Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • China defends international law against US stance

    China defends international law against US stance

    In a striking diplomatic contrast, China has positioned itself as a defender of the international legal order while responding to recent statements from former US President Donald Trump that questioned the authority of global governance frameworks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning articulated Beijing’s firm position during a press briefing, emphasizing that international law remains an indispensable mechanism for peaceful dispute resolution among nations.

    The Chinese spokesperson presented a comprehensive vision of global governance centered on multilateral cooperation, stating that upholding international legal principles is fundamental to preserving international fairness and justice. This stance serves as a direct counterpoint to what Chinese officials characterize as unilateral and aggressive actions by the United States against sovereign nations including Venezuela and other countries that diverge from Washington’s strategic interests.

    Mao Ning further elaborated that major global powers bear special responsibility in demonstrating respect for the authority of international law and faithfully implementing their obligations under various international agreements. This perspective was reinforced by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who emphasized that the sovereignty and security of all nations must receive comprehensive protection within the framework of international law.

    The emerging philosophical divide occurs against the backdrop of intensifying global debates regarding the future of multilateralism and the international system established following World War II. Beijing has explicitly rejected the concept of any single nation acting as the ‘world’s policeman’ or assuming the role of international judge, instead advocating for a collective approach to global governance through established international institutions and legal frameworks.

  • OP-ED: CARICOM faces a unity-defining moment

    OP-ED: CARICOM faces a unity-defining moment

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) confronts a severe foreign policy challenge following recent US military operations in Venezuela, exposing deep divisions among its 14 sovereign member states. Since September 2025, American military actions in the region have triggered contrasting responses that threaten the bloc’s cohesion.

    CARICOM leadership now navigates complex pressures stemming from the revived ‘Donroe Doctrine’ and concurrent US policy demands toward member nations. The organization faces the formidable task of formulating a unified foreign policy response to the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on spheres of influence and strategic competition.

    Two distinct camps have emerged within CARICOM. Barbados exemplifies the traditional foreign policy approach, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley delivering a blunt assessment of the January 3 US military action in Venezuela. Her position aligns closely with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who termed the intervention ‘a dangerous precedent’ that risks regional instability and violates international norms.

    Conversely, Trinidad and Tobago has pursued a markedly different course, emphasizing regional peace concerns while simultaneously reaffirming commitment to Washington’s intervention logic. The nation’s prominent role in ‘Operation Southern Spear’ has raised eyebrows within CARICOM, particularly as US interventionism appears resurgent in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The crisis unfolds against broader geopolitical shifts, with the United States withdrawing from numerous international organizations and treaties it previously established. This retreat from multilateralism particularly concerns CARICOM members, who rely heavily on UN-based international law and multilateral frameworks to protect their interests as small states.

    The upcoming Fiftieth Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government assumes critical importance as members seek common ground. While some unity exists on certain US policy aspects—such as hosting deported migrants—the fundamental question remains whether the bloc can overcome its divisions during this unity-defining moment.

    Dr. Nand C. Bardouille of The University of the West Indies observes that CARICOM leadership recognizes the summit represents a test the regional grouping cannot afford to fail, given the high stakes for Caribbean sovereignty and international law principles.

  • French PM faces two no-confidence motions

    French PM faces two no-confidence motions

    The French government confronts simultaneous no-confidence motions from opposing political flanks as agricultural discontent escalates over the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) and far-right National Rally (RN) parties separately introduced measures to challenge Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne’s administration, though both initiatives face probable defeat due to lack of cross-party support.

    Political analysts indicate neither motion will secure the required 289 votes in the 577-seat National Assembly, with both the Socialist Party and conservative Republicans explicitly rejecting alignment with either political extreme. Current projections suggest maximum support of approximately 200 votes, insufficient to topple the government.

    The motions center on President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the EU-Mercosur trade pact, which has sparked substantial farmer protests across France. While Macron ultimately opposed the agreement—with France casting a dissenting vote last week—opposition parties argue this stance emerged from domestic pressure rather than genuine policy conviction.

    Evidence suggests Macron previously indicated support for the trade initiative during November meetings in Belém, Brazil, creating perception inconsistencies that have fueled political criticism. The agreement, scheduled for formal signing in Asunción, Paraguay, has drawn fierce opposition from French agricultural sectors fearing unfair competition from South American producers.

    Hundreds of farmers escalated protests this week, entering Paris with tractors to demonstrate against the trade deal. Agricultural groups announced planned demonstrations outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg on January 20th, maintaining pressure on both French and EU authorities regarding the controversial agreement.

  • Venezuela: acting president recalls meeting with UAE envoy

    Venezuela: acting president recalls meeting with UAE envoy

    Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the receipt of a significant diplomatic communication from the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing solidarity and enhanced cooperation between the two nations. The development emerged from a high-level meeting at Miraflores Palace, Venezuela’s presidential headquarters, where officials from both countries convened to strengthen their longstanding diplomatic relationship.

    According to an official statement released through presidential channels, President Maduro characterized the communication as a substantive message conveying unity and mutual support from both the Emirati government and its citizens. The discussions primarily centered on expanding investment opportunities across multiple sectors within the South American nation, building upon diplomatic relations that have been maintained for over five decades.

    The bilateral meeting produced commitments to advance joint projects specifically designed to promote economic development and improve welfare conditions for both populations. Venezuelan officials highlighted that the dialogue focused on creating frameworks for sustainable development and mutual economic benefit.

    Venezuela’s delegation included several key government figures: Vice President for Economic Affairs Calixto Ortega, Foreign Minister Yván Gil, and Minister for Ecological Mining Development Héctor Silva. Their participation underscored the comprehensive nature of the talks, which addressed economic, diplomatic, and resource development cooperation.

    The engagement represents a continued effort by both nations to deepen their international partnership despite global economic challenges, with particular attention to investment frameworks that support Venezuela’s development objectives while creating opportunities for Emirati economic involvement.

  • Duguid defends govt and HOPE project amid corruption claims

    Duguid defends govt and HOPE project amid corruption claims

    In a fiery session of Barbados’ House of Assembly on Tuesday, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid delivered a vehement rebuttal against corruption allegations leveled by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne regarding the government’s HOPE Housing Project. The senior official dismissed the claims as “absolute nonsense” and “bold-faced poppycock” during heated exchanges that culminated in a parliamentary vote to correct a procedural error concerning land allocation.

    The controversy emerged as legislators voted to rescind an earlier resolution approving the transfer of two land parcels at Sargeant’s Village, Christ Church, which Dr. Duguid attributed to an “administrative error” in the previously passed version. The minister, who holds a senior position in the Prime Minister’s Office, specifically addressed Mr. Thorne’s assertion that $60 million in state funds had improperly benefited private individuals, declaring these allegations entirely unfounded.

    Dr. Duguid mounted a robust defense of the state housing program, which targets low-income residents through developments at Vespera Gardens in St. James, Concordia in St. Philip, and Pool in St. John. “HOPE has done a fantastic job,” the Christ Church West MP asserted, adding that “there have been no infelicities, as far as I am concerned.”

    The former housing minister challenged the opposition leader to substantiate his claims, particularly regarding the allegation that “Cabinet took up $60 million of taxpayers’ money… to enrich private individuals.” Dr. Duguid provided clarification on the Pool development, explaining that while a contract was initially signed for 1,000 housing units, the HOPE board had only approved the purchase of 50 units. He emphasized that despite subsequent ratification of the larger contract, “not one cent” was actually disbursed.

    Citing the Auditor General’s report on HOPE, Dr. Duguid noted the assessment concluded the organization had “achieved modest returns on its programmes” without any findings of corruption or failure. However, the infrastructure minister acknowledged the administration had made mistakes while pursuing aggressive housing policies to address growing demand.

    Dr. Duguid contextualized the housing challenges by referencing natural disasters that disrupted construction efforts, noting that Hurricane Elsa and Hurricane Beryl had destroyed hundreds of homes across Barbados. The government consequently diverted resources from affordable housing initiatives to emergency repairs, addressing approximately 1,400 damaged properties at a cost of millions originally allocated for housing development.

    “We are not perfect. Perfection is for the divine; people will make mistakes, and this, from what I can see, was an administrative error,” Dr. Duguid conceded in his closing remarks to the parliamentary assembly.

  • Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark public safety alert following a concerning surge in vehicle thefts across the nation. Law enforcement authorities report that a pattern of owner negligence—primarily leaving vehicles unsecured with keys inside—is directly enabling criminal enterprises.

    This security crisis has manifested prominently in the St. John’s and Old Parham Road districts, where recent incidents highlight a troubling trend. In a specific case from January 13th, 2026, an orange Suzuki Ignis was stolen from St. John’s Street during morning hours. Police investigation confirmed the vehicle was unattended with its ignition keyed. Similarly, a white Kia Sorento vanished from Old Parham Road overnight between January 12th and 13th.

    Beyond the property loss, police intelligence indicates stolen vehicles are being repurposed to facilitate other serious criminal operations, thereby multiplying the threat to community safety. In response, the Police Administration is mandating heightened public vigilance and has released a comprehensive security protocol.

    The essential guidelines for vehicle owners include: never leaving keys in the ignition under any circumstances; consistently locking all doors and windows regardless of parking duration; opting for well-lit and secure parking areas; and immediately reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities.

    The force emphasizes that community cooperation is indispensable in combating this crime wave. Citizens possessing any information related to these thefts or associated criminal activities are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station immediately.

  • Arthritis and Lupus Association vows wider reach in 2026

    Arthritis and Lupus Association vows wider reach in 2026

    The St Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association (SLALA) has announced ambitious plans to intensify its advocacy and support programs for individuals with rheumatic conditions beginning in 2026. This strategic expansion will focus on three core pillars: enhanced public awareness campaigns, improved healthcare access advocacy, and strengthened educational resources for members and their families.

    The commitment follows a remarkably productive year in 2025 that combined policy advocacy with direct community support. During the recent holiday season, SLALA demonstrated its compassionate approach by distributing essential food hampers to seven identified vulnerable members. This initiative was made possible through collaborative partnerships with Glace Supermarket, Bank of Saint Lucia, Bay Medical Centre, and several anonymous donors.

    According to an official statement, “This initiative reflects SLALA’s ongoing mission to provide tangible support, not only through advocacy and awareness, but also through compassionate action that directly touches lives.”

    The association’s 2025 achievements included multiple community engagement events: the traditional Easter Tea Party, the Strides for Lupus Fun Walk, SLALA’s inaugural Town Hall Meeting, the October Sunrise Walk for Arthritis Awareness, and the resumption of in-person member meetings. A significant milestone was the donation of a wheelchair to a member with mobility challenges.

    “Each effort represents a step forward in empowering persons living with chronic illness and strengthening the support network around them,” the association emphasized.

    As SLALA prepares for its expanded 2026 initiatives, the organization has expressed profound gratitude to volunteers, corporate partners, donors, and members whose dedication fueled a year of measurable progress and renewed hope for the chronic illness community.

    Those interested in supporting SLALA’s mission can contact 486-7000, email slala.slu@gmail.com, or connect through their social media channels @slala.slu on Facebook and Instagram.

  • St George North voters give mixed marks to MP Moore

    St George North voters give mixed marks to MP Moore

    As speculation intensifies regarding a potential early general election, constituents in St George North have delivered a nuanced assessment of their first-term representative, Toni Moore. The General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union has garnered generally favorable feedback from residents, though significant concerns persist regarding infrastructure and political engagement.

    During recent ground assessments in the central parish, Moore received acknowledgment for her efforts in addressing critical social needs. Multiple residents confirmed tangible improvements in housing assistance and repair programs, particularly noteworthy given Moore’s lack of ministerial portfolio. Several homes throughout the constituency have undergone substantial reconstruction through government initiatives facilitated during her term.

    However, this praise exists alongside growing frustration over deteriorating road conditions. Residents in Flat Rock and surrounding areas report severe infrastructure degradation, attributing the damage to increased heavy truck traffic. The situation has reached critical levels, with vehicle damage becoming commonplace for local drivers.

    The political sentiment reveals deeper complexities regarding constituent-representative relationships. While some seniors express satisfaction with Moore’s performance and predict she will retain her seat, others describe profound disconnection from the political process. A segment of the electorate reports disillusionment with political figures generally, citing insufficient engagement and perceived inequities in government assistance distribution. This has led some residents to consider abstaining from voting entirely, highlighting challenges in political representation beyond infrastructure issues.

  • NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    Barbados’ National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) faces significant operational challenges due to severe staffing limitations that hinder its capacity to address the island’s growing need for drug prevention and education services. Deputy Manager Troy Wickham revealed that despite concerted efforts to enhance public awareness campaigns, the organization’s modest workforce of just 19 employees substantially restricts its community outreach capabilities. Among these staff members, only four serve as substance abuse prevention officers tasked with directly delivering drug education programs across diverse community groups. The council’s technical capabilities are further constrained by having merely two research and information officers analyzing local drug trends and two counselors providing essential support services. To overcome these limitations, the NCSA has implemented innovative digital solutions including Zoom, Nearpod, and Canva platforms to conduct virtual sessions reaching broader audiences. These technology-driven initiatives are supported by an evidence-based database ensuring research-grounded prevention messaging. The organization has increasingly relied on trained volunteers who undergo comprehensive 7-12 week training programs covering NCSA’s curriculum, local drug research, and technological delivery methods. As Barbados observes Drug Awareness Month throughout January, Wickham has issued a public appeal for additional volunteers to bolster the council’s community prevention efforts. Despite these adaptive measures, Wickham identified message acceptance as another fundamental challenge, noting that persuading the public to internalize prevention messages remains persistently difficult despite expanded outreach initiatives.

  • Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    The General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) revealed on Tuesday that insurers have disbursed approximately $184,000 in claims stemming from November’s catastrophic floods, which claimed one life and inflicted widespread destruction across the island. GIAB President Andrea Walton confirmed that 60 total claims were processed through the association’s secretariat, comprising 47 motor vehicle claims and 13 property damage claims.

    According to insurance officials, no additional claims are anticipated at this juncture, given that the most severely affected zones were confined to specific regions. The historic deluge, described as the most severe in a decade, resulted in the tragic death of 58-year-old Terry Kellman and caused extensive vehicular devastation, with numerous automobiles either washed away or deemed total losses.

    Kellman tragically perished after losing his footing along Lower Estate Road as torrential waters transformed the Charles Rowe Bridge into a raging river. His body was recovered approximately 24 hours after the initial flooding incident.

    Anton Lovell, General Manager of Cooperatives General Insurance, provided sobering assessment regarding submerged vehicles, stating that complete write-offs were inevitable regardless of insurance coverage. “When vehicles become fully submerged, recovery becomes impossible. These cases represent total losses—even luxury vehicles like Mercedes suffered irreparable water damage,” Lovell explained in post-flood evaluations.

    Despite the devastation, Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams extended commendations to first responders who conducted rescue and recovery operations throughout the night. During damage assessment tours of St. Peter and St. Lucy parishes alongside emergency personnel, Abrahams emphasized the unprecedented scale and velocity of the flooding event.

    The Minister detailed particular devastation around Charles Rowe Bridge, where multiple vehicles were swept away—some traveling from as far as St. George Parish Church before accumulating near the Chefette junction. Meteorological authorities confirmed that engineering solutions would have proven insufficient against the extraordinary rainfall intensity, with certain areas receiving up to nine inches (228.6mm) within 24 hours.

    Abrahams relayed the Met Office’s professional assessment: “The volume of precipitation within such condensed timeframe would have overwhelmed even world-class infrastructure. Water accumulated in elevated parishes and cascaded downward—our focus must remain on post-event mitigation strategies.”