Carib Scope

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  • Nelson Cruz and baseball legends finalize Dominican team for 2026 World Baseball Classic

    Nelson Cruz and baseball legends finalize Dominican team for 2026 World Baseball Classic

    Santo Domingo has officially finalized its national baseball squad for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, submitting a formidable 30-player roster to tournament organizers. The selection process was spearheaded by General Manager Nelson Cruz and meticulously guided by an elite advisory committee comprising Dominican legends from the Cooperstown Hall of Fame.

    The finalized roster was delivered to Major League Baseball (MLB) ahead of the regulatory deadline, aligning with the submission requirements for all twenty competing nations. A formal global unveiling of all national team rosters is scheduled for this Thursday by MLB officials.

    The decisive selection meeting featured an assembly of baseball royalty, including Cruz, Juan Núñez (President of the Dominican Baseball Federation – FEDOM), and Hall of Fame inductees Juan Marichal, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Edwin Encarnación. Manager Albert Pujols, alongside icons Vladimir Guerrero and Adrián Beltré, joined the proceedings virtually due to prior international engagements.

    Cruz characterized the selection as the culmination of a deeply collaborative and analytical process. He emphasized that the advisory committee’s vast experience, strategic vision, and profound understanding of the game were instrumental in every decision, all aimed at constructing the most powerful team possible to represent the nation.

    In an official communiqué, Cruz articulated that the entire process was fueled by a solemn commitment to dignify the Dominican Republic and fulfill the lofty expectations of its passionate global fanbase. He extended a hope that all eleven million Dominican citizens would feel immense pride in the team chosen to don the national colors in 2026.

    Hall of Famer Juan Marichal voiced robust confidence in the selected squad and commended Cruz’s executive leadership, boldly forecasting a strong bid for the Dominican Republic to reclaim the World Baseball Classic championship. Pedro Martínez echoed this optimism, specifically lauding the exceptional depth and caliber of the pitching rotation and warning that the team would present a formidable challenge to all opponents.

    David Ortiz analyzed the final roster as a perfect blend of elite talent and strategic balance, noting that triumph in this tournament hinges more on meticulous preparation and cohesion than on individual reputations. He also extended congratulations to FEDOM for the appointment of Cruz and endorsed the comprehensive work undertaken throughout the team assembly phase.

    Edwin Encarnación called upon the nation to rally behind the team with pride, asserting that the roster possesses the necessary talent, unwavering motivation, and a fierce competitive spirit to triumph over any contender. He guaranteed that every player is utterly dedicated to performing at their peak and representing the Dominican flag with the highest honor.

  • Openbaar Ministerie gaat in hoger beroep na vrijspraak Danielle Veira

    Openbaar Ministerie gaat in hoger beroep na vrijspraak Danielle Veira

    The Public Prosecution Service has formally filed an appeal against the full acquittal of Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), by the Court of Martial Appeals. This move signals the prosecution’s refusal to accept the court’s finding that insufficient evidence existed to prove Veira’s involvement in the April 16, 2020 hostage operation targeting Rodney Cairo.

    Presiding Judge Cynthia Valstein-Montnor emphasized during Friday’s ruling that the central consideration was whether the operation genuinely constituted an official DNV action. The court determined that only one convicted co-suspect, Imro Miedema, had testified about Veira’s potential involvement when police requested explanations, while other objective evidence confirming her role as instigator remained absent.

    The court also dismissed allegations regarding Veira’s unauthorized distribution of weapons and firearm permits, noting that providing arms to informants and civilians had been an established practice within DNV—sometimes even under presidential instruction. The judiciary deemed it unreasonable to hold Veira solely criminally responsible for what constituted an institutionalized organizational practice.

    Following her emotional release, Veira expressed profound gratitude outside the courthouse, repeatedly referencing her religious faith. She described enduring five arduous years and affirmed her belief in divine justice, while also thanking the judges for their discernment and her family for their unwavering support.

    The case remains unresolved as it proceeds to appellate review, where the higher court will reexamine both factual evidence and legal assessments. The prosecution had initially sought a nine-year prison term with immediate custody.

  • Saint Mary Academy teachers stage brief industrial action over salary delays

    Saint Mary Academy teachers stage brief industrial action over salary delays

    Educators at Saint Mary Academy initiated a brief work stoppage on Monday, February 2nd, in response to the non-payment of January salaries by the Ministry of Education. This industrial action serves to spotlight systemic compensation issues plaguing teachers within government-assisted educational institutions across Dominica.

    According to an official communiqué released by the faculty, salary disbursements that were historically punctual have experienced consistent delays since December 2018. Similar to other assisted secondary schools nationwide, Saint Mary Academy relies on monthly governmental grants for payroll funding. Staff representatives report that school administrators now routinely undertake multiple personal visits to the Treasury Department, frequently receiving explanations that necessary checks remain either unprepared or awaiting signatures.

    The teaching body emphasized that this compensation crisis extends beyond their institution, affecting educators throughout Dominica’s network of government-assisted schools. They detailed how belated payments create substantial financial distress, preventing teachers from meeting critical obligations including loan repayments that often accumulate penalty fees and additional interest charges.

    “The normalization of end-month or post-month salary payments must cease,” the statement asserted, highlighting that assisted-school teachers remain excluded from the timely payment protocols granted to other educational professionals. Staff further noted that while certain public officials receive advance compensation during national holidays like Creole Day and Christmas, educators at assisted institutions consistently face financial disadvantage.

    Faculty members are demanding equitable treatment through several specific measures: implementation of consistent timely salary payments, immediate disbursement of overdue back pay, and salary reclassification parity with government secondary school teachers based on equivalent qualifications and experience. Additionally, they urge full implementation of existing agreements between the Dominican government and assisted schools, characterizing these changes as fundamental to achieving professional fairness and justice.

    Despite these operational challenges, Saint Mary Academy maintains exceptional educational standards, achieving consistent 100% pass rates in multiple subjects and regularly securing top rankings in national and regional academic comparisons. Teachers expressed profound pride in their contributions to Dominica’s educational excellence while reaffirming their unwavering commitment to student development.

    The academic staff recognized ongoing advocacy efforts by educational trade unions and requested continued support from the Catholic Schools’ Board of Management and other supervisory bodies. They issued a final appeal to the Ministry of Education’s sense of justice, framing resolution of these compensation issues as both a moral imperative and a matter of professional dignity.

  • Four found dead in vessel at Georgetown wharf

    Four found dead in vessel at Georgetown wharf

    A tragic industrial incident at Georgetown’s Courtney Benn wharf has resulted in the deaths of four maritime workers, casting a somber shadow over Guyana’s port operations. The fatalities occurred aboard the MV Captain Virat, a split barge owned by vessel construction firm Guyana Port Inc., on Wednesday evening around 6:30 p.m.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, preliminary investigations indicate the victims were conducting routine inspection work within a dry compartment of the engine room when they were suddenly overcome by suspected noxious fumes. The confined space, located in the lower section of the vessel, apparently contained hazardous atmospheric conditions that proved immediately fatal.

    The deceased have been identified as Brandon Deonarine (18), a seaman from Support, East Bank Demerara; Nerwaine Persaud (57), a boat captain from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; Dominic Alexis (33), a seaman from De Kendren, West Coast Demerara; and Getindra Sanchara (25), an engineer from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

    Emergency protocols were activated when fellow crew members raised the alarm, prompting response teams from the Guyana Fire Service and emergency medical technicians to rush to the scene. Despite their efforts, all four men were pronounced dead after being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Their bodies currently await post-mortem examinations at the hospital’s mortuary.

    Pritipaul Singh, Jr., Managing Director of Guyana Port Inc., confirmed in an exclusive interview with Demerara Waves Online News that all four victims were company employees. Express profound grief, Singh stated, ‘It is absolutely unfortunate and it is the saddest thing. I am lost for words right now.’ The company has pledged full cooperation with ongoing police investigations.

    The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, under Minister Keoma Griffith, has been notified of the incident and is preparing to launch its own investigation in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which mandates prompt employer reporting of workplace incidents.

  • Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana’s compliance with international aviation standards has been called into question following allegations that the government has violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation by withholding the official investigation report of a deadly military helicopter crash that occurred over two years ago.

    Amanza Walton-Desir, Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement and former General Counsel to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, raised the serious allegation during parliamentary debates on the 2026 national budget. She emphasized that Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Convention mandates states to publicly release accident investigation reports within twelve months, or provide annual interim statements if the full report cannot be completed within that timeframe.

    The tragic incident involved a Bell 412 Epi helicopter belonging to the Guyana Defence Force that crashed on December 6, 2023, while transporting five servicemen to an interior location. The accident occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela concerning Venezuela’s longstanding territorial claim to Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

    While acknowledging potential national security considerations that might justify redacting certain sections, Walton-Desir insisted that the families of the deceased servicemen deserve closure and that the aviation industry needs access to the report’s safety findings to prevent future accidents. She made an impassioned plea from the parliamentary floor for the immediate release of the long-overdue document.

    The continued withholding of the crash investigation report represents both a regulatory violation and a significant transparency issue, raising questions about governmental accountability in matters of national security and aviation safety.

  • Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    BELIZE CITY – Under intense police surveillance, the United Democratic Party (UDP) launched its second major demonstration on Thursday, targeting the Social Security Board’s (SSB) involvement in Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet.

    The protest unfolded outside the SSB headquarters where UDP supporters gathered from 9:00 AM, brandishing placards demanding transparency and opposing the telecommunications merger they warn could negatively impact workers and national contributors. The demonstration occurred despite authorities relocating the SSB’s scheduled meeting to Belmopan, a move opposition leaders characterized as evasive.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton emphasized the fundamental right of citizens to voice concerns regarding SSB funds. “Our people don’t get a chance to opt out of paying their social security contributions monthly,” Panton stated. “It is our attempt to get the board members to hear from the people whose money they wish to use for private gains.”

    Tensions escalated when police detained Brian ‘Yellowman’ Audinette, Mesopotamia area campaign commander, prior to the protest’s official commencement. The detention prompted strong reactions from UDP officials, with Mesopotamia Representative Lee Mark Chang accusing authorities of employing “trumped up charges” to suppress dissent.

    The situation intensified as protesters initially breached permitted boundaries, obstructing traffic flow and prompting formal warnings from Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes. Despite these tensions, both protestors and police largely maintained restraint, avoiding major confrontations.

    The UDP’s demonstration gained notable momentum with the appearance of Hugo Patt, Corozal North Representative, who joined the march in a rare show of party unity. Multiple UDP representatives from across the country converged on the event, signaling broad opposition to the telecommunications consolidation.

    Protesters eventually shifted their focus to secure Audinette’s release, marching to Belcan Bridge and temporarily blocking traffic. The demonstration concluded successfully from the UDP’s perspective when Audinette was released and greeted as a hero by cheering supporters.

    The ongoing protests represent growing political resistance to the BTL-Speednet merger, with opposition figures framing the issue as a fundamental matter of governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility.

  • Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    The Haitian government has declared an unwavering offensive against pervasive insecurity, positioning public security as the fundamental prerequisite for national stability and economic recovery. During the 35th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation,’ Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andrésol articulated the administration’s structured and irreversible campaign to restore state authority across the nation.

    Andrésol characterized public security as an absolute strategic priority essential for political normalization, economic revitalization, and democratic restoration. The government’s approach received significant international reinforcement through a strategic cooperation framework signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in late July 2025.

    This comprehensive partnership is built upon five interconnected pillars designed to systematically address Haiti’s security crisis. The framework prioritizes enhancing governance and strategic management within public security institutions while simultaneously consolidating the legal and regulatory foundations of the security sector. It further provides direct support to government mechanisms for strategic planning and critical decision-making processes.

    The cooperation additionally focuses on strengthening community resilience against diverse security threats, both criminal and non-criminal in nature. A crucial component involves intensifying operations against transnational organized crime networks while promoting inclusive security measures and ensuring equity in state security operations across all communities.

    The primary objective of this multilateral initiative is to support the Haitian State’s gradual territorial reconquest, specifically targeting the establishment of lasting security in the highly vulnerable West, Artibonite, and Central departments where armed gangs have exerted significant control. To operationalize this strategy, the Office of the Secretary of State for Public Security has convened a specialized team comprising both national and international security experts.

  • Police Detain ‘Yellowman’ Ahead of Protest, Motive Disputed

    Police Detain ‘Yellowman’ Ahead of Protest, Motive Disputed

    BELIZE CITY – Tensions escalated in Belize on February 4, 2026, when police authorities detained prominent activist Brian “Yellowman” Audinett hours before a scheduled public demonstration. The controversial apprehension occurred in the Mesopotamia Division, with Audinett subsequently transported to Queen Street Police Station where he remained detained throughout the morning.

    The incident has ignited a sharp legal and political confrontation between law enforcement and civil rights advocates. Attorney Orson Elrington, representing Audinett, asserts that his client was targeted solely based on his alleged gang affiliations rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing. Elrington provided detailed accounts indicating Audinett was coordinating protest participation from his constituency when police initiated contact and subsequent detention.

    Contradicting this narrative, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado presented an entirely different justification for the detention. According to Rosado, Audinett had been disseminating text messages explicitly inciting violence, prompting what he characterized as a necessary law enforcement response. The Commissioner emphasized the police department’s theoretical support for lawful protest while maintaining that Audinett’s actions crossed legal boundaries.

    The conflicting accounts have raised questions about police transparency and protest rights in Belize. Investigators from the GI3 unit, led by Officer Sutherland, are conducting an ongoing investigation into the alleged inflammatory messages. Legal experts note the case highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties, particularly regarding pre-protest detainments.

    Audinett’s detention period and potential charges remain uncertain as investigations continue. The situation has drawn attention to police protocols regarding protest organization and the evidentiary standards required for preventive detention in potentially volatile situations.

  • Brief Detention Turns Yellowman into Protest Hero

    Brief Detention Turns Yellowman into Protest Hero

    In a dramatic turn of events that has intensified political tensions in Belize, prominent opposition figure Brian “Yellowman” Audinett was temporarily detained by authorities on February 4, 2026, only to emerge as a symbolic hero for protest movements. The United Democratic Party member, who had previously led demonstrators into the BTL compound earlier in the week, found himself confined during planned protests before being released by midday.

    Audinett’s detention raised immediate questions about political motivations versus public safety concerns. The activist walked onto the Belcan Bridge just before noon to rejoin fellow protesters, his brief incarceration having transformed him into a rallying figure for the movement. In exclusive statements to reporters, Audinett vehemently denied allegations of inciting violence or having gang affiliations, asserting his detention was purely politically motivated to prevent his participation in peaceful demonstrations.

    The opposition figure specifically challenged Police Commissioner Chester Williams to produce evidence supporting any claims that he had sent threatening messages or organized violent activities through Facebook or other platforms. Despite his detention, Audinett acknowledged that police treated him respectfully during his time at Queen Street police station, noting they were “just doing their job.”

    The incident has escalated into a legal confrontation, with Audinett announcing plans to sue the Belize Police Department for what he characterizes as unlawful detention intended to suppress legitimate political protest. The controversy centers around ongoing demonstrations against government policies regarding the acquisition of Smart, which protesters claim will benefit only a select few rather than the broader Belizean population.

    This development highlights growing tensions between opposition groups and the administration, with Audinett’s transformation from detainee to protest symbol underscoring the complex dynamics of political expression and law enforcement in Belize’s current climate.

  • Solidarity gathering held in Castries for Venezuela

    Solidarity gathering held in Castries for Venezuela

    Castries became part of an international wave of dissent on Tuesday as citizens gathered to denounce recent US military actions in Venezuela and demand the repatriation of detained President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The emotionally charged demonstration, organized collaboratively by the Venezuelan Embassy in Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Solidarity Movement with Venezuela, commemorated the one-month anniversary of the controversial January 3rd operation.

    Protesters brandished poignant “Bring Them Back” placards while vocally rejecting military aggression against sovereign nations. The gathering simultaneously functioned as a memorial honoring Venezuelan citizens who perished defending their nation’s territorial integrity against what organizers characterized as a “vile, illegal and disproportionate” assault.

    This event in Saint Lucia’s capital represented one node in a sprawling network of over 100 coordinated international demonstrations occurring simultaneously across global cities. The widespread protests served to reinforce mounting opposition to the military intervention authorized by US President Donald Trump, which involved precision strikes across northern Venezuelan territory and resulted in the capture and transfer of the Venezuelan leadership to American custody.

    The military operation and subsequent detainment have ignited intense diplomatic discourse worldwide, with many nations questioning the legal foundations and geopolitical implications of cross-border military actions against elected leadership. The Castries demonstration highlighted growing concerns about sovereignty violations and the normalization of military interventions in regional conflicts.