzo Ramírez formally received the official certificate from ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. The Dominican delegation included prominent figures such as Ambassador Bartolomé Pujals, Civil Aviation Board President Héctor Porcella, and Ambassador Juan José Portorreal representing Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez.

    This development positions the Dominican Republic among more than 100 nations and territories utilizing the PKD system to authenticate travel documents internationally. The integration represents a critical advancement in border security architecture, promising more efficient immigration processing and enhanced international legitimacy for Dominican travel credentials. Security experts note that participation in the PKD system significantly reduces document fraud potential while establishing a higher standard of trust in international travel documentation.