Carib Scope

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  • Farley: Never a permanent fixture

    Farley: Never a permanent fixture

    The controversial United States military radar system previously stationed at ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Tobago, has been formally dismantled and removed from the site. Visual confirmation yesterday revealed no traces of the equipment at its previous location, with airport security personnel now monitoring the area.

    Chief Secretary Farley Augustine confirmed to media outlets that his office received advance notification about the equipment’s removal, characterizing the development as unsurprising. “The radar system that was temporarily installed in Tobago has now been dismantled and preparations are under way for the equipment and associated US military personnel to leave the island,” Augustine stated.

    The Chief Secretary emphasized that the dismantling aligned perfectly with the original schedule presented to him, noting that the temporary nature of the installation made previous concerns about permanent militarization unfounded. “This was always a temporary fixture,” Augustine remarked, “which makes the alarmists quite laughable because they engaged in fearmongering about making us a military target.”

    Augustine framed the episode as a crucial lesson in national security sovereignty, asserting that Trinidad and Tobago must invest in its own defense infrastructure. “We cannot permanently rely on the capabilities of other countries; we must make our own investments into our national security infrastructure to strengthen our surveillance, maritime and air defense systems,” he emphasized.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously disclosed that the radar system operation cost the United States approximately $3 million daily. While unable to confirm the exact number of US personnel stationed at Grafton Beach resort, the Prime Minister indicated their phased departure would conclude by month’s end. She acknowledged the intelligence-sharing collaboration between US forces and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service had proven instrumental in recent security operations.

    Despite the removal of US military assets, Augustine maintained that “Tobago remains safe and focused on its development,” highlighting the island’s continued commitment to both security and economic progress.

  • Opposition slams Sturge for ‘misleading T&T’

    Opposition slams Sturge for ‘misleading T&T’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been rocked by serious allegations from the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), which has demanded the immediate resignation of Defense Minister Wayne Sturge. The controversy centers around the mysterious dismantling of a United States-installed radar system in Tobago that was purportedly critical for drug interdiction operations.

    Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, who represents the Arouca/Lopinot constituency, has leveled accusations of deliberate deception against Minister Sturge. According to Gonzales, the minister had publicly assured the nation just two weeks earlier that the sophisticated radar equipment would remain operational indefinitely to support local authorities in combating drug trafficking through territorial waters.

    The sudden disappearance of this vital security infrastructure has raised profound questions about ministerial credibility and government transparency. Gonzales emphasized that Sturge’s pattern of evading legitimate parliamentary inquiries through personal attacks and claims of national security privilege has only intensified public concern about the administration’s openness.

    Through both WhatsApp communications with media outlets and an official Facebook statement, Gonzales documented the timeline of what he characterizes as a deliberate misinformation campaign. The opposition figure noted the irony that the government had previously highlighted this radar system as a cornerstone of their anti-narcotics strategy, using it extensively for public relations purposes.

    Gonzales, who previously served as national security minister during the PNM’s administration, questioned whether the removal implies that drug trafficking operations in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters have ceased entirely. His social media statements included the hashtags #waynesturgemustgo and #resignnow, amplifying calls for accountability.

    The developing situation underscores growing tensions between the government and opposition regarding national security management, with demands for complete transparency about the radar’s removal and the future of maritime surveillance capabilities in the region.

  • Defence attorney: Sturge told truth on Seetahal threat

    Defence attorney: Sturge told truth on Seetahal threat

    A significant development has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the 2014 assassination of State Prosecutor Dana Seetahal, with defense attorney Criston J. Williams asserting that Minister of Defense Wayne Sturge’s parliamentary statement about prior police intelligence was accurate. Williams contends that law enforcement agencies received advanced warnings about a credible threat against Seetahal’s life before her May 2014 murder but failed to take adequate protective measures.

    Williams, representing murder accused Rajaee Ali, has presented compelling evidence through correspondence with former Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher and Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard. In these December 2024 letters, Williams detailed how the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and its affiliated agencies were alerted by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) about the impending danger to Seetahal’s life. Despite this intelligence, the TTPS allegedly neglected to deploy available resources that could have prevented the tragic outcome.

    The defense attorney further challenges the integrity of the digital evidence presented against his client, highlighting concerns about potential manipulation of metadata obtained through the Interception of Communications Act. Williams has simultaneously questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, suggesting alternative theories including possible involvement of transnational drug organizations. He references statements from former Commissioner Gary Griffith and US Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield indicating DEA collaboration in the investigation and potential connections to drug trafficking networks using Caribbean transit routes.

    The TTPS has declined Freedom of Information Act requests for comprehensive evidence disclosure, citing concerns about prejudicing ongoing court proceedings. Similarly, the DPP’s office has remained unresponsive to Williams’ inquiries about alternative investigation avenues, prompting judicial intervention to address these transparency concerns. Williams emphasizes that while sensitive information requires protection, states must maintain transparency regarding investigative procedures and findings to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.

  • BLOODY 6 HOURS

    BLOODY 6 HOURS

    A wave of violence swept through Trinidad’s capital on Sunday, resulting in the fatal shootings of three men in separate incidents across the Port of Spain Division within a narrow six-hour timeframe.

    The first tragedy unfolded at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the McShine Lands area of Laventille. Romello Edingborough, a 29-year-old from Maraval, was engaged in renovation work with his father when six individuals clad in dark clothing approached the property. Two of the assailants, armed with firearms, reportedly seized Edingborough and executed him at the property’s entrance with multiple gunshots before fleeing towards Desperlie Crescent. Despite being rushed to Port of Spain General Hospital by his father, Edingborough was declared deceased upon arrival at 4:39 p.m. Law enforcement officials, including Ag/Cpl Nunez and teams from Homicide Region One, secured the scene and collected ballistic evidence comprising eight 5.56mm shell casings, two .40 caliber casings, one 9mm casing, and a blood sample.

    Approximately two hours later, at 6:10 p.m., officers from the Port of Spain Task Force responded to reports of gunfire at Joe Sam Hill in Laventille. Their investigation led to the discovery of 29-year-old Shaquille Woods from Morvant, who was found deceased at the base of a staircase with multiple fatal gunshot wounds to his head. Emergency medical personnel confirmed no vital signs were present. Homicide detectives and forensic specialists processed the location, recovering a single 5.56mm spent shell casing.

    The third homicide occurred near 9:40 p.m. along Picton Road in Laventille. Prince Moses, 35, was fatally shot outside his residence after stepping into his yard. Relatives reported hearing explosive gunshots before discovering Moses wounded. He was transported to Port of Spain General Hospital by PC Lewis and other responders but was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m. Crime scene investigators subsequently retrieved multiple 9mm spent shell casings from the location.

    In a related development, another shooting incident claimed the life of 22-year-old Umar Mohammed in Cocorite on Monday morning, bringing the nation’s murder toll to 73 for the year. This figure represents a decrease from the 83 homicides recorded during the corresponding period last year.

  • Children’s Authority board rejects call

    Children’s Authority board rejects call

    A significant institutional standoff has emerged between Trinidad and Tobago’s Children’s Authority board and its overseeing minister, with board members firmly rejecting resignation demands despite revelations of substantial financial liabilities. Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit publicly called for the board’s resignation during a Sunday news conference, citing a troubling $77 million liability and alleged operational mismanagement within the agency.

    Board Chairman Marsha Bailey explicitly stated the board’s intention to serve through its appointed term until October 2026, countering the minister’s demands. The authority’s governing body expressed astonishment at Mohit’s public statements, revealing that numerous formal requests for ministerial meetings had gone unanswered throughout their tenure.

    The conflict appears rooted in fundamental disagreements regarding financial oversight and operational responsibilities. The board emphasized its compliance with the Children’s Authority Act, which establishes that presidential appointees serve fixed terms, suggesting the minister lacks direct authority to demand resignations.

    Financial constraints have significantly hampered the Authority’s operations, affecting critical areas including personnel costs, foster care programs, facility maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. These challenges were formally communicated to the ministry following the 2026 national budget passage, yet the board claims it received inadequate ministerial support.

    The current confrontation escalated after the board implemented disciplinary measures regarding non-payment of statutory deductions—a violation of national law. Minister Mohit subsequently requested a comprehensive report on these actions, which the board provided within 24 hours despite having received only a brief five-minute meeting with the minister in February.

    The board maintains that operational management falls under the director or chief executive officer’s purview, while their role focuses on governance and oversight. They expressed concern that public criticism potentially damages the Authority’s reputation and undermines the professionals serving on the board.

    Both parties have committed to providing additional clarifications regarding the $77 million liability, though neither side had issued further statements by press time. The minister indicated a response would be forthcoming regarding potential government actions should the board maintain its position.

  • Abinader tours La Milagrosa Farm to strengthen tobacco technology

    Abinader tours La Milagrosa Farm to strengthen tobacco technology

    MONTE PLATA – In a significant move to bolster the national tobacco sector, President Luis Abinader conducted a high-profile inspection of the state-of-the-art ‘La Milagrosa’ tobacco plantation, a flagship operation managed by the renowned Arturo Fuente company. The presidential visit served as a strategic assessment of the advanced agricultural model that the government now seeks to replicate across other tobacco-producing regions in the Dominican Republic.

    During the tour, President Abinader received detailed briefings from Arturo Fuente executives Ciro Cascella and Carlos Fuente, who elaborated on the farm’s substantial technological investments and its transformative effect on the production of premium cigars for the global market. The executives credited the sector’s robust expansion to the government’s business-friendly policies and supportive regulatory environment.

    The sprawling 1,000-acre agricultural complex represents a capital investment surpassing RD$350 million and stands as a paradigm of modern farming. It integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including automated irrigation networks, precision fertilization systems, solar energy installations, and high-capacity curing barns designed for optimal efficiency. Beyond its technological prowess, the project serves as a critical economic engine for the Monte Plata province, creating approximately 400 direct employment opportunities and stimulating local development.

    Citing data from the Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic, the visit underscored the crop’s paramount role as the nation’s leading agricultural export. The industry generates an estimated $1.38 billion in revenue and sustains nearly 40,000 jobs within associated free trade zones, with a notably high rate of female workforce participation.

    In addition to its commercial success, the Fuente family highlighted the profound social dividends of their operations through their dedicated foundation. This philanthropic arm has significantly broadened access to quality education, enhanced healthcare services, and funded community development initiatives, substantially improving living standards in tobacco-growing communities.

  • Abinader swears in environmental observatory committee

    Abinader swears in environmental observatory committee

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move toward enhanced environmental governance, Dominican President Luis Abinader has officially inaugurated the steering committee for the Observatory of Environmental Policies and Protected Areas. The ceremony, held at the National Palace, marks the operational launch of this multi-sectoral entity established under Decree 105-26.

    The newly formed Observatory is designed as an independent consultative body with a mandate to strengthen oversight, conservation, and sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources, placing particular emphasis on protected areas. It represents a collaborative governance model, integrating representatives from prominent environmental organizations, academic institutions, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

    A core function of the initiative is to promote the generation of and public access to environmental information. It aims to foster cooperation across government agencies, civil society, and the academic sector, with future plans to transition into a formally established non-profit organization. The decree mandates the steering committee to finalize its legal incorporation and define its operational framework within a 45-day period. Subsequently, the body will be tasked with developing a sustainability plan and securing necessary resources in coordination with the Ministry of Environment.

    This establishment underscores the Abinader administration’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and participatory environmental policy management in the Dominican Republic.

  • Nurses group accused of defending gov’t over 5% salary allotment

    Nurses group accused of defending gov’t over 5% salary allotment

    A significant political controversy has emerged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following allegations by Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves against Shelly-Ann Alexander-Ross, president of the SVG Nurses’ Association. Gonsalves has publicly accused Alexander-Ross of functioning as a “partisan political explainer” for the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) government regarding the discontinuation of a 5% tax-free supplement for nursing staff.

    The dispute centers around a temporary financial benefit initially introduced by the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration in 2024. During his appearance on Star Radio, Gonsalves revealed that his attention was drawn to the matter when nurses showed him payslips indicating the missing supplement. He expressed particular concern about Alexander-Ross’s dual role as both nurses’ association president and senior member of the Public Service Union.

    The Nurses’ Association had previously issued a March 11 press release clarifying that the 5% supplement was always intended as a temporary measure. The statement emphasized that the benefit was initially communicated as a time-bound provision designed to offer short-term fiscal relief while discussions about nursing post reclassification continued. The association acknowledged the supplement’s extension through 2025 but maintained its understanding of the temporary nature of the arrangement.

    Gonsalves countered these explanations, stating that during the election campaign, his party had clearly committed to continuing the supplement and incorporating it into future salary increases. The ULP, after 25 years in governance, was voted out of office in the 2025 elections, leading to the current political dynamic.

    The opposition leader expressed bewilderment at Alexander-Ross’s position, questioning her approach as a trade union representative. He emphasized that his government had clearly articulated the supplement’s continuation, making the current administration’s decision to discontinue it particularly concerning from his perspective.

  • Measures facilitating participation of Cubans abroad in the national economy

    Measures facilitating participation of Cubans abroad in the national economy

    In a landmark economic reform, Cuba has eliminated longstanding restrictions that previously limited domestic investment exclusively to permanent residents. The new provisions now empower Cubans residing abroad to invest directly in private enterprises and form partnerships with Cuban private economic actors under the Foreign Investment Law.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, announced these transformative measures as part of Cuba’s comprehensive strategy to update its economic model. These changes reflect ongoing dialogues with the Cuban diaspora and demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with global citizens who wish to contribute to national development.

    The reforms represent a significant decentralization effort aimed at increasing foreign capital participation and diversifying private sector involvement across economic sectors. The most notable change removes the permanent residency requirement that previously barred diaspora investment, while simultaneously opening banking sector opportunities and establishing new cooperation and investment funds.

    Under the new framework, expatriate Cubans can now establish partnerships with private companies through overseas-registered entities—a privilege previously reserved for state-owned enterprises. The financial sector reforms authorize diaspora participation in creating non-bank financial institutions and investment banks, subject to Central Bank approval, including opportunities in virtual asset services.

    To facilitate operations, diaspora investors will enjoy equal banking rights as domestic residents, including foreign currency account access. The government is also creating specialized funds to streamline cooperation efforts and maximize impact in priority areas.

    Food production receives particular emphasis, with the government encouraging agricultural investment at municipal levels. The Deputy Prime Minister cited successful Vietnamese rice production ventures as potential models for diaspora engagement through land usufruct arrangements.

    Despite these openings, officials acknowledge the persistent challenges posed by the US economic blockade, which restricts access to capital markets and financing. The humanitarian consequences include disrupted medical treatments, food production limitations, and widespread energy deficiencies affecting water access.

    The government is concurrently improving administrative mechanisms to ensure efficient processing of investment proposals, with enhanced business opportunity portfolios and reduced bureaucratic delays. These measures collectively represent Cuba’s strategic commitment to engaging its global diaspora in building a prosperous and sustainable economy grounded in social justice principles.

  • Kharg-eiland: Iran’s ‘onaanraakbare’ olieslagader onder vuur

    Kharg-eiland: Iran’s ‘onaanraakbare’ olieslagader onder vuur

    In a significant escalation of regional tensions, recent US military operations have directly targeted Iran’s critical Kharg Island oil facility, challenging previous strategic restraint. Located approximately 25 kilometers off Iran’s southern coast, this 20-square-kilometer island represents the crown jewel of Iran’s petroleum industry, handling an estimated 90% of the nation’s oil exports through its extensive network of pipelines, terminals, and storage facilities.

    The Trump administration’s authorization of airstrikes marks a dramatic shift in US approach, resulting in measurable damage to Iran’s oil infrastructure that threatens both export capabilities and economic stability. Military analysts note that while the United States and Israel possess the technical capacity to strike Kharg’s heavily fortified installations, previous reluctance stemmed from concerns about triggering disproportionate retaliation.

    The strategic significance of Kharg Island cannot be overstated. Its deep-water port facilities accommodate supertankers unable to navigate the shallow Persian Gulf waters, making it an indispensable node in global energy networks. Historical precedent exists for targeting this facility—during the Iran-Iraq conflict, the island suffered repeated attacks that underscored its vulnerability despite defensive measures.

    Security experts warn that sustained attacks on Kharg could provoke severe countermeasures from Tehran, potentially including closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime choke point through which 20% of global oil shipments pass daily. Such action would likely trigger immediate spikes in oil prices and disrupt worldwide energy supplies.

    Iran maintains multiple asymmetric response options, including intensified proxy operations through regional allies in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria. The Islamic Republic has also developed substantial cyber warfare capabilities that could target Western energy infrastructure and economic systems in retaliation.

    Despite years of sanctions forcing economic adaptation, analysts question Iran’s ability to withstand sustained attacks on its primary export facility. While alternative pipelines to the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea exist, their capacity remains limited, and clandestine export methods would struggle to compensate for major infrastructure damage.

    The coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether targeted strikes continue or expand into broader conflict, with global energy markets watching nervously as geopolitical tensions reach new heights.