Carib Scope

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  • Melly Rose Speaks out on US Military Presence in Caribbean Waters: “There has to be a better way.”

    Melly Rose Speaks out on US Military Presence in Caribbean Waters: “There has to be a better way.”

    Trinidadian artist Melly Rose has expressed deep concern over recent reports of U.S. military operations in Caribbean waters, which have allegedly led to the bombing or destruction of boats. The singer, known for her advocacy for community and humanity, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the potential impact on innocent lives.

    “I’ve been seeing what’s happening, and honestly, it’s been sitting heavy on my heart,” Melly Rose stated. “While I understand the need to protect our region, innocent people could be getting hurt in the process. These are real families, real lives. Everyone deserves their day in court. There has to be a better way.”

    Melly highlighted the plight of everyday people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, including fishermen, ferry workers, travelers, and families moving between islands. “For many of us, the ocean is not just water; it’s how we connect, how we feed our families, how we survive. I just want safety for our people,” she added.

    The artist also called on regional and international powers to prioritize peace over force, reminding them that Caribbean lives matter. “The Caribbean has always been a place of love, rhythm, and resilience,” Melly said. “I just hope leaders choose compassion and care when making decisions that affect our people. We deserve to feel safe in our own waters.”

    Melly Rose’s message resonates with many in the Caribbean, where the ocean is not only a source of livelihood but also a cultural and emotional lifeline. Her plea for compassion and justice underscores the broader need for peaceful resolutions in conflicts that impact vulnerable communities.

  • SBB stuit op bijkans 2.160 illegale bruinhartpalen bij EBS

    SBB stuit op bijkans 2.160 illegale bruinhartpalen bij EBS

    In a startling revelation, the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has identified significant irregularities during a follow-up inspection at the premises of Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) on Bethesdastraat. The inspection, which began on October 1, 2025, and is still ongoing, uncovered 2,159 brownheart timber poles with serious violations, a dramatic increase from the initial report that flagged 508 suspicious poles. The findings have been detailed in a second report, now forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The SBB report highlights that the poles exhibit signs of illegal logging, with multiple infractions observed during field inspections. These include missing origin information (marked only as ‘sold’), poles with ‘retribution paid’ status but lacking mandatory transport tickets, reused labels, and the absence of legally required labels. The SBB emphasized that timber of suspected illegal origin should have passed at least one checkpoint, where transport tickets are presented to forestry officials and registered in the SFISS system—a step that was notably skipped. The report underscores that the inspection was conducted on poles currently in a seized state at the EBS site.

  • Suriname-Guyana handelsrelaties gaan nieuwe fase in

    Suriname-Guyana handelsrelaties gaan nieuwe fase in

    Andrew Baasaron, Suriname’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation, recently concluded a series of field visits in Guyana as part of a working trip aimed at fostering bilateral economic collaboration. Accompanied by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, Baasaron toured key facilities, including the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), a processing plant, and an industrial site. The visit followed high-level discussions between the two ministers on joint initiatives in tourism, trade, and industrial development. At the Guyana Shop, a hub for promoting local products for both domestic and export markets, Baasaron praised Guyana’s organized agricultural and agro-processing sectors, calling it an inspiring model of government-private sector collaboration. Discussions at the processing facility explored the potential for establishing a similar structure in Suriname to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in product development and export. Baasaron emphasized that such efforts align with Suriname’s goals of strengthening its non-oil sector, enhancing regional food security, and diversifying exports. The delegation also engaged with local entrepreneurs and officials at the industrial site to gain insights into Guyana’s approach to industrial projects, which could inform the development of industrial zones in Suriname.

  • ChequéateRD’ program reaches 124,000 cancer screenings in four years

    ChequéateRD’ program reaches 124,000 cancer screenings in four years

    The Dominican Republic’s national cancer screening initiative, ChequéateRD, has achieved a significant milestone by conducting 124,000 screenings since its inception in 2021. The program, which focuses on the early detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, is set to continue its operations through September 2025. This collaborative effort between the National Health Service (SNS) and the First Lady’s Office has been instrumental in providing free diagnostic and preventive services nationwide. Utilizing a network of 13 prioritized hospitals and 512 mobile health campaigns, ChequéateRD has successfully delivered critical medical care to underserved communities. At the program’s fourth-anniversary celebration, First Lady Raquel Arbaje reaffirmed her dedication to expanding the initiative, emphasizing its mission to bring life-saving opportunities to those in greatest need. Dr. Mario Lama, Director of the SNS, underscored the program’s success in reducing cancer mortality, noting that early detection through mammography can identify breast cancer up to two years before it becomes palpable. To date, the program has screened 89,153 women and 34,603 men, with 354 cancer diagnoses confirmed via biopsy and 276 patients currently receiving treatment, highlighting the program’s crucial role in timely intervention.

  • President: Geen militaire acties in de regio; wel strijd tegen drugs

    President: Geen militaire acties in de regio; wel strijd tegen drugs

    In a firm statement during a press conference on Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname unequivocally declared that her country will not support any military intervention by the United States against Venezuela. This announcement comes amid reports that the US has conducted six attacks on vessels in Venezuelan waters, resulting in at least 27 fatalities, as part of what has been labeled as ‘counter-narcotics operations’ by international media outlets. President Simons emphasized that Suriname’s foreign policy remains steadfastly rooted in principles of non-intervention, neutrality, and peaceful conflict resolution. ‘We are friends with both the United States and Venezuela, as well as Guyana and Trinidad. Suriname’s sole desire is to foster a region of peace. We do not want war in the Caribbean or South America,’ she stated. While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking, the President underscored that such efforts must adhere to the rule of law and respect for human rights. ‘We have abolished the death penalty. Even those guilty of drug trafficking face imprisonment, not execution. Extrajudicial killings are not our way,’ she added. The issue has been extensively discussed within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), with President Simons expressing understanding for the pressures faced by some governments but reiterating Suriname’s refusal to endorse any stance that legitimizes war. The core of Suriname’s position, as outlined by the President, includes: no military escalation or invasion in the region, active support for combating drug-related crime, and a commitment to peaceful diplomacy within the framework of international law. ‘We urge all parties to engage in dialogue. No to war. Yes to cooperation against drugs—but never through extrajudicial executions or armed interventions,’ she concluded.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    Haiti continues to face significant challenges as it navigates a complex landscape of violence, historical commemoration, and developmental progress. In Kenscoff, Mayor Jean Massillon reported that armed bandits have killed between 400 and 450 people since January 2025 while attempting to seize control of the town. The violence has also resulted in extensive material damage, further exacerbating the region’s instability. Meanwhile, Cap-Haïtien Cathedral hosted a solemn Te Deum on October 17, 2025, to mark the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti’s independence hero and national founder. The ceremony, filled with prayers and songs, honored Dessalines’ legacy of justice, sovereignty, and unity. In a significant political development, the Haitian government has decided to abandon the proposed constitutional referendum following a technical opinion from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). The unspent funds will be redirected toward organizing the next elections. On the economic front, Haiti secured a $110 million investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to boost agricultural productivity and modernize transportation infrastructure. This funding is part of the 2025 Agenda and 2026 Plan, aimed at strengthening economic ties and technical cooperation. Additionally, a strategic meeting was held between Haitian leaders and security forces to address the country’s security situation and coordinate efforts to protect the population and advance the electoral process. International support was also evident, with the French and U.S. embassies expressing solidarity with Haiti and honoring Dessalines’ legacy.

  • Everything President Luis Abinader will do this Saturday

    Everything President Luis Abinader will do this Saturday

    President Luis Abinader is set to embark on a highly active day this Saturday, balancing solemn duties with celebratory events across Santo Domingo and Bonao. The day begins with the President attending the funeral of Vicente Sánchez Baret, a prominent political leader, at the National Congress in the National District at 10:30 am. Following this, at 12:00 pm, President Abinader will engage with young students from both public and private schools at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo’s Bonao Campus. At 1:30 pm, he will officiate the inauguration of the Padre José Salvador Fernández High School in Sabana del Puerto, Bonao. The day concludes with the President leading the inauguration of the Villa Mella Sports Center at 3:30 pm in Santo Domingo North, located near Central Park on Salomé Ureña Street.

  • The eyes of the world are on the Dominican Republic: Why?

    The eyes of the world are on the Dominican Republic: Why?

    Francisco “Paco” Pérez, President of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in the Dominican Republic (CAMACOESRD), highlighted on Wednesday that the Dominican Republic has become a focal point for global attention. Pérez attributed this growing interest to the nation’s remarkable economic, social, and political stability, which stands out in an era of global polarization. He emphasized that these attributes provide investors with a sense of security, ensuring that their investments are well-protected. Additionally, the country’s robust legal framework and attractive profitability further distinguish it as a prime destination for foreign investment. Pérez remarked, “These are the greatest attributes this country has for investment.”

    Despite its strengths, Pérez acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in infrastructure development. He stressed the importance of enhancing road networks, water supply systems, and transportation to sustain the country’s growth trajectory. “The government shares this vision, and progress is underway,” he added.

    Iban Campo Urriza, Secretary of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic and Director of Llorente y Cuenca (LLYC), emphasized the critical role of education in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Campo Urriza highlighted the need for skills development in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and closer alignment with technological advancements. He noted that while the Dominican Republic has made strides, there is still work to be done in equipping its workforce with the necessary technical expertise. “Innovation and entrepreneurship demand specific skills and technological proficiency, which the country must continue to address,” he said.

    Campo Urriza also pointed to initiatives aimed at training local talent, including collaborations with international experts. He expressed confidence that strengthening these efforts would solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional leader in Central America and the Caribbean. “Investing in talent development and specialized qualifications will make a significant difference in maintaining our competitive edge,” he concluded.

  • Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values ​​of the Haitian people

    Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values ​​of the Haitian people

    In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Haiti in Vietnam recently hosted a group of students from the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy, fostering a deeper understanding of Haiti’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event, led by Chargé d’Affaires Darlier Dorval and Counselor Léa Perceval, featured an engaging presentation on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring impact on global diplomacy, particularly within the Global South. This initiative underscored Haiti’s pivotal role as the first independent Black Republic and its influence on liberation movements worldwide. The visit also coincided with the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières, a cornerstone of Haiti’s independence struggle, inspiring several Vietnamese students to focus their graduation theses on Haiti. Adding a flavorful dimension to the exchange, Haitian chefs Lalaroque Bichat and Madame Amenda Merilien guided students in preparing Joumou soup, a symbol of Haitian freedom. The event further enriched cultural ties with a kompa dance workshop and a showcase of Haitian music, blending culinary and artistic traditions to celebrate shared values and stories.

  • Quickscans onthullen grote misstanden: diepgaander onderzoek en externe audits nodig

    Quickscans onthullen grote misstanden: diepgaander onderzoek en externe audits nodig

    During a press conference held on Friday, the government revealed that preliminary quickscans conducted across various ministries have uncovered alarming irregularities. The initial findings, described as deeply concerning by attending ministers, have prompted an immediate escalation to external financial audits and comprehensive investigations.