Carib Scope

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  • March of the Fighting People

    March of the Fighting People

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has declared a nationwide day of remembrance and patriotic demonstration through his official social media account. The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party articulated a threefold commitment: “We are going to sing our anthem to the heroes. We are going to thank them for their courage. We are going to march so that those who do not yet understand us can get to know us better.”

    The commemorative activities include a formal ceremony at Havana’s Anti-Imperialist Tribune, followed by a March of the Fighting People designed to demonstrate national unity and reaffirm commitment to the Cuban homeland. Simultaneously, across all municipalities nationwide, ceremonies will be conducted to pay posthumous tribute to martyrs whose remains will be interred in local pantheons dedicated to those who fell in defense of their communities.

    This coordinated national event represents both a memorialization of historical sacrifices and a contemporary political demonstration aimed at reinforcing national identity and revolutionary values. The activities appear designed to strengthen domestic solidarity while communicating Cuba’s perspective to international observers.

  • Dominican Embassy to the Holy See showcases culture, art, and faith in Rome

    Dominican Embassy to the Holy See showcases culture, art, and faith in Rome

    ROME – The Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See orchestrated a distinctive multicultural celebration at Rome’s historic San Marcello al Corso Church, presenting a vibrant tapestry of the nation’s cultural, artistic, and spiritual legacy. Ambassador Víctor Suárez Díaz inaugurated the proceedings by presiding over a special Mass, emphasizing the importance of faith as a foundational element preceding an evening dedicated to artistic showcases.

    The Eucharistic gathering united members of the Dominican diaspora residing in Italy with ambassadors and diplomatic corps representatives accredited to the Vatican. This confluence fostered an atmosphere of contemplative prayer and gratitude, mirroring the profound spiritual ethos inherent to Dominican society. The solemnity of the religious ceremony established a thoughtful preamble for the subsequent cultural presentations.

    The event transitioned to a musical performance featuring Janette Márquez, a visually impaired opera singer from the Dominican Republic, whose emotionally resonant vocals left a lasting impression on all attendees. Her performance was complemented by the virtuosic piano accompaniment of Samuel García, a young musician acclaimed for his prodigious talent. A pivotal moment occurred when Dominican visual artist Melanio Guzmán executed a live painting, creating a work emblematic of unity and solidarity among the nation’s diplomatic missions worldwide.

    The proceedings culminated in the ceremonial farewell of the pilgrim Virgin of Altagracia. The sacred icon is scheduled to return to the Dominican Republic to participate in the traditional Mass at the Basilica of Higüey on January 21, thereby reaffirming the nation’s enduring devotion to its patron saint.

  • Finance : «Haiti doesn’t suffer from a lack of capital» (video)

    Finance : «Haiti doesn’t suffer from a lack of capital» (video)

    In a recent installment of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) series “Wi, Ayiti Kapab” (Yes, Haiti is Capable), financial expert Robert Jr. Paret presented a paradigm-shifting analysis of Haiti’s economic challenges. As CEO of ProFin Group and founder of Haiti’s inaugural licensed investment bank, Paret contends that the nation’s fundamental issue isn’t capital deficiency but rather capital fragmentation.

    Paret’s assessment reveals that Haiti receives over $4 billion in diaspora remittances annually alongside substantial domestic savings. However, the country lacks the necessary infrastructure to effectively consolidate, intermediate, and productively deploy these financial resources. “This isn’t a problem of resources,” Paret emphasized. “It’s a problem of market design.”

    The financial expert outlined four critical strategies for addressing Haiti’s capital utilization challenges: transforming frequent remittances into patient, long-term capital; designing investment vehicles that connect diaspora wealth with local opportunities; reducing entrepreneurial risks through structured capital allocation; and building institutional trust within frontier markets.

    ProFin Group serves as a practical case study in bridging the gap between capital sources and users within complex operational environments. Rather than offering theoretical solutions, Paret provides concrete methodologies for constructing financial markets from foundational levels.

    The UNDP’s “Wi, Ayiti Kapab” series continues to showcase innovative approaches to Haiti’s development challenges, with this episode focusing specifically on financial system restructuring as a pathway to sustainable economic growth.

  • Politic : The decree on freedom of expression is «a tool of political repression» says FJKL

    Politic : The decree on freedom of expression is «a tool of political repression» says FJKL

    In a striking development for civil liberties in the Caribbean nation, the Haitian human rights organization Fondation Je Klere (FJKL) has issued a forceful condemnation of newly enacted legislation governing freedom of expression. The presidential decree, formally adopted by Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) on December 18, 2025, and officially gazetted on December 31, has sparked immediate concerns about democratic backsliding.

    The FJKL’s comprehensive analysis, published January 15, 2026, characterizes the measure as fundamentally repressive and incompatible with constitutional governance. The organization asserts that the CPT has overstepped its authority by legislating in domains constitutionally reserved for Parliament, thereby violating both domestic law and international human rights commitments.

    Legal experts examining the decree identify particularly problematic provisions in Articles 4 and 5, where nebulous terminology regarding ‘public order’ and ‘national security’ creates significant potential for arbitrary enforcement. These vaguely defined concepts could enable authorities to suppress legitimate political opposition under the guise of maintaining stability.

    While ostensibly designed to protect journalists, the legislation instead establishes mechanisms that facilitate their detention based on either flagrancy allegations or simple complaints, with inadequate procedural safeguards. The definition of defamation has been expanded to such an extent that it effectively criminalizes standard journalistic criticism, while simultaneously removing truth as a valid defense against charges.

    The penal provisions introduce severe sentencing guidelines, including prison terms of up to three years for defamation and forced labor sentences extending to two decades for insulting national symbols. Additionally, the statute of limitations for these offenses has been extended to five years.

    Perhaps most alarmingly, Article 18 mandates that digital platforms retain and surrender identifying information of users accused of publishing ‘illegal content,’ directly contravening constitutional protections for source confidentiality. The FJKL concludes that these measures collectively represent a return to the most oppressive periods in Haiti’s political history, constituting a deliberate instrument of political repression rather than good-faith regulation.

  • Cuba embraces its heroes

    Cuba embraces its heroes

    HAVANA, January 15, 2026 – Cuba conducted a solemn state ceremony at José Martí International Airport to honor 32 combatants who perished during recent military engagements in Venezuela. The ceremony marked the repatriation of remains and was attended by the nation’s highest leadership, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

    The emotional ceremony witnessed the arrival of flag-draped coffins containing the remains of the fallen soldiers, each covered with Cuba’s single-star flag. Military honors included a three-volley rifle salute and the performance of the national anthem as the nation mourned its lost defenders.

    In his address, Minister of the Interior Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas emphasized the symbolic significance of the soldiers’ sacrifice, stating, ‘We do not welcome them with resignation, but with deep pride and eternal commitment. Death does not defeat those who fall defending a just cause.’ The minister explicitly connected the casualties to what Cuban authorities characterized as ‘US aggression against Venezuela,’ framing the combatants’ deaths as both a defense of Venezuela and Cuba’s national sovereignty.

    The ceremony highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Cuba and Venezuela, with Venezuelan Ambassador Orlando Maneiro Gaspar in attendance. Minister Álvarez Casas invoked the historical legacy of Simón Bolívar, José Martí, Hugo Chávez, and Fidel Castro, portraying the current conflict as part of a broader anti-imperialist struggle.

    Throughout the day, thousands of Cuban citizens gathered despite inclement weather to pay respects to the fallen soldiers. The ceremony concluded with Raúl Castro and President Díaz-Canel leading an honor guard at the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces headquarters, where they paid individual tribute to each of the 32 coffins.

    The government’s characterization of events emphasized national unity and resilience in the face of external threats, with official statements repeatedly condemning US foreign policy while celebrating the soldiers’ sacrifice as heroic and ideologically consistent with Cuba’s revolutionary principles.

  • BLP names Tyra Trotman as St Michael Central candidate

    BLP names Tyra Trotman as St Michael Central candidate

    In a significant political development, attorney Tyra Trotman has been officially confirmed as the Barbados Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for the St Michael Central constituency. The nomination proceedings, conducted at Combermere School, mark a strategic transition for the party as it prepares for upcoming electoral contests.

    Trotman’s candidacy follows the announced departure of current House Speaker Arthur Holder, who has declared he will not seek reelection in the next general election. Holder, who has represented the constituency, publicly endorsed Trotman prior to the formal nomination process, signaling party unity and continuity.

    The selection establishes the foundation for the BLPs campaign strategy in this key constituency. Trotman’s legal background and professional expertise are expected to feature prominently in her campaign platform. Political analysts anticipate her nomination will bring fresh perspective to the constituency while maintaining the party’s established presence.

    This transition occurs amid broader political preparations across Barbados, with parties finalizing their slates of candidates ahead of the next national election. The St Michael Central constituency has historically been a competitive electoral district, making this nomination particularly significant for the ruling party’s electoral strategy.

  • Safety concerns raised after migrants jump from moving DGM truck

    Safety concerns raised after migrants jump from moving DGM truck

    SANTO DOMINGO – A disturbing incident involving two Haitian nationals has ignited serious concerns regarding migrant transportation protocols and public safety in the Dominican capital. Video evidence circulating extensively across social media platforms captures the moment the two individuals deliberately jump from a fast-moving truck operated by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) along the busy Jacobo Majluta Avenue.

    The footage shows both men landing violently on the pavement, raising immediate alarms about their physical well-being and the potential danger posed to other motorists on the road. The precise motivations behind their desperate leap remain unconfirmed, though it has prompted widespread public debate.

    As of the latest reports, the physical condition and whereabouts of the two Haitian nationals remain unknown. The DGM, the government body responsible for migration control, has maintained official silence, declining to issue any public statement. This lack of communication extends to clarifying the circumstances that led to the incident, the events that followed, or the status of the individuals involved.

    Furthermore, Dominican authorities have not indicated whether a formal investigation will be launched to examine the DGM’s operational procedures during this event. There is also no confirmation on whether new preventive measures will be implemented to mitigate the risk of similar hazardous situations occurring in the future, leaving questions about accountability and migrant handling procedures unanswered.

  • Guyana on ‘high’ alert after ganja vape seizure- CANU

    Guyana on ‘high’ alert after ganja vape seizure- CANU

    Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has elevated its alert status following the interception of multiple cannabis vape cartridges in the Campbellville Housing Scheme on Thursday. The law enforcement agency, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, characterized these THC-containing products as “high-risk emerging threats” with particular danger to minors.

    The seized devices feature colorful, professionally printed packaging specifically designed to appeal to younger demographics, raising concerns about potential rapid circulation among youth populations. According to CANU officials, these products represent an alarming shift toward importing high-potency cannabis concentrates disguised as consumer vaping products.

    Health authorities warn that these unregulated devices may contain unknown chemical additives and potentially poisonous substances. “Cannabis vapes expose users to high concentrations of THC and unknown chemical additives, which can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems,” CANU stated in their official alert.

    Despite some packages bearing “for medical use only” labeling, CANU emphasized that these declarations hold no legal standing in Guyana. Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10, all cannabis derivatives including THC vape oil remain strictly prohibited substances. The agency clarified that possession, trafficking, importation, or sale of these products constitutes criminal activity under Guyanese law.

    Samples from the seizure have been designated for comprehensive laboratory analysis to determine their precise chemical composition and potential contaminants. CANU’s Early Warning System continues to monitor trends, packaging styles, and trafficking patterns associated with concentrated cannabis products, providing actionable intelligence to frontline enforcement personnel.

  • Politic : Inauguration of the new premises of the Chancellery

    Politic : Inauguration of the new premises of the Chancellery

    Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially relocated to a modern 12-story facility in Pétion-Ville, marking a significant upgrade in the nation’s diplomatic infrastructure. The newly acquired Gala Tower at 15 Rue Mangonès, previously owned by a senior ministry official, now serves as the central hub for Haiti’s international relations operations.

    The inauguration ceremony on January 15, 2026, gathered Haiti’s highest-ranking officials including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Chancellor Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, and members of the Presidential Transitional Council. The event also drew former ministers, senior civil servants, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, creating a solemn atmosphere befitting the occasion.

    Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the institutional significance of the new chancellery. He articulated a vision for transforming the space into a strategic decision-making center operating on principles of ethics, performance, and national interest. Saint-Cyr called for a revitalized Haitian diplomacy characterized by proactive engagement, inclusivity, and sharper focus on national priorities. He further advocated for strengthened international partnerships and greater inclusion of women and young professionals in diplomatic service.

    The property acquisition, whose financial details remain undisclosed, provides the ministry with facilities that meet international embassy standards. This upgrade enables Haiti to host foreign dignitaries and government officials in appropriate settings while offering improved service delivery to citizens requiring consular assistance.

  • MP Rawdon Turner Offers 10 UWI Global Campus Scholarships for St. Peter Residents

    MP Rawdon Turner Offers 10 UWI Global Campus Scholarships for St. Peter Residents

    In a significant educational advancement for the constituency, St. Peter MP Rawdon Turner has unveiled a scholarship program offering ten fully-funded opportunities for local residents. The initiative provides complete financial coverage for short courses available through the UWI Global Campus based in Antigua.

    The scholarship program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with precisely ten slots available for eligible constituents. Turner emphasized that the educational initiative aims to empower residents by facilitating skill acquisition, professional advancement, and personal development through the university’s diverse short-course catalog.

    Interested parties residing within the St. Peter constituency are directed to contact (268) 785-5757 for comprehensive information regarding application procedures and course selection. The MP characterized this effort as part of a broader commitment to fostering educational access and personal growth within the community, urging constituents to seize this opportunity while positions remain open.

    The UWI Global Campus short courses provide flexible learning options across various disciplines, enabling participants to enhance their qualifications without financial burden. This parliamentary initiative represents a direct investment in human capital development within the St. Peter constituency, potentially creating long-term benefits for both individual recipients and the broader community.