Carib Scope

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  • Interpol treft illegale goudsector in Guyanaschild

    Interpol treft illegale goudsector in Guyanaschild

    In a landmark multinational operation, security and justice authorities from Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname have delivered a devastating blow to illegal gold mining operations throughout the ecologically sensitive Guyana Shield region. Conducted in December 2025, Operation Guyana Shield resulted in the apprehension of nearly 200 suspects and the seizure of substantial quantities of gold, cash, mercury, and mining equipment.

    The extensive crackdown involved over 24,500 individual and vehicle inspections across remote border territories. In Guyana alone, three individuals were arrested on suspicion of gold smuggling and money laundering after being found in possession of unprocessed gold and approximately $590,000 in US currency. Investigations suggest these suspects belong to an organized criminal network with potential connections to a prominent Guyanese gold exporter.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the direct correlation between soaring global gold prices and the proliferation of illegal mining activities. “Illegal gold mining has emerged as one of the fastest-growing revenue streams for organized crime in Latin America,” Urquiza warned. “These operations inflict irreparable damage upon an ecologically vulnerable region while simultaneously undermining the rule of law.”

    A significant achievement of the operation was the interception of mercury cylinders valued at over $60,000 in Guyana and Suriname. The highly toxic substance, commonly used in illegal gold processing, was discovered concealed within solar panels and transported via bus. Mirror operations conducted simultaneously along the Oyapock and Marowijne border rivers enabled coordinated inspections on both sides of these waterways.

    Authorities additionally confiscated counterfeit medications, alcohol, and cigarettes worth approximately $40,000 from stores supplying miners and suspected of involvement in gold and contraband smuggling. The operation also netted mining apparatus including pumps and gold mats, firearms, communication equipment, and intercepted a bus carrying undocumented migrants—including minors potentially vulnerable to child labor or sexual exploitation.

    Supported by the European cooperation program EL PAcCTO 2.0, INTERPOL, and the Dutch Police’s High Impact Environmental Crime team, participating agencies have hailed the operation as a breakthrough in regional collaboration against illegal mining and associated criminal enterprises.

  • ‘Breuk in de wereldorde’: toespraken van Carney en wereldleiders in Davos

    ‘Breuk in de wereldorde’: toespraken van Carney en wereldleiders in Davos

    The World Economic Forum in Davos has become the stage for a profound geopolitical confrontation as world leaders grapple with the destabilizing effects of Donald Trump’s aggressive foreign policy maneuvers. The atmosphere was charged with tension as representatives from major powers expressed starkly divergent visions for the future of international relations.

    French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stark warning about emerging ‘rule-free world order’ where international law is trampled and might makes right. In a notable visual metaphor, Macron addressed the forum wearing sunglasses—attributed to a burst blood vessel—while delivering sobering remarks about record global conflicts in 2024, acknowledging that some might be ‘fabricated’ while emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney presented perhaps the most dramatic assessment, declaring the world is experiencing a ‘rupture rather than transition’ in the US-led global system. He dismissed the concept of American hegemony as ‘fiction’ and warned that middle powers risk being sidelined if they don’t unite. ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,’ Carney cautioned, emphasizing that traditional assumptions about geography and alliances no longer guarantee security or prosperity.

    The forum specifically addressed Trump’s threatened takeover of Greenland, which has alarmed European allies. Macron announced France would participate in joint exercises in Greenland specifically to support Denmark, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed Denmark and Greenland’s territorial integrity is ‘not up for discussion.’

    Von der Leyen outlined the EU’s response to geopolitical shocks, noting progress in energy, raw materials, defense and digitalization. She revealed the EU is close to finalizing a historic trade agreement with India that would create a market representing nearly a quarter of global GDP.

    Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng struck a contrasting tone, emphasizing cooperation and portraying China’s development as an opportunity rather than threat. He promised further market opening and equal treatment for foreign companies while calling for fair treatment of Chinese businesses abroad.

    The collective response from traditional US allies suggests a significant recalibration of global alliances as nations seek to navigate an increasingly unpredictable international landscape where established rules and institutions appear increasingly fragile.

  • The human rights record of Saint Kitts and Nevis to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

    The human rights record of Saint Kitts and Nevis to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

    The United Nations Human Rights Council will conduct its fourth comprehensive assessment of Saint Kitts and Nevis’s human rights record through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Scheduled for January 27, 2026, from 09:00 to 12:30 GMT+1 in Geneva, the examination will be publicly webcast from the Palais des Nations Assembly Hall.

    This review places the Caribbean nation among 13 states undergoing evaluation during the January 19-30, 2026 session. The previous assessments occurred in January 2011, November 2015, and January 2021, establishing a consistent pattern of international human rights monitoring.

    The UPR Working Group, comprising all 47 Human Rights Council member states, will evaluate Saint Kitts and Nevis based on three primary documentation sources: the national report submitted by the government, independent assessments from UN human rights experts and treaty bodies, and supplementary information from civil society organizations and national human rights institutions.

    Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Mr. Garth Wilkin will lead the Saint Kitts and Nevis delegation. The review process will be facilitated by a troika of rapporteurs representing Bolivia, Ghana, and Iceland, ensuring multilateral oversight.

    The UPR mechanism represents a peer-driven evaluation system encompassing all 193 UN Member States. During this fourth assessment cycle, Saint Kitts and Nevis is expected to demonstrate implementation progress on previous recommendations while highlighting recent human rights developments. The Working Group will formally adopt its recommendations on January 30, 2026, providing the reviewed nation opportunity to respond to proposed measures.

    This transparent process allows global observation through live webcast and provides documentation accessibility via the UPR Extranet, maintaining the integrity and openness characteristic of international human rights monitoring.

  • Four Seasons Resort Nevis launches local Manager-In-Training program

    Four Seasons Resort Nevis launches local Manager-In-Training program

    Four Seasons Resort Nevis has inaugurated a groundbreaking Manager-in-Training (MIT) initiative, selecting seven exceptional employees for an intensive 18-month leadership development program commencing February 1, 2026. This strategic investment in local talent development underscores the resort’s commitment to cultivating future leaders who will perpetuate the organization’s legacy of excellence and community engagement.

    The comprehensive program identifies high-potential staff members across diverse departments: Kevin Raymond (Spa), Nykeisha Henry (People & Culture), Margaret Castro (Culinary), Michianna Austrie (Kids for All Seasons), Terrencia Nisbett (Food & Beverage), Tinari Chapman (Housekeeping), and Za’Miere Givace (Residences). These individuals were chosen based on their demonstrated embodiment of Four Seasons’ cultural values and service standards.

    General Manager Avi Phookan emphasized the program’s strategic significance during the resort’s 35th anniversary celebrations in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. “This initiative represents our deliberate investment in professionals who already exemplify our organizational culture and operational standards,” Phookan stated. “By empowering local talent, we ensure our leadership legacy maintains authenticity, resilience, and deep roots within the community we serve.”

    The structured curriculum is designed to equip participants with advanced leadership capabilities, strategic decision-making competencies, and the confidence necessary to assume greater responsibilities. This developmental journey aims to simultaneously accelerate individual career progression while strengthening the resort’s competitive positioning as a Caribbean hospitality leader.

    This workforce development strategy reflects Four Seasons’ forward-looking approach to talent management, ensuring the preservation of service excellence through successive generations while promoting internal career advancement opportunities for Caribbean hospitality professionals.

  • Vissers zetten in op bescherming zeeleven en behoud exportmarkten

    Vissers zetten in op bescherming zeeleven en behoud exportmarkten

    Suriname’s fishing industry is undergoing significant regulatory transformations with the mandatory implementation of acoustic deterrent devices, known as pingers, across fishing vessels. This initiative, spearheaded by the Suriname Fisherfolk Organization (SUNFO), aims to protect endangered marine species including sea turtles and dolphins from entanglement in fishing nets.

    The regulatory overhaul comes in response to recent trade restrictions imposed by the United States on specific fishing methods. To regain access to the American market while simultaneously securing continued export privileges to the European Union, Suriname has attached stringent environmental conditions to all fishing licenses effective 2026.

    Comprehensive conservation measures extend beyond acoustic devices to include reduced maximum net lengths, mandatory onboard documentation of protected species, and the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems for enhanced maritime surveillance. The government has simultaneously intensified crackdowns on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, with violations now carrying penalties including permanent license revocation.

    Industry representatives have pledged full cooperation with the new framework. SUNFO Secretary Mark Lall emphasized that collective compliance is essential for maintaining international market presence. Suriname currently ranks among few regional nations with near-global export privileges, attributed to its robust management systems and adherence to international hygiene standards.

    The fishing sector acknowledges marine resources as renewable assets that, under responsible stewardship, can sustain future generations. Sustainable fisheries management is now framed as a shared responsibility among fishers, government agencies, and international partners.

  • Labor Ministry reminds Duarte Day holiday remains on January 26

    Labor Ministry reminds Duarte Day holiday remains on January 26

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a definitive administrative declaration, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor has confirmed that the national holiday honoring founding father Juan Pablo Duarte will be strictly observed on its fixed calendar date of Monday, January 26, 2026, with no provision for a movable long weekend.

    The official communiqué from the ministry explicitly stated that the workforce is mandated to resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 27. This directive, grounded in the nation’s Holiday Act (Law 139-97), is binding for all commercial enterprises and public sector institutions across the country without exception.

    Furthermore, the ministry issued a critical reminder to the business community regarding compensation protocols for holiday work. Citing Article 205 of the overarching Labor Code (Law 16-92), the announcement stipulates that any labor conducted on this statutory holiday, or any other official day of rest, obligates employers to provide remuneration at double the standard rate. This enforcement of a 100% wage surcharge ensures employees receive twice their regular daily pay for hours worked on January 26.

  • Dominican Republic strengthens response to climate-related disasters

    Dominican Republic strengthens response to climate-related disasters

    The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step in fortifying its national resilience against climate-induced disasters through the formal introduction of the Dominican Red Cross’s Climate Change and Environment Policy. This strategic framework is designed to substantially enhance the nation’s preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of a growing frequency and intensity of climate-related emergencies.

    At the policy’s unveiling, Max Puig, the Executive Vice President of the National Council for Climate Change and the Carbon Market (CNCCMC), underscored the pivotal role of the Red Cross as a primary responder in crisis situations. He articulated that this new policy serves to strengthen comprehensive systems dedicated to the prevention, management, and mitigation of risks associated with a spectrum of climate threats. These include hurricanes, destructive floods, widespread forest fires, and the encroaching danger of sea-level rise.

    Furthermore, Puig elaborated that the initiative is engineered to work in synergy with established programs, notably the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. This integration facilitates the advanced detection of extreme weather phenomena and empowers authorities to execute prompt, coordinated responses grounded in robust social protection principles. He concluded with a critical observation that climate change is a potent catalyst for deepening social and economic vulnerabilities, thereby making collaborative action between governmental bodies and humanitarian institutions like the Red Cross absolutely indispensable for safeguarding communities and preserving livelihoods across the nation.

  • May these difficult times be an opportunity for growth

    May these difficult times be an opportunity for growth

    In a significant political mobilization, the Cuban Communist Party conducted extraordinary plenary sessions across Sancti Spíritus and Villa Clara provinces this Wednesday. Presided over by First Secretary Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, these assemblies marked a strategic reinforcement of national priorities amidst escalating global tensions.

    The gatherings, attended by high-ranking officials including Political Bureau member Roberto Morales Ojeda, focused on implementing resolutions from the Party’s 11th Central Committee Plenum. Discussions centered on three foundational principles: national unity, anti-imperialism, and patriotism as essential frameworks for navigating current challenges.

    Key priorities emerged with particular urgency, emphasizing homeland defense, agricultural productivity, stabilization of the National Electric System, and enhanced ideological work. Díaz-Canel characterized the current imperial decline phase as particularly hazardous, noting that “they tend to resolve things through the language of war,” necessitating comprehensive national preparedness.

    The sessions produced concrete operational directives, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation strategies. Morales Ojeda emphasized disciplined execution without extremism, while provincial leaders presented detailed progress reports. Sancti Spíritus demonstrated positive indicators across multiple metrics, including organizational growth and economic initiatives under the “Sancti Spíritus en marcha” mobilization program.

    Villa Clara’s First Secretary Susely Morfa González outlined dual economic and ideological battles, emphasizing development chains that directly improve citizens’ quality of life. The province is advancing municipal autonomy models and transforming grassroots units into state-owned enterprises or MSMEs to strengthen local economies.

    A recurring theme was the necessity of conscious unity through frank discussion rather than uniform discourse. Leadership emphasized engaging non-party members in decision-making processes, particularly youth, and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to production. The gatherings concluded with commitments to intensified implementation, with follow-up sessions scheduled for the quarter’s end.

  • Column: Sportieve keuze op basis van realiteitszin

    Column: Sportieve keuze op basis van realiteitszin

    Professional footballers of Surinamese descent holding Dutch nationality face a complex career crossroads despite their high-level performances in competitive leagues. Many find themselves overlooked for selection to the Netherlands national team (Oranje), even as younger native Dutch colleagues receive call-ups. This creates a strategic dilemma for players who must weigh national pride against practical career considerations.

    The reality of international football presents harsh truths: some players receive nominal call-ups only to spend minimal time on the pitch during brief substitute appearances. These limited opportunities fail to provide adequate proving grounds while simultaneously locking players out of representing alternative nations through FIFA eligibility rules. The scarcity of actual playing time becomes particularly crucial during international matches, where scouts from major clubs actively monitor performances for transfer opportunities.

    Within Oranje’s selection process, intense competition creates an environment where only consistently starting players from top European clubs typically secure positions. The national coach enjoys the luxury of choosing among Dutch-nationality players performing at elite levels across Europe’s premier competitions. Regular playing time, statistical performance, and club success become determining factors in selection decisions, often leaving talented but less-featured players waiting for injuries to create opportunities.

    For players consistently receiving minutes in major leagues yet remaining overlooked by Dutch selectors, representing Suriname (their ancestral nation) presents a viable sporting alternative. Suriname’s national team coach operates without the same depth of top-tier options, meaning guaranteed playing time and greater visibility for scouts. This alternative path offers practical advantages over potentially waiting indefinitely for Netherlands recognition that might never materialize or result in meaningful playing time.

    Footballers must therefore conduct clear-eyed assessments of their actual prospects: evaluating both the likelihood of selection and the probability of substantive playing time if called. Those publicly declaring their Oranje aspirations risk finding themselves sidelined after limited opportunities, potentially closing doors to other international representation. The optimal path requires balancing national team aspirations with practical career development considerations in a highly competitive global sport.

  • St. Kitts-Nevis joins OAS in solemn reflection on anniversary of Haiti earthquake

    St. Kitts-Nevis joins OAS in solemn reflection on anniversary of Haiti earthquake

    WASHINGTON, DC – Sixteen years after the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake that ravaged Haiti, member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) convened for a solemn commemoration of the tragic event that continues to resonate throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis joined fellow OAS members in honoring the memory of the victims and celebrating Haitian resilience during a special session of the Permanent Council on Wednesday, January 21st.

    Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, representing St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered a poignant address acknowledging the profound human, social, and economic devastation caused by the January 12, 2010 disaster. The earthquake resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities, displaced millions of citizens, and triggered significant migration patterns that continue to affect Caribbean nations and the United States.

    In her remarks, Ambassador Henry-Martin paid tribute not only to those who perished but also to the extraordinary fortitude demonstrated by the Haitian people. ‘From a nation of historical overcomers emerged, from the rubble and sorrow, valiant women and men who, despite unimaginable hardships, have continued to rebuild their communities,’ she stated, emphasizing the ‘extraordinary courage and resilience’ that has characterized Haiti’s response to the tragedy.

    The ambassador contextualized Haiti’s ongoing struggles within its remarkable historical legacy, noting the country’s pioneering role as the first Black Republic and the first nation in the Americas to achieve independence. She highlighted how Haiti’s 1804 revolution inspired liberation movements throughout the region and affirmed universal principles of liberty and self-determination.

    Ambassador Henry-Martin reaffirmed the collective responsibility of OAS member states to support Haiti’s recovery and development, stating: ‘It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that Haiti is not defined by this or any other disaster, nor by ensuing crises, but by its enduring contributions and its future promise.’

    She recalled the extensive solidarity demonstrated by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners and the international community following the earthquake, characterizing this support as ‘not merely an act of charity, but equal as an expression of shared history, shared humanity, and shared destiny within the Americas.’

    The ambassador concluded by calling for sustained international cooperation, respect for Haitian ownership of its development path, and renewed commitment to peace, institution-building, and inclusive growth throughout the nation.