Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • LETTER: The UPP Must Move Forward, Not Backward

    LETTER: The UPP Must Move Forward, Not Backward

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) is experiencing a significant internal fracture, not driven by policy differences or electoral performance, but rather by fundamental struggles over power and leadership direction. At the heart of this conflict lies a vocal faction—primarily consisting of overseas diaspora members and established power circles—attempting to orchestrate a leadership coup against current chairperson Giselle Isaac and party leader Jamal Pringle in favor of former leader Harold Lovell.

    This internal resistance reflects deeper issues within the party’s culture, including elitist attitudes and resistance to younger leadership from non-traditional backgrounds. Pringle, who represents All Saints East and St. Luke, has demonstrated his political effectiveness through grassroots engagement and electoral success. Despite facing a serious challenge from Colin James, who came within 10 votes of victory in a previous election, Pringle strengthened his community connections and significantly expanded his margin of victory in the 2023 elections.

    In stark contrast, Harold Lovell’s political record reveals a different story. His constituency work in City East has been widely criticized as inadequate, resulting in repeated electoral rejections by voters. Lovell’s previous leadership tenure included managing the chaotic last convention, making disrespectful comments about former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, and leading the party to two consecutive electoral defeats.

    The current push for leadership change appears disconnected from on-the-ground political realities. Attendance at recent political events, including Christmas gatherings, indicates stronger public support for Pringle’s leadership than for Lovell’s attempted comeback. The party now faces critical challenges regarding internal discipline and unity, with two competing management teams creating organizational confusion and weakening the party’s competitive position.

    The path forward requires the UPP to embrace its younger leadership while integrating the diaspora’s support without allowing external influences to override local decision-making. The party must move beyond personality-driven politics and focus on building electoral relevance through respect for voter preferences and demonstrated results rather than reliving a past that voters have consistently rejected.

  • VS prioriteert binnenlandse veiligheid en China, beperkt steun aan bondgenoten

    VS prioriteert binnenlandse veiligheid en China, beperkt steun aan bondgenoten

    The Pentagon has released a groundbreaking National Defense Strategy (NDS) document signaling a profound shift in American military priorities toward territorial protection and China deterrence, while substantially reducing support for European allies and global partners. Published in 2026, this strategic blueprint marks a dramatic departure from previous defense doctrines established during the Biden administration.

    The comprehensive strategy document emphasizes that allies worldwide must assume greater responsibility for their own defense, with the United States providing only critical but limited military support. Simultaneously, it advocates for ‘respectful relations’ with China while characterizing Russia as a ‘persistent yet manageable’ threat, particularly for eastern NATO members. Notably absent from the document is any mention of Taiwan, despite China’s persistent claims over the island nation.

    A significant portion of the new strategy focuses on Latin America, which has been elevated to priority status on the American security agenda. The Pentagon aims to reassert U.S. military dominance throughout the Western Hemisphere, invoking what it terms the ‘Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine’ – a modern interpretation of the historical declaration opposing foreign interference in the Americas.

    This strategic repositioning follows controversial military actions in the region since Trump’s return to power in January 2025. These include the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, along with attacks on over thirty suspected drug smuggling vessels that resulted in more than one hundred casualties. However, no conclusive evidence has been presented proving these vessels’ involvement in drug trafficking, leading experts to warn that these operations may constitute extrajudicial killings given civilian casualties.

    The 2026 NDS notably omits climate change, previously classified as an ’emerging threat’ under the Biden administration, while completely redefining America’s approach to global security relationships and power competition in the Western Hemisphere.

  • Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    A landmark ceremony in Berquin, Nippes Department, on January 22, 2026, marked the formal commencement of construction for the new Departmental Directorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH). The event, while symbolic, follows four months of significant construction progress on the modern facility, which aims to substantially enhance the PNH’s institutional footprint in the region.

    The project is strategically designed to address critical public safety expectations and bolster security governance. The presence of a diverse delegation underscored its national importance and international backing. Attendees included Mayor Anne Myriam Loiseau Luima of Miragoâne, judicial dignitaries, religious leaders, and key international figures such as Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Nishiuchi and Xavier Michon, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Haiti.

    High-ranking PNH officials, including Inspector General Mario Aubergiste, Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, were also present, highlighting the project’s alignment with the force’s strategic modernization goals.

    Xavier Michon of UNDP reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to aiding the Haitian government in fortifying its public security institutions. He articulated that the new infrastructure would be pivotal in improving officer working conditions and nurturing a more collaborative relationship between the police force and the local community.

    Local leadership welcomed the initiative. The Mayor of Miragoâne hailed the project as a beacon of hope for the people of Nippes, essential for ensuring social peace and fostering local development through a better-equipped police force.

    Ambassador Nishiuchi reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for Haiti’s stabilization and institutional strengthening, positioning Japanese cooperation as a vital catalyst for enhancing security and promoting sustainable development.

    Inspector General Aubergiste emphasized that the construction is a core component of the High Command’s vision to decentralize and modernize the PNH’s operational capabilities. He extended profound gratitude to the national and international partners supporting these efforts.

    Post-ceremony, the delegation conducted an assessment of the nearby Miragoâne Police Station, which has been operating from temporary prefabricated structures since being severely damaged in the devastating January 2010 earthquake. This visit highlighted the urgent need for permanent infrastructure, as the current conditions have long impacted both police personnel efficacy and public service quality.

  • Yeni Berenice on Brianna Genao: “The team hasn’t stopped investigating for a single minute”

    Yeni Berenice on Brianna Genao: “The team hasn’t stopped investigating for a single minute”

    LA VEGA, Dominican Republic – Twenty-four days following the mysterious disappearance of Brianna Genao in Barrero, Puerto Plata, the nation’s top prosecutor has provided a crucial update on the investigative efforts. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso confirmed that investigative teams remain fully engaged in the case, working relentlessly to uncover the truth behind Genao’s disappearance.

    Reynoso emphasized the uninterrupted nature of the investigation, stating, ‘Our dedicated team has not ceased its work for a single day, continuously pursuing all relevant investigative procedures essential to resolving this case.’ The statement came amid growing public concern about the pace of the investigation.

    Regarding international involvement, the Attorney General clarified that while FBI agents have concluded their on-site operations, the American law enforcement agency continues to provide essential support to Dominican authorities. ‘The completion of field operations by an international agency like the FBI does not signify the end of our collaboration,’ Reynoso explained. ‘The formal request from our office ensures their continued accompaniment throughout the entire investigative process.’

    Although the timeline for receiving the FBI’s comprehensive report remains unspecified, sources familiar with the investigation indicate anticipated delivery within the coming fortnight. Reynoso maintained strict protocol regarding disclosure limitations, noting, ‘Our legal code explicitly prohibits revealing investigative details until formal proceedings are initiated.’

    The security landscape in Barrero has transformed significantly since the disappearance, with military personnel, national police officers, and specialized investigative detectives maintaining constant presence. Access to the local roadway remains restricted to residents only, with security details reduced to three personnel guarding the entrance—a stark contrast to the extensive deployments seen during initial investigation phases.

  • Health : More than twenty ambulances repaired and put back into service

    Health : More than twenty ambulances repaired and put back into service

    Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure has received a significant boost with the successful restoration of more than twenty ambulances previously sidelined by mechanical failures. This comprehensive rehabilitation initiative, spearheaded by the National Ambulance Center (CAN) since early 2025, represents a strategic nationwide effort to strengthen emergency medical response capabilities across all departments.

    Under the coordinated leadership of CAN Director General Renand Aristide and Administrative and Financial Director Leconte Dor, the program has achieved remarkable regional successes. The Great South region has witnessed the reactivation of over ten emergency vehicles through extensive repairs and systematic maintenance performed by CAN’s specialized technical teams.

    The Northern Region has demonstrated particularly impressive outcomes. In the Northwest territory, a dedicated team of four mechanics under Garage Head Carlo Mompoint executed central administration directives to restore eight long-dormant ambulances to operational status. Complementing these efforts, the department received an additional new vehicle to further enhance its emergency fleet capacity.

    Concurrent operations in the North and Fort-Liberté areas addressed three ambulances suffering from critical mechanical failures. These targeted interventions have substantially improved regional emergency response readiness, ensuring communities regain access to rapid and functional medical transportation services.

    The sight of mechanics working tirelessly on vehicle maintenance has transformed into operational ambulances now actively serving populations again. This systematic approach to rebuilding emergency medical infrastructure marks a crucial step in addressing healthcare accessibility challenges throughout Haiti’s diverse regions.

  • PM Mottley rejects Thorne’s claims election was called too soon

    PM Mottley rejects Thorne’s claims election was called too soon

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a firm rebuttal to claims by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne that the scheduling of the upcoming general election was premature and created administrative chaos. Thorne, addressing supporters at a Democratic Labour Party rally, contended that the election announcement precipitated ‘disarray’ because the official voters’ list had not been finalized by the statutory deadline of January 31st from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

    Countering these allegations during her campaign stop at the R&B Bar in St. John, Prime Minister Mottley challenged Thorne to thoroughly review the nation’s election laws. She specifically referenced Section 13(1) of the Representation of the People Act, which mandates that the EBC ‘shall cause to be prepared and shall publish not later than the 31st of January in every year’ the official register. Mottley clarified that the commission had in fact published the 2026 register on January 15th, preceding her election announcement, thereby making it the legally recognized document for the forthcoming vote.

    Furthermore, Mottley emphasized that a standard procedure exists for addressing registration issues, noting that a 48-hour window remained for citizens to verify their registration status or update their residential information on the preliminary lists published after an election is called. She categorically dismissed any insinuation that discrepancies appearing on the voters’ list were motivated by partisan interests. The Prime Minister illustrated her point by noting that anomalies, a recurring feature in every election since 1991, had affected the families of prominent politicians across the political spectrum, including those of late PM David Thompson and former BLP MP Gline Clarke. She urged all citizens to proactively check the list to ensure their eligibility.

  • Thorne challenges timing of election, questions EBC process

    Thorne challenges timing of election, questions EBC process

    Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne has launched a formal challenge against the timing of Barbados’ February 11 general election, alleging procedural violations by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC). Speaking at a party rally on Saturday, Thorne revealed that official correspondence indicates the EBC’s statutory deadline for delivering an updated voter registry extends to January 31—three weeks after the election announcement.

    Thorne characterized the premature election call as having ‘thrown the whole electoral process into disarray,’ noting the commission has failed to convene since the election declaration. A scheduled meeting was subsequently canceled, raising questions about administrative preparedness for an election that wasn’t constitutionally mandated until 2027.

    The opposition leader detailed significant irregularities within the current voter list, including the DLP’s formal protest against 8,291 problematic registrations. Notably, one of the party’s own candidates appeared incorrectly on the list, while numerous citizens reportedly found themselves excluded entirely. Thorne disclosed that even close relatives of former Prime Minister David Thompson (deceased) have been mysteriously removed from voter rolls despite being resident in Barbados.

    Further anomalies include family members appearing in separate constituencies and insufficient rectification timelines. Thorne condemned the one-day window for resolving discrepancies as fundamentally inadequate, though he encouraged supporters to visit DLP offices for assistance with registration issues.

    Thorne raised serious concerns about the commission’s independence, suggesting external manipulation may be influencing its operations. ‘The commission is not being allowed to be,’ he stated, implying deliberate interference with electoral preparations.

    Despite these challenges, Thorne affirmed the DLP’s commitment to full participation in the electoral process, confirming all 30 party candidates are actively campaigning within their respective constituencies.

  • Animal cruelty: Woman burns a dog taking shelter from the rain with her puppies

    Animal cruelty: Woman burns a dog taking shelter from the rain with her puppies

    A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged from the Villa Juana sector of the National District, where Mildred Margarita Victoriano stands accused of deliberately scalding a protective mother dog with boiling water. The incident occurred on April 11, 2025, when the canine was shielding her puppies from rainfall near the defendant’s residence.

    Judicial proceedings advanced this Thursday as Judge Patricia Padilla of the Second Court of Instruction imposed coercive measures against Victoriano, requiring periodic court appearances and an 8,000 peso economic guarantee. The court has reserved its ruling on whether the case will proceed to full trial, with a decision scheduled for February 5.

    According to animal welfare advocates, this represents an escalation of violence against the defenseless animal. Lourdes Rodríguez of the National Animal Protection Foundation and Rodríguez Canine Shelter revealed that Victoriano had previously attacked the same dog with battery acid just one day before the scalding incident. Even more disturbingly, rescuers claim the woman had previously kicked the dog while pregnant, resulting in the death of her puppies.

    The victimized animal sustained catastrophic injuries, with rescuer William Betances reporting burns covering approximately 80% of its body. The dog currently resides in a foster home undergoing extensive recovery, while her puppies fortunately remained unharmed during the attacks.

    Animal protection organizations faced significant barriers during the legal process. Betances, Rodríguez, Guillermina Selman of Ecoportal Dominicana Foundation, and other advocates were prohibited from attending the preliminary hearing after the judge determined they lacked formal ownership of the animal. This exclusion highlights systemic challenges in pursuing animal cruelty cases within the Dominican justice system.

    The case unfolds under Law 284-12, which establishes penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines equivalent to fifty times the minimum wage for animal cruelty convictions, with doubled penalties for repeat offenders.

  • Qatar 2026 World Cup Qualifiers : Our U-17 Grenadiers in the final stretch

    Qatar 2026 World Cup Qualifiers : Our U-17 Grenadiers in the final stretch

    Haiti’s Under-17 men’s national soccer team has entered its crucial final preparation phase ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Under the guidance of head coach Kovsky Saintvil, the squad has relocated to Ouanaminthe in Haiti’s Northeast Department, where they will train at the facilities of local club Vapor.

    The team commenced initial training sessions in Port-au-Prince earlier this month with an expanded roster of over 35 players. Following rigorous technical assessments, the selection has been refined to a focused group of 20 athletes, including three goalkeepers, who traveled to the training camp on January 24.

    The squad anticipates reinforcement from approximately four overseas-based players in the coming days, while physical trainer Gabriel Garcia Xatrat is scheduled to join the coaching staff to complete the technical team.

    Haiti’s Group C qualifying matches will be held at Guatemala’s Estadio Cementos Progreso between February 3-12, 2026. The competition schedule features encounters against Grenada (February 5, 5:00 AM), Antigua and Barbuda (February 7, 6:00 AM), and host nation Guatemala (February 10, 8:00 AM).

    Following their participation in the recent Qatar 2025 U-17 World Cup, which concluded disappointingly for the Caribbean nation, the Grenadiers aim to secure qualification for the tournament’s next edition. A first-place finish in Group C would guarantee advancement to the final phase of the U-17 World Cup, scheduled for Qatar in October-November 2026.

    The Haitian delegation is set to depart for Guatemala on February 2 to commence their competitive campaign.

  • Suriname verkent samenwerking met Ghana voor versterking beroepsonderwijs

    Suriname verkent samenwerking met Ghana voor versterking beroepsonderwijs

    Suriname is embarking on a strategic educational collaboration with Ghana to enhance its vocational training system and better prepare its workforce for upcoming economic developments, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions between a Ghanaian delegation and Surinamese President Jennifer Simons on Friday.

    According to Assembly Member Tachana Lösche (NDP), who accompanied the delegation, this initiative aligns with the President’s vision to modernize vocational education and make it future-proof. The partnership extends beyond immediate oil and gas sector needs to encompass sustainable long-term economic development strategies.

    The Ghanaian delegation conducted an extensive tour of Suriname’s technical education institutions, including the Polytechnic College Suriname, the Natuurtechnische School, and the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development. Officials expressed strong appreciation for the quality and potential of Suriname’s vocational education system, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service.

    A central component of the proposed collaboration involves sending approximately 120 Surinamese students and 20 instructors to Ghana for an 18-month training program. These educational courses will focus on sectors critical to Suriname’s national development objectives, including oil and gas, construction, mining, digital transformation, and agriculture.

    The selection process for participants remains under development and will be conducted within the vocational education sector in coordination with Suriname’s Ministry of Education. Prior to implementation, a Surinamese delegation will visit Ghana to evaluate educational facilities and assess safety protocols. Based on their findings, subsequent steps will be determined and presented to President Simons for final approval.