Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Politieke transitie, economische uitdagingen en toekomstperspectief

    Politieke transitie, economische uitdagingen en toekomstperspectief

    The year 2025 marked a pivotal turning point for Suriname as the nation underwent significant political transformation, faced persistent economic challenges, and positioned itself for future energy prosperity. The landmark elections resulted in a surprising political configuration, with Jennifer Simons ascending to the presidency through a six-party coalition led by the National Democratic Party (NDP), which secured 18 parliamentary seats. The United Reform Party (VHP), obtaining 17 seats, transitioned to the opposition role, signaling a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape.

    Economic conditions remained severe for most citizens throughout 2025. Despite the IMF recovery program initiated under former President Chan Santokhi providing macroeconomic stabilization, its March 2025 completion revealed limited improvements in monetary and social conditions. The Suriname Economic Oversight Board evaluations indicated inadequate results, with minimal social impact and negligible improvement in citizens’ economic reality. The Central Bank of Suriname maintained relative exchange rate stability and contained inflation, yet ordinary households continued grappling with soaring food prices, housing costs, and utility expenses.

    Social inequality and poverty persisted as critical concerns, disproportionately affecting low-income groups, single parents, and rural residents. Government support programs offered only fragmented relief, while reports emerged of funds intended for vulnerable populations being misappropriated. Public safety remained compromised despite official statistics showing decreased crime rates, tragically highlighted by the recent Commewijne incident that claimed nine lives, including multiple children.

    Suriname’s sports sector achieved remarkable breakthroughs, particularly in football where the national team neared unprecedented qualification for international finals. This success prompted coaching changes with Henk ten Cate replacing Stanley Menzo, reflecting heightened ambitions for professional advancement.

    The emerging oil and gas sector continued shaping strategic planning, with commercial production anticipated from 2028 onward. While offering economic promise, the sector presents risks of anticipatory oil euphoria without robust governance structures and transparent revenue management.

    President Simons’ New Year address emphasized 2026 as a period of recovery, repair, and foundation-building, underscoring the necessity for transcending ethnic divisions and fostering national cohesion to harness Suriname’s full potential.

  • MISSING: 14-year-old Mahalia Camacho

    MISSING: 14-year-old Mahalia Camacho

    Authorities and community members have launched a widespread search for Mahalia Camacho, a 14-year-old girl who was last seen in the Martin’s Village area approximately 24 hours ago. The teenager was reported missing after she failed to return home yesterday afternoon around 2:00 PM, prompting immediate concern from family and local officials.

    Camacho possesses a clear skin complexion and distinctive long black hair styled in single plaits at the back. Her front plaits are pulled back and tied into two sections, creating a unique identifying feature. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a white shirt paired with navy blue pants and brown Birkenstock sandals.

    Law enforcement agencies have issued a public appeal for assistance, urging residents throughout the region to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings or information that might aid in locating the missing minor. The case has generated significant community response across social media platforms, with thousands sharing the description and photographs in hopes of bringing Camacho home safely.

    Investigators emphasize that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial to the investigation. Special hotlines have been established for tips, and authorities are conducting door-to-door inquiries while reviewing available surveillance footage from the area where she was last seen. The community continues to organize search parties as concerns grow over the teenager’s wellbeing.

  • PM Browne Warns Against Division, Urges Unity and Discipline in 2026 New Year’s Address

    PM Browne Warns Against Division, Urges Unity and Discipline in 2026 New Year’s Address

    In his comprehensive New Year’s address to the nation, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne of Antigua and Barbuda articulated a powerful vision of national unity and resilient prosperity for 2026. The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant challenges overcome in the previous year while emphasizing the nation’s remarkable progress and strengthened economic position.

    Browne highlighted the people-centered national budget as evidence of the country’s forward momentum, noting that despite global economic pressures including increased U.S. tariffs, Antigua and Barbuda had experienced a ‘year of bounty.’ The address positioned the coming year as an opportunity to transform temporary successes into permanent gains through collective effort and disciplined approach.

    The Prime Minister addressed recent diplomatic concerns regarding U.S. visa restrictions for Antiguans and Barbudans, assuring citizens that all existing visas remain valid while his government works systematically to establish new visa issuance mechanisms. Browne emphasized his administration’s commitment to respectful, persistent diplomacy in protecting national interests while maintaining the valued relationship with the United States.

    Within the Caribbean community, the Prime Minister acknowledged differences among CARICOM members while reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s consistent contributions to regional cooperation and development. He stressed the importance of regional unity, quoting Marcus Garvey’s wisdom that ‘a people without unity are a people easily defeated.’

    The address called for a fundamental shift in national discourse, urging citizens to move beyond political divisions and ‘petty quarrels’ toward a shared identity as ‘one family.’ Browne challenged the nation to reject lies and deception in public life and embrace a culture of excellence, discipline, and entrepreneurship.

    Leadership was framed as a responsibility rather than a privilege, with the Prime Minister committing to serve and empower the people. The vision presented involves transforming Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse through education, skill development, and strategic partnerships with international investors who share the national vision.

    The concluding message emphasized active hope as a daily practice of courage and mutual support. Browne called for citizens to treat their surroundings with respect, invest in nation-building regardless of political differences, and embrace values of equity, truth, and justice. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that with unity and determination, no external force could hinder the nation’s progress toward a prosperous future.

  • E.P. Chet Greene Declares 2026 the Year of the Youth in St. Paul’s

    E.P. Chet Greene Declares 2026 the Year of the Youth in St. Paul’s

    In a profoundly hopeful New Year’s address to the community of St. Paul’s, a visionary roadmap for 2026 was unveiled, centered on empowering the younger generation and fostering collective progress. The message, delivered with spiritual reverence and community solidarity, framed the new year not as a mere calendar change but as fertile ground for shared promise.

    The cornerstone initiative declared 2026 the ‘Year of the Youth,’ recognizing young people not as future leaders but as a present force to be unleashed. This commitment will be materially supported by the soon-to-be-completed Leroy ‘Billy’ Tonge Technical Center in Liberta, hailed as a beacon for vocational training in cosmetology, architecture, and building trades. The center is presented as an inheritance for the youth to actively claim and shape their destinies.

    Beyond youth empowerment, the address outlined a multi-faceted community development plan. This includes advancing home ownership programs, fueling local entrepreneurship to strengthen the economic soul of St. Paul’s, and nurturing spiritual roots to maintain unity. The message also emphasized honoring elders with unwavering support while ensuring every child has access to educational resources and opportunities.

    The community’s recent upgrades, including health facilities in Liberta and Cobbs Cross, were reframed not as distant infrastructure but as monuments to shared well-being, entrusted to the people for their use and protection. The address also acknowledged the ongoing work to renew roadways and water services, requiring collective patience.

    A special tribute was paid to local athletes, whose discipline and victories are celebrated as pathways to inspire others and lift community spirit. The speech concluded with a powerful call for a chorus of commitment rooted in deep mutual love and biblical hospitality, urging residents to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers in building a community renowned for compassion, opportunity, and unshakeable faith.

  • Zon, wolkenvelden en buien

    Zon, wolkenvelden en buien

    Meteorological conditions across the region remained volatile on the inaugural day of the new year, with atmospheric instability prompting weather authorities to issue nationwide forecasts of intermittent cloud cover and dispersed rainfall activity throughout afternoon hours. Thermal readings consistently ranged between 28°C and 31°C across all monitored zones, accompanied by elevated humidity levels characteristic of the minor rainy season. Interior territories and southern districts experienced particularly pronounced thermal conditions, with meteorological models indicating increased precipitation probability during latter daylight hours. The combination of elevated temperatures and humidity created sultry conditions despite periodic rainfall, suggesting residents should prepare for rapid weather transitions throughout the day. Weather patterns align with typical seasonal expectations for this transitional meteorological phase, though the persistence of unstable atmospheric conditions warrants attention for outdoor activities. Regional meteorological services continue monitoring developments as the minor rainy season progresses into its peak phases.

  • Ontslagen SLM-directieleden misleidden president met onjuiste cijfers

    Ontslagen SLM-directieleden misleidden president met onjuiste cijfers

    Surinam Airways (SLM) has terminated two top executives after an external audit revealed significant financial discrepancies and potential misconduct. Former directors Steven Gonesh and Santosh Baidjoe were dismissed for presenting misleading financial data to President Jennifer Simons, according to Board Chairman Marlon Telting.

    The preliminary audit uncovered material inconsistencies between reported figures and actual accounting records. Telting stated that the executives’ presentation of inaccurate financial information compromised the shareholder’s decision-making process. The investigation revealed tens of millions of U.S. dollars in outstanding receivables from debtors—funds that could have sustained operations for nearly a year without state subsidies.

    Authorities are investigating why these substantial amounts remained uncollected and why lower revenue figures were reported in official presentations. The findings suggest potential crimes including document forgery, financial statement manipulation, and economic offenses. Specific concerns include possible embezzlement of airport fees collected through ticket sales and discrepancies in a loan agreement with Grassalco that exceeded recorded amounts.

    Telting attributed the situation to years of inadequate internal controls at SLM, noting a complete absence of checks and balances within the organization. The dismissed executives were given opportunity to respond to the allegations but failed to provide adequate justification for the discrepancies.

    The audit represents merely the initial phase of a comprehensive review. An accountant under contract with SLM will be questioned regarding missing audits that were due in 2024. The supervisory board aims to complete its deepened investigation by late January 2026 before making decisions regarding policy changes and potential partnerships.

    Concurrently, the board is restructuring the executive leadership framework, expanding it to four members with specific vacancies for operational and financial directors. Telting acknowledged the dedication of SLM employees who continued working through significant post-COVID measures and recognized that union concerns had previously been insufficiently addressed.

    Despite the challenges, Telting clarified that not all SLM operations are loss-making. While the core airline business operates at a deficit, catering, cargo, and other divisions remain profitable, contradicting narratives of comprehensive institutional failure.

  • Ali, Norton talk up good governance in New Year addresses

    Ali, Norton talk up good governance in New Year addresses

    In their respective New Year addresses for 2026, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and opposition leader Aubrey Norton presented competing visions of governance while both emphasizing commitments to democratic principles. President Ali, leading the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration, made a personal pledge to govern with “integrity, discipline, and compassion,” vowing to prioritize national interests and practice attentive leadership. Meanwhile, APNU leader Norton positioned his party as a government watchdog, promising to vigorously challenge any perceived lapses in transparency, accountability, or rule of law. The exchange occurs against a backdrop of corruption allegations against government ministers from We Invest in Nationhood party leader Azruddin Mohamed, which have been denied by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues. Norton framed the political struggle as a defense against “corruption and dictatorial myopia,” urging citizens to reject the current administration and instead envision a future where oil wealth translates to improved quality of life for all Guyanese, particularly youth, Indigenous communities, and public servants. APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell reinforced this message in a separate address, calling for enhanced public security and an end to discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

  • Divested bus company ‘won’t interfere’ with pensioners, children

    Divested bus company ‘won’t interfere’ with pensioners, children

    The Barbados government is proceeding with its controversial plan to divest the state-owned Transport Board while simultaneously developing a new mass transit framework, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw confirmed Wednesday. The announcement comes despite mounting opposition from various sectors, including the influential Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations (CTUSAB).

    Speaking during the arrival of 35 new electric buses at Bridgetown Port, Bradshaw emphasized that the process remains in its consultative phase, with workers’ interests positioned as the central consideration. The government intends to conduct comprehensive dialogues with employees and stakeholders before finalizing any decisions regarding the public transportation overhaul.

    “Multiple meetings are often necessary when engaging stakeholders on major reforms,” Bradshaw stated, adding that she would not prejudice ongoing discussions. The government recognizes the need for thorough, transparent conversations that allow for potential adjustments to initial proposals.

    The Transport Minister underscored the administration’s particular obligation to long-serving employees, many of whom have dedicated decades to the institution. “I feel that we owe it to them first and foremost, along with their representatives, to have conversations without prejudice from opinions in the public domain,” Bradshaw explained, referencing her recent attendance at a ceremony honoring employees’ years of service.

    While Cabinet has already approved preliminary proposals for stakeholder discussion, Bradshaw revealed that the government remains open to modifications based on consultation feedback. The administration has simultaneously committed to protecting vulnerable groups throughout the transition process, assuring continued transportation access for pensioners, school children, and essential service personnel.

    Bradshaw framed the divestment initiative as part of a broader worker empowerment strategy, stating: “While we divest on one hand, our intention is to enfranchise the Transport Board workers who have given committed service for decades.” The government views the divestment process and worker enfranchisement as intrinsically linked components of their transportation reform agenda.

  • Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s New Year message to the nation

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s New Year message to the nation

    In a comprehensive New Year’s address marking Barbados’ entry into its Diamond Jubilee year, Prime Minister Mia Mottley articulated a vision of national resilience and progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges facing the Caribbean nation. The speech, delivered on January 1, 2026, blended reflection on past achievements with forward-looking policy directives for the nation’s 60th anniversary of independence and fifth year as a parliamentary republic.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the concept of “Bajan-strong” resilience that has characterized the nation’s response to recent global crises, including pandemics, extreme weather events, and economic turbulence. She highlighted how this collective strength has enabled Barbados to “bend, brace, and build” rather than fold under pressure, drawing parallels between national endurance and diamond formation under duress.

    Significant policy achievements from 2025 were detailed, including a 24% increase in the national minimum wage, introduction of statutory paternity leave, expanded disability benefits, and the creation of price monitoring tools like the Ask Dealia app. The government’s infrastructure investments were noted, with 60 roads assessed for rehabilitation under the Focused Roads Programme and substantial progress on highway expansions.

    Economic milestones received particular attention, with successful completion of BERT 1, BERT 2, and IMF Extended Fund Facility programs leading to the announcement of BERT 3.0—a new initiative designed to enhance national competitiveness. Tourism sector developments were highlighted, including Hotel Indigo’s upcoming opening and record airport traffic exceeding 10,000 passengers daily.

    The address balanced these achievements with candid acknowledgment of persistent challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, healthcare system improvements, and infrastructure demands exacerbated by climate change. Prime Minister Mottley outlined 2026 priorities focusing on digital transformation through FinTech initiatives, enhanced emergency healthcare services, and continued road infrastructure development.

    A substantial portion of the speech addressed societal values and intergenerational responsibility, calling for a national recommitment to service, respect, and character development. The Prime Minister emphasized that technological progress must be balanced with ethical guardrails, particularly regarding AI’s potential misuse for spreading misinformation.

    The address concluded with an invocation of collective responsibility, urging citizens to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future through the “Beacons of Renewal” framework focusing on environmental resilience, social cohesion, and digital transformation. The Prime Minister framed the Diamond Jubilee year as an opportunity to strengthen both institutional foundations and civic values for future generations.

  • Norton wants more oil money for Guyanese, Ali promises lower taxes, higher wages

    Norton wants more oil money for Guyanese, Ali promises lower taxes, higher wages

    Guyana’s political leadership has presented divergent blueprints for the nation’s burgeoning oil revenues in their New Year addresses, setting the stage for a consequential policy debate in 2026. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform (APNU) advocated for radical redistribution of petroleum earnings, while President Irfaan Ali detailed concrete economic measures including tax reductions and wage enhancements.

    Norton emphasized the urgent need to address Guyana’s alarming poverty rate exceeding 50 percent, arguing that current resource allocation predominantly benefits wealthy elites while exacerbating economic disparities. “The government should change the pattern of allocation of resources from benefitting the few and making the rich richer and the poor poorer,” Norton asserted in his message. He called for a fundamental reorientation toward people-centered policies that would ensure all Guyanese citizens share in the nation’s natural resource wealth.

    The opposition leader, whose party suffered a significant electoral defeat in September 2025, pledged to reinvent his political approach, promising to become “the solid choice for development focused governance” in the coming year. He stressed that the unprecedented oil revenues demand a comprehensive strategic plan specifically designed to benefit ordinary citizens.

    President Ali countered with specific economic commitments for 2026, announcing that national prosperity would directly translate into improved individual and community circumstances. His administration plans to increase disposable income through a three-pronged approach: direct financial support, elevated wages, and reduced taxation. Beyond fiscal measures, Ali outlined ambitious social programs including accelerated housing development to create “a nation of homeowners grounded in security and dignity.”

    The President also revealed plans to bolster the creative sector through investments in artistic and cultural entrepreneurship, terming this initiative the growth of Guyana’s “orange economy.” Additionally, communities nationwide are slated to receive infrastructure upgrades including improved road networks, enhanced lighting systems, recreational playgrounds, and modern sporting facilities.