Carib Scope

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  • Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    SANTO DOMINGO – Grieving families and supporters gathered in the Dominican capital Sunday for a solemn march and vigil commemorating the upcoming first anniversary of the catastrophic Jet Set Nightclub collapse. The emotional demonstration served dual purposes: honoring the 236 lives lost and demanding accountability for what participants characterize as a flawed judicial process.

    Organized by the Jet Set Justice Movement with support from the Movement of the Ancient Dominican Order, the gathering convened at the Juan Bosch Metro station. Protesters carried banners expressing frustration with the official investigation, particularly alleging that the nightclub’s ownership company has been improperly excluded from legal responsibility. Many described this omission as a profound insult to the victims’ memory.

    The tragedy unfolded on April 8, 2025, during a performance by celebrated merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The structural failure occurred near midnight, collapsing the roof onto hundreds of attendees. The disaster claimed Pérez’s life along with other prominent figures, including former MLB player Vladimir Dotel, while injuring over 100 others.

    The vigil featured emotional testimonials from families who relived their trauma alongside spiritual and political supporters. Father Rogelio Cruz and Deputy Lidia Pérez, sister of the deceased musician, joined the call for comprehensive justice. Participants universally condemned alleged maintenance negligence at the venue and rejected owner Antonio Espaillat’s claims that financial settlements had adequately addressed the disaster’s consequences. Father Cruz emphasized that monetary compensation cannot substitute for true judicial accountability, capturing the movement’s central demand for structural justice beyond economic reparations.

  • Insecurity : The reconquest of territories has begun

    Insecurity : The reconquest of territories has begun

    Haiti’s transitional government has initiated a comprehensive security operation aimed at reclaiming territories controlled by armed gangs and restoring national stability. Interim President Laurent Saint Cyr, alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Justice Minister, convened with acting Police Director General Vladimir Paraison and senior security officials at the West 1 Departmental Directorate to oversee the mobilization of security forces.

    The high-level meeting focused on strategic deployment of 877 newly graduated police officers from the P4000 program, who are being dispatched to reinforce security measures across multiple departments. Security discussions emphasized the critical need to clear national highways currently occupied by criminal elements to ensure safe passage for citizens and commercial goods.

    Intensive police operations have been conducted throughout the past 24 hours in strategic areas including Bel-Air and Delmas 4, representing an ongoing offensive strategy by the Haitian National Police (PNH) supported by the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). These coordinated efforts target the dismantling of criminal networks and restoration of territorial control.

    The state issued a firm declaration: “The Republic is holding firm. Security forces are on the offensive, with gradual but tangible results, and the authorities’ determination remains absolute. The State will not back down. The rule of law will be restored.”

    Following the strategic assessment, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to implementing urgent security measures to create conditions conducive for free, inclusive, and credible elections scheduled for 2026.

  • FLASH : First US sanctions against the CPT

    FLASH : First US sanctions against the CPT

    The United States Department of State has initiated unprecedented sanctions targeting members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), marking a significant escalation in international response to the Caribbean nation’s ongoing crisis. In an official statement released on January 26, 2026, the agency announced visa restrictions and revocations against two CPT representatives and their immediate family members.

    The sanctions stem from compelling evidence linking these officials to criminal networks operating within Haiti. According to the State Department, the targeted individuals have actively participated in gang operations and criminal organizations, including deliberate obstruction of governmental efforts to combat U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

    This decisive action leverages Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits entry to individuals whose activities may produce serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. The implementation of these measures reflects Washington’s growing impatience with Haiti’s political leadership amid escalating gang violence that has paralyzed the nation.

    While maintaining its commitment to Haitian stability, the U.S. administration emphasized its determination to hold accountable those perpetuating violence and political instability. The statement notably echoed the Haitian populace’s exhaustion with relentless gang warfare, infrastructure destruction, and political infighting. In a clear warning to other potentially complicit officials, the announcement underscored the Trump Administration’s resolve to pursue additional accountability measures against actors destabilizing Haiti and the broader region.

    The identities of the sanctioned individuals remain confidential, consistent with standard diplomatic protocols regarding visa restriction disclosures.

  • Teenagers arrested for Windsor Forest assault, police ask victim to contact police

    Teenagers arrested for Windsor Forest assault, police ask victim to contact police

    Authorities in Guyana have taken three male teenagers into custody following a violent assault captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at approximately 2 PM in First Lady Park, Windsor Forest, located on the West Coast Demerara.

    According to the Guyana Police Force, their investigation progressed rapidly after identifying the getaway vehicle involved in the attack. Police traced the car, bearing license plate PGG 6502, to a residence in Zeelugt on the East Bank Essequibo. There, officers made contact with the vehicle’s 17-year-old driver, who subsequently assisted authorities in locating two additional suspects.

    The apprehended individuals include the 17-year-old driver from Zeelugt, an 18-year-old also residing in Zeelugt, and a 16-year-old from Uitvlugt on the West Coast Demerara. All three suspects, along with the vehicle used in the alleged crime, were transported to the Leonora Police Station for processing and further interrogation.

    Disturbing footage shared on Facebook depicts three males physically assaulting another individual at the park location. The video evidence shows one assailant retrieving what appears to be a knife from his waistband as he returns to collect footwear near the victim. Audible protests from bystanders can be heard in the background, urging the perpetrators to cease their attack on the victim.

    Law enforcement officials are now urgently requesting that the victim or anyone with additional information regarding this assault come forward and contact their nearest police station to assist with the ongoing investigation.

  • Abinader inaugurates La Vigia Canal to counter Haitian works on the Massacre River

    Abinader inaugurates La Vigia Canal to counter Haitian works on the Massacre River

    In a significant move to safeguard its agricultural interests, the Dominican Republic has initiated a major infrastructure project in the border region of Dajabón. President Luis Abinader personally inaugurated the construction of a new water intake structure alongside the comprehensive rehabilitation of the La Vigia canal. This strategic development is specifically engineered to counteract the hydrological impact of a canal constructed by Haiti on the Massacre River, which had previously threatened the stability of Dominican farming operations in the area.

    Olmedo Caba, Director of the National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI), provided technical details regarding the project. The revitalized La Vigia canal now features an advanced intake system equipped with dual electric pumps, each capable of moving 12,000 gallons of water per minute. This infrastructure enhancement ensures reliable water access for agricultural producers and demonstrates INDRHI’s commitment to providing ongoing technical and operational support to the region’s farming community.

    Caba further revealed that the Don Miguel dam project has reached completion readiness, describing it as a critical component for achieving long-term water security for both agricultural and population needs in Dajabón. The newly inaugurated water management system extends its benefits beyond La Vigia to multiple irrigation canals throughout the region, including Veterano 0 and 1, Don Pedro, Finca 28, Caño Frío, and El Coco. The comprehensive plan includes the development of new wells to sustain agricultural activities during periods of drought, ensuring year-round farming capability in this strategically important border zone.

  • Shipping industry not passing on increased charges to importers – Shipping Association

    Shipping industry not passing on increased charges to importers – Shipping Association

    The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has publicly refuted allegations from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) regarding unmet meeting requests, while simultaneously revealing that maritime operators are absorbing significant operational cost increases without passing them to importers.

    SAG President Komal Singh addressed the situation Sunday, explaining that shipping lines and wharf operators face mounting challenges with substantial financial implications. These include port congestion causing cargo offloading delays and extended processing times for US dollar wire transfers from local agents.

    ‘All additional costs incurred cannot be passed to anyone since they already collect freight from customers,’ Singh told Demerara Waves Online News, noting that shipping companies bear these growing financial burdens independently.

    The association characterized GCCI’s claims of ignored meeting requests as ‘reckless and ill-informed.’ Official correspondence reveals that SAG responded to GCCI’s November 26, 2025 letter proposing two December meeting dates and expressing willingness to accommodate alternative dates. According to SAG, no response was ever received from the chamber.

    Despite these tensions, SAG highlighted successful collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago authorities to reduce shipping delays at Port of Spain, where vessels now experience improved loading slot availability.

    The association reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, announcing plans to extend another formal meeting invitation to GCCI in hopes of fostering constructive engagement rather than public disputes.

  • FLASH : Major fire at the Cluny Market in Cap

    FLASH : Major fire at the Cluny Market in Cap

    A catastrophic fire engulfed the historic Cluny Market in Cap-Haitien on the night of January 24, 2026, inflicting severe damage on the city’s primary commercial hub. The blaze, which ignited around 10:30 p.m., required an extensive multi-agency response involving municipal firefighters, rescue services, Civil Protection units, and law enforcement personnel. With crucial support from the Cap-Haitien International Airport Fire Department, the inferno was finally contained by approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 25th.

    Preliminary assessments reveal extensive destruction across the market complex, with the poultry sales sector completely obliterated. The conflagration consumed approximately 30 warehouses with all their merchandise and reduced over 100 small commercial stalls to ashes, resulting in massive material losses for local vendors.

    The Municipal Administration has pledged full support to affected merchants and announced plans to establish an urgent commission of inquiry in collaboration with relevant institutions to determine the fire’s exact origins. The investigation will involve coordination with multiple government entities including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has dispatched the Minister of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to implementing “concrete, rapid, and appropriate assistance” for victims. The Haitian government issued an official statement affirming that “no citizen will be left alone to face this ordeal” and promised a structured institutional response.

    Emmanuel Vertilaire, Member of the Presidential Transitional Council, characterized the event as “a severe blow to the informal economy” affecting hundreds of small merchants who depend on the market for their livelihood. The National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) received recognition for their prompt intervention in making fire hydrants available to combat the blaze, which helped limit the disaster’s overall impact.

    The government has announced plans to enhance national emergency response capabilities through more effective and coordinated approaches to similar crises in the future.

  • President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast for comprehensive talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic domains. The meeting, held at the Presidential House on Saturday, laid the groundwork for enhanced partnership in border security, economic development, tourism expansion, and trade facilitation between the two nations.

    President Abinader welcomed Kast’s symbolic choice of the Dominican Republic as his first official international destination following his electoral victory. The leaders announced plans for a joint inspection tour of border security infrastructure on Sunday, demonstrating mutual commitment to addressing transnational security challenges. Abinader specifically emphasized trade balance enhancement, expressing interest in boosting imports of Chilean wines while seeking preferential market access for Dominican cigars in Chile.

    The Chilean leader-elect praised the Dominican Republic’s advanced border control mechanisms and citizen security protocols as exemplary models worthy of detailed study. Kast expressed particular interest in biometric control systems and comprehensive security strategies, indicating intentions to adapt applicable elements to Chile’s specific context while acknowledging differing national realities.

    Both leaders recognized the Dominican Republic’s notable achievements in tourism development and economic diversification as benchmarks of stability and growth. The high-level meeting included participation from numerous Dominican cabinet members—including ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior, housing, industry, commerce, and migration authorities—alongside Chilean delegation members comprising foreign affairs and security officials.

  • RO en Melkcentrale verkennen samenwerking rond afname lokaal fruit

    RO en Melkcentrale verkennen samenwerking rond afname lokaal fruit

    The Surinamese Ministry of Regional Development and Melkcentrale Paramaribo (MCP) have initiated strategic discussions to establish a collaborative framework for sourcing fruits from indigenous farmers. This development aligns with MCP’s ambitious plan to establish a juice processing facility that would utilize locally grown produce.

    Minister Miquella Huur, accompanied by her technical team, conducted an official working visit to MCP’s facilities to discuss potential synergies. During the meeting, MCP Director Monché Atompai presented the company’s operational activities and outlined their planned projects, with particular emphasis on the proposed juice manufacturing plant.

    The dairy processing giant has expressed firm commitment to systematically purchasing fruits from small-scale agricultural producers in Suriname’s interior regions. This initiative dovetails perfectly with the Directorate of Agricultural Development Interior’s primary objective of creating sustainable market opportunities for indigenous farmers.

    These negotiations represent a significant extension of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote agricultural development in Suriname’s hinterlands. Both parties have agreed to continue and intensify these collaborative discussions in the coming weeks to formalize the partnership structure. The proposed collaboration could substantially boost economic opportunities for rural communities while supporting domestic food processing capabilities.

  • Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    In a significant push for governmental transparency, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell has demanded urgent amendments to Guyana’s Integrity Commission Act. Speaking over the weekend, Campbell advocated for legislative reforms that would mandate the public disclosure of summarized asset declarations from elected officials and other public servants.

    Campbell proposed that Guyana emulate Jamaica’s model, where summaries of asset declarations from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are routinely published in the Official Gazette. This approach would extend scrutiny beyond the Integrity Commission, police, and government ministers to include media outlets and civil society organizations, creating a multi-layered accountability system.

    The APNU leader’s recommendations emerge amidst growing controversy surrounding asset declarations of several government figures. Opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) recently raised questions about properties owned by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, and former Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO Sherwyn Greaves. All three officials have categorically denied any wrongdoing.

    Campbell criticized the current Integrity Commission as ‘toothless,’ contrasting it with what he described as the more proactive Ethnic Relations Commission. He expressed disappointment that the Commission remained silent on whether it would investigate the circulating allegations, suggesting it should have immediately assured the public of its intent to examine the claims thoroughly.

    The existing legislation imposes severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure of declaration information, with violators facing fines of GY$25,000 and up to two months imprisonment. Meanwhile, public officials who fail to submit their declarations risk even stiffer penalties: fines of GY$25,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, plus additional daily fines of GY$10,000 for continued non-compliance.

    This political confrontation occurs against a backdrop of mutual accusations between major parties. The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has frequently accused APNU parliamentarians of neglecting their declaration obligations, while Campbell alleges the PPPC has ‘captured’ constitutional agencies through strategic appointments of top officials.