Carib Scope

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  • Jamaica PM says CARICOM is not a political union

    Jamaica PM says CARICOM is not a political union

    Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has delivered a paradigm-shifting address at the 50th CARICOM summit in Basseterre, fundamentally redefining the Caribbean Community’s operational philosophy. Contrary to popular perception, Holness emphasized that CARICOM constitutes an association of sovereign states rather than a political union, with no treaty obligations mandating unified foreign policies or supranational governance.

    The Prime Minister articulated a compelling vision for regional cooperation amidst accelerating global disruptions. “Climate shocks arrive faster than our financing mechanisms, criminal networks adapt faster than our institutions, and technological disruption reshapes economies faster than our regulatory frameworks,” Holness observed, highlighting the urgent need for responsive governance structures.

    Holness challenged conventional integration narratives, arguing that CARICOM’s strength lies not in uniformity but in its diversity of democratic expressions. “Variations in national perspectives are not a liability to be feared but a resource to be harnessed,” he asserted, framing member states’ differing risk assessments and priority sequences as natural expressions of sovereignty rather than institutional weakness.

    The address positioned regional security as a binding imperative, citing sophisticated transnational criminal networks that increasingly challenge state authority. Referencing Jamaica’s developed security architecture—forged through persistent violence—Holness proposed knowledge-sharing as organic integration: “Our region’s variability is not an obstacle to integration. It is integration, practical, organic and rooted in shared learning.”

    On geopolitical matters, Holness addressed Cuba’s escalating crisis with unprecedented candor, warning that economic hardship and energy shortages could trigger regional destabilization through migration and security spillovers. While affirming Jamaica’s commitment to democratic principles and market economies, he advocated for pragmatic U.S.-Cuba dialogue focused on humanitarian relief and de-escalation.

    The Prime Minister also delineated digital sovereignty as critical for Caribbean nations, noting that control over information platforms and algorithms now influences economic power as profoundly as physical resources historically did. He positioned the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) as the primary vehicle for building scalable digital infrastructure and economic resilience through flexible integration models.

    Holness concluded by framing CARICOM’s role as a community of democratic states offering cooperation rather than ideological bloc politics, emphasizing “principled realism” during global systemic transformation.

  • Suriname benadrukt belang regionale integratie tijdens Caricom-ministerraad

    Suriname benadrukt belang regionale integratie tijdens Caricom-ministerraad

    Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation (BIS), Melvin Bouva, participated in the 16th Special Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Ministers held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Accompanied by a technical delegation from his ministry, Bouva’s engagement underscored Suriname’s commitment to strengthening regional integration and collaborative governance within the Caribbean community.

    The meeting commenced with standard procedural formalities, including opening remarks and agenda adoption, before advancing to substantive policy discussions. Key agenda items encompassed the operationalization of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), with particular focus on expanding recognized categories of aviation personnel under the free movement of skills regime. This initiative aims to enhance labor mobility and economic cooperation across member states.

    Additional critical topics addressed included reparations, membership and associate membership applications—notably from Bermuda—and a proposed amendment to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas concerning CARICOM Rules of Origin. The development of a common industrial policy for the Community was also deliberated, alongside administrative matters such as the Secretariat’s 2026 work program, budget, and contribution formula.

    Suriname’s participation signals its strategic prioritization of a cohesive, economically resilient Caribbean region, reinforcing the nation’s role in shaping collaborative decision-making processes within CARICOM’s governance framework.

  • Don’t get trapped in or by Cuba

    Don’t get trapped in or by Cuba

    Cuba’s tourism industry, once hailed as the nation’s economic locomotive, now stands as a stark symbol of systemic failure and governmental mismanagement. The sector’s dramatic collapse has pushed the Caribbean nation toward its most severe economic crisis since the 1962 Missile Crisis, with far-reaching implications for both Cubans and international visitors.

    The industry’s trajectory reveals a complex history: initially privatized and mafia-controlled pre-1959 revolution, then abandoned due to criminal associations, before being resurrected as a Soviet alternative collapsed. The 2000s brought increased militarization under GAESA, a military conglomerate that now controls over one-third of Cuba’s GDP.

    Despite brief optimism during the Obama administration’s diplomatic thaw, which generated $3.3 billion in 2017 and supported nearly 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, the industry faced consecutive blows. Trump-era travel restrictions, COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, Ukraine conflict reducing Russian visitors, and most critically, fuel shortages resulting from U.S. pressure on Venezuela’s oil supply have created a perfect storm.

    Current visitor numbers tell a grim story: 2024 saw only 2.2 million tourists—less than half the 4.7 million recorded in 2018. This decline has devastated an economy that is approximately 15% smaller than its pre-pandemic peak.

    The situation has become so dire that Canada—historically Cuba’s largest tourism market with over 750,000 annual visitors—issued a February 2024 travel advisory warning citizens to avoid non-essential travel due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities. All Canadian airlines have suspended service indefinitely.

    Ricardo Torres, a Cuban economist at American University, describes the situation as “a disaster,” noting widespread public frustration with government investments in failing tourism infrastructure rather than addressing fundamental needs. Luxury hotels now stand as “gleaming symbols of inequality” amid nationwide power outages and humanitarian deterioration.

    The crisis extends beyond tourism, with experts describing Cuba’s energy generation, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, and water supply sectors as pushed to “the point of checkmate.” An estimated 10,000 tourism workers have fled the country, exacerbating the human capital crisis.

    This economic unraveling contrasts sharply with international diplomatic posturing, including past Canadian praise for Cuba’s “social rights” achievements while overlooking fundamental political freedoms. The growing disparity between governmental rhetoric and on-the-ground reality underscores the profound challenges facing ordinary Cubans, who increasingly view empty hotels not as potential economic saviors but as monuments to failed policies.

  • COE places three provinces on red alert due to heavy rains

    COE places three provinces on red alert due to heavy rains

    The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) has implemented a tiered alert system across multiple provinces in response to deteriorating weather conditions affecting the nation. A comprehensive three-tier warning structure has been activated, placing three provinces under red alert—the highest level—while maintaining five additional regions under yellow alert and four under green alert status.

    Meteorological data from the National Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) indicates that a slow-moving frontal system is currently advancing toward the northwestern sector of the island, positioned near the southern Bahamas. This weather pattern continues to generate unstable atmospheric conditions nationwide, resulting in persistent precipitation and associated meteorological phenomena.

    Weather authorities have issued specific warnings regarding continued heavy rainfall, intermittent thunderstorms, and potentially damaging gusty winds. These conditions are expected to predominantly affect provinces along the Atlantic coastline, the Cibano Valley region, northeastern territories, border areas, and the Central Mountain Range.

    The provinces elevated to red alert status include:
    – Espaillat
    – María Trinidad Sánchez
    – Puerto Plata

    Areas under yellow alert comprise:
    – Santiago
    – Hermanas Mirabal
    – Monte Cristi
    – Samaná
    – La Vega

    Emergency management officials have issued critical safety recommendations for residents in affected regions. The COE specifically advises against crossing rivers, streams, or ravines with elevated water levels and has prohibited recreational activities at beaches and swimming areas throughout alerted provinces.

    Maritime restrictions have been implemented along the Atlantic coastal stretch from Manzanillo Bay to Cabo San Rafael, where operators of small, fragile, and medium-sized vessels are instructed to remain in port due to hazardous wind conditions and turbulent seas. Notably, the Caribbean coast remains exempt from these navigation restrictions at present.

    The COE maintains continuous monitoring of evolving weather patterns and has committed to updating alert levels as conditions develop throughout the ongoing meteorological event.

  • World Sailing Race Management Course delivered in SVG

    World Sailing Race Management Course delivered in SVG

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines has taken a significant stride in developing its maritime sports infrastructure by hosting an official World Sailing Race Management Course – Level 1. The three-day intensive program took place from February 20-22 at the SVG Sailing Association Centre of Excellence, located at the Coconut Grove Beach Club.

    Fifteen enthusiastic participants from junior sailing clubs across Union Island, Bequia, Mayreau, and St. Vincent gathered to enhance their race management capabilities. The course also welcomed three representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, who participated to gain practical expertise in preparation for the anticipated 2026 SVG Sailing Week, scheduled for March 29 to April 6.

    International sailing experts Becky Ashburn and Jeff Johnson, both renowned Olympic-level race officials from the San Diego Yacht Club, facilitated the training. Ashburn emphasized the critical importance of professional race management, noting: “What stood out here in SVG was the enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn. These participants are building the skills that will allow local clubs and major regattas to be run safely, fairly, and to true international standards.”

    The curriculum blended theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on practical learning aligned with World Sailing’s global standards. Participants engaged with core competencies necessary for confidently managing club-level sailing events. Johnson explained the practical focus: “The goal of Level 1 is to teach officials the skills they can immediately use on the water. By the end of the course, participants understand not just the ‘how’, but the ‘why’ behind race management decisions.”

    This educational initiative represents part of World Sailing’s comprehensive global pathway designed to cultivate skilled race officials from grassroots to national levels. Participants universally praised the program for its practical applicability and international perspective.

    Nancy Saul-Demers from the Mayreau Junior Sailing Club shared: “This course opened my eyes to everything that goes into running a race that reflects World Sailing Association standards. I now feel much more confident in helping deliver regattas that better prepare our young sailors for higher-level competition.”

    Aina Browne of the SVG Tourism Authority highlighted the broader implications: “The training equipped local officials with the technical competencies to strengthen sailing events in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to support the continued growth of our marine tourism sector.”

  • Record-smashing weekend for Blue Marlins

    Record-smashing weekend for Blue Marlins

    The Blue Marlins Swim Club made an extraordinary impact at the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association’s Long Course National Championships held last weekend, with a five-athlete delegation delivering exceptional performances. The team, comprising Hazen Da Briel, Belle Adams, Caghry Williams, Zane Da Briel, and Raya Adams, demonstrated remarkable competitive prowess throughout the event.

    Hazen Da Briel emerged as a standout performer, securing medals in nearly all his events with a total haul of 11 medals: 5 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze. His achievements were further elevated by breaking two Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Long Course National Records. He completed the 400m Individual Medley in 5 minutes 10.70 seconds and surpassed his own previous record in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4 minutes 29.78 seconds in the boys 15-17 age category.

    Zane Da Briel, Hazen’s younger brother, mirrored this excellence by medaling in every one of his races, collecting six silver medals. The promising swimmer, born in 2017, broke two longstanding national records – the 50m breaststroke with a time of 50.13 seconds (previously held since 2015) and the 50m backstroke record in 46.11 seconds.

    Belle Adams contributed significantly to the team’s success with three bronze medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m breaststroke, and 200m breaststroke events. Williams showcased his competitive edge by claiming gold in the 50m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke.

    The championships served as a testament to the athletes’ development, with all team members achieving personal best times that highlight their progressive improvement in competitive swimming. The Blue Marlins Swim Club continues its competitive season by participating in the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre Invitational Swimming Championships at Ratho Mill from Thursday through Sunday.

  • Air Europa extends Santo Domingo fuel stop on Havana–Madrid flights

    Air Europa extends Santo Domingo fuel stop on Havana–Madrid flights

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Air Europa has formally prolonged its mandatory technical stopover protocol in Santo Domingo through March 11th for all Madrid-bound flights originating from Havana. This operational adjustment stems directly from Cuba’s deepening aviation fuel scarcity, which has rendered refueling operations at José Martí International Airport increasingly unreliable.

    The airline’s UX052 service, routinely scheduled for a 9:05 PM departure from Havana, now incorporates an essential refueling interruption at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) before commencing its transatlantic segment to Spain. This contingency strategy effectively prevents aircraft from becoming stranded on Cuban tarmacs due to insufficient fuel reserves.

    This development reflects broader systemic challenges within Cuba’s energy infrastructure, with official notifications from Cuban authorities alerting international carriers to critically depleted jet fuel inventories. The operational disruption extends beyond Air Europa, impacting numerous global airlines serving Cuban destinations.

    Multiple carriers including Air Canada, Iberia, Copa Airlines, Viva Aerobus, and Aeroméxico have implemented comparable contingency measures. These range from temporary flight suspensions to strategic refueling at alternative Caribbean hubs or loading supplemental fuel at originating airports.

    The aviation fuel deficit currently affects operational capabilities at nine Cuban international airports, underscoring the severe logistical constraints confronting the nation’s aviation sector amid persistent energy supply instability.

  • Higüey Mayor says “therians” will not be allowed in public spaces

    Higüey Mayor says “therians” will not be allowed in public spaces

    HIGÜEY, LA ALTAGRACIA – Municipal authorities in Higüey have implemented a controversial ban targeting individuals identified as “therians” from accessing public spaces. Mayor Karina Aristy announced the restrictive measure on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony for the reconstructed Bible Park in the La Malena sector.

    The mayor’s declaration occurred before an audience comprising municipal officials, city council members, community leaders, and religious representatives. Aristy directly addressed circulating reports about the presence of such groups nationwide, stating unequivocally that they “are not welcome” within municipal boundaries.

    Aristy grounded her position in what she characterized as a necessary defense of Higüey’s core values and cultural identity. She formally designated the municipality as “a town of faith and of hardworking men and women,” emphasizing that preserving these principles represents a shared responsibility between local government and residents.

    The political endorsement for this measure was visibly demonstrated through the presence of church representatives and City Council members who witnessed the announcement. As of current reporting, no official responses have been issued by organizations associated with therian communities or by higher-level government authorities regarding the municipality’s stance.

    This development raises significant questions regarding public accommodation policies and municipal authority to restrict access based on identity expression. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between traditional community values and emerging subcultural identities within contemporary society.

  • Abrahams bij herdenking 25 februari: President, treed hard op tegen wie de idealen beschamen

    Abrahams bij herdenking 25 februari: President, treed hard op tegen wie de idealen beschamen

    In a solemn nighttime address marking the 46th anniversary of Suriname’s February Revolution, National Democratic Party (NDP) Vice Chairman Ramon Abrahams delivered a politically charged speech blending historical reflection with contemporary warnings. Dressed entirely in black, the veteran revolutionary figure addressed the gathering as the final speaker during the February 25, 1980 commemoration event.

    Abrahams opened by acknowledging the absence of NDP Chairwoman and President Jennifer Simons, who was detained by state obligations but had submitted a prerecorded message. He praised Assembly Chairman and NDP Vice Chairman Ashwin Adhin, who spoke earlier, as “the pristine example of how the revolution’s ideals have been integrated” into contemporary leadership.

    This year’s ceremony marked the third commemoration without former leader Desi Bouterse, whose absence remains palpably felt within the movement. Abrahams suggested Bouterse would have taken pride in the NDP’s electoral victory and subsequent return to governing authority.

    The vice chairman reflected on what he characterized as a turbulent post-election period, noting the administration had inherited both governmental weakening and systemic ‘wreckage’ from the 2020-2025 period. He further referenced surprising developments that allegedly disrupted the nation’s reward structures.

    Abrahams issued particularly stern warnings to fellow party members, cautioning against engagement in social media debates that he claimed are engineered by groups who lost power in 2025 to pit NDP members against each other. He emphasized the heightened responsibility borne by party representatives, stating they are “automatically placed under a microscope” due to their NDP affiliation.

    Regarding internal party matters, Abrahams stressed that such discussions would occur exclusively within established party structures, utilizing statutory and regulatory frameworks available through ongoing dialogues with the party chairwoman and president.

    The revolutionary veteran framed the 1980 uprising as an ongoing process requiring continuation by newer generations. He referenced sacrifices made throughout previous decades and affirmed the revolution’s ideals remain fundamentally guiding principles.

    Abrahams’ most forceful moment came during his direct appeal to President Simons: “President of the Republic of Suriname, I call upon you to act firmly without regard for persons against those who disgrace the process and ideals of February 25.” He reiterated that no individual, regardless of position or background, should stand above the revolution’s foundational ideals.

    Concluding his address, Abrahams emphasized February 25’s indelible place in Surinamese history and the NDP’s responsibility to contribute toward national development while honoring the revolution’s legacy. He advocated reinstating the date as a national holiday and specifically remembered detained comrades Ernst Gefferie, Stephanus Dendoe, and Benny Brondenstein, insisting their sacrifices must never be forgotten.

  • Adhin laat Bouterse herleven tijdens herdenking van 25 februari

    Adhin laat Bouterse herleven tijdens herdenking van 25 februari

    In a politically charged address during Suriname’s commemoration of the February 25, 1980 revolution, National Assembly Speaker and NDP Vice Chairman Ashwin Adhin positioned former leader Desi Bouterse at the center of national discourse. Adhin emerged as a staunch revolutionary advocate, dedicating his entire speech to Bouterse’s political legacy while calling for national unity and hinting at potential legal resolutions for three convicted ex-military personnel.

    The assembly speaker characterized the absence of Stephanus Dendoe, Ernst Gefferie, and Benny Brondenstein as a significant loss, revealing that legal ‘pathways’ remain open for their cases. Adhin expressed confidence that President Jennifer Simons would exercise her constitutional authorities appropriately, including potential pardon powers, at the proper time and manner.

    Adhin redefined the 1980 revolution as a multicultural, unifying people’s movement that transcended ethnic divisions in Surinamese society. He acknowledged the period’s mixed legacy of achievements and painful moments, emphasizing that meaningful commemoration requires transforming history into acts of unity, discipline, and national development.

    In a deeply personal segment, Adhin reflected on his relationship with Bouterse, stating he had not only admired but actively sought to understand and share responsibility for the revolutionary ideology. The speaker emotionally channeled Bouterse’s tradition by singing lines from ‘I Did It My Way’ and Hindi ballad ‘Zara Chahra To Dikhaao,’ symbolizing Bouterse’s political and personal journey.

    Linking his message to current political cooperation between former rivals in government, Adhin framed this constellation as a historic opportunity for reconciliation with the past. He warned against increasing polarization while advocating for humanity, discipline, and solidarity as essential conditions for national development and sovereignty protection.

    Through his address, Adhin imbued the revolution anniversary with distinct political significance, explicitly connecting Bouterse’s legacy, revolutionary heritage, and contemporary constitutional questions within Suriname’s ongoing political narrative.