Carib Scope

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  • Corruption : Results of the 2025 Diagnostic Survey (Report)

    Corruption : Results of the 2025 Diagnostic Survey (Report)

    A groundbreaking diagnostic survey on governance and corruption in Haiti, jointly presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Haiti) and the nation’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), has revealed staggering levels of institutional corruption severely impacting the Caribbean nation.

    The comprehensive assessment, conducted throughout 2025, demonstrates that corruption in Haiti transcends abstract conceptuality, manifesting as a concrete barrier to development that imposes substantial hidden costs on households, undermines business competitiveness, and systematically erodes public trust in governing institutions.

    The empirical data presents a damning indictment of Haiti’s governance landscape: an overwhelming 92% of surveyed respondents characterize corruption levels as critically high; 71% of Haitian households report observable deterioration in public service delivery; 90% of businesses identify corruption as their primary obstacle to market competitiveness; and 67% attribute the phenomenon’s persistence to deep-rooted institutional failures within public sector frameworks.

    A particularly significant finding emerges regarding corruption’s gendered dimensions, with 52% of respondents indicating women experience disproportionately severe impacts from systemic corruption. This gender-differentiated effect highlights previously underrecognized vulnerabilities within Haiti’s socioeconomic fabric.

    The UNDP emphasizes that these documented realities necessitate immediate implementation of robust protective mechanisms, enhanced alert systems, and strengthened enforcement protocols. The organization further stresses that integrating gender-responsive approaches into governance policy frameworks constitutes an essential requirement rather than optional consideration.

    This diagnostic survey represents not a conclusion but a foundational starting point for Haiti’s renewed anti-corruption efforts. The empirical findings will directly inform development of the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy currently being formulated under ULCC leadership, marking a critical step toward addressing one of Haiti’s most persistent governance challenges.

  • Abinader meets Bolivian president at Shield of the Americas Summit

    Abinader meets Bolivian president at Shield of the Americas Summit

    MIAMI, FL – In a significant diplomatic engagement at the Shield of the Americas Summit, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira convened for substantive bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing their nations’ diplomatic and economic partnership. The high-level meeting served as a platform for both leaders to explore concrete measures for deepening regional cooperation and fostering initiatives that would contribute to continental development and stability.

    The presidential dialogue focused on identifying specific areas for expanded collaboration, with particular emphasis on strengthening trade relations and diplomatic coordination. Both administrations expressed strong interest in developing mutually beneficial partnerships across multiple sectors that would bring tangible benefits to their respective populations.

    This strategic engagement formed part of President Abinader’s comprehensive bilateral agenda during the Miami-based summit, which gathers hemispheric leaders to address common challenges and advance cooperative solutions. The meeting was attended by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and other senior officials from both governments, underscoring the importance placed on this diplomatic exchange.

    The Shield of the Americas Summit continues to serve as a critical forum for Western Hemisphere nations to strengthen inter-American relations and develop coordinated approaches to regional issues, with this particular bilateral discussion representing the ongoing commitment of both nations to multilateral engagement and partnership building.

  • Camillo says he regretted pledging not to sue while in politics

    Camillo says he regretted pledging not to sue while in politics

    Camillo Gonsalves, former Member of Parliament for East St. George and ex-Finance Minister, has publicly expressed regret over his self-imposed prohibition against filing defamation lawsuits during his political career. The revelation came during his guest appearance on “Morning Comrade,” a program broadcast by the Unity Labour Party’s Star Radio, where he substituted for his father, Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves.

    Gonsalves disclosed that before entering politics, he had committed in writing to never pursue legal action against individuals for defamatory statements, a principle rooted in his journalistic training and belief in press freedom. Having earned his first degree in journalism in the United States, he explained how educators “hammer into your head the freedom of the press and that you mustn’t have a chilling effect on people, on the freedom of expression.”

    Despite maintaining this commitment throughout his tenure, Gonsalves acknowledged numerous instances of being defamed, stating: “Many times, I wish I hadn’t made that promise to myself, because I was defamed many, many, many times, and continue to be defamed.” He notably added, “Watch me, I ain’t in office now ah nuh. I go sue yo,” indicating a potential shift in his legal approach post-office.

    The context for these remarks emerged from his criticism of the ruling New Democratic Party’s decision to withdraw state advertising from Star Radio, which has been operational since 2008. While expressing confidence in the station’s resilience, Gonsalves condemned the move as “grounded in spite” rather than fiscal responsibility, emphasizing that “you’re not going to balance the budget on the little $2 that you used to send to Star Radio.”

    Gonsalves further articulated his philosophical stance on media ecosystems, advocating for diverse viewpoints to compete freely unless actors demonstrate malicious intent. During his broadcast, he reinforced his position by reading statements from hemispheric organizations that condemn using state advertising as punishment against government-critical media outlets.

  • Dominican government honors women with Medal of Merit on International Women’s Day

    Dominican government honors women with Medal of Merit on International Women’s Day

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant national ceremony commemorating International Women’s Day, President Luis Abinader presided over the 41st awarding of the Medal of Merit for Dominican Women, the state’s highest honor recognizing female contributions to national development. The event, hosted at the National Theater Eduardo Brito, served a dual purpose: celebrating contemporary achievements and paying historical tribute.

    The gathering held profound historical significance as it simultaneously marked the centenary of the birth of Minerva Mirabal, an iconic figure in the resistance against the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. Her enduring legacy was underscored as a foundational inspiration for modern generations of Dominican women excelling across public, social, and economic spheres.

    Gloria Reyes, addressing attendees, presented a data-driven assessment of the nation’s gender landscape. She reported substantial progress in political representation, revealing that 9,167 women (constituting 43% of all candidates) contested the 2024 elections, with 1,226 achieving electoral success, securing approximately 49% of available positions. However, Reyes provided a balanced perspective by acknowledging persistent systemic challenges, including gender-based violence, economic disparities, and the inequitable distribution of domestic responsibilities.

    The ceremony served as a panoramic showcase of female excellence, honoring dozens of distinguished women from diverse professional fields such as scientific research, journalism, athletic achievement, education, business leadership, diplomatic service, healthcare, and public administration. In a moving segment, a posthumous recognition was conferred upon Zobeyda Alejandrina Cepeda Peña, a revered feminist and human rights defender. The tribute to Minerva Mirabal was formally received by her daughter, Minou Tavárez Mirabal, connecting the nation’s past struggles to its present advancements.

  • Dominican Republic signs Charter of Doral at Shield of the Americas Summit

    Dominican Republic signs Charter of Doral at Shield of the Americas Summit

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant diplomatic development, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic formally endorsed the Charter of Doral during the inaugural Shield of the Americas Summit. The signing ceremony, hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Trump National Doral resort, marked the creation of a new regional framework known as the Donroe Doctrine.

    This foundational agreement establishes a strategic alliance focused on enhancing regional security collaboration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and developing secure supply chain corridors. The Dominican Republic’s participation is particularly notable as it was one of only three Caribbean nations extended an invitation to the summit. In recognition of its strategic importance, the country was designated a Tier 1 partner, a status that potentially unlocks preferential trade arrangements and significant infrastructure investments.

    Executive Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, William Malamud, emphasized the agreement’s broader economic implications. He noted that the charter solidifies the nation’s standing as a reliable U.S. ally and actively supports its national strategy to emerge as a premier regional hub for nearshoring and advanced manufacturing operations.

    A key operational outcome of the summit is the establishment of the “Safe Port of the Americas” certification initiative. The Dominican Republic is set to pioneer this program, with the Port of Caucedo being the first facility to undergo certification. This designation is designed to expedite the export process for Dominican goods—most notably biomedical and textile products—to the United States. By implementing a streamlined “Green Lane” system, the initiative aims to significantly reduce transit durations and minimize customs-related obstacles, providing a substantial competitive advantage for Dominican exports.

  • Farmers get time served for ganja

    Farmers get time served for ganja

    In a recent judicial proceeding at the Serious Offences Court, two farmers from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been sentenced to time already served after pleading guilty to charges of cannabis possession with intent to supply. Joel Harry, 39, of Rose Bank, and Nicholas Franklyn, 53, of Coulls Hill, faced Senior Magistrate Colin John following their arrests during a police operation in February.

    The case originated on February 20 when officers from Questelles and Layou police stations conducted a stop-and-search operation on Pembroke Public Road. During the inspection of vehicle H974 traveling from Buccament Bay toward Kingstown, police discovered 919 grams of cannabis in three transparent bags within Harry’s possession. Simultaneously, authorities found an additional 153 grams in a bag beneath the conductor’s seat where Franklyn had been seated. When questioned, Franklyn immediately acknowledged ownership of the contraband.

    Defense attorney Grant Connell presented mitigation arguments emphasizing that both defendants had already endured three days in prison due to bail condition modifications. Connell highlighted their immediate guilty pleas upon arraignment on February 23, which conserved judicial resources, and noted the minimal street value of approximately EC$100 for Franklyn’s portion of the cannabis.

    Senior Magistrate John ultimately ruled that the time already spent in custody constituted sufficient penalty, ordering the destruction of the confiscated substances while releasing both men from further incarceration.

  • Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano to dock in Santo Domingo

    Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano to dock in Santo Domingo

    The iconic Spanish Navy training vessel Juan Sebastián de Elcano is scheduled to arrive at Santo Domingo’s Punta Torrecilla Pier on March 10, marking a significant diplomatic and cultural visit to the Dominican capital. This stop forms part of the ship’s ongoing international training cruise, continuing its nearly century-long tradition of global navigation.

    Commissioned in 1928 and constructed in Cádiz, the majestic four-masted schooner bears the name of the renowned Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano, who famously completed humanity’s first circumnavigation of the globe in 1522 following Ferdinand Magellan’s death during their historic expedition.

    With an impressive maritime legacy spanning 97 years, the vessel has traversed approximately 1.9 million nautical miles across global waters while visiting over 70 nations worldwide. Beyond its remarkable endurance, the ship serves dual purposes as both a practical training platform for Spanish Navy midshipmen and a floating ambassador promoting Spain’s international relations and cultural heritage.

    Each annual training cruise provides future naval officers with hands-on experience in navigation and ship management operations. The vessel’s storied history includes eleven complete circumnavigations alongside numerous other educational voyages, solidifying its status as both a functional training facility and a symbolic representation of Spain’s maritime traditions.

  • Abinader says Haiti situation discussed with Trump at Shield of the Americas Summit

    Abinader says Haiti situation discussed with Trump at Shield of the Americas Summit

    SANTO DOMINGO – President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has identified the escalating security crisis in neighboring Haiti as a pivotal topic in his diplomatic discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. This high-level dialogue occurred during the recent Shield of the Americas Summit, a key forum dedicated to formulating a unified regional strategy against organized crime.

    In a subsequent interview, President Abinader elaborated that the dire situation in Haiti was not addressed in isolation but was integrated into wider hemispheric security cooperation initiatives. These initiatives are specifically designed to counter pervasive threats, including rampant drug trafficking and sophisticated international criminal networks that destabilize the region. The Dominican leader confirmed that this critical issue was a recurring theme in his conversations with multiple Latin American heads of state attending the summit.

    Demonstrating a firm commitment to collective action, President Abinader joined fellow regional leaders in formally endorsing a proclamation to establish a multinational military coalition. This coalition’s primary objective is to launch a coordinated offensive against powerful drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations. The groundbreaking initiative is structured to significantly enhance tactical and strategic coordination between Latin American nations and the United States, creating a more robust front to combat organized crime and its associated violence.

    During the summit’s proceedings, former President Trump underscored the indispensable need for joint action and reiterated Washington’s commitment to deepening its cooperative ties with partner nations. He characterized the newly formed coalition as a vital collective endeavor essential for safeguarding regional security, preserving national sovereignty, and upholding shared democratic principles. Trump further emphasized the United States’ intention to broaden and strengthen collaborative efforts throughout the Western Hemisphere.

  • Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation International Women’s Day 2026 message

    Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation International Women’s Day 2026 message

    On International Women’s Day, the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA) has issued a powerful regional call to action, demanding concrete progress in transforming policy commitments into tangible realities for women and girls across the archipelago. The organization emphasized that while Caribbean governments have made significant legislative strides through ratifying international conventions and enacting laws against gender-based violence, implementation gaps persist dramatically in daily lived experiences.

    The CFPA’s statement highlighted several critical areas where progress remains inadequate. Survivors of gender-based violence continue facing substantial barriers when seeking justice and support services. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare access remains inconsistent, particularly affecting adolescents, migrant populations, and remote hinterland communities. Deep-seated structural inequalities and harmful gender norms continue restricting opportunities and undermining bodily autonomy throughout the region.

    Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, CEO of CFPA, emphasized the crucial role of collaborative efforts: ‘Faith communities possess unique influence in shaping societal values and promoting compassion. When religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations unite, they establish the essential moral foundations required for sustainable transformation.’

    Board member Jade Trim further contextualized the issue: ‘Advancing sexual and reproductive rights transcends healthcare policy—it fundamentally impacts women’s economic empowerment, democratic participation, and overall sustainable development across our nations.’

    The CFPA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strengthened partnerships between governments, regional institutions, civil society organizations, and faith communities. This collaborative approach aims to ensure every Caribbean woman and girl can live free from violence, exercise autonomy over personal decisions, and participate fully in shaping societal development.

    In a region historically strengthened by solidarity among small states, the organization stressed that collective action remains imperative for confronting contemporary challenges including geopolitical pressures, widening inequality, and democratic governance concerns. The CFPA concluded that true Caribbean prosperity remains intrinsically linked to the flourishing of all women and girls throughout the region.

  • March 8 : A flood of tributes to women

    March 8 : A flood of tributes to women

    Across Haiti and its diplomatic missions abroad, a powerful wave of recognition swept the nation on International Women’s Day, with government officials and institutions honoring the extraordinary resilience and contributions of Haitian women amidst profound national challenges.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé delivered a poignant address acknowledging Haitian women as “guardians of the home, pillars of the economy, and driving forces of national resilience” who maintain dignity despite facing “injustice, insecurity, and violence” in their daily lives. Declaring women’s protection an “absolute national priority,” the Prime Minister outlined concrete governmental measures including enhanced security protocols, expedited judicial processes, and dignified support systems. His message carried unequivocal force: “Your dignity is non-negotiable. Your safety is not optional. Your rights are guaranteed by law and protected by the State.”

    The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights, under Minister Pedrica Saint Jean, hosted commemorations at the Montana Hotel centered on the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.” Minister Saint Jean reaffirmed institutional commitments to strengthening protection mechanisms for violence victims, improving legal aid accessibility, and promoting female participation in public institutions and decision-making bodies. She emphasized that “Equality, justice, and dignity are fundamental rights” requiring collective action from institutions, partners, and citizens alike.

    This sentiment echoed through various government entities. The City of Cap-Haïtien honored women’s leadership in advancing society, specifically committing to improved access to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The Consulate General in Santiago, Dominican Republic, paid “vibrant tribute” to Haitian women in the Cibao region, recognizing their relentless struggle against “oppressive traditions” and their role in paving “the way toward a more just society.”

    Civil Protection agencies expressed gratitude to women dedicating themselves to public service, while the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) specifically commended Minister Kathia Verdier’s leadership in advocating for diaspora voices. The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Civic Action celebrated female athletes whose “talent, discipline, and determination” inspire national pride, and the Haitian Football Federation acknowledged women’s growing contributions to national sports.

    International partners joined the recognition, with the French Embassy releasing a video highlighting displaced women living in camps due to gang violence who remain “resolutely committed to asserting their rights.” France reaffirmed its support for civil society organizations working to advance women’s rights in Haiti.

    The unified tributes underscored both the extraordinary resilience of Haitian women and the urgent need for tangible progress in securing their safety, rights, and full participation in national life.