Carib Scope

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  • FLASH : Presidential advisors confirm their decision to dismiss the PM

    FLASH : Presidential advisors confirm their decision to dismiss the PM

    In a bold move that challenges international influence, Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) has confirmed the dismissal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé despite mounting global pressure. The decisive action unfolded during a Friday press conference at Villa d’Acceuil, where presidential advisors Leslie Voltaire and Edgard Leblanc Fils announced the majority-backed resolution to remove the sitting PM.

    The council members—comprising Fritz Alphonse Jean, Leslie Voltaire, Louis Gérald Gilles, Edgard Leblanc Fils, and Smith Augustin—cited failed public expectations and inadequate governmental performance as primary reasons for their decision. Voltaire emphasized that despite the CPT’s extensive efforts to support government operations, the population’s needs remained unaddressed.

    Edgard Leblanc Fils declared the international community must respect Haiti’s autonomous decisions, stating they should ‘acknowledge our decisions and support us according to the guidelines we define for the country.’ The council plans to appoint an interim Prime Minister for a 30-day term to ensure political continuity as the CPT approaches its February 7 mandate expiration.

    However, significant institutional obstacles emerge as Laurent Saint-Cyr, the Council’s President pro tempore and official Gazette publisher, vehemently opposes the dismissal. No physical evidence of the signed resolution or publication in Le Moniteur has been provided to media outlets, nor has the identity of the proposed successor been revealed.

    Adding complexity to the political landscape, Haiti’s security forces have reportedly aligned with Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and President Saint-Cyr, marking their most substantial political involvement since 1994. This development creates unprecedented tension between civil governance and military institutions during Haiti’s critical transition period.

  • Small Community, Big Influence: Japanese Culture Flourishes in Belize

    Small Community, Big Influence: Japanese Culture Flourishes in Belize

    In an extraordinary display of cultural cross-pollination, the modest Japanese community in Belize—numbering fewer than fifty individuals—has catalyzed a significant artistic movement throughout the Central American nation. This cultural exchange manifests through culinary traditions, martial arts, and most notably, an exploding appreciation for Japanese manga and anime that has captured the Belizean imagination.

    At the forefront of this movement stands Tyler Ramirez, a 25-year-old manga artist whose childhood fascination with Japanese animation has evolved into a professional pursuit. Ramirez’s journey epitomizes the grassroots creative spirit, having begun with rudimentary pencil drawings on typing paper before advancing to digital refinement. His methodological approach involves meticulous chapter planning, dialogue development, and storyboard creation—a testament to the sophisticated narrative craft behind manga production.

    The phenomenon extends beyond individual artists to organized communities. Animaniacs Belize, initially a twenty-member online group, has burgeoned into a nearly three-thousand-strong collective under President Eden Cruz. This platform serves as both gallery and incubator for local talent, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from illustration to comic creation across genres including slice-of-life, action, adventure, and romance.

    International ambition now fuels this local movement. Ramirez recently submitted his work to Japan’s prestigious Silent Manga Audition (SMA), viewing participation as both exposure opportunity and learning experience. Though not among the winners, the constructive feedback from Japanese judges provided valuable professional development perspectives.

    Asako Solis, a Japanese community member fully integrated into Belizean society, observes this cultural reciprocity with appreciation. She notes how Belize’s multicultural tapestry—encompassing Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna influences—has enriched her life while Belizeans embrace Japanese cultural elements.

    The movement’s significance transcends artistic expression. Cruz emphasizes how manga’s relatable characters create community cohesion while inspiring career pathways. Local artists now envision possibilities ranging from international illustration contests to professional opportunities within Belizean organizations—potentially even establishing animation as a viable profession.

    Ramirez’s ultimate ambition embodies this vision: creating an artist village in Belize where he can instruct future generations. This aspiration, fueled by continuous skill development, represents how cultural exchange can foster sustainable creative ecosystems in unexpected global locations.

  • Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    Ali, ministers leave British High Commissioner’s farewell after WIN Leader arrives

    A diplomatic reception hosted by British High Commissioner Jane Miller at her Bel Air Springs residence was abruptly disrupted on Friday evening when Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and multiple government ministers made a swift departure. The exodus occurred moments after Azruddin Mohamed, presumptive Opposition Leader and head of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, arrived at the gathering with General Secretary Odessa Primus.

    The unexpected departure highlights the deepening political tensions in Guyana regarding Mohamed’s potential appointment as Opposition Leader—a position that Western diplomats, including Miller, have advocated for as essential to functional democracy. The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) maintains strong opposition to Mohamed’s candidacy, citing his indictment by the United States for financial crimes linked to his family’s billion-dollar gold trading business. Extradition proceedings against Mohamed and his father are currently underway in Guyanese courts.

    Despite the controversy, Mohamed expressed confidence in securing the opposition leadership during Monday’s parliamentary vote, stating his readiness to contribute to the upcoming 2026 National Budget debate. ‘We have a lot of persons on board with us so that they can contribute meaningfully,’ he told reporters, indicating his team had assembled sectoral advisors.

    The WIN leader outlined his priorities as holding the government accountable and improving health and education systems, remarking, ‘We have so many problems in this country, it’s unbelievable.’

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions, with President Ali having previously excluded opposition figures from a major policy address where he presented his five-year plan to government officials and diplomats—a break from conventional practice where such addresses are delivered to Parliament including opposition members.

  • Security : Graduation ceremony for 877 new police officers

    Security : Graduation ceremony for 877 new police officers

    In a significant stride toward reclaiming national stability, Haiti celebrated the graduation of 877 new police officers on January 23, 2026. The ceremony at the National Police Academy (ENP) marked the completion of training for the 35th promotion of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the inaugural class of the ambitious P4000 program.

    The event drew high-level attendance from Haiti’s political and security leadership, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Laurent Saint Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council (CPT). The ‘Aurore’ class graduation symbolized rigor and steadfast commitment to national service, witnessed by presidential advisors, the Justice Minister, military commanders, and international diplomats.

    Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, who also chairs the Superior Council of the National Police, emphasized the strategic importance of Project P4000, which aims to train 4,000 new officers between 2026 and early 2027. He characterized this initiative as a decisive response to the national security emergency, reaffirming the government’s determination to restore state authority and reclaim territories currently controlled by criminal organizations.

    ‘The State is no longer backing down. It is fully assuming its mission,’ declared Fils-Aimé, describing the program as a comprehensive strategy for ‘regaining, stabilizing, and consolidating State authority.’

    The Prime Minister extended gratitude to international partners including the United States, Canada, and the European Union for their sustained support in security restoration, economic revitalization, and election organization.

    Laurent Saint Cyr addressed the security forces, urging unwavering focus on restoring security despite destabilization attempts. ‘I pledge that decisions made at the highest levels of government will always be aligned with the fundamental aspiration of the people: the restoration of security,’ he stated, emphasizing that security remains prerequisite for national stability, credible elections, and normalcy.

    Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier charged the new officers with serving their country honorably, protecting the population diligently, and operating within legal boundaries and respect for fundamental rights.

    U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster affirmed that Haiti’s security remains America’s top priority, noting that ‘Haitians have suffered enough from gang violence.’ He characterized the 40% personnel increase over 16 months as not merely a numerical target but a strategic response to the country’s security realities.

  • Corripio Foundation National Literature Prize: Pedro Vergés

    Corripio Foundation National Literature Prize: Pedro Vergés

    In a significant recognition of literary excellence, the distinguished Dominican author Pedro Vergés has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 National Literature Prize. The award, jointly sponsored by the Dominican Ministry of Culture and the Corripio Foundation, represents the highest honor in Dominican letters and celebrates Vergés’ extraordinary contributions across multiple genres including fiction, poetry, and essays.

    The selection committee, comprising representatives from leading universities, the Ministry of Culture, the Dominican Academy of Language, and the Corripio Foundation, honored Vergés for his impeccable command of language and substantial impact on contemporary literature. The jury specifically noted his ‘balanced sobriety’ in prose and his valuable scholarly work as both literary researcher and essayist.

    Vergés’ literary significance was previously acknowledged during the 2023 Book Fair, which celebrated his novel ‘Ya yo estaré lejos’ (I Will Be Far Away). The work received critical acclaim for its powerful depiction of the first 25 years of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship, exploring its societal trauma and economic consequences while capturing the collective yearning for freedom and democracy.

    The author’s international recognition began in 1981 when he received Spain’s prestigious Critics’ Society for Castilian Narrative award for ‘Solo cenizas hallarás (Bolero).’ That same year, he was also honored with the Blasco Ibáñez International Prize for the same work, establishing his reputation beyond Dominican borders. Even before this national accolade, Vergés had garnered admiration from literary circles who considered his work essential reading for understanding post-dictatorship Dominican society, particularly praised for its masterful use of colloquial language and narrative structure.

  • Trough effect: Rain today in at least 18 provinces

    Trough effect: Rain today in at least 18 provinces

    Meteorological authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued a comprehensive weather advisory forecasting sustained moderate rainfall accompanied by electrical storms and strong wind gusts across multiple provinces. The extensive alert covers eighteen provinces including La Altagracia, Samaná, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, and the greater Santo Domingo area.

    The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has identified a trough system as the primary meteorological driver behind this widespread precipitation event. Weather patterns are expected to initiate during morning hours, intensify throughout the afternoon period, and gradually diminish toward nighttime.

    Concurrent with the precipitation, Indomet anticipates notably cooler temperatures particularly affecting mountainous regions and valleys, consistent with seasonal patterns. The agency has additionally issued warnings for potential fog formation, which may further complicate travel conditions and reduce visibility in affected zones. The combination of saturated soils from rainfall and reduced visibility from fog creates potentially hazardous conditions for residents and travelers alike.

  • US military says 2 killed in boat strike, with 1 survivor

    US military says 2 killed in boat strike, with 1 survivor

    In a significant military operation, United States forces executed a targeted kinetic strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean this Friday, resulting in two fatalities. The operation, directed by Joint Task Force Southern Spear under the command of Pete Hegseth, targeted a boat allegedly operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations engaged in narcotics trafficking.

    According to the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the strike left one survivor, prompting immediate coordination with the US Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations for the individual. The military command confirmed the operation through an official statement on social media platform X, characterizing the action as part of ongoing counter-narcotics efforts in the region.

    The incident represents the latest in a series of US military interventions against suspected drug trafficking operations in international waters. These operations typically target vessels believed to be transporting illicit substances from South America toward North American markets. The eastern Pacific route has become increasingly significant for drug trafficking organizations seeking to evade land-based interdiction efforts.

    CNN has sought additional commentary from the US Coast Guard regarding the search and rescue mission’s status and details about the surviving individual. The military’s public disclosure of the operation underscores the continued prioritization of counter-narcotics missions in US security policy, particularly concerning organizations designated as terrorist entities engaged in drug trafficking.

  • Home Burglarized on Jonas Road in Early-Morning Break-In

    Home Burglarized on Jonas Road in Early-Morning Break-In

    A residential property on Jonas Road fell victim to a calculated burglary in the predawn hours of Saturday, January 10th, marking the second such incident at the same address. Law enforcement authorities from the All Saints Police Department have launched a comprehensive investigation into the break-in, which transpired between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM.

    Initial reports indicate the involvement of two male suspects who executed a methodical approach. Demonstrating significant premeditation, the individuals first disabled externally mounted security cameras—equipment that had been installed by the homeowner following a prior burglary where three smart televisions were stolen. Subsequently, the perpetrators cut through protective burglar bars on a bedroom window to facilitate entry into the dwelling.

    Once inside, the suspects took deliberate steps to obscure their activities by cutting power at the home’s main junction box. They then proceeded to ransack the property, resulting in the theft of multiple household items, including various kitchen appliances and personal belongings. This modus operandi suggests a targeted operation rather than an opportunistic crime.

    The recurrence of criminal activity at this location has raised serious concerns among local residents regarding neighborhood security. Police are actively pursuing all leads and have issued a public appeal for information. Investigators are particularly interested in identifying a suspect described as wearing all-black attire during the incident. The All Saints Police Department urges anyone with potentially relevant information to come forward to aid their ongoing investigative efforts.

  • Olmberg: local content-beleid blijft steken in intenties

    Olmberg: local content-beleid blijft steken in intenties

    Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector confronts significant challenges regarding local content development, according to Orlando Olmberg, President of the Suriname Energy Chamber (SEC). Despite repeated governmental assurances prioritizing local participation, the nation lacks a concrete short-term action plan, creating uncertainty among businesses and communities alike.

    The institutional framework and policy mechanisms governing local content requirements remain insufficiently developed. While the October 17 state decree formally designated local content as a priority area for the oil and gas industry, this represents merely an initial step toward comprehensive implementation.

    Private sector initiatives have emerged in recent years to better prepare Surinamese companies and workers for opportunities within the energy sector. However, Olmberg emphasizes that structured collaboration between government and industry is essential to establish clear agreements, unified direction, and to overcome current policy fragmentation.

    Time sensitivity presents a critical factor, as oil and gas operations follow strict timelines from development to production. These processes continue regardless of local preparedness levels. Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, oversees multinational compliance with contractual obligations regarding local workforce, goods, and services utilization. Nevertheless, Surinamese businesses will primarily depend on sector-generated spin-off opportunities.

    During a recent Local Content Conference, the government outlined its policy direction. The current challenge involves translating these intentions into measurable, concrete implementation strategies. Olmberg asserts that the foundation has been laid by various private sector entities, but without clear policy choices, structure, consultation, and joint execution, Suriname risks missing crucial economic opportunities. The time has come to transition from discussion to decisive action.

  • NCCU sashes young pageant contestants

    NCCU sashes young pageant contestants

    The National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) has demonstrated its commitment to youth development and cultural preservation by sponsoring contestants in two prestigious Dominican pageants: the 2026 Miss Teen Dominica and the Miss Dominica State College Mas Jamboree.

    During an official sashing ceremony held on January 16, the financial institution formally appointed five young women as NCCU product ambassadors. The event featured the presentation of branded materials highlighting the credit union’s prominent financial products that each contestant will promote throughout the competition.

    NCCU’s sponsored participants in the Miss Teen Dominica competition include:
    – Janeece Williams (Goodwill Secondary School) representing Miss Christmas Club
    – Jeffrine Joseph (Castle Bruce Secondary School) representing Miss Member Share Capital
    – Ladira Dyer (Isaiah Thomas Secondary School) representing Miss Dollar Day
    – Marina Jno Baptiste (Operation Youth Quake) representing Miss Young Savers

    Additionally, Kalie Clarke, sponsored by NCCU in the Dominica State College Mas Jamboree Pageant, received the crown of Miss Momentum during the ceremony.

    Ms. Kayan Toussaint, Secretary of the NCCU Board of Directors and former Miss Dominica 2009, emphasized the organization’s dedication to youth empowerment. “Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are the influencers of today,” stated Toussaint. “Through education, savings initiatives, sponsorship, and mentorship, NCCU continues to empower young people to believe in themselves, manage resources responsibly, and stand confidently in their identity and culture.”

    The Miss Teen Dominica Pageant, organized by the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, marks its 47th anniversary this year. The Mas Jamboree Pageant returns after a five-year hiatus, signaling a revival of cultural traditions and youth engagement platforms. The sashing ceremony was officiated by Ms. Marjorie C. Roberts, Vice President of the NCCU Board.