Carib Scope

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  • US military intercepts illicit oil vessels in Caribbean

    US military intercepts illicit oil vessels in Caribbean

    In a significant maritime security initiative, United States military forces are actively intercepting vessels illicitly transporting oil through the Caribbean Sea. This strategic operation, dubbed ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ is being conducted under the authority of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) with the stated objective of safeguarding national security and reinforcing regional stability.

    The primary targets are vessels identified as belonging to a ‘dark fleet’—a term for ships that deliberately disable their tracking systems and operate covertly to circumvent international sanctions and regulations. US officials assert that these clandestine maritime activities generate substantial revenue for malign state actors and their proxies, thereby financing operations deemed threatening to US interests and those of allied nations in the hemisphere.

    This comprehensive effort exemplifies a whole-of-government approach, featuring coordinated actions between the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the US Coast Guard, and multiple federal law enforcement agencies. The operation is framed as a direct implementation of the presidential directive to strengthen homeland security and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that exploit maritime routes for illicit gain.

    While specific operational details, including the precise number of vessels interdicted or any arrests made, remain classified due to ongoing tactical considerations, the Caribbean has been formally designated by US security analysts as a critical juncture for unauthorized commodity shipments and widespread maritime smuggling.

  • Nicaragua and South Africa boost bilateral cooperation

    Nicaragua and South Africa boost bilateral cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic development, high-level officials from Nicaragua and South Africa have convened to establish a comprehensive framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation. The meeting featured Presidential Advisor for Investment Promotion, Trade and International Cooperation Laureano Ortega alongside representatives from Nicaragua’s Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MIFIC).

    Ortega extended formal greetings on behalf of Nicaraguan leadership, conveying warm sentiments from Co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, and the South African people. The diplomatic exchange highlighted the shared characteristics between both nations, particularly their multicultural and multiethnic compositions, which present substantial opportunities for strengthened partnership.

    South African Deputy Minister Botes reciprocated the positive diplomatic overtures, emphasizing his nation’s profound respect for Nicaragua and expressing Pretoria’s keen interest in deepening relations not only bilaterally but throughout the Central American region. The dialogue resulted in the identification of six priority sectors for concentrated cooperation: agricultural development and agribusiness, mining operations, mineral processing and transformation, industrial advancement, service industries, and textile manufacturing.

    The newly established joint agenda represents a strategic alignment between the two governments, creating pathways for mutual economic growth and international collaboration across both bilateral and multilateral platforms. This diplomatic engagement signals a new chapter in South-South cooperation, with both nations seeking to leverage their complementary strengths for sustainable development.

  • 2026 National Independence Baton Relay to begin on January 28

    2026 National Independence Baton Relay to begin on January 28

    Saint Lucia is poised to launch its highly anticipated 2026 National Independence Baton Relay on January 28, commencing in Castries East and culminating on February 17 in Castries Central. This nationwide journey will traverse all 17 constituencies between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on scheduled dates, serving as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and national pride.

    During a soft launch event on January 23, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Urban Renewal, Hon. Richard Frederick, revealed the remarkable evolution of what began as a modest initiative. The baton relay has transformed into a major national phenomenon that now captures international attention, resonating far beyond the island’s shores.

    Minister Frederick declared the event unparalleled in its capacity to unite Saint Lucians, stating it ‘stands at number one’ for fostering national togetherness. The relay has become a dynamic platform for reconnecting communities, preserving local history, and strengthening bonds between domestic and diaspora populations.

    The minister emphasized the event’s significant appeal among overseas Saint Lucians, who eagerly anticipate the annual opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots. Beyond its emotional significance, the relay functions as a living archive of national heritage, with communities sharing unique historical narratives from their constituencies.

    International interest has surged remarkably, with foreign territories and countries expressing strong desire to participate in the initiative. Minister Frederick acknowledged the unexpected global expansion of what was initially conceived as a local event, noting that the relay now enjoys worldwide recognition.

    While physical baton carrying remains limited, officials stress that inclusivity defines the event’s core philosophy. Participation encompasses broader community engagement, cultural expression, and collective celebration beyond the actual relay.

    Authorities are implementing traffic management strategies to ensure public safety during the festivities. The Safety and Traffic Management Department advises motorists to utilize road networks outside event hours where possible, while encouraging carpooling to reduce congestion and facilitate smoother traffic flow throughout relay activities.

  • Karessah promises “Bigger” and “Better” calypso Semi-Finals

    Karessah promises “Bigger” and “Better” calypso Semi-Finals

    The Dominica Calypso Association has announced ambitious plans for its upcoming Semi-Finals competition, promising an elevated spectator experience at Windsor Park Sports Stadium on January 31st. Association President Gregory ‘Karessah’ Riviere revealed the enhanced arrangements during Thursday’s weekly Carnival press conference, building on what he described as an exceptionally successful Quarter-Finals event. Riviere confirmed that twenty qualifying calypsonians will progress to the semi-final round, including notable performers such as Mystrie, Nacheal, The Bobb, and Karessah himself, with three reserve artists standing by. The production will feature completely reimagined stadium arrangements including general seating, a dedicated party VIP section with seating accommodations, and special areas for attendees preferring standing room with dancing space. Ticket distribution will be handled through multiple vendors including Bullseye and Depex outlets, plus the Calypso Association office. Pricing structure maintains accessibility with advance tickets available for just $50, rising to $60 regular admission, $70 general seating, and $130 for the VIP party experience. For international audiences and those unable to attend physically, a pay-per-view streaming option will be offered at $20 USD. The evening will feature a special guest performance by bouyon artist Quann and Company, with the competition scheduled to commence at 8:30 PM.

  • The Division of Culture laments the route adjustment for Ole Mas Festival this year

    The Division of Culture laments the route adjustment for Ole Mas Festival this year

    In a decisive move prioritizing public welfare, organizers of Dominica’s highly anticipated Ole Mas Festival implemented significant route modifications due to adverse weather conditions. The Commonwealth of Dominica Division of Culture announced the eleventh-hour changes with what it described as “a heavy heart,” emphasizing that participant safety ultimately superseded traditional arrangements.

    The revised itinerary abandoned the originally planned commencement at Layou’s entrance, instead initiating proceedings at Kalleb Laurent Primary School with procession routes navigating through St. Joseph’s community. This strategic adjustment eliminated the culturally significant traversal along Layou’s link road on the Bayside, a segment particularly vulnerable to weather-related hazards.

    Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew, addressing journalists during Thursday’s press conference, articulated the administration’s philosophical approach to cultural preservation. “We intentionally target communities to revitalize cultural practices,” Matthew explained, referencing prior successful interventions in Bath Estate. “Saint Joseph represents one of our few communities where traditional carnival practices remain vigorously alive, and we seek to amplify this cultural resilience.”

    The dawn event, commencing at 4:00 AM on Saturday, featured numerous traditional groups embodying Dominica’s authentic carnival heritage. Matthew previously characterized the festival as a dedicated platform for indigenous traditions to “receive their deserved time and place to shine” amidst increasingly contemporary carnival celebrations. The cultural division’s long-term vision anticipates cultivating new traditional groups through these community-focused cultural injections, strengthening Dominica’s intangible cultural heritage against modernization pressures.

  • Cuba prepares for Book Fair, Russia – guest of honor

    Cuba prepares for Book Fair, Russia – guest of honor

    The 2026 Havana International Book Fair will serve as a dual tribute, honoring both the centennial of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and designating Russia as the event’s guest of honor nation. The announcement was made during an official press conference by Juan Rodriguez, President of Cuba’s National Book Institute (ICL), who characterized Russia as “a friendly and brotherly country” from political and cultural perspectives.

    The prestigious literary event, recognized as Cuba’s largest cultural festival, will simultaneously celebrate the legacy of two distinguished Cuban intellectuals: acclaimed author Marilyn Bobes, a two-time recipient of the prestigious Casa de las Americas Prize, and Dr. Jose Bell Lara, Professor Emeritus at the University of Havana holding a PhD in Philosophical Sciences and a Master’s in Caribbean Social Development.

    Rodriguez emphasized that the fair would commemorate Fidel Castro’s enduring influence on Cuban literature and publishing, stating the festival would “celebrate his example, his memory, and his legacy, which includes this very fair and all his contributions to Cuban literature and writers.”

    Russian Ambassador to Cuba Viktor Koronelli expressed profound honor at Russia’s selection, describing the invitation as recognition of Russia’s cultural significance and characterizing the Havana Book Fair as “one of the most important cultural events in all of Latin America.” The 2026 edition promises to strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two nations while highlighting Cuba’s literary achievements.

  • Queen Kia departs for Dominica to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS Pageant

    Queen Kia departs for Dominica to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS Pageant

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia, has commenced her journey to Dominica where she will represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026. The regional competition, which brings together delegates from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, serves as a platform showcasing Caribbean talent, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    As Queen Kia departed her homeland, an outpouring of support emerged from citizens and well-wishers who expressed their enthusiasm for her participation. Messages emphasizing national pride and hopes for her success have flooded social media platforms, with many highlighting the significance of her representation on the inter-island stage.

    The Miss OECS Pageant represents more than mere aesthetic appreciation, functioning as a meaningful celebration of Caribbean identity and unity. Through various competitive segments including cultural presentations, talent demonstrations, and intellectual discourse, contestants demonstrate the rich diversity and shared values across OECS member states.

    Event organizers have confirmed that additional details regarding the pageant’s proceedings will be released in the coming days as final preparations are completed. The anticipated event is expected to draw significant viewership across the Caribbean region and among the diaspora community.

  • Vietnam: CPV Congress resolution raises demands on Parliament

    Vietnam: CPV Congress resolution raises demands on Parliament

    In a significant address outlining Vietnam’s legislative priorities, National Assembly representative Thanh Man articulated comprehensive demands for parliamentary strengthening. The Vietnamese legislator emphasized the critical need to develop Parliament into a genuinely supreme state authority that authentically represents popular will while advancing both democratic principles and socialist rule of law.

    The parliamentary leader characterized the recent party forum as a political milestone of exceptional strategic importance, marking the commencement of a new developmental phase for the nation. This gathering, described as both successful and historic, established ambitious objectives for achieving rapid yet sustainable national progress.

    A central focus of the address involved the systematic transformation of party guidelines into a coherent, comprehensive, and stable legal framework. The National Assembly has explicitly designated the quality and timeliness of institutionalizing the Resolution from the 14th National Congress as the paramount benchmark for evaluating its operational effectiveness throughout the upcoming period.

    Furthermore, the parliamentarian stressed the necessity of conducting meticulous preparations across all dimensions to ensure the successful organization of elections for the 16th National Assembly lawmakers and representatives to People’s Councils at various levels for the 2026-2031 term. This electoral process represents a crucial mechanism for implementing the nation’s developmental vision through democratic representation.

  • Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    A devastating traffic collision on Guyana’s Linden-Mabura trail has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a respected Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader and an elderly Jamaican-American woman. The fatal incident occurred Thursday night at approximately 9:30 PM on the recently asphalted roadway.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the victims have been identified as Andrew Irvine, a prominent spiritual leader of the Yoruba Ifa House of Samaria; Patricia Woodley, an 81-year-old Jamaican-American national; and Marcus Berley, a 32-year-old resident of One Mile, Wismar who was operating the vehicle.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate that hire car HD 6751 was traveling westward at high velocity along the southern lane when it collided with the rear section of a stationary trailer combination (motor lorry GJJ 4000 with trailer TSS 4613). The commercial vehicle had been legally parked along the roadside facing westward at the time of impact.

    The force of the collision resulted in critical injuries to all three occupants of the hire car. Emergency responders transported the victims to Linden Hospital Complex where medical personnel pronounced them deceased upon arrival. The driver of the parked lorry, a 36-year-old man from Craig, East Bank Demerara, has been taken into police custody and is cooperating with ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

  • Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Barbados’ regulated medicinal cannabis sector is poised for significant expansion in 2026, with two new facilities advancing toward operational status, according to official statements from the island’s regulatory authority. Shanika Roberts-Odle, Acting CEO of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA), confirmed the developments during a public open day event at Island Naturals Medical Centre in Sheraton Mall, marking the organization’s fifth anniversary.

    The forthcoming facilities will operate within the pharmacy and therapeutic categories, providing supervised medical access to cannabis products under Barbados’ strict regulatory framework. This expansion follows the successful launch of two businesses in 2025, demonstrating what Roberts-Odle characterized as ‘tangible progress’ in an industry that requires long-term development strategies.

    Currently, the BMCLA has issued approximately 12 licenses spanning the entire value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, retail, transportation, security, and research—with one license held by The University of the West Indies. While some licensees are already operational, others continue navigating substantial business, financial, and logistical challenges.

    Roberts-Odle identified international banking restrictions as the most significant obstacle facing the industry, directly linking these constraints to the continued federal prohibition of cannabis in the United States. ‘We do not exist in isolation,’ she emphasized. ‘Because the U.S. maintains federal prohibition, our local banks—which all maintain U.S. correspondent relationships—are reluctant to engage with cannabis businesses.’

    Despite these hurdles, the acting CEO urged collaboration and persistence, noting the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She advised prospective entrepreneurs to ‘work together as a group of individuals’ and emphasized the BMCLA’s willingness to facilitate problem-solving dialogues.

    The open day event formed part of a broader public education initiative addressing decades of stigma associated with cannabis use. Roberts-Odle stressed that changing public perceptions requires sustained exposure and open discussion, contrasting regulated medical facilities with illicit market operations.

    At the Sheraton Mall facility, patients can access diverse medicinal products including locally cultivated cannabis flowers, creams, oils, tinctures, and vaporizer products—some imported from international sources. This differs from the Island Therapeutics facility in Worthing, which focuses primarily on Barbados-grown flowers and pharmacist-compounded products.

    Roberts-Odle clarified that the authority does not interfere with doctor-patient relationships or restrict conditions eligible for cannabis treatment, trusting Barbadian medical professionals to make appropriate decisions. Common applications include cancer-related pain and nausea, multiple sclerosis symptoms, arthritis, endometrial pain, and sleep disorders—though she emphasized that ‘cannabis is not snake oil’ but rather ‘another tool in the toolbox’ that may not be suitable for everyone.

    Regarding regulatory compliance, Roberts-Odle explained that legal access requires a prescription from registered medical practitioners, either private doctors or on-site physicians at approved facilities. She specifically addressed misconceptions about membership cards, noting that prescription labels—not cards—provide legal protection. While some patients have been stopped by authorities, she reported that issues were promptly resolved upon presentation of proper documentation.

    The regulatory framework explicitly prohibits smoking medicinal cannabis, permitting only vaping, oils, creams, and tinctures as approved consumption methods.