Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Pets, planes and a ‘fortress’

    Pets, planes and a ‘fortress’

    WASHINGTON, DC — In a meticulously orchestrated military operation codenamed ‘Absolute Resolve,’ United States forces successfully apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, culminating a months-long intelligence mission. President Donald Trump monitored the dramatic capture in real-time through a live video feed from his Mar-a-Lago resort.

    The operation, described by military officials as a masterpiece of precision planning, involved extensive surveillance of Maduro’s movements since August. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine revealed that US intelligence agents had compiled exhaustive details about the Venezuelan leader’s daily routines, including his dietary habits, travel patterns, and even his pets.

    Preparation included constructing replica facilities to simulate Maduro’s compound and waiting for optimal conditions. Trump initially authorized the mission four days prior to execution but delayed for perfect operational alignment, including favorable weather patterns.

    The decisive moment arrived at 10:46 PM Washington time on Friday when Trump issued the final execution order with the words ‘Good luck and Godspeed.’ More than 150 aircraft participated in the mission, including fighter jets, reconnaissance planes, drones, and specialized helicopters that flew at mere 100 feet above ocean surface to avoid detection.

    US satellite and cyber capabilities disabled Venezuelan radar systems as forces approached Caracas. Despite encountering anti-aircraft fire that struck one helicopter (which remained operational), US forces overwhelmed Venezuelan defenses. The extraction team landed at Maduro’s fortified compound at 2:01 AM Caracas time, finding the leader attempting to reach a reinforced security chamber.

    Maduro and his wife surrendered without significant resistance and were transported to the USS Iwo Jima. Both face serious US charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism activities. The White House subsequently released imagery showing the captured leader blindfolded, handcuffed, and wearing hearing protection alongside a Nike tracksuit.

  • Maduro ousted

    Maduro ousted

    In a stunning escalation of its campaign against the Venezuelan government, the United States has executed a high-risk military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent transfer to New York to face criminal charges. The operation, which involved air strikes and special forces, culminated hours later with President Donald Trump declaring that the U.S. would assume temporary administrative control of the South American nation, explicitly stating an intent to harness its vast oil reserves for export.

    The dramatic events mark the most assertive U.S. effort at regime change since the 2003 Iraq war. According to military officials, the mission involved 150 aircraft and was planned over months of intelligence gathering on Maduro’s habits. General Dan Caine reported that Maduro and his wife surrendered without resistance, resulting in no U.S. casualties, though Trump later indicated ‘many’ Cuban members of Maduro’s security detail were killed.

    President Trump’s announcement from Mar-a-Lago outlined a vision for Venezuela’s future that notably bypassed the U.S.-backed political opposition. While opposition leader Maria Corina Machado declared ‘the hour of freedom has arrived,’ Trump expressed skepticism about her support, instead suggesting a potential working relationship with Maduro’s vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez—a proposal she immediately rejected, demanding Maduro’s release.

    The international response has been sharply divided. China condemned the operation, while European powers expressed concern over violations of international law, even as they acknowledged Maduro’s lack of legitimacy. Balkan nations and the UK offered support for the U.S. action. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the intervention, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated did not respect international legal standards.

    The situation in Caracas remains tense and uncertain, with the long-term U.S. commitment unclear. Trump indicated that American involvement would continue for an indefinite period, stating troops could be deployed and the U.S. would remain ‘until the proper transition can take place.’

  • Homeless appeal

    Homeless appeal

    For 39-year-old Sherdan Carr, surviving two years of homelessness in Jamaica’s capital has become a nightly battle for safety. He describes an existence where finding secure rest often means scaling buildings to sleep on rooftops, a desperate measure to avoid violent attacks that have become commonplace on Kingston’s streets.

    Carr’s account reveals a harrowing reality where homeless individuals face perpetual threat, even from children, with incidents of rock-throwing and machete attacks occurring regularly. He recounts witnessing a Rastafarian man having his head bashed with stones while sleeping just weeks before Christmas, and speaks of another elderly man who had his throat slashed during a robbery.

    Despite the brutality, Carr maintains hope for his future while advocating for systemic change. He identifies shelters as potentially dangerous environments where theft among residents is common and conditions often worse than the streets. His testimony suggests that improved shelter security and better facilities could encourage more homeless individuals to seek refuge indoors.

    The scale of violence is substantiated by official records showing that between January 2021 and April 2023, twelve homeless people were subjected to extreme violence across multiple parishes, with eight incidents occurring in Kingston alone. Only one victim survived these attacks.

    Government officials acknowledge the problem while claiming progress. Delroy Williams, State Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, recently reported a significant reduction in abuse cases against homeless individuals. He made these remarks during World Homeless Day observances in October, emphasizing ongoing appeals to citizens to cease victimizing vulnerable populations.

    The situation has created survival strategies among Kingston’s estimated 3,000 homeless residents, including sleeping in shifts with lookouts posted for protection. Both Carr and another street-dweller, Teleta Allen, confirm that stone-throwing attacks have become almost recreational for some perpetrators, highlighting the profound vulnerability of those living without shelter in Jamaica’s urban centers.

  • ‘At last’

    ‘At last’

    In an unprecedented global display of emotion, millions of Venezuelan exiles erupted in celebration following the capture of their former leader, Nicolas Maduro, by United States military forces. The operation, which culminated in Maduro’s extradition to New York to face narcotics trafficking allegations, triggered spontaneous gatherings across international capitals from Santiago to Madrid.

    Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, which shelters the largest contingent of nearly three million displaced Venezuelans, witnessed scenes of profound emotional release. Kevin Zambrano, a hairdresser who fled a decade ago, expressed uncontainable joy, stating his gratitude for what he termed ‘the first step’ toward national liberation. Similarly, in Santiago, street vendor Yurimar Rojas voiced a sentiment echoed by countless others: ‘At last we’ll be able to go back home.’

    The celebrations, however, were tempered by geopolitical complexities and internal divisions. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily ‘run’ Venezuela pending a stable political transition, a declaration that drew immediate condemnation from Maduro’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodriguez, who asserted that Maduro remains the nation’s ‘only president.’

    Amid the euphoria, poignant personal stories emerged. Yeiner Benitez, a security guard in Bogotá, tearfully recounted the tragic death of his uncle due to medication shortages—a direct consequence of Venezuela’s economic collapse. His narrative underscored the profound human toll of the crisis that drove nearly eight million citizens into exile.

    Not all responses were celebratory. In Mexico City, protesters gathered outside the U.S. embassy, brandishing signs that read ‘No to war’ and warning against what they perceived as neo-colonial resource extraction. Mario Benitez, leading the demonstration, urged Venezuelans to resist foreign intervention and protect national sovereignty.

    The events set the stage for a complex power struggle, with opposition figure Maria Corina Machado delivering a galvanizing message of hope to supporters in Madrid, while the current administration in Caracas vowed to defend the nation’s sovereignty. The path forward remains uncertain, balancing exiles’ dreams of return against the challenges of rebuilding a shattered nation.

  • U.S carriers cancel flights to Antigua

    U.S carriers cancel flights to Antigua

    Aviation authorities have reported significant disruptions to US-registered flight operations across critical Caribbean and South American air corridors. The affected airspace includes San Juan and Piarco, creating substantial travel interruptions for passengers and airlines alike.

    Leading US carriers have implemented widespread cancellations. Delta Airlines and JetBlue have suspended all operations in the region, while American Airlines has canceled multiple specific flights, including AA2467 and AA2596. The cancellations appear selective rather than comprehensive, suggesting targeted airspace restrictions rather than blanket closures.

    Notably, transatlantic services continue unaffected, with Virgin Atlantic (VS) and British Airways (BA) maintaining regular scheduled operations. Air Canada has also confirmed normal service without disruptions, indicating the limitations specifically affect US-registered aircraft rather than all international carriers.

    Aviation experts suggest the pattern of cancellations points to potential diplomatic or regulatory developments affecting US aviation access rather than meteorological or technical issues. The selective nature of the disruptions—affecting specific carriers and routes while sparing others—reinforces this assessment.

    Travelers are advised to monitor official airline communications channels for real-time updates regarding flight status and potential restoration of service. The aviation community awaits further clarification from relevant authorities regarding the duration and scope of these operational restrictions.

  • VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    In a stunning geopolitical development, President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores amid what he described as “large-scale” offensive operations against Venezuela. The unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles and drawn immediate comparisons to previous US-led captures of foreign leaders.

    The Venezuelan government, through Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has expressed grave concerns about Maduro’s whereabouts. In an audio message broadcast on state television, Rodríguez demanded concrete evidence that both Maduro and Flores remain alive, indicating complete uncertainty within Caracas about their president’s status.

    This dramatic escalation follows sustained military operations by US forces in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Washington has long accused Maduro’s administration of involvement in narcotics smuggling, providing the stated justification for these recent actions.

    The capture evokes historical precedents including the 1989 US invasion of Panama that ousted Manuel Noriega. Like Maduro, Noriega faced US drug trafficking charges before being captured, tried in American courts, and imprisoned. The Panama operation represented the largest US combat mission since Vietnam at the time, justified variously as protecting American citizens, combating dictatorship, and stopping drug trafficking.

    Similarly, the 2003 capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein by US forces following the invasion based on disputed weapons of mass destruction intelligence presents another parallel. Both Noriega and Hussein had previously been US allies before falling out of favor with Washington.

    Adding contemporary complexity, the recent case of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández demonstrates the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy. Despite being convicted on drug and corruption charges and sentenced to 45 years in US prison, Hernández received a presidential pardon from Trump in December 2025, only to subsequently face an international arrest warrant from Honduran authorities.

    The capture of a sitting head of state represents an extraordinary escalation in US-Venezuela relations and raises profound questions about international law, sovereignty, and the future of regime change operations in the 21st century.

  • Venezuelan Vice President Flees to Russia

    Venezuelan Vice President Flees to Russia

    In a dramatic escalation of international tensions, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has reportedly fled to Russia seeking political asylum. This development comes mere hours after a daring early morning operation conducted by United States forces resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    According to exclusive reporting from Reuters News Agency, four separate sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed Rodríguez’s sudden departure to Russian territory. The vice president’s abrupt exit marks a significant turning point in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, which has seen increasing international involvement.

    Prior to her departure, Rodríguez had issued a formal demand for the United States government to provide verifiable proof of life for both President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This request underscores the heightened concerns regarding the treatment and status of the captured Venezuelan leader.

    The geopolitical implications of these events are substantial, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations between Venezuela, Russia, and the United States. Russia’s decision to grant refuge to Venezuela’s second-highest ranking official suggests strengthened alliances that could complicate international efforts to resolve the Venezuelan political standoff.

    This development represents one of the most significant confrontations between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments in recent history, with potential ramifications for regional stability throughout Latin America. The situation continues to evolve rapidly as international observers monitor both Maduro’s status and Rodríguez’s activities in Russia.

  • Firearm and ammunition charges laid against 18-year-old

    Firearm and ammunition charges laid against 18-year-old

    An 18-year-old Barbadian national is set to face judicial proceedings this Saturday following his arrest on serious weapons-related charges. Dion Davidson Leacock, residing at No. 21 Dover Crescent in the Cave Hill area of St. Michael, was taken into custody by the Barbados Police Service’s Major Crime Unit after investigators uncovered evidence linking him to illegal firearm possession.

    The specific charges filed against Leacock include unlawful possession of a firearm and seven rounds of ammunition. According to police reports, these alleged violations occurred on December 27, 2025, though investigative details remain undisclosed as the case moves through the judicial system.

    Leacock’s case will be heard at the District ‘A’ Criminal Court, where prosecutors will present evidence gathered by the Major Crime Unit. The timing of the court appearance suggests authorities are treating the matter with urgency, reflecting the Barbados government’s ongoing campaign against illegal weapons circulation.

    The case emerges against the backdrop of Caribbean-wide efforts to combat gun violence, particularly involving young adults. Legal experts note that firearm-related charges typically carry severe penalties under Barbadian law, with minimum sentencing guidelines for certain weapon offenses.

    This prosecution represents the latest development in the Barbados Police Service’s targeted operations against illegal weapons trafficking, which has seen increased priority following regional security initiatives. The outcome of Saturday’s hearing could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled throughout the Eastern Caribbean jurisdiction.

  • Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre neurology team attends US epilepsy conference

    Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre neurology team attends US epilepsy conference

    The neurology division at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has marked a significant professional achievement through its active participation in the prestigious 2025 American Epilepsy Society (AES) Meeting. This premier global gathering, recognized as a leading forum for epilepsy specialists worldwide, facilitated crucial knowledge exchange among clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing seizure disorder management.

    The medical institution deployed a distinguished three-member delegation to the conference: Dr. Gaden Osborne, serving as Neurologist and Chair of Subspecialty Services; Kesha Willock, a credentialed Registered Nurse and EEG Technician; and Dr. Ranisha Hazlewood, a Neurology Registrar. Their attendance provided exposure to cutting-edge developments in diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic interventions, and comprehensive long-term patient care strategies.

    Hospital administration emphasized that such international engagement is fundamental to maintaining alignment with evolving global standards and emerging scientific discoveries. The acquired expertise is slated for immediate implementation within Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare framework, aiming to elevate local epilepsy management protocols and enhance support systems for affected individuals and their families.

    This initiative underscores the medical center’s commitment to continuous professional development, positioning it as a strategic investment in public health infrastructure. The translation of newly gained knowledge into clinical practice is expected to yield tangible improvements in patient outcomes, reinforcing the institution’s capacity to deliver specialized neurological services to the Caribbean community.

  • Venezuela’s attorney general accuses US of endangering President Maduro after Caracas strikes

    Venezuela’s attorney general accuses US of endangering President Maduro after Caracas strikes

    Venezuela’s top prosecutor has launched a fierce diplomatic offensive against the United States, alleging Washington orchestrated military operations in Caracas that potentially endangered President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Attorney General Tarek William Saab issued a dramatic televised statement in the early hours of Saturday, characterizing the situation as an effective ‘kidnapping’ of the nation’s leadership due to their uncertain whereabouts following reported aerial assaults.

    Drawing historical parallels to the 2002 coup that briefly ousted former president Hugo Chávez, Saab framed the current crisis as a defining moment in Venezuela’s political history. The prosecutor emphasized that the United States would bear full responsibility for the safety of Maduro and Flores, while simultaneously calling for intervention from United Nations bodies and international human rights organizations.

    The Venezuelan government reported multiple explosions across strategic locations in Caracas, accompanied by low-flying aircraft operations that targeted both civilian and military infrastructure. Officials branded the incident as an ‘imperialist attack’ originating from the United States, though American authorities have maintained complete silence regarding the allegations.

    Vice President Delcy Rodríguez compounded the uncertainty by stating that the president’s condition remains unverified. Meanwhile, Saab has directed prosecutors to comprehensively document what he termed human rights violations connected to the alleged American operation, simultaneously criticizing international organizations for their perceived inaction during the crisis.