Carib Scope

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  • Deportation : Dialogue between the Haitian and Dominican authorities

    Deportation : Dialogue between the Haitian and Dominican authorities

    In a significant diplomatic development, Haitian and Dominican authorities have convened high-level talks to address migration procedures and deportation protocols between the two neighboring nations. The meeting featured a Haitian delegation led by Minister Counselor Ralph Giraldo Raphaël from the Haitian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, accompanied by key officials including Hipólito Dolis, Head of Legal and Migration Affairs, Stephen Junior Cherefant (Consul General in Santiago de los Caballeros), along with consular officers Fito Zephieren and Marie Danielle Monday.

    The Dominican delegation was headed by Vice-Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration (DGM), who was supported by military representatives including General Juan Carlos Vicente Pérez of the Dominican Air Force and Colonel Manuel de Jesús Carrasco Guerrero of the Dominican Army, responsible for national integrity and sovereignty protection.

    Central to the discussions was a comprehensive review of existing protocols governing the apprehension, detention, and deportation of Haitian migrants in irregular situations. Officials examined multiple regulatory frameworks including the December 2, 1999 Repatriation Mechanisms Protocol, the 1978 San José Convention, and other normative instruments related to migration operations.

    Vice-Admiral Ballester provided assurances that all procedures are implemented in strict accordance with General Migration Law No. 285-04 and its implementing regulations. He emphasized that the institution, its personnel, and supporting military and police forces conduct operations with respect for human rights protections for migrants in irregular situations.

    The Migration Director reaffirmed that the DGM will continue to execute control and interception operations across national territory as part of a comprehensive immigration control strategy. Significantly, he expressed the DGM’s willingness to maintain ongoing dialogue and cooperation with Haitian authorities on matters within its jurisdiction.

    Both parties demonstrated a mutual commitment to enhancing institutional coordination and established plans to implement more fluid communication channels to facilitate improved support mechanisms. The delegations agreed to institute periodic working meetings to maintain this renewed collaborative framework.

  • Have you made plans yet? This is the weather forecast for this weekend

    Have you made plans yet? This is the weather forecast for this weekend

    Meteorological authorities in the Dominican Republic are forecasting a significant increase in precipitation patterns beginning this afternoon and extending through Monday, driven by an approaching atmospheric trough interacting with moisture-rich Atlantic winds. According to expert analysis from meteorological specialist Jean Suriel, this weather system will generate moderate to heavy rainfall across extensive regions of the country, particularly during afternoon and nighttime hours.

    The persistent trough, combined with sustained humid winds, will maintain elevated precipitation probabilities throughout the weekend period. Suriel emphasized that while these conditions will produce substantial rainfall, the meteorological setup does not currently indicate risks of severe flooding within Dominican territory. The analyst did note that developing wind gusts may occur in coming days as a secondary effect of high-pressure system influences.

    Concurrently, Cold Front Number 8 is tracking toward the Bahamas and Cuba regions but is projected to remain north of Dominican airspace. While this frontal system will not directly impact the nation, its positioning will contribute to notably cooler atmospheric conditions during overnight and early morning hours nationwide. Meteorological monitoring continues as the trough system evolves, with particular attention to precipitation distribution patterns and potential weather-related impacts.

  • Case Against Mother, Filed by Chester Williams, Thrown Out in Court

    Case Against Mother, Filed by Chester Williams, Thrown Out in Court

    In a significant legal development, the judicial system has dismissed charges against Nichole McDonald, a mother of five who faced prosecution under Belize’s Cyber Crime Act following allegations made by former Police Commissioner Chester Williams. The case was formally struck down due to lack of prosecution after Williams repeatedly failed to appear in court proceedings.

    McDonald endured seventeen court appearances over several months while maintaining her innocence against accusations of publishing defamatory content about the former commissioner online. The single mother detailed substantial personal and financial devastation resulting from the prolonged legal battle, stating she exhausted her life savings and suffered professional consequences throughout the ordeal.

    During initial detention following the allegations, McDonald claims she experienced severe mistreatment including denial of essential medication, food, and water for five consecutive days. Her legal troubles originated from a comment made on a Facebook post by opposition politician Shyne Barrow discussing the killing of a local youth she had previously cared for. McDonald maintains she was selectively targeted among numerous commentators despite exercising her constitutional right to free expression.

    The dismissed case concludes a sixteen-year public service career that began in 2008 as a school warden, a position she embraced following personal experiences with community violence. McDonald now seeks legal recourse for what she describes as constitutional rights violations and improper dismissal without severance benefits.

    When contacted for commentary, former Commissioner Williams expressed no sympathy for individuals he believes utilize social media platforms for bullying purposes, suggesting McDonald’s experience should serve as a deterrent to online misconduct.

  • FLASH : The PNH regains ground in downtown Port-au-Prince (Summary, video)

    FLASH : The PNH regains ground in downtown Port-au-Prince (Summary, video)

    In a significant briefing on November 29, 2025, Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Vladimir Paraison, delivered an assessment of his first 100 days in command. While acknowledging the substantial challenges that remain, Paraison presented concrete evidence of tactical progress in the nation’s ongoing struggle against armed gangs.

    The most notable achievements center on the recapture of strategic territories within the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Police operations have successfully reduced gang dominance in the city center, with controlled areas diminishing from 32% to 20.89%. This territorial reclaiming has yielded immediate positive outcomes for local residents, restoring a degree of security and normalcy.

    Further demonstrating tactical efficacy, the PNH reported a dramatic decrease in gang influence within the Delmas district. Through precision missions conducted by specialized units, the gang control rate plummeted from 13.3% to just 3.64%. Recent successful interventions also led to the recapture of the critical Teleco and Bélot zones in the Kenscoff commune, an area now described as being under stable police control.

    Beyond the capital, the Artibonite region is witnessing a positive shift. Paraison highlighted an enhanced police footprint that has effectively curbed the criminal advance. A resurgence of public activity and commerce is reported in the towns of Désarmes, L’Estère, and Pont Sondé. The Director General cautiously noted that while Artibonite is not yet fully liberated from gang presence, the PNH maintains a consistent trajectory of progress and is methodically reclaiming authority.

  • Natio Uma boekt 3-1 zege op Anguilla in Concacaf-kwalificatie

    Natio Uma boekt 3-1 zege op Anguilla in Concacaf-kwalificatie

    Suriname’s women’s national football team has commenced their CONCACAF Championship qualification campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory against Anguilla on Wednesday. The match demonstrated Suriname’s growing dominance in regional women’s football as they controlled proceedings from the opening whistle.

    Estelle Pereira initiated the scoring barrage in the 9th minute, providing Suriname with an early advantage. Rachel Van Netten then extended the lead during first-half stoppage time, securing a comfortable 2-0 margin at halftime. Van Netten continued her exceptional performance by netting her second goal early in the second half, establishing an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Although Anguilla’s Carlia Johnson managed a consolation goal during the final stages, it scarcely affected the match’s outcome.

    This victory holds particular significance as it marks Suriname’s strong opening in Group D of the CONCACAF qualification tournament. The team’s composition—featuring both domestic and internationally-based professionals—demonstrates the strategic development of women’s football in Suriname. Notable players including Kimara Alberg and Anjali Soechit contributed to this cohesive team performance.

    The success underscores the effectiveness of Suriname’s investment in building a competitive squad with players gaining experience in European leagues. This international exposure appears to be translating into improved performances at the continental level, suggesting promising prospects for Suriname’s football development.

    Historical context reveals this victory continues Suriname’s dominance over Anguilla, following their decisive 5-0 triumph in their previous 2022 encounter. The consistent performance improvement indicates structural growth within Suriname’s women’s football program.

    Attention now shifts to Suriname’s subsequent qualification matches as they seek to advance toward higher international competitions. This commanding start generates optimism among supporters and analysts regarding the team’s potential to achieve further success in the tournament.

  • Repatriation operations Meeting with Haiti: Migration officials assure that the human rights of immigrants are respected

    Repatriation operations Meeting with Haiti: Migration officials assure that the human rights of immigrants are respected

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration (DGM), convened high-level discussions with consular officials from the Haitian Embassy. The meeting, attended by intelligence and migration control directors, focused on operational protocols governing migrant interdiction and detention center management.

    Minister Counselor Ralph Giraldo Raphael led the Haitian delegation during talks that centered on the strict application of General Migration Law 285-04 and its implementing regulations. Vice Admiral Lee Ballester provided comprehensive assurances that all migration operations are conducted within this legal framework, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to procedural compliance.

    The migration authority chief reiterated that DGM personnel, along with supporting military and police forces, consistently prioritize the protection of human rights for immigrants in irregular status. He further expressed the DGM’s readiness to maintain ongoing dialogue and bilateral cooperation with Haitian authorities on matters within the institution’s jurisdiction.

    Addressing the broader regional context, officials highlighted the Dominican Republic’s critical role in ensuring effective and transparent immigration controls aligned with national, bilateral, and international agreements. This discussion occurred against the backdrop of projected record deportation numbers for 2025, following directives from the National Security Council.

    Operational details revealed that repatriation processes continue through established border crossings at Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales during regular operating hours. These procedures involve coordinated efforts between DGM Migration Control personnel, Dominican armed forces, and state security agencies to ensure orderly transfers to Haitian authorities.

    The Haitian delegation included Dr. Hipólito Dolis from Legal and Immigration Affairs, Consul General Stephen Junior Cherefant based in Santiago de los Caballeros, Consul Fito Zephieren, and Vice Consul Marie Danielle Lundi. The DGM was represented by General Pilot Juan Carlos Vicente Pérez and Colonel Manuel de Jesús Carrasco Guerrero.

  • Early voting begins for sick and shut-ins, special services

    Early voting begins for sick and shut-ins, special services

    Saint Lucia implemented comprehensive early voting measures on Friday to guarantee democratic participation for all eligible citizens ahead of Monday’s general election. Electoral Department teams initiated special mobile voting services at major healthcare facilities including OKEU Hospital, Tapion Hospital, and St. Jude Hospital, alongside registered elderly care homes. The operation commenced at 6:30 a.m. and continued through 6:00 p.m., extending voting accessibility to bedridden patients and guardians of children in pediatric wards.

    Election officials specified that qualification for this special voting process required individuals to be both mentally competent and confined to bed since before December 1. The Electoral Department attributed the successful implementation to extensive preliminary preparations and collaborative efforts with facility administrators, reporting minimal operational challenges.

    Concurrently, members of essential services including police, fire, and correctional officers commenced their voting process on Friday morning. Designated polling stations were established at strategic locations: Gros Islet Fire Station in the North, Police Training School in Castries, Vieux Fort Divisional Headquarters, and Soufriere Fire Station.

    Voting patterns varied across locations, with Soufriere experiencing initially sluggish turnout that gradually intensified toward midday. Despite most officers maintaining discretion regarding their electoral choices, external observations confirmed the process remained orderly throughout. All participants from both voting groups were mandated to present valid identification documents such as passports, National IDs, or driver’s licenses to exercise their franchise.

  • UDP Convention Nears as Three-Way Battle for Chairman Overshadows Leadership Endorsement

    UDP Convention Nears as Three-Way Battle for Chairman Overshadows Leadership Endorsement

    As the United Democratic Party approaches its pivotal national convention this Sunday, an intense three-way competition for the chairmanship has unexpectedly become the central focus, diverting attention from what was meant to be a ceremonial endorsement of pre-determined leadership positions.

    Acting Chairman Alberto August confirmed the uncontested nature of several key leadership roles, with Tracy Panton set to be formally endorsed as party leader, alongside Hugo Patt as first deputy leader and Miguel Guerra as second deputy leader. These appointments were previously settled through internal party negotiations.

    The convention proceedings will commence with delegate registration at 9 a.m., followed by the formal program at 10 a.m. August emphasized the initial requirement to establish a quorum before proceeding with voting procedures and ceremonial activities.

    However, the political drama unfolds in the contested chairmanship race featuring Roosevelt Blades, Sheena Pitts, and John Saldivar. This triangular contest has revealed significant factional divisions within the party structure. Pitts enjoys the support of incoming leader Tracy Panton, while Blades carries the endorsement of Lee Mark Chang, a prominent financier from Mesopotamia. Despite previous controversies, Saldivar maintains strong backing from the northern caucus and Deputy Leader Patt.

    The convention will also feature guest speaker Lady Kathy Esquivel, who accepted the party’s invitation to address attendees. The event’s underlying tension stems from the chairmanship battle potentially exposing internal fractures despite the party’s public commitment to unity.

  • LIVE: Official Launch of Dominica Carnival 2026

    LIVE: Official Launch of Dominica Carnival 2026

    A groundbreaking shift is underway in meteorological science as artificial intelligence demonstrates unprecedented capabilities in weather prediction. Google’s DeepMind has unveiled GraphCast, an advanced AI model that is setting new benchmarks for forecasting accuracy and efficiency across global weather patterns.

    This revolutionary technology represents a paradigm shift from conventional numerical weather prediction (NWP) methods that have dominated the field for decades. Unlike traditional systems that rely on complex physics-based computations, GraphCast utilizes machine learning to analyze vast historical weather datasets, identifying patterns and relationships that enable remarkably precise forecasts.

    The AI system has demonstrated superior performance in predicting severe weather events days in advance, including the precise tracking of hurricane paths and the intensity of atmospheric rivers. Meteorological agencies worldwide are taking notice of GraphCast’s ability to provide high-resolution, medium-range forecasts with significantly reduced computational requirements compared to established systems.

    Researchers emphasize that AI doesn’t replace traditional forecasting but complements it, creating a powerful synergy between physics-based modeling and data-driven machine learning approaches. The integration of AI technology allows meteorologists to process enormous datasets more efficiently, potentially providing earlier warnings for extreme weather events that threaten communities globally.

    This technological advancement comes at a critical juncture as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena. The enhanced predictive capabilities offered by AI systems like GraphCast could prove instrumental in improving disaster preparedness and response strategies worldwide, potentially saving lives and reducing economic impacts of severe weather events.

    The rapid development of AI weather models signals a new era in meteorological science, where machine learning algorithms work alongside human expertise to create more reliable, detailed, and accessible weather forecasts for professionals and the public alike.

  • TAMCC auto maintenance students in training programme in China

    TAMCC auto maintenance students in training programme in China

    A delegation of seven automotive maintenance students from T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) has embarked on an international educational journey to Ningbo, China, marking a significant milestone in technical training collaboration between Grenada and China. The group, consisting of five male and two female students, departed on November 25, 2025, accompanied by Clement Commodore, Chair of the Mechanical Department (SAAT), and Norella De Gale-Philip, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute.

    The intensive training program, hosted at Yinzhou Vocational School from November 27 to December 7, 2025, represents the China Zhejiang (Ningbo)–Grenada Auto Maintenance Faculty Training initiative organized through Ningbo University of Technology. This bilateral educational partnership aims to enhance technical capabilities and knowledge exchange in automotive maintenance disciplines.

    This international program signifies a strategic investment in human resource development, providing Grenadian students with exposure to advanced automotive technologies and methodologies. The collaboration between TAMCC and Ningbo University of Technology establishes a framework for sustained technical education exchange, potentially creating pathways for future specialized training programs and faculty development initiatives.

    The initiative demonstrates the growing importance of international technical education partnerships in addressing skill development needs within specialized industries. By leveraging China’s expertise in vocational training and technological education, Grenadian participants are positioned to acquire contemporary automotive maintenance competencies that could significantly impact the local automotive industry’s technical standards and service quality.