Carib Scope

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  • Sinckler pledges continuity, principle in foreign policy on ‘homecoming’

    Sinckler pledges continuity, principle in foreign policy on ‘homecoming’

    Senator Chris Sinckler, the newly appointed Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has committed to maintaining a steady, principle-based approach to Barbados’s international relations. Returning to the role after a sixteen-year absence, Sinckler emphasized that his leadership would prioritize continuity, professional diplomacy, and the strategic enhancement of the nation’s global stature.

    Upon arriving at the ministry’s Culloden Road headquarters, Minister Sinckler was greeted by senior officials including Director of Foreign Affairs Paula Byer, Permanent Secretary Joy-Ann Skinner, and Director General Donna Forde. He immediately praised the technical expertise and disciplined organization of the foreign service staff, acknowledging the serious responsibility of representing Barbados on the world stage. He described his return as both a privilege and a homecoming.

    Outlining his vision, Sinckler stated that Barbados’s foreign policy would remain anchored in its long-established philosophical positions, avoiding abrupt shifts while adapting pragmatically to evolving global dynamics. He declined to comment specifically on sensitive regional issues like US-Venezuela tensions, instead reaffirming a broader doctrine of principled stances combined with strategic flexibility to secure benefits for the Barbadian people.

    The Minister highlighted that the ministry’s mandate extends beyond traditional state-to-state diplomacy. In today’s digitally interconnected world, a critical function is to help citizens understand how international events impact their daily lives and to identify emerging opportunities for the nation.

    Senator Sinckler positioned Barbados’s external engagement within the wider global movement toward sustainability, crediting Prime Minister Mia Mottley, whom he called the country’s ‘first diplomat,’ for her international leadership. His role, he explained, will be to support her agenda by advancing governmental policies and分担ing the workload necessary for national transformation.

    Reflecting on his transition from roles at international financial institutions like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank back to government, Sinckler noted that the core objective remains unchanged: development work focused on improving lives and livelihoods.

    He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mottley for her confidence in reappointing him to public service, a sphere he had believed he had left. His first major international engagement will be the upcoming CARICOM summit in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.

    A veteran politician, Sinckler first entered Cabinet after the 2008 general election and has held several high-profile portfolios, including Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. After his party’s defeat in the 2018 elections, he exited elective politics until Prime Minister Mottley invited him to join a jobs and investment council in 2020, paving the way for his return to a central government role.

  • President Abinader inaugurates Procigar Festival 2026

    President Abinader inaugurates Procigar Festival 2026

    SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – President Luis Abinader formally commenced the XVIII Procigar Festival 2026 on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the Dominican Republic’s premium cigar sector. This prestigious gathering, recognized as the premier international exhibition for Dominican cigars, has drawn producers, master blenders, distributors, and enthusiasts from over 40 nations, significantly enhancing the global stature of Dominican tobacco and underscoring its substantial economic impact.

    President Abinader’s presence at the inaugural ceremony emphasized his administration’s dedication to an industry deemed strategically vital for generating employment, boosting exports, and fostering development in free trade zones and tobacco-growing communities. His participation served to reinforce the sector’s reputation as a worldwide emblem of Dominican excellence and its crucial role in the socioeconomic advancement of the Cibao region—a hub where ancestral traditions converge with modern investment, innovation, and production expertise.

    Litto Gómez, President of Procigar and founder of La Flor Dominicana, expressed gratitude for the presidential endorsement and highlighted the industry’s consistent expansion, attributing much of this success to effective public-private partnerships. Procigar, which represents the nation’s foremost premium cigar manufacturers, organizes the festival to provide an immersive experience that blends cigar craftsmanship with high-end entertainment and product showcases.

    Festival attendees are treated to guided tours of local tobacco fields and manufacturing facilities, offering an intimate glimpse into the transformation of raw leaves into internationally acclaimed cigars. The agenda further incorporates cultural activities and exploratory tours that bridge industrial heritage with tourism, celebrating the Dominican Republic’s diverse attractions. Each evening culminates in a gala dinner attended by nearly a thousand domestic and international guests.

    The welcome dinner, centered thematically on cacao through its cuisine, desserts, liqueurs, and décor, officially launched the festival’s social itinerary. It symbolized both the annual reunion of cigar aficionados in Santiago and the inclusion of new participants.

    With this inauguration, the Procigar Festival 2026 not only amplifies its international influence but also solidifies the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading global authority in premium cigar production, backed by the highest levels of institutional support.

  • Putin ontmoet Cubaanse Buza-minister in Moskou

    Putin ontmoet Cubaanse Buza-minister in Moskou

    Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at the Kremlin’s Senate Palace on Wednesday, delivering strong criticism of recent U.S. sanctions against the Caribbean nation. During the high-level diplomatic encounter, Putin characterized the newly imposed restrictions as “unacceptable” while reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to supporting Havana.

    The meeting between the Russian leader and Cuba’s top diplomat occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. Russian state news agency TASS reported Putin’s explicit condemnation of the American measures, with the president stating: “This is a special period, new sanctions. You know how we think about this. We do not accept such things.”

    President Putin further emphasized the positive development of bilateral relations between Russia and Cuba, signaling continued cooperation between the two nations. The discussions built upon previous commitments made by senior Russian diplomats who pledged material assistance to help Cuba counter U.S. efforts to restrict the island’s oil supplies.

    In parallel diplomatic engagements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held separate talks with his Cuban counterpart, urging the United States to avoid implementing a full naval blockade against Cuba. Instead, Lavrov advocated for diplomatic negotiations as the preferred approach to resolving tensions.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Moscow had not discussed the Cuba matter with Washington, despite the conclusion of trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States earlier that same day in Geneva. This positioning highlights Russia’s deliberate separation of the Cuba issue from other international negotiations.

  • Security : Rotation of Guatemalan troops

    Security : Rotation of Guatemalan troops

    In a significant demonstration of international solidarity, Guatemala has executed a strategic rotation of its specialized military police forces within the multinational security mission in Haiti. The Central American nation, which initially deployed 150 personnel in January 2025, continues its steadfast commitment to regional stabilization efforts alongside contributions from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

    The Guatemalan contingent, distinguished by its specialized infrastructure protection mandate, has undertaken critical responsibilities including security for mission headquarters, dignitary protection, and civilian support operations. This deployment represents more than mere numerical contribution—it embodies a profound regional partnership between Central American and Caribbean nations confronting complex security challenges through collective action.

    The rotation operation, conducted on February 14 and 16, 2026, featured an official flag handover ceremony at Toussaint Louverture International Airport presided over by Chief of Defence Staff José Giovani Martínez. The newly deployed units bring enhanced operational expertise, reinforced discipline, and sharpened tactical focus to strengthen the Gang Suppression Force (GRF) during a pivotal phase of its mandate.

    The formal welcoming ceremony for incoming personnel occurred on March 18, 2026, at LSA1 under the leadership of GRF Commander Godfrey Otunge and senior mission directors. Commander Otunge expressed profound gratitude to Guatemala for its unwavering commitment, praising the professionalism and discipline exhibited by its officers. He emphasized the strategic value of diversity within the multinational force, noting how cultural differences foster cooperation and mutual learning among partner nations.

    This rotational deployment ensures operational continuity while injecting renewed energy and capability into the international security effort, reflecting the ongoing structured approach to achieving full operational capability in Haiti’s stabilization mission.

  • U.S. offers US$1 million reward for Haitian gang leader ‘Izo’

    U.S. offers US$1 million reward for Haitian gang leader ‘Izo’

    The United States Department of State has escalated its pursuit of notorious Haitian gang leader Johnson ‘Izo’ André, announcing a substantial financial incentive of up to $1 million for intelligence leading to his capture. This development marks a significant intensification in international efforts to combat organized crime in Haiti.

    The Rewards for Justice program, administered by the U.S. State Department, is coordinating the initiative and has established secure channels for informants to submit tips. The program explicitly offers relocation assistance for individuals whose cooperation might endanger their safety, acknowledging the considerable risks involved in providing information about criminal organizations.

    The bounty specifically targets information related to André’s involvement in the March 2023 kidnapping of an American citizen in Port-au-Prince. According to investigative findings, the victim gained freedom on March 27, 2023, following ransom payment and the return of vehicles and firearms belonging to the victim’s family. U.S. authorities have conclusively linked the 5 Segond gang, under André’s leadership, to this criminal operation.

    Haitian law enforcement agencies have outstanding warrants for André on multiple serious charges including homicide, armed kidnapping, weapons violations, cargo truck hijackings, and criminal conspiracy. Intelligence suggests he currently operates from the Village de Dieu neighborhood in downtown Port-au-Prince.

    Documented evidence reveals André’s organization perpetrated extensive human rights violations, with 1,035 documented cases of sexual violence attributed to the gang in 2022 alone. These atrocities prompted the U.S. Department of the Treasury to impose sanctions against André in December 2023 under Executive Order 13818, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuses.

    The criminal prosecution advanced significantly in December 2024 when U.S. authorities formally filed kidnapping and conspiracy charges against André. He now joins other high-profile Haitian gang leaders including Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Vithelhomme Innocent, and Lanmò Sanjou, all of whom are subjects of substantial international reward offers.

  • U-17 World Cup Morocco 2026 : Final qualifying round, our Grenadières know their opponents (Schedule)

    U-17 World Cup Morocco 2026 : Final qualifying round, our Grenadières know their opponents (Schedule)

    The path to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 has been formally established following the official draw ceremony conducted by CONCACAF on February 18, 2026. The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football finalized the tournament groups at its headquarters in Miami, setting the stage for the decisive qualifying round scheduled for March 6-22 in Costa Rica.

    Twelve national teams have advanced to this critical qualification phase, including Haiti, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. These teams were distributed into three distinct groups of four through the drawing process.

    The Haitian U-17 women’s squad, affectionately known as Les Grenadières and under the technical direction of French coach Frenoy Baptiste, was placed in Group B. Their group stage opponents will include the traditionally strong United States team, alongside Puerto Rico and Bermuda.

    Haiti enters this tournament phase with considerable momentum, having achieved a flawless performance in the preliminary qualifying round. The team secured four consecutive victories, earning maximum points from their matches while demonstrating offensive prowess and defensive stability. Their dominant performance included a decisive 3-0 victory against Guatemala that secured their advancement to this final qualifying stage.

    The upcoming tournament format will award four coveted berths to the World Cup finals. Automatic qualification will be granted to each of the three group winners, with an additional spot allocated to the highest-performing runner-up across all groups.

    Haiti’s Group B match schedule is as follows:
    – March 17, 2026: Haiti versus Puerto Rico
    – March 19, 2026: Haiti versus United States
    – March 22, 2026: Haiti versus Bermuda

    The upcoming matches represent Haiti’s opportunity to secure historic qualification for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco during October-November 2026.

  • Lynch House dethrone Skeete House under the lights

    Lynch House dethrone Skeete House under the lights

    In a spectacular display of athleticism and school spirit, Lynch House emerged as the decisive champion at the Christ Church Foundation School’s annual interhouse sports competition. The event, held under the lights at Church Hill on Tuesday evening, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over one thousand spectators, including passionate students and supporters.

    Lynch House dominated the scoreboard, amassing an impressive 806.5 points to secure the overall title. Inniss House claimed a respectable second place with 766 points, followed closely by Wellington in third with 716 points. Talma finished fourth with 554 points, while the defending champions, Skeete House, rounded out the top five with 498.5 points.

    The competition also crowned its individual champions. Jendaya Burke of Skeete House was awarded the Junior Victrix Ludorum (top junior female athlete), while Razziq Prescod of Talma earned the Junior Victor Ludorum (top junior male athlete) title. In the senior category, Alyssa Weekes of Wellington was named Senior Victrix Ludorum, and Rashawn Holder of Talma took the honor of Senior Victor Ludorum.

    Siebert Straughn, a Physical Education teacher at the school, praised the event as an ‘overwhelming success.’ He emphasized the competitive yet safe nature of the meet, stating, ‘I was really pleased; it was a very competitive day, but the important thing is to get out of this meet injury-free, as we head toward the BSSAC Championships in the coming weeks.’ Straughn also highlighted the continuous improvements in the event’s infrastructure, noting that this was the school’s fourth successful year hosting a day-night format meet.

    Acknowledging sponsors Dasani, Dr. Adrian Lorde, and the Barbados Olympic Association, Straughn issued a compelling call to action for broader corporate support. ‘When you get involved in supporting any school, you are supporting young people,’ he asserted. ‘They need all the help and encouragement they can get.’

    In a related development, the Providence Secondary School held its own interhouse sports day on Wednesday, which resulted in an intensely close finish. The Yellow Yetis narrowly clinched victory with 757 points, merely five points ahead of the Red Ravens (752 points). The Green Giants finished a very close third with 750.5 points, making it one of the most competitive meets in recent memory.

  • Fear Grips Fishermen After Deadly U.S Strikes

    Fear Grips Fishermen After Deadly U.S Strikes

    A deadly maritime incident involving US military forces has sent shockwaves through Eastern Caribbean fishing communities, raising urgent questions about regional security operations and civilian safety. On February 13, a US Southern Command counter-narcotics operation resulted in the destruction of a small vessel and three fatalities, creating widespread anxiety among fishermen who fear being misidentified as drug traffickers.

    While US authorities maintain the operation targeted suspected narcotics traffickers, fishing communities across Saint Lucia and neighboring islands report growing apprehension about working traditional fishing grounds. The incident has exposed critical gaps in communication and coordination between US military operations and local fishing activities.

    Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed the loss of life while indicating investigations continue to determine the victims’ nationalities. Regional fishing associations have subsequently intensified calls for established safeguards, improved alert systems, and enhanced cooperation mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.

    This event occurs within the context of heightened US maritime surveillance and interdiction efforts throughout Caribbean waters, bringing to the forefront complex issues surrounding maritime sovereignty, operational transparency, and the protection of legitimate livelihoods in a region where fishing represents both an economic necessity and cultural tradition. The escalating situation underscores the delicate balance between international security cooperation and the rights of local communities whose survival depends on safe access to marine resources.

  • Dominica partners with other countries, PAHO, for health system support

    Dominica partners with other countries, PAHO, for health system support

    Dominica’s healthcare system is poised for significant enhancement through a newly ratified multi-country cooperation strategy with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Health Minister Cassanni Laville confirmed the partnership, which includes various OECS nations and Barbados and will extend from 2026 to 2031. The initiative unlocks $1.7 million in funding specifically earmarked for strengthening health systems leadership, integrated people-centered care, and emergency response capabilities.

    Minister Laville, addressing a recent Dominica Hospitals Authority press conference, emphasized that this strategic alignment is a cornerstone of national development. The funding will directly support the Dominica Hospitals Authority in its mission to improve governance and service delivery. A key operational focus involves finalizing several critical senior management appointments, particularly within the nursing sector, to reinforce institutional leadership.

    The administration’s efforts are underpinned by a robust legislative framework. The foundational Dominica Hospitals Authority Act of 2021 established modern protocols for managing public hospitals, including the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. This framework was substantially fortified in December 2024 with the passage of the Amendment Act (Act number 13 of 2024), which explicitly reinforced governance standards, accountability measures, and patient protection principles.

    Despite acknowledging the ‘very demanding circumstances’ and operational pressures faced by hospital staff over the past year, Laville commended their unwavering commitment to delivering essential services. He asserted that strong institutions, clear leadership, and honest communication are fundamental to maintaining public trust. The ultimate beneficiary of these consolidated efforts, the minister concluded, will be the people of Dominica, who stand to gain substantially improved healthcare outcomes.

  • WATCH: MPs Across the Political Divide Deliver Marathon Tributes as Sir Robin Yearwood Ends 50 Unbroken Years in Parliament

    WATCH: MPs Across the Political Divide Deliver Marathon Tributes as Sir Robin Yearwood Ends 50 Unbroken Years in Parliament

    In an extraordinary display of political unity, Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament convened for a special session dedicated solely to celebrating Sir Robin Yearwood’s remarkable 50-year uninterrupted parliamentary service. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum set aside partisan differences to deliver heartfelt tributes honoring the nation’s longest-serving legislator.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne inaugurated the proceedings by characterizing Yearwood as “a titan of life and steadfast servant of the people” whose career embodied democratic resilience. Browne emphasized how Yearwood’s tenure spanned critical historical junctures—from the pre-independence era through nationhood in 1981—while maintaining unwavering commitment to constituent service. Notably, Yearwood operated his parliamentary duties from his personal residence in Willikies, making himself perpetually accessible to citizens without formal constituency offices.

    Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin delivered an emotionally charged homage, distilling Yearwood’s legacy into foundational principles: “Excellence. Dedication. Devotion. Love of people. Love of Nation. Selflessness.” He credited the veteran parliamentarian with strengthening legislative integrity and fostering public trust in democratic institutions.

    The opposition leadership offered equally poignant reflections, with Opposition Leader acknowledging Yearwood’s mentorship during his early parliamentary years. “As a young and green politician entering Parliament,” he recalled, “Sir Robin’s hallway advice proved invaluable in navigating political complexities.” This sentiment underscored Yearwood’s role as an institutional mentor transcending party affiliations.

    Multiple parliamentarians highlighted Yearwood’s electoral legitimacy, noting his eleven consecutive victories in St. Philip’s North since February 18, 1976. One legislator read original election results demonstrating Yearwood’s initial 756-375 victory margin, emphasizing that five decades of public service reflected sustained popular confidence rather than political appointment.

    The generational impact of Yearwood’s career emerged as a recurring theme, with younger MPs noting how his service predated their births. One representative remarked, “My parents were children when he was first elected,” illustrating the extraordinary temporal span of his influence.

    Personal anecdotes revealed Yearwood’s character beyond politics, including accounts of his humility in performing modest services despite his seniority. These narratives painted a portrait of a leader who embodied service above self.

    Following hours of tributes, Parliament formally adjourned the special session after accepting Yearwood’s resignation. His departure marks not just the conclusion of a record-breaking parliamentary career but the end of an era in Antiguan politics, with his successor already designated within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.