Carib Scope

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  • Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data

    Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has firmly refuted claims questioning the reliability of the government’s fiscal data, emphasizing that all published figures undergo rigorous independent verification. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Halkitis highlighted that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Auditor General meticulously review the data. He further noted that international entities such as the IMF, S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, as well as private investors, rely on these figures when making investment decisions in The Bahamas. ‘There is no contemplation, let alone desire, to manipulate these numbers,’ Halkitis asserted, addressing recent allegations head-on.

    The minister confirmed that the government concluded the 2024/25 fiscal year with a deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, comfortably within the targeted range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent. He attributed this achievement to robust revenue growth, economic expansion, and effective expenditure control. ‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ Halkitis remarked, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.

    In a significant development, Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from B+ to BB-, a move Halkitis described as a step toward restoring the nation’s investment-grade status within the next two to three years. He linked the upgrade to the country’s strong economic performance, improved revenue administration, and prudent fiscal management.

    Looking ahead, Halkitis clarified that while the government is not currently in a surplus, it anticipates a budget surplus of approximately $75 million by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. He also addressed delays in government payments to vendors, stressing that all properly contracted and certified work would be compensated.

    On the issue of unemployment, Halkitis acknowledged a recent temporary uptick but expressed confidence in the government’s ability to address skill gaps in the job market. ‘The economy is generating demand for jobs, and we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet this demand,’ he concluded.

  • SCB launches research into tokenizing real-world assets

    SCB launches research into tokenizing real-world assets

    The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting its initiation of foundational research into the tokenization of real-world assets. This move comes in response to growing interest from licensees and other stakeholders in the digital asset space. The SCB has commenced drafting three comprehensive papers that delve into the characteristics of asset tokenization, its prevalent applications, and the associated benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges. While these papers do not aim to establish policy recommendations, they will serve as preliminary research to guide future regulatory decisions. Tokenization, the process of converting physical assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enables the digital representation of ownership or rights in assets such as real estate, commodities, art, and intellectual property. These tokens can be traded or sold digitally, offering new opportunities for asset management and investment. Additionally, the report disclosed that 25 firms were registered under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) by the end of 2024. The DARE Act, enacted on 29 July 2024, replaced its 2020 predecessor, introducing significant updates to the regulatory framework for digital assets and exchanges. The SCB’s DARE Unit continued to engage in pre-applicant meetings to facilitate registrations under the Act. On the enforcement front, the Commission reported 18 ongoing matters from 2023, with two new litigation cases and one criminal case initiated in 2024. As of 31 December 2024, 20 enforcement matters remained unresolved, including 13 litigation cases, three administrative issues, and four criminal investigations. Administrative matters primarily involved non-compliance with filing obligations and record-keeping requirements under the Securities Industry Act and Regulations.

  • Central Bank warns of deepfake scams targeting financial consumers

    Central Bank warns of deepfake scams targeting financial consumers

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Central Bank of The Bahamas has issued a stern warning to the public about an alarming surge in scams leveraging deepfake technology. Fraudsters are exploiting advanced artificial intelligence to produce highly convincing counterfeit videos, audio recordings, and images that impersonate financial institutions, government officials, and prominent individuals. These deceptive tactics aim to manipulate consumers into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

  • UN warns Haiti faces deepening food crisis amid gang violence

    UN warns Haiti faces deepening food crisis amid gang violence

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where rampant gang violence is severely hindering aid delivery and leaving millions at risk of starvation. Reports from the Caribbean nation reveal that intense fighting, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has blocked humanitarian access and disrupted the supply of essential goods. The WFP has been forced to cut food rations and suspend critical programs due to funding shortages, exacerbating the hunger crisis. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted that the agency has had to halt hot meals for displaced families and reduce food rations by half. Additionally, the lack of resources has prevented the WFP from stockpiling food ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, leaving the country vulnerable to natural disasters. The crisis is further compounded by the fact that many farmers are unable to access markets due to insecurity, driving food prices even higher. Much of Haiti remains under the control of heavily armed gangs, whose influence has expanded beyond Port-au-Prince. Regional leaders, including CARICOM, have attempted to stabilize the situation, but efforts have been met with resistance from gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. In response, the UN Security Council has approved the creation of a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to replace the Kenyan-led mission. The GSF, comprising 5,550 personnel, will work with Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, protect critical infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access. Despite the challenges, the WFP has assisted over two million people since January and continues to support long-term food security initiatives, including school meal programs and community infrastructure projects. However, Haiti remains one of only five countries globally facing catastrophic hunger levels, with 5.7 million Haitians experiencing acute food insecurity. The WFP has appealed for $139 million in funding over the next year to address the crisis.

  • Sky Caterers in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic earn perfect scores in Delta audits

    Sky Caterers in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic earn perfect scores in Delta audits

    Sky Caterers, the in-flight kitchen operator at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico and Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican Republic, has achieved exceptional results in Delta Air Lines’ food safety and quality audits. Both facilities earned a perfect 100% score in Food Processing Quality and Food Processing Safety, meeting Delta’s stringent industry standards. Augusto Del Valle, Corporate Director of Catering for the Caribbean, commended the accomplishment, emphasizing the rigorous nature of Delta’s audit process. Ada Torres, Operations Director at Las Américas, highlighted that the inspections were conducted by Medina Quality, an independent international firm renowned for its unannounced evaluations, ensuring impartiality and precision. The audits encompassed all aspects of food preparation, packaging, storage, and delivery, alongside interviews and reviews of critical control systems. Key records, including cleaning checklists, temperature controls, and product traceability, were meticulously examined. The final report confirmed Sky Caterers’ flawless performance and dedication to operational excellence, solidifying its reputation as a leader in meeting the aviation industry’s highest standards.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Advances Education Through Technology Programme

    Rotary Club of Antigua Advances Education Through Technology Programme

    The Rotary Club of Antigua has taken a significant step forward in its mission to enhance education and professional development through its Education Through Technology Programme. On October 1, 2025, the organization distributed laptops to several key institutions and educators, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. Among the recipients were The Tiny Smiles Preschool and Daycare Centre, the New Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Academy, the Caribbean Council of the Blind, the Industrial Workshop for the Blind, The Victory Center, and Industrial Arts Teacher Fitzgerald Ponde. Each representative expressed profound gratitude for the Rotary Club’s support in advancing technological growth and training within their respective fields. President Elisa Graham emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to fostering technological development among young minds, highlighting the collaboration with international partners, such as the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club from Washington State. This initiative underscores the Rotary Club of Antigua’s dedication to leveraging local and global resources to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

  • Alburquerque criticizes senate tip law, warns delivery workers and consumers will suffer

    Alburquerque criticizes senate tip law, warns delivery workers and consumers will suffer

    In a recent critique of legislative changes, former Vice President Rafael Alburquerque voiced strong opposition to a Senate amendment to the Labor Code, which mandates a 10% tip on food deliveries. Alburquerque argued that this law would impose additional financial burdens on consumers while simultaneously undermining the earnings and benefits of delivery workers.

  • Dominican Navy doubles protection of Baní Dunes amid environmental threats

    Dominican Navy doubles protection of Baní Dunes amid environmental threats

    Peravia, D.R. – The Dominican Navy has significantly bolstered its safeguarding of the Baní (Calderas) Dunes, deploying a substantial contingent of sailors to conduct military exercises while simultaneously monitoring this vital natural monument. Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez revealed that 288 sailors recently participated in rigorous hardening marches and training exercises at the site. These activities not only enhance military preparedness but also serve to deter environmental crimes, including deforestation, illegal farming, and unauthorized sand extraction. Crisóstomo Martínez underscored the Navy’s commitment to prioritizing the Dunes, merging defense readiness with ecological conservation. This initiative complements President Luis Abinader’s broader strategy to formalize the legal ownership of national parks and protected areas by transferring their titles to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The first phase of this plan encompasses Loma Novillero National Park and Los Haitises National Park, with the Calderas Dunes potentially being integrated into the expanded framework. The move aims to improve management and curb illegal appropriation of these critical natural reserves.

  • Dominican Republic and Panama strengthen academic and educational cooperation

    Dominican Republic and Panama strengthen academic and educational cooperation

    In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, the Dominican Republic and Panama have agreed to enhance collaboration in education and academic training. This decision was reached during a high-level Political Consultation Meeting held at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX). The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco Caraballo, the Dominican Deputy Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy, and Carlos Hoyos, the Panamanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both parties reviewed their bilateral agenda, reaffirmed existing commitments, and explored new opportunities in key areas of mutual interest. Additionally, the Dominican Republic acknowledged Panama’s influential role at the United Nations, particularly its leadership in transforming the Multinational Support Mission in Haiti (MSS) into a 5,500-strong ‘Gang Suppression Force.’ As a tangible outcome of the visit, the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Cooperation. This agreement involves MIREX’s Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESDYC) and Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to foster advanced training and academic exchanges between the two countries.

  • Agriculture Ministry Rejects ‘Defamatory’ Post, and threatens Legal Action

    Agriculture Ministry Rejects ‘Defamatory’ Post, and threatens Legal Action

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise has issued a firm rebuttal to a social media post accusing Minister Jose Abelardo Mai of involvement in local and cross-border criminal activities. In a statement released on October 2, 2025, from Belmopan, the ministry dismissed the allegations as baseless and part of a coordinated campaign of ‘fake news’ orchestrated by political adversaries. The ministry emphasized that the post is a deliberate attempt to divert public attention amid escalating political tensions.

    The ministry has vowed to pursue all available legal avenues against those responsible for the publication and dissemination of the defamatory content. It warned that individuals who repost or republish such false information could face similar legal consequences as the original publisher. The statement highlighted the legal principles of defamation, stressing that false or unverifiable claims about individuals are not protected under the law and that repeating such claims does not legitimize them.

    Additionally, the ministry referenced Section 15 of the Cyber-Crimes Act (Revised Edition 2020), which criminalizes the dissemination of false information intended to harm a person’s reputation. This suggests that the ministry may pursue both civil and criminal actions against the perpetrators. While the specific content of the post and its original publisher were not disclosed, the ministry urged the public to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the minister’s reputation through all legal means.