Carib Scope

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  • DSB stelt SRD 160 miljoen dividend vast na goedkeuring jaarrekening 2024

    DSB stelt SRD 160 miljoen dividend vast na goedkeuring jaarrekening 2024

    Suriname’s leading financial institution, De Surinaamsche Bank N.V. (DSB), has announced a substantial dividend distribution of SRD 160 million to shareholders during its recent General Assembly meeting. This decision coincides with the bank’s landmark 160th anniversary celebrations and follows an exceptionally profitable fiscal year in 2024.

    The bank reported impressive financial results, achieving a net profit of SRD 546.3 million for the year ending 2024. DSB’s equity capital demonstrated robust growth, climbing to SRD 3.7 billion, while its solvency ratio strengthened significantly to 27.2%, up from 24.2% recorded in 2023.

    During the assembly, management highlighted substantial improvements in operational frameworks implemented over the past 24 months. The bank has successfully enhanced its supervision protocols, governance structures, risk management systems, compliance measures, and financial reporting capabilities. Notably, DSB has produced four consecutive IFRS-compliant annual financial statements, positioning the institution to achieve its target of reporting within six months after the balance sheet date starting from 2026.

    Corporate governance developments included the reappointment of two members to the Board of Commissioners and the nomination of a new board member, pending regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Suriname. Additionally, shareholders endorsed the nomination of Raveen Koelfat as Director in the capacity of Chief Commercial Officer. Upon central bank approval, this appointment will expand the bank’s directorate team to four members.

    The Board of Commissioners and executive leadership expressed profound appreciation for management and staff contributions while acknowledging the continued trust from shareholders, clients, business partners, and regulatory authorities. DSB reaffirmed its commitment to building upon its solid foundation and clear strategic direction to further strengthen its market position in the coming years.

  • USA : Two Haitians charged in a fraud case involving nearly $7 million USD

    USA : Two Haitians charged in a fraud case involving nearly $7 million USD

    Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts have unsealed charges against two Haitian immigrants for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated fraud operation that siphoned nearly $7 million from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The defendants, identified as 74-year-old naturalized citizen Antonio Bonheur and 21-year-old lawful permanent resident Saul Alisme, face serious federal charges for exploiting the nutrition assistance program over a 20-month period.

    The scheme centered around two modest retail establishments—Jesula Variety Store and Saul Maché Mixé Store—operating from a shared commercial space in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood. Federal investigators documented that both stores maintained exceptionally small footprints of 150 and 500 square feet respectively, carrying minimal grocery selections that contradicted their enormous SNAP transaction volumes.

    According to court documents, the operations demonstrated financially implausible patterns, with one location allegedly processing over $100,000 monthly in benefits—sometimes spiking to $500,000—far exceeding reasonable sales expectations for such limited operations. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley condemned the operation, stating the defendants had ‘transformed a program designed to nourish families into a multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise.’

    Undercover surveillance operations revealed systematic fraud, with agents observing customers exchanging SNAP benefits for cash rather than food items, while store operators retained substantial portions of the benefits. The indictment further alleges the establishments illegally sold alcohol and resold donated food items not intended for retail commerce—both clear violations of SNAP regulations.

    Prosecutors detailed sophisticated money laundering techniques involving multiple bank accounts used to conceal the illicit proceeds. Both defendants now confront charges of food stamp fraud, carrying potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment and $250,000 fines if convicted. The accused have not yet entered pleas, and all allegations remain unproven pending judicial review.

    Law enforcement officials emphasized that this case reveals vulnerabilities in merchant oversight within the SNAP program while explicitly noting that the allegations reflect individual actions rather than broader patterns within immigrant or Haitian communities.

  • Second Fatal Collision Prompts Wooden House Transport Ban

    Second Fatal Collision Prompts Wooden House Transport Ban

    The Belizean Ministry of Transport has enacted an immediate and comprehensive prohibition on the transportation of fully assembled wooden houses following a second deadly highway collision within three weeks. The decisive policy shift comes after 38-year-old Dean Perez perished in a catastrophic accident on the George Price Highway when his SUV collided with a mobile wooden structure near Mile 18.

    According to official reports, the residential structure was being transported on a trailer attached to a Dodge Ram operated by Zinadine Hernandez. Investigators indicate Hernandez observed the approaching SUV traveling at high velocity with illuminated high beams in the opposing lane moments before impact. This tragedy echoes similar circumstances that claimed the life of Pastor Julian Bol on the Southern Highway just weeks earlier.

    Transport CEO Chester Williams announced the sweeping regulatory changes after determining that previous restrictions limiting transport to nighttime hours remained insufficient to ensure public safety. “We have witnessed two fatal accidents during these hours and believed necessary to conduct more thorough policy evaluation,” Williams stated during official communications.

    The updated mandate requires all permitted oversized load carriers to completely disassemble wooden structures before transportation. Additionally, all transports must now be accompanied by official vehicles with revolving warning lights operated by either transport or police officers. These measures aim to reduce excessive protrusion from transport vehicles and minimize hazards to motorists.

    The ministry has formally notified all permit holders through written addendums to their existing authorizations, effectively immediately terminating the practice of moving assembled dwellings across Belizean roadways.

  • Man Dies in Hit-and-Run, Family Demands Justice

    Man Dies in Hit-and-Run, Family Demands Justice

    A community in Bullet Tree Village is confronting profound grief and mounting anger following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 31-year-old Mark Magaña Bul in the early hours of Thursday morning. The tragic collision occurred approximately at 1:00 AM along Bullet Tree Road as Bul, a dedicated father of three, was returning home from an extended work shift.

    The driver, identified by authorities as Julio Valdez, allegedly fled the scene without rendering assistance to the victim. Two passing travelers discovered Bul still conscious at the roadside and attempted life-saving measures, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The victim was subsequently transported to San Ignacio Hospital before being transferred to Belize City, where he was pronounced deceased.

    Martha Magaña Bul, the victim’s mother, recounted the devastating moment she received notification of the accident, describing the phone call that every parent dreads. She emphasized her son’s strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family, noting he had accepted extra work hours that evening to better fulfill his parental responsibilities.

    This tragedy represents the second devastating loss for the Magaña Bul family, who lost another son in a similar traffic incident sixteen years ago. The grieving mother has issued an emotional public plea for justice, calling for increased accountability for reckless drivers and expressing frustration with what she perceives as systemic failures in addressing traffic safety issues. The case has sparked broader conversations about road safety measures and legal consequences for hit-and-run offenses in the region.

  • Government Looks to Ease Concerns on Motorcycle Law

    Government Looks to Ease Concerns on Motorcycle Law

    The Belizean government has moved to clarify its position on proposed motorcycle legislation following public concern over mandatory training requirements. Prime Minister John Briceño previously indicated that Cabinet was revisiting the controversial legislation, prompting speculation about a potential policy reversal.

    Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Transport, provided official clarification regarding the Prime Minister’s remarks. Contrary to interpretations suggesting a complete withdrawal of the policy, Williams emphasized that the government is examining amendments to address public apprehensions while maintaining the legislation’s core objectives.

    The proposed adjustments would establish a tiered system for training requirements based on driving history. Under the revised framework, licensed drivers with at least two years of incident-free operation would be exempt from mandatory training. However, drivers with less than two years of experience or those with traffic infractions would still be required to complete the course. New applicants would also remain subject to the training mandate.

    Williams expressed frustration with what he characterized as misinterpretations of the Prime Minister’s statements, urging the public to engage more carefully with official communications. The government’s approach appears focused on balancing road safety objectives with practical considerations for experienced riders, representing a compromise position following significant public feedback.

  • Greg Soberanis to be Named Coast Guard Commandant in January

    Greg Soberanis to be Named Coast Guard Commandant in January

    The Belizean government has initiated a significant leadership transition within its maritime defense forces. Captain Gregory Soberanis has been designated as Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, following the reassignment of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett to the position of Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.

    Prime Minister John Briceño confirmed the developmental appointment, indicating that while the official announcement remains pending, the administration anticipates formalizing Soberanis’s position as permanent Commandant in January 2026. The leadership change represents a strategic continuity plan rather than an abrupt shift in defense policy.

    “Captain Soberanis has consistently served as second-in-command and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities as Acting Commandant,” stated Prime Minister Briceño. “His promotion constitutes a natural progression that will ensure continuity in the Coast Guard’s operational objectives. We maintain full confidence in his ability to successfully advance the initiatives previously established under Admiral Bennett’s command.”

    The transition timeline accounts for necessary administrative procedures, with Bennett requiring immediate assumption of his new responsibilities within the Home Affairs ministry. This carefully orchestrated changeover reflects the government’s methodical approach to national security personnel management amid broader cabinet-level adjustments.

  • Captain Greg Soberanis is Ready to Lead Belize Coast Guard

    Captain Greg Soberanis is Ready to Lead Belize Coast Guard

    In a significant military leadership transition, Prime Minister John Briceño has selected Captain Gregory Soberanis as the incoming Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard. While the formal appointment will be officially declared in January 2025, Captain Soberanis has already assumed responsibilities as Acting Commandant. This change follows Rear Admiral Elton Bennett’s move to become Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.

    Captain Soberanis expressed profound humility and honor at his selection, emphasizing his extensive preparation through the Coast Guard’s strategic development framework. “I am humbled and grateful, appreciative, really, that I have been given the opportunity to train and prepare for this position, for this moment, and for this time,” stated Soberanis.

    With service dating back to 2007, Captain Soberanis brings nearly two decades of operational experience to his new role. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing implementation of its 2020-2030 strategic plan, noting that the Coast Guard is currently conducting a mid-term review of this comprehensive roadmap. The incoming Commandant emphasized continuity in executing the established strategic vision focused on maritime security and national defense operations.

    This leadership transition occurs amid broader governmental changes, including recent cabinet reshuffles that have prompted questions about administrative stability within the Belizean government.

  • FLASH : Large-scale anti-gang operation by the Haitian National Police (PNH) supported by the FRG

    FLASH : Large-scale anti-gang operation by the Haitian National Police (PNH) supported by the FRG

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian security forces initiated a comprehensive counter-gang operation on Wednesday night, December 18, 2025, targeting multiple districts in the capital region. The Haitian National Police (PNH), backed by specialized Gang Suppression Force (GSF) units utilizing helicopter support, conducted coordinated strikes across Pernier, Torcelle, Tabarre, and Croix-des-Bouquets.

    The primary objective of the mission focused on dismantling operations of the notorious terrorist organization ‘Kraze Barye,’ commanded by Vitel’homme Innocent. The United States Department of State has designated a $2 million bounty for information leading to Innocent’s capture, highlighting the international significance of the operation.

    Local residents endured hours of intense violence as security forces engaged armed groups. The operation featured unprecedented use of kamikaze drones delivering powerful explosions, sustained aerial surveillance by GSF helicopters, and extended exchanges of automatic weapons fire that continued into Thursday morning.

    PNH officials confirmed the ongoing nature of the operation, stating that deployed units would maintain their positions indefinitely until achieving strategic objectives. The protracted conflict has resulted in significant transportation disruptions, with major arteries including the Frères road completely blocked to civilian traffic.

    Authorities have maintained operational silence regarding tactical outcomes or casualties. The PNH issued an official communiqué emphasizing that preliminary assessments would be premature while active engagements continue across multiple fronts.

  • Chester Williams Speaks After Being Passed Over for Home Affairs CEO

    Chester Williams Speaks After Being Passed Over for Home Affairs CEO

    In the wake of Prime Minister John Briceño’s executive appointment selection, Chester Williams, the current Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Transport, has publicly addressed his non-selection for the Home Affairs leadership position. Despite being widely regarded as a strong candidate due to his extensive background in law enforcement, Williams expressed unequivocal support for the Prime Minister’s constitutional prerogative.

    Williams emphasized the constitutional authority granted to the prime minister under Section 107, which empowers the head of government to appoint CEOs, ambassadors, and key security force leaders including the police commissioner, coast guard commander, military chief, and customs comptroller.

    The Transport CEO revealed his profound satisfaction with his current ministerial role, highlighting his productive working relationship with Minister Dr. Zabaneh and praising his dedicated staff. Williams indicated that his potential reassignment would have disrupted significant ongoing initiatives and disappointed his team.

    Regarding Rear Admiral Elton Bennett’s appointment to the Home Affairs position, Williams extended his confidence in Bennett’s capabilities to effectively discharge the responsibilities of the office, demonstrating political solidarity with the administration’s decision-making process.

  • Armed Robbery Hits Office at Fort George Hotel

    Armed Robbery Hits Office at Fort George Hotel

    In a targeted armed robbery on Thursday evening, criminal elements infiltrated an administrative office associated with the Fort George Hotel complex, making away with a significant sum of cash and personal belongings. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on December 18, 2025, involved two armed male suspects who specifically targeted a separate commercial office near the hotel’s main premises.

    According to official police reports, the perpetrators brandished firearms upon entering the office and immediately demanded money from staff present. During the confrontation, a 33-year-old accounts payable clerk was restrained by the assailants while they seized approximately nine thousand dollars in cash, along with multiple cellular phones and various personal effects.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that the robbery was executed with precision, suggesting the perpetrators may have possessed prior knowledge of the office’s operations. The Fort George Hotel and Spa management has issued an official statement emphasizing that the criminal activity occurred in a distinct commercial space adjacent to but separate from the hotel’s primary operations, assuring guests that hotel facilities and visitor areas remained completely unaffected throughout the incident.

    Police investigations remain ongoing as forensic teams continue processing the crime scene for evidence. No injuries have been reported among staff or guests, though the traumatized employee received immediate support following the ordeal. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and seeking witnesses who might provide crucial information leading to the identification and apprehension of the suspects.