Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Trump Wants Greenland

    Trump Wants Greenland

    In a significant geopolitical development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his administration’s controversial campaign to acquire Greenland, asserting American control over the autonomous Danish territory as essential to national security. Through his Truth Social platform on January 14th, Trump declared the island “vital” to his proposed “Golden Dome” air and missile defense system, stating that “anything less” than U.S. control would be “unacceptable.”

    The push comes amid high-level diplomatic engagements, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with officials from both Denmark and Greenland. Both governments have firmly rejected Trump’s overtures, with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt unequivocally stating: “Greenland does not want to be owned by, governed by or part of the United States.”

    Internal estimates from U.S. officials familiar with planning suggest the acquisition could cost between $500 billion and $700 billion—exceeding half of the Pentagon’s annual budget. Despite the staggering price tag, a senior White House official confirmed that Rubio has been directed to develop a purchase proposal as a “high priority” initiative.

    The situation has triggered diplomatic repercussions beyond U.S.-Danish relations. China responded through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, cautioning against using other countries “as a pretext” to pursue interests in Greenland. Mao emphasized that “China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development” and that all countries’ rights to conduct lawful Arctic activities “should be fully respected.”

    Meanwhile, Denmark has strengthened its military presence in Greenland in coordination with NATO allies, while protests have erupted in Copenhagen with demonstrators chanting “Greenland is for Greenlanders” outside the U.S. embassy. The territory already hosts a small U.S. military base under a 1951 agreement, but Trump maintains that without American control, Russia or China would eventually dominate the region, vowing “one way or another, we’re going to have Greenland.”

  • Dominicans blame CBI for US travel woes

    Dominicans blame CBI for US travel woes

    A controversial United States immigration policy requiring citizens from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to post bonds reaching $15,000 for entry has triggered substantial backlash across the Eastern Caribbean. The measure, implemented last week, has been met with widespread criticism from residents who view it as both economically prohibitive and diplomatically contentious.

    Multiple sources speaking with St. Lucia Times indicated the development aligned with anticipated international trends. Many cited the United Kingdom’s 2023 revocation of visa-free access for Dominican travelers as a precursor to heightened examination of the region’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. This perspective suggests that increased scrutiny from Western nations was inevitable given growing concerns about due diligence and security protocols within these economic citizenship schemes.

    A Roseau resident and mother of two expressed vehement criticism, stating: ‘The consequences of unchecked greed are now evident. The UK’s visa restrictions should have served as an urgent warning for our government to implement reforms. While the CBI program generated revenue, it has ultimately damaged our international standing and created these travel barriers.’

    Beyond diplomatic concerns, the practical implications of the bond requirement have drawn sharp focus. The substantial financial demand effectively prevents many Dominican families from visiting relatives in the United States, severing important cultural and familial connections. A local business owner emphasized: ‘This policy disproportionately targets Dominicans with legitimate family ties. Many have parents, children, or extended family in the U.S., making integration natural should they choose to migrate. The bond amount is completely unaffordable for most citizens.’

    Additional criticism emerged from a Dominican national residing in Antigua, who characterized the U.S. as acting like a ‘bully’ while simultaneously condemning mismanagement of the CBI program. The individual warned: ‘The very program that provided economic benefits may now cause severe repercussions, particularly if the European Union follows with Schengen visa restrictions. What value does citizenship hold if the passport becomes ineffective for travel?’

    There are growing calls for the Dominican government to immediately strengthen oversight mechanisms and due diligence processes within its CBI program to restore international confidence and potentially reverse these damaging travel restrictions.

  • Cuba Scholarship announcement 2026/2027

    Cuba Scholarship announcement 2026/2027

    In a significant bilateral educational initiative, the Republic of Cuba has partnered with the Grenadian government to offer comprehensive scholarship opportunities for Grenadian nationals for the 2026/2027 academic year. The program encompasses technical diploma, undergraduate, and specialized postgraduate medical studies exclusively for doctors who completed their medical education at Cuban universities.

    Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be citizens of Grenada in good health. Age restrictions apply specifically to technical diploma and undergraduate programs, requiring candidates to be between 16 and 25 years of age. The application process requires submission of two copies of all documentation, including a completed scholarship application form obtainable via scholarships.edu@gov.gd, certified copies of birth certificates, valid passport bio-data pages, academic certificates, transcripts from previous institutions, two reference letters, and a 500-word essay addressing how the chosen field of study will contribute to both personal development and Grenada’s future advancement.

    The scholarship package represents a comprehensive support system, covering full tuition fees, accommodation expenses, round-trip airline tickets, and an annual stipend. All application materials must be physically delivered to the Scholarship Desk at the Human Resource Development Division within the Ministry of Education by February 27, 2026.

    Prospective applicants seeking additional information may contact the Human Resource Development Division at (473) 440-2737/2738 or (473) 417-9762, or via email at scholarships.edu@gov.gd. This initiative strengthens educational ties between the two nations while providing substantial opportunities for Grenadian students across multiple academic disciplines.

  • Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states affected by U.S. immigrant visa pause from Jan. 21

    Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states affected by U.S. immigrant visa pause from Jan. 21

    In a significant immigration policy shift, the U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 designated countries effective January 21. This administrative pause, first revealed through internal documents obtained by Fox News Digital, enables consular officers to deny visas under existing public charge provisions while the department comprehensively reassesses screening and vetting protocols.

    The affected nations span multiple continents and include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen among others. This action follows heightened scrutiny of immigration practices, particularly concerning Somalia after federal investigators uncovered extensive fraud within taxpayer-funded benefit programs in Minnesota.

    According to the State Department directive, consular officers must now implement rigorous screening measures that evaluate applicants’ potential likelihood of becoming public charges. Assessment criteria encompass health status, age, English language proficiency, financial stability, and possible requirements for long-term medical care. The guidelines notably specify that older applicants, those with overweight conditions, or individuals with previous utilization of government cash assistance programs may face visa denials.

    State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated: ‘The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while we reassess processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would utilize welfare and public benefits.’

    Exceptions to this suspension will be exceptionally limited and permitted only after applicants successfully clear public charge considerations. The public charge provision, while existing for decades in immigration law, has experienced fluctuating enforcement across presidential administrations. The Trump administration notably expanded the definition of public charge in 2019 to include broader benefit categories, though portions were subsequently blocked in courts before being rescinded by the Biden administration.

    The complete list of affected countries comprises Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

  • Politie Nederland: ruim 300 kilo cocaïne aangetroffen in bevroren vis uit Suriname

    Politie Nederland: ruim 300 kilo cocaïne aangetroffen in bevroren vis uit Suriname

    Dutch law enforcement agencies have made a significant narcotics interception after discovering 319 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a shipment of frozen fish. The sophisticated smuggling operation was uncovered on Monday, January 12th, following a targeted investigation prompted by intelligence regarding potential drug trafficking activities.

    The suspicious container, originating from Suriname, was intercepted at a commercial facility in Barneveld. Specialist units including the National Investigation and Intervention Unit and the National Expertise and Operations Unit initiated a comprehensive examination after initial scans revealed unexplained anomalies within the cargo.

    Despite preliminary scans failing to directly identify narcotics, investigators detected irregularities that warranted further manual inspection. Each frozen fish underwent individual scanning, leading to the discovery of anomalous substances within portion of the shipment.

    Upon forensic examination, law enforcement personnel surgically opened the frozen fish, revealing professionally packaged cocaine bundles concealed within the marine products. The total seizure amounted to approximately 319 kilograms of high-purity cocaine with substantial street value.

    Authorities have clarified that the Barneveld-based company where the container was intercepted currently shows no indications of involvement in the smuggling operation. The criminal investigation continues to focus on identifying the trafficking network’s origins and those responsible for the sophisticated concealment methodology.

    The confiscated narcotics have been securely transferred to customs authorities and subsequently destroyed in accordance with Dutch drug enforcement protocols. This interception represents one of the more inventive concealment methods recently encountered by European border security agencies.

  • US to Suspend Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Including Belize

    US to Suspend Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Including Belize

    In a significant shift in immigration policy, the United States Department of State has announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This sweeping measure comes as federal authorities initiate a comprehensive reassessment of visa approval procedures nationwide.

    The policy change, formally communicated through the Department’s official social media channels, cites concerns over disproportionate welfare utilization by migrants from the affected nations. “The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” the statement declared. “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”

    Among the impacted nations are Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea—countries whose immigrants, according to the statement, “often become public charges on the United States upon arrival.” The Department emphasized its commitment to preventing exploitation of American public assistance systems, asserting that “the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”

    This development follows stricter enforcement guidelines distributed to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide in November 2025. The diplomatic cable mandated intensified screening protocols under existing “public charge” provisions within immigration law. Consular officers received instructions to deny visas to applicants demonstrating potential dependence on public benefits based on multiple criteria including health status, age, financial stability, English language proficiency, and potential requirements for long-term medical care. Previous utilization of government assistance programs or institutionalization may also result in application denial.

    The comprehensive list of affected countries spans multiple continents and includes nations from Afghanistan to Yemen, with significant representation from African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American regions. Other notable countries subject to the suspension include Brazil, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Iraq, Jamaica, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and Uzbekistan.

  • West Indies Under-19 thrash Japan in World Cup warmup

    West Indies Under-19 thrash Japan in World Cup warmup

    In a dominant display of cricketing prowess, the West Indies Under-19 team delivered a crushing 229-run victory over Japan during an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup warm-up match in Windhoek on Tuesday, January 13th.

    The Caribbean side, having been put into bat first, established a formidable foundation through an explosive opening partnership. Tanez Francis and Zachary Carter launched their innings with a 40-run stand within the initial seven overs, setting the stage for an extraordinary batting performance. Francis emerged as the cornerstone of the innings, remaining unbeaten with a magnificent 122 runs.

    The match witnessed an extraordinary fifth-wicket partnership between Francis and Shamar Apple that completely shifted the momentum beyond Japan’s reach. Apple delivered a breathtaking century, hammering 124 runs from a mere 65 deliveries in a display of pure power-hitting that included 10 boundaries and 8 massive sixes.

    Facing a daunting victory target of 347, Japan’s batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the West Indies bowling attack. While Taylor Waugh provided some resistance with 32 runs, the team consistently lost wickets at regular intervals. The Japanese side was ultimately dismissed for a mere 117 runs in 31.2 overs.

    R’Jai Gittens proved virtually unplayable, finishing with spectacular bowling figures of 4 wickets for just 8 runs. Vitel Lawes provided crucial support with three additional wickets, effectively dismantling Japan’s batting order.

    The comprehensive victory positions the West Indies as strong contenders to advance from Group D in the upcoming World Cup preliminary stage, where they will face South Africa, Afghanistan, and tournament newcomers Tanzania.

    This impressive performance signals the team’s determination to end their decade-long championship drought, with players and supporters alike hoping to replicate their historic 2016 triumph.

  • Natascha Kalo voorgedragen als gedelegeerd commissaris bij Grassalco

    Natascha Kalo voorgedragen als gedelegeerd commissaris bij Grassalco

    In a significant corporate governance development, Natascha Kalo has been appointed as interim executive commissioner of N.V. Grassalco following her nomination by shareholders. The company’s Board of Commissioners ratified the appointment during an emergency meeting held Thursday morning.

    Kalo’s elevation to this temporary leadership position comes just days after the Board suspended CEO Wesley Rozenhout on Monday, January 12th. This decisive action is directly connected to an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of approximately four kilograms of gold from the state mining enterprise.

    The Board of Commissioners, chaired by Berto Sampi, emphasized the critical need for unimpeded information flow to ensure a thorough and independent investigation. The suspension of Rozenhout was additionally justified by alleged violations of company statutes according to official statements.

    In her new capacity as executive commissioner, Kalo will assume specific temporary duties and authorities to exercise intensified oversight of organizational operations. This interim governance structure will remain effective until the appointment of a new permanent chief executive officer.

    Meanwhile, Grassalco has initiated an internal ‘quickscan’ assessment while maintaining normal daily operational activities. The current Board of Commissioners comprises Chairman Berto Sampi alongside members Steven Jungerman, Joël Anches, and Ivan Brunswijk, who will continue to provide governance during this transitional period.

  • BPBL Welcomes New Leadership

    BPBL Welcomes New Leadership

    The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) has announced a significant expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Glenn Gill as Deputy Commissioner. This strategic move brings one of Belize’s most experienced basketball figures into the league’s administrative structure.

    Gill brings decades of basketball expertise to his new position, having established himself as one of Belize’s longest-serving referees with FIBA certification. His extensive background includes previous leadership experience as commissioner of the Belize Elite Basketball League, earning him respect both within the national basketball community and internationally.

    The newly appointed deputy will work alongside existing Deputy Commissioner Amir Garcia, both operating under the guidance of Commissioner Claudio Leal, who is commencing his second year leading the BPBL. This strengthened leadership team signals the league’s commitment to enhanced governance and development.

    In his official capacity, Gill will assume responsibility for overseeing league operations and ensuring regional preparedness. His portfolio will include supporting team development, officiating standards, and game-day infrastructure management. League representatives characterized the appointment as reflecting BPBL’s dedication to “operational excellence, competitive integrity, and long-term growth.”

    In a gesture of solidarity within Belize’s basketball community, the BPBL leadership extended congratulations to the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) on its scheduled relaunch in February. The statement emphasized that both competitions contribute significantly to strengthening the nation’s basketball ecosystem.

    The BPBL, which is scheduled to resume competition in July 2026, continues to build institutional capacity during its off-season in preparation for its return.

  • Antiguan and Barbudan Solange Baptiste Appointed CROSQ Chair

    Antiguan and Barbudan Solange Baptiste Appointed CROSQ Chair

    The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) has ushered in new leadership with Antigua and Barbuda assuming the chairmanship of its Council of Directors. Mrs. Solange Baptiste, Acting Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards (ABBS), commenced her term as chair on January 1, 2026, succeeding Mr. Ezra Ledger of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards.

    Concurrently, The Bahamas has been appointed to the vice-chair position, represented by Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, Director of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality. Both nations will maintain these regional leadership roles for a one-year term before the chairmanship transitions to another member state.

    In her inaugural statement, Mrs. Baptiste expressed profound honor at her appointment, emphasizing her commitment to advancing regional quality infrastructure through collaborative efforts with the CROSQ Secretariat and national standards bodies across CARICOM. “I’m truly excited about serving as chair of the CROSQ Council for 2026,” she stated. “This represents an invaluable opportunity to engage more purposefully with fellow directors and facilitate Antigua and Barbuda’s contribution to coordinating the CARICOM quality infrastructure development agenda.”

    Dr. Sharonmae Smith Walker, CEO of the CROSQ Secretariat, extended warm welcomes to the new leadership team, acknowledging the ambitious nature of the regional quality infrastructure agenda. She noted that member state contributions remain vital to CROSQ’s strategic direction and vision development, expressing confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s eagerness to advance the organization’s trajectory as a key CARICOM institution.