Carib Scope

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  • COMMENTARY: CBI is Dead. Long Live CBI – Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis

    COMMENTARY: CBI is Dead. Long Live CBI – Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis

    In a comprehensive policy statement, Premier Mark Brantley of Nevis has declared the Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) effectively defunct while outlining an ambitious eleven-point strategy to fundamentally reshape the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Premier’s vision calls for urgent economic diversification to reduce dependency on volatile sectors and build resilience against external economic shocks.

    The cornerstone of Brantley’s proposal involves accelerating renewable energy development, particularly geothermal resources, positioning the federation to become “the Norway of the Caribbean.” This energy transformation would support new industries requiring substantial cheap power, including artificial intelligence centers, while generating employment and reducing energy costs for residents and businesses.

    Agricultural security features prominently in the plan, with initiatives to establish a broiler industry and achieve self-sufficiency in eggs, poultry, and specific crops. The Premier emphasized that “food security is national security,” highlighting how domestic production would buffer against international market fluctuations.

    The proposal further advocates for full cannabis legalization across research, medicinal, and recreational applications, coupled with comprehensive public education programs. Additionally, Brantley calls for maximizing returns from the cruise industry by harmonizing head taxes across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to match higher regional standards.

    Creative economy investments would expand through established events like MusicFest and SugarMas, while special economic zones would target technology, AI, hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors. The plan also includes incentives for diaspora investment, small business development, comprehensive tax reform to stimulate local consumption, and growth of offshore education programs to attract international students.

    A particularly critical component addresses demographic challenges, with strategies to increase the national population through targeted migration and diaspora repatriation programs. Brantley noted the impossibility of serious national development with a working population below 30,000 people.

    The Premier concluded that with CBI programs declining and tourism remaining unpredictable, the federation stands at a crossroads requiring collective effort to establish a new sustainable economic paradigm.

  • PM Briceño Agrees to Drop 13th Amendment After Union Talks

    PM Briceño Agrees to Drop 13th Amendment After Union Talks

    In a significant policy reversal, the Belizean government under Prime Minister John Briceño has formally agreed to withdraw the proposed 13th Constitutional Amendment following intensive negotiations with the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). The breakthrough commitment was secured during a high-level meeting convened on December 15, 2025, marking a victory for organized labor and legal professionals who had vigorously opposed the constitutional changes when they were initially proposed for public consultation last year.

    NTUCB President Ella Waight confirmed the government’s commitment to pursue alternative legislative pathways rather than constitutional modification. “The proposed measures will now be implemented through revisions to the criminal code,” Waight stated, emphasizing that this approach “will require states of emergency to receive approval through the National Security Council—a more progressive and inclusive mechanism that properly addresses the matter.”

    The dialogue between government and union representatives extended beyond constitutional matters to address comprehensive campaign finance reform. Waight articulated concerns that unregulated political funding mechanisms perpetuate systemic corruption and undermine the state’s capacity to address workers’ legitimate demands. “The current system allows businesses and wealthy entities to sponsor political parties during elections, creating obligations that must later be repaid through preferential treatment—directly diverting resources that should fund essential worker benefits, including fair salary adjustments,” she explained.

    Additional critical agenda items included electoral redistricting procedures, occupational safety legislation, public sector modernization, and resolving pension payment delays. According to Waight, Prime Minister Briceño committed to completing the redistricting process by December 2026 and established a framework for quarterly meetings with labor representatives to ensure ongoing collaboration.

    The NTUCB characterized this sustained engagement as fundamental to safeguarding worker rights and enhancing accountable governance structures throughout Belize, signaling a new chapter in government-union relations aimed at transparent and equitable policymaking.

  • FLASH : End of TPS, Judge Reyes skeptical and unconvinced…

    FLASH : End of TPS, Judge Reyes skeptical and unconvinced…

    In a significant legal development, Federal Judge Ana C. Reyes has expressed substantial skepticism toward the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals. During the second day of hearings on January 7, 2026, Judge Reyes ordered the government to produce additional documentation to determine whether the administration’s controversial move was “predetermined” rather than based on thorough policy analysis.

    The court proceedings revealed sharp judicial criticism of the administration’s selective use of a United Nations report to justify ending protections while simultaneously ignoring the same document’s detailed security concerns regarding Haiti’s stability. “You can’t rely on one article for one thing and not for another,” Judge Reyes emphatically stated during the hearing.

    Judge Reyes directly questioned whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had conducted a comprehensive analysis of conditions in Haiti and fulfilled her statutory obligation to assess whether circumstances had sufficiently improved to warrant termination of protected status. The administration’s argument rested heavily on a brief email from a State Department official claiming “no foreign policy concerns” about ending TPS—a response sent merely 53 minutes after the initial request on a Friday afternoon.

    The judge noted this unusually rapid response indicated insufficient consultation with subject matter experts or proper review procedures. During an extensive 30-minute exchange, government attorney Dhruman Sampat contended that the term “foreign policy” could reasonably encompass ground conditions in Haiti, but Judge Reyes remained unconvinced, stating the response failed to demonstrate whether Haitian TPS holders could safely return to their home country.

    While no final ruling has been issued, Judge Reyes indicated she would deliver her decision on suspending the TPS termination by February 2, 2026—just one day before protections for Haitian nationals are scheduled to expire. Legal observers suggest that if Judge Reyes suspends the revocation, the government will likely appeal, potentially setting the stage for Supreme Court consideration of this immigration policy matter.

    Background: Judge Ana C. Reyes, nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in February 2023, made history as the first Latin American woman and first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as a district judge in Washington, D.C. She brought over two decades of experience from Williams & Connolly LLP, with extensive expertise in international law and representation of asylum seekers.

  • Hanisha Jairam nieuwe Surinaamse ambassadeur in New Delhi

    Hanisha Jairam nieuwe Surinaamse ambassadeur in New Delhi

    The Republic of Suriname has designated Hanisha Jairam as its next extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to New Delhi, India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation has formally submitted the necessary documentation to Indian authorities to initiate the agrément process—a mandatory diplomatic procedure required before the appointment can be finalized.

    Jairam, a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), will succeed current ambassador Arun Hardien in representing Surinamese interests in India. She brings substantial administrative and policy expertise from her extensive career in government and educational sectors. Currently serving as district administrator at the Ministry of Regional Development, Jairam has previously held roles as an educator and board member within various organizations.

    Her academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a finance specialization, complemented by additional training in policy development, leadership, and governance. Jairam also previously served as president-commissioner at Canawaima, further demonstrating her executive capabilities.

    Upon successful completion of the agrément process with Indian authorities, Jairam will be officially sworn in and commence her diplomatic duties as Suriname’s chief representative in India, strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

  • ECAB Donates Books to Promote Financial Literacy at Urlings Primary School

    ECAB Donates Books to Promote Financial Literacy at Urlings Primary School

    In a significant boost to financial education initiatives, the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) delivered over 70 educational books to Urlings Primary School on January 7, 2026. This contribution forms part of the bank’s ongoing mission to enhance economic understanding among youth throughout the Eastern Caribbean region.

    The donation featured 73 copies of the acclaimed children’s publication ‘Aunty Honey’s Money: Introducing Children to Money Featuring the Eastern Caribbean Currency’ authored by Antiguan writer S. Latoya Weste. This creatively designed work transforms complex financial principles into accessible content suitable for elementary school readers, using relatable narratives and regional currency examples.

    ECAB representatives emphasized the critical importance of early financial education during the presentation ceremony. ‘Establishing financial literacy foundations during childhood creates essential safeguards against future economic challenges,’ a bank spokesperson noted. ‘We believe proactive education represents the most effective strategy for developing financially responsible citizens.’

    School faculty members Rashelle Aaron-Clarke and Lashawn Williams-Francis, both second-grade instructors, accepted the educational materials on behalf of Urlings Primary. They unanimously praised ECAB’s commitment to educational development, noting the donation’s dual benefit of supporting both financial education and regional literary talent.

    The books will be distributed to students across multiple educational levels, encompassing kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms. This initiative not only provides valuable learning resources but also demonstrates effective collaboration between financial institutions and educational establishments to address community development needs.

  • Breaking: 22-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Belama

    Breaking: 22-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Belama

    Belize City authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation following the discovery of a deceased young man in the Belama residential area on January 7, 2026. The victim has been identified as Kevin Woodye, a 22-year-old local resident whose body was found under circumstances that have prompted both police scrutiny and community concern.

    While preliminary accounts from grieving family members suggest the possibility of a sudden medical episode, potentially describing seizure-like activity referred to colloquially as “fits,” law enforcement officials have emphasized that any determination regarding cause of death remains pending complete forensic analysis. The Belize District Police Department has initiated standard investigative protocols, including the systematic collection and review of footage from security cameras in the vicinity of where the body was discovered.

    Police representatives have indicated that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness, though they maintain that no conclusive evidence pointing to foul play has been established at this preliminary stage. The community awaits further updates as forensic experts work to determine the precise circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Authorities have committed to providing additional information as their investigation progresses and more substantive findings emerge.

  • Dominica hosts seven creatives for groundbreaking residency designed to reshape regional narratives

    Dominica hosts seven creatives for groundbreaking residency designed to reshape regional narratives

    Dominica becomes the epicenter of Caribbean cultural innovation as it hosts the landmark L’Orizon artistic residency from January 5-13, 2026. This transformative gathering brings together seven distinguished creatives from Dominica, Martinique, and Saint Lucia to collectively reimagine the region’s storytelling traditions through multidisciplinary collaboration.

    The residency, organized under the An Ba Lanmè initiative—a trilateral cultural cooperation project—challenges conventional narratives by exploring how Caribbean identities are constructed and shared. Participants including Caribbean Afro-futurism writer Michael Roch (Martinique), performer Ethan James (St Lucia), and circus artists Serena Williams, Irina Khade Elwin, and Russel Raymond (Dominica) will engage in intensive dialogue and creative exchange in Cochrane village.

    Central to the program is examining whose perspectives dominate Caribbean storytelling, which heritages receive emphasis, and what realities define the contemporary Caribbean experience. The initiative uniquely integrates circus arts and performative practices alongside visual and literary arts, recognizing the region’s rich tradition of embodied storytelling that transcends linguistic barriers.

    Beyond artistic exploration, the project addresses urgent regional concerns including climate change impacts, economic diversification, and sustainable development. Organizers emphasize that narrative reconstruction directly influences economic prospects, as traditional tourism imagery becomes increasingly incompatible with environmental realities like seaweed invasions, natural disasters, and coastal erosion.

    The residency features extensive community engagement, including movement workshops led by N’jelle Thorne, exhibitions by the Waitukubili Artist Association, and conferences on cultural industries’ role in education and economics. Critical youth involvement includes January 7 workshops with Goodwill Secondary School students envisioning new Caribbean futures and January 9 theatrical improvisation sessions in Cochrane.

    Nicolas Derné, Artistic Director of Zofi Association, states: ‘This residency creates shared expression space for Caribbean artists and structures a sustainable cultural ecosystem. New narratives emerge from interdisciplinary intersections across the Caribbean—this diversity sustains a creative ecosystem that becomes a development lever for our territories.’

    The program culminates years of planning under An Ba Lanmè’s mission to revive historical and cultural connections between Caribbean islands, operating on the principle that ‘the sea connects more than it separates.’

  • PM Mitchell concerned about domestic gambling

    PM Mitchell concerned about domestic gambling

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has expressed profound concerns regarding the escalating gambling epidemic in Grenada, advocating for a comprehensive societal approach that prioritizes citizen welfare over revenue generation. During his inaugural 2026 interview on Grenada Broadcasting Network’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’ program, the Prime Minister highlighted the destructive nature of gambling addiction, particularly among financially vulnerable populations.

    Mitchell emphasized that while respecting individual liberties, society must reach consensus on values and recognize gambling’s detrimental impacts. He specifically referenced games classified by the World Health Organisation as highly addictive, noting alarming patterns where citizens gamble 12-14 hours daily while neglecting familial responsibilities.

    The gambling landscape in Grenada is dominated by the state-established Grenada National Lotteries Authority (GNLA), the primary provider of lottery products including Bingo, Lotto, Super 6, Daily Pick 3, and instant Scratch games. Private companies also operate promotional chance games.

    Mitchell proposed a ‘whole of society’ framework that balances revenue generation with protective measures for at-risk individuals, stating: ‘If people believe gambling is their only escape from financial hardship, we guarantee they’ll never overcome it.’ The Prime Minister’s comments signal a potential policy shift toward addressing gambling’s social consequences rather than merely exploiting its economic benefits.

  • Lovell Demands Answers as U.S. Visa Bond Hits Antiguans

    Lovell Demands Answers as U.S. Visa Bond Hits Antiguans

    A prominent opposition figure in Antigua and Barbuda has launched a severe critique against the current administration’s handling of newly imposed U.S. visa bond requirements, alleging governmental secrecy and inadequate communication regarding what he characterizes as a critical national concern.

    Harold Lovell, former Finance Minister and United Progressive Party candidate for All Saints West, voiced his apprehensions during a recent media appearance. He emphasized that the mandate for citizens to secure bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for U.S. visitor visas universally impacts all passport holders and warrants thorough parliamentary discourse and complete governmental transparency.

    Lovell condemned the administration’s approach, describing it as shrouded in confidentiality and characterized by sporadic information releases that undermine public trust. He recalled that early indications of potential U.S. travel restrictions emerged last year, but were met with dismissive assurances from leadership that fostered a misleading sense of security among the populace.

    Contrary to initial claims of securing special arrangements, Lovell highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda ultimately faced the same stringent conditions as other nations on the U.S. list. He expressed bewilderment that such a significant issue was entirely omitted from recent budget debates in both parliamentary chambers.

    The opposition leader framed the visa bond requirement as a profound foreign affairs challenge demanding structured diplomatic engagement rather than casual exchanges. He pointed to the severe implications for students, medical patients, and business travelers, noting the exorbitant bond cost alone would deter many from seeking entry to the United States.

    Rejecting any partisan interpretation, Lovell insisted the matter transcends political colors and represents a fundamental test of parliamentary democracy. He called for immediate full disclosure from the government, a clear outline of impact mitigation strategies, and concerted efforts to restore national confidence.

  • Grenada reaffirms strong commitment to safety, security and welcoming visitors

    Grenada reaffirms strong commitment to safety, security and welcoming visitors

    The Government of Grenada has issued a formal response to the recent Level 2 Travel Advisory from the United States, vigorously reaffirming the nation’s standing as a secure and welcoming destination for international visitors and residents. Officials emphasized Grenada’s exceptional public safety record, social stability, and robust law enforcement capabilities that continue to make it one of the Caribbean’s premier locations.

    Grenada’s deep connections with the United States form a cornerstone of its international relations, with a significant population of American citizens residing, working, studying, and investing across the tri-island nation. These individuals receive identical security protections and access to public services as all nationals, reflecting Grenada’s commitment to inclusive safety measures. Their continued presence underscores the confidence in Grenada’s quality of life and governance structures, bolstered by historical people-to-people ties between the two nations.

    Statistical evidence supports Grenada’s safety claims, with the country consistently ranking among the region’s safest destinations. The nation maintains an exceptionally low crime rate of approximately 4 incidents per 100,000 people—a figure that reflects comprehensive public safety initiatives, proactive policing strategies, and active community engagement programs.

    The Royal Grenada Police Force maintains advanced rapid response systems and demonstrates strong investigative capabilities with high crime solvency rates. These operational strengths ensure continuous public safety through institutional preparedness and professional law enforcement practices. Grenada’s security apparatus maintains open communication channels and ongoing cooperation with international partners, including United States security agencies.

    Tourism infrastructure operates under rigorously maintained safety protocols, with communities renowned for their genuine hospitality and respectful treatment of visitors. Hundreds of thousands of international travelers experience Grenada’s renowned cultural richness and world-class amenities annually, contributing to its reputation as a destination where travelers feel authentically welcomed and secure.

    The government maintains that safety and security represent national priorities, achieved through inter-agency law enforcement collaboration, sustained investment in security infrastructure, and strengthened regional and international partnerships. Grenada remains fully open to global visitors while continuing to proactively address security concerns through comprehensive protection standards for all nationals and guests alike.