Carib Scope

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  • Investigation” What charges does Meliton Cordero, the DEA agent arrested in the Dominican Republic, face?

    Investigation” What charges does Meliton Cordero, the DEA agent arrested in the Dominican Republic, face?

    In a significant development highlighting the U.S. government’s internal anti-corruption drive, federal authorities have announced the arrest of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operative. Meliton Cordero was taken into custody in the Dominican Republic following an investigation that uncovered alleged involvement in bribery conspiracy and visa fraud schemes.

    The case, prosecuted by District of Columbia attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, represents a concerted effort by federal agencies to root out misconduct within their own ranks. The Justice Department emphasized that this arrest aligns with broader national security objectives and the administration’s commitment to integrity in law enforcement.

    Pirro issued a stern warning to other government personnel, stating, ‘To any individual wearing a badge who believes they can circumvent our President’s directives: we will identify you and hold you accountable.’ This statement underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward corruption within federal agencies.

    The arrest occurs against the backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement and enhanced security coordination throughout the Caribbean region. U.S. officials have repeatedly stressed that unlawful activities by government personnel—particularly those exploiting their official positions—will face severe consequences regardless of their agency affiliation.

    This case demonstrates the Department of Justice’s ongoing initiative to maintain accountability within federal law enforcement agencies while protecting the integrity of immigration and national security systems.

  • Illegal greenhouse Neither coffee nor bananas: what they were growing in these mountains was marijuana

    Illegal greenhouse Neither coffee nor bananas: what they were growing in these mountains was marijuana

    In a significant counter-narcotics operation, Dominican authorities have uncovered and dismantled a major marijuana cultivation site in the mountainous terrain of Baní, Peravia province. The joint operation involved prosecutors from the Public Ministry and agents from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), supported by state intelligence services and aerial surveillance from Dominican Republic Air Force helicopters.

    Intelligence gathering revealed multiple individuals were engaged in systematic cultivation and distribution operations, prompting an extensive air and ground assault in the Montería sector. During the raid, law enforcement officials discovered 1,835 marijuana plants standing approximately two meters tall, indicating an advanced stage of cultivation.

    The seizure included substantial evidence: two buckets filled with processed plant material, five industrial exhaust fans, four extension cords, an irrigation pump, agricultural tools, water storage tanks, multiple fuel containers, and hundreds of bags containing soil and seeds prepared for future planting. Authorities also confiscated living quarter items including foam mattresses found within a makeshift shelter at the site.

    Investigators are currently pursuing three suspects, including two Haitian nationals and a Dominican landowner identified through intelligence reports as the property owner. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued calls for the identified individuals to surrender voluntarily to face justice under Law 50-88 on Drugs and Controlled Substances.

    All confiscated plants and materials have been transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for analysis and legal processing. This operation represents one of the largest recent marijuana plantation dismantlements in the region, demonstrating enhanced inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking operations.

  • After the passage of the cold front Will it rain today? Here’s the forecast for several provinces

    After the passage of the cold front Will it rain today? Here’s the forecast for several provinces

    The Dominican Republic is experiencing a significant shift in meteorological conditions this Sunday as the frontal system previously affecting the nation weakens substantially. According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), this transition brings markedly reduced precipitation and the cancellation of all weather alerts that had been in effect during recent days.

    Meteorological analysis indicates that a drier, more stable air mass linked to an approaching high-pressure system is now dominating the region’s weather patterns. This atmospheric change will substantially limit rainfall across most territories, though isolated morning showers of light to moderate intensity are anticipated in several northern provinces including Duarte, Hermanas Mirabal, María Trinidad Sánchez, Espaillat, Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and La Altagracia’s coastal zone.

    During afternoon hours, meteorological models suggest precipitation may extend to Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, and Santiago regions, plus southwestern mountain ranges, driven by localized effects and cool northeasterly wind patterns. Evening conditions will see easterly and northeasterly winds transporting cloud cover that may generate isolated showers in El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Santo Domingo, and other northeastern locations.

    The forecast indicates increasing atmospheric instability by Monday, with scattered showers expected from early morning across eastern, northeastern and central provinces including La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, Sánchez Ramírez, Samaná, and San José de Ocoa. Meteorological analysis suggests precipitation could intensify during afternoon hours, particularly throughout the Cibao region where localized downpours may occur, potentially accompanied by electrical storms and gusty winds.

    Temperature projections indicate a continuing decline over the next 24-48 hours, consistent with seasonal patterns and the recent frontal system’s passage. The resulting thermal conditions will create noticeably pleasant cooling sensations, especially in mountainous areas during nighttime and early morning hours.

  • PRM marks 11th anniversary today: a massive show of force in Santiago amid internal friction

    PRM marks 11th anniversary today: a massive show of force in Santiago amid internal friction

    SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the nation’s governing political force, marked its 11th anniversary with a massive demonstration of political strength at the Gran Arena del Cibao on Sunday. President Luis Abinader headlined the capacity event, which served as both a celebration of the party’s decade-long ascent to power and a strategic display of organizational might in the electorally crucial Cibao region.

    The arena reached full capacity as delegations from all 14 provinces of the northern region gathered to hear party leaders including José Ignacio Paliza and Carolina Mejía. The event projected an image of political dominance and continuity while simultaneously functioning as an unofficial launch for the 2028 electoral cycle.

    Strategic Significance and Electoral Positioning

    Today’s gathering represents a critical juncture for the PRM, which has transformed from a 2014 splinter movement into the country’s predominant political institution. The selection of Santiago as the celebration’s epicenter reinforces the party’s stronghold in the North, considered the decisive electoral battleground in Dominican politics.

    With President Abinader constitutionally barred from seeking reelection, political observers closely monitored the rally’s dynamics for clues about potential successors. Party leadership also used the platform to promote what they characterize as a purified, digitized voter registry system, claiming it eliminates historical duplication issues that have compromised electoral integrity.

    Internal Challenges Beneath Unified Surface

    Despite the jubilant atmosphere and sea of party colors, the PRM confronts significant internal tensions as it enters its second decade. While official rhetoric emphasized unity and cohesion, a substantive divide exists between the party’s grassroots foundation and its technocratic administration.

    A central point of contention involves the integration of longtime militants into government positions. Many activists instrumental to the party’s 2020 and 2024 electoral victories express mounting frustration over perceived exclusion from political appointments, creating friction between the party base and bureaucratic leadership that threatens organizational cohesion.

    As the celebration continued, the PRM faced the dual challenge of commemorating its unprecedented political ascent while addressing internal demands for greater inclusion. Simultaneously, opposition forces conducted activities elsewhere in the country, signaling that the next electoral contest has effectively commenced.

  • Economy : James Monazard visits the Caracol Industrial Park

    Economy : James Monazard visits the Caracol Industrial Park

    Haiti’s Commerce and Industry Minister James Monazard conducted a strategic inspection of the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC) on January 13, 2026, marking a significant step in implementing the recently renewed HELP/HOPE Act by the U.S. Congress. This legislative framework serves as a cornerstone for Haiti’s economic advancement, granting duty-free access to the U.S. market for Haitian textile and apparel products—a sector accounting for approximately 90% of the nation’s exports and sustaining thousands of jobs.

    During his comprehensive assessment, Minister Monazard evaluated the park’s operational infrastructure and engaged with local administrators and stakeholders to refine development initiatives. The discussions focused on maximizing the economic impact of the trade preferences afforded by the HELP/HOPE Act, identifying actionable strategies to enhance national economic benefits.

    The PIC stands as a pivotal asset in Haiti’s industrial landscape, currently providing 2,500 direct employment opportunities. With 69,304 square meters of readily available industrial space and an additional 23,552 square meters under development, the park is positioned to accelerate industrial expansion and restore its peak employment capacity.

    A transformative addition to the park’s infrastructure is the ongoing installation of a 13.4 MW photovoltaic solar facility, complemented by battery storage technology. This green energy project promises uninterrupted power supply to the industrial complex and adjacent communities, reinforcing energy security, operational sustainability, and investor appeal. The solar initiative represents a critical advancement in reducing operational dependencies and enhancing the park’s competitive edge in attracting international investments.

  • 2026 Winter Olympics : Franco

    2026 Winter Olympics : Franco

    In a landmark moment for Caribbean winter sports, Franco-Haitian skier Richardson Viano secured 44th position in the men’s giant slalom at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 23-year-old athlete, born in Croix-des-Missions, Tabarre, delivered a respectable performance on the challenging Stelvio slope in Bormio on February 14, 2026.

    Viano completed his first run in 1:24.55, placing 47th among 81 competitors. He demonstrated significant improvement in his second attempt, clocking 1:18.28. His combined time of 2:42.83 ultimately earned him the 44th spot in the final standings—a notable achievement given the elite field of competitors.

    The Olympic podium was dominated by established skiing nations, with Brazilian champion L. Pinheiro Braathen capturing gold in 1:11:08, while Swiss athletes M. Odermatt (1:10:71) and L. Meillard (1:10:68) claimed silver and bronze respectively.

    Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé issued an official statement celebrating Viano’s accomplishment as a national triumph. The Prime Minister emphasized how Viano’s participation “honors the blue and red flag and brings glory to our nation far beyond its borders.” He particularly praised the athlete’s demonstration of “precision, control, speed, and composure” in one of alpine skiing’s most technically demanding disciplines.

    The government statement framed Viano’s Olympic appearance as transcending athletic achievement, calling it “a powerful message of hope and resilience for all the Haitian people.” Officials drew parallels between the discipline required for elite sports and the qualities needed for national progress, highlighting how Viano’s journey “inspires our youth and reminds the world that Haitian talent knows no borders or limits.”

    The Prime Minister extended official congratulations to Viano on behalf of both the government and the Haitian people, affirming that “the entire nation stands proud and united behind him.”

  • Honden paraderen tijdens carnaval in Rio; protest tegen dierenmishandeling

    Honden paraderen tijdens carnaval in Rio; protest tegen dierenmishandeling

    In a vibrant display of solidarity against animal abuse, hundreds of costumed dogs and their owners gathered Saturday for Rio de Janeiro’s annual Blocao carnival celebration. The event, now in its third decade, transformed Barra da Tijuca district into a colorful spectacle where canines dressed as alligators, fairies, and superheroes enjoyed a specially adapted street festival.

    The gathering served dual purposes: celebrating the joy of human-animal bonds while raising awareness about pet protection. Organizers implemented special measures to ensure canine comfort in Rio’s 30°C heat, including shaded rest areas, water stations, and paw protection from hot asphalt. The two-hour celebration featured samba music, breakfast buffets for four-legged participants, and opportunities for socializing.

    Marco Antonio Marinho, 72, the event’s chief organizer, emphasized the familial bond: ‘Dogs are part of our families. When we’re sad at home, they stay with us and share our sadness. Now that we’re happy, they should be happy too.’

    The event took on poignant significance as attendees paid tribute to Orelha, a dog whose brutal killing in southern Brazil in January sparked national outrage. Participants waved white ribbons and sang memorial songs while calling for justice in the ongoing case, where a 15-year-old suspect faces juvenile court proceedings despite police recommendations for prosecution.

    First-time attendee Natalia Reis, 28, arrived with her 11-year-old dog Theo, visibly emotional during speeches about animal protection. ‘This tragedy could have happened to any of us,’ she stated, echoing widespread calls for increased awareness and stricter penalties for animal cruelty.

  • LISTEN: PM says diplomat’s failure to disclose was the reason behind relieving him of his duties

    LISTEN: PM says diplomat’s failure to disclose was the reason behind relieving him of his duties

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly confirmed the dismissal of a Canadian diplomat, citing a critical failure to disclose pertinent information as the central reason for the termination. The announcement, made during a press briefing, underscores the government’s stringent adherence to accountability and transparency protocols within its foreign service operations.

    While the Prime Minister did not reveal the specific nature of the undisclosed information or identify the diplomat, he emphasized that the omission represented a fundamental breach of trust and the established code of conduct expected of all public office holders. The decision to relieve the individual of their duties was characterized as necessary to uphold the integrity of Canada’s diplomatic corps and its international engagements.

    The incident has triggered immediate reviews within Global Affairs Canada to reassess and potentially reinforce disclosure procedures for personnel. Political analysts suggest this move reinforces the Trudeau administration’s hardline stance on operational security and ethical compliance, particularly following recent periods of heightened scrutiny over government transparency. The government’s decisive action aims to preempt any potential diplomatic ramifications and preserve Canada’s credibility on the world stage.

  • Caribbean crossroads: 4th Dominican Writing Festival maps a region in motion

    Caribbean crossroads: 4th Dominican Writing Festival maps a region in motion

    Santo Domingo prepares to host a groundbreaking cultural convergence as the fourth Dominican Writing Festival (FESD) unfolds at Galería 360 on April 25-26, 2026. Under the thematic banner “We tell our great stories,” this multidisciplinary event transcends conventional literary gatherings to examine the evolving Caribbean identity through the prism of displacement and homecoming.

    Organized by the visionary multicultural platform CuentaRD—founded by writers Roxanna Marte and Rafael J. Rodríguez Pérez—in collaboration with Luna Insomne Editores, the festival strategically connects the island nation with its extensive global diaspora. The 2026 edition positions itself as a dynamic forum exploring transnationalism, the psychological landscape inhabited by authors who create from the peripheries of their homeland.

    The festival’s centerpiece dialogue, “Archipelago on Fire: For whom do we Caribbean writers write?”, addresses the complex relationship between Caribbean authors and their geographically dispersed audiences. This thematic focus gains depth through the participation of acclaimed Cuban-American author Achy Obejas, whose work exemplifies the concept of “extra-territorial” belonging that resonates with many Dominican writers.

    Regional integration forms a critical component of this year’s programming. The festival deliberately intertwines Dominican narratives with broader Caribbean experiences through several curated discussions. “Haiti in words: identity, resistance, and hope” brings together Edwin Paraison, Jhak Valcourt, and Jacques Alix Louis to examine literature as an instrument of resilience during crisis. Similarly, “Reading Cuba: between the island and the diaspora” features Alberto Garrido, Bismar Galán, and Celestino Esquerré dissecting the political and intimate dimensions of writing from within and beyond national borders.

    The Venezuelan migratory experience receives dedicated attention through the colloquium “Reading a new country” with Siddharta Mata and Aída Magallanes, acknowledging the shared displacement narratives that increasingly unite Caribbean nations.

    Beyond traditional literary formats, FESD embraces the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary Caribbean storytelling. Filmmakers Natalia Cabral and Tito Rodríguez join author Miguel Yarull in analyzing the transition from “paper to screen” in a session moderated by Juan José Namnún. Theatrical adaptations take center stage as Manuel Chapuseaux, Ingrid Luciano, and Richarson Díaz explore the translation of Dominican literature to performance mediums.

    The festival incorporates vibrant performative elements, including a presentation inspired by Julia de Burgos’ work and a tribute to Cuban poet Dulce María Loynaz. The event culminates with “The voice on fire,” a Spoken Word performance celebrating the visceral power of oral storytelling.

    Academic discourse finds its place through Sarah Aponte, Chief Librarian of the Dominican Studies Institute at CUNY, who presents a conference on digital preservation in specialized libraries. This addresses the paradoxical reality that significant portions of Dominican intellectual heritage are currently maintained and digitized abroad.

    Maintaining its commitment to accessibility, the festival offers free admission to all events, supported by sponsors including Kelsy Wilmot, Navegante Urbano, and Editora Pulpo. Complementary programming includes workshops for parents led by Mariela García and sessions examining the global emergence of Dominican comic books, ensuring the festival cultivates a sustainable reading culture amidst digital age challenges.

  • FLASH : Violette AC crowned D1 champions of the 2025-2026 LHF season

    FLASH : Violette AC crowned D1 champions of the 2025-2026 LHF season

    In a dramatic conclusion to the Haitian Football League’s inaugural 2025-2026 season, Violette Athletic Club emerged victorious as national champions after defeating Baltimore SC 2-1 in the championship final. The decisive match unfolded on February 14, 2026, at Parc Sainte-Thérèse in Pétion-ville, marking a significant milestone in Haitian football history.

    The championship showdown reached its climax after the teams played to a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg, setting the stage for an electrifying return match. Violette AC, affectionately known as the Old Tigers, demonstrated their championship pedigree with Elyvens Dejean breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute. Baltimore SC fought back valiantly, equalizing in the 64th minute through Stravinsky Dupiton, before Micheneider Chery secured the historic victory for Violette with a decisive 78th-minute goal.

    The league recognized exceptional individual performances that defined the season. Claudeson Stanley Céus earned dual honors as both the Best Player and Top Scorer of the championship, netting an impressive 8 goals while displaying remarkable consistency and technical brilliance. His influential performances proved instrumental throughout the competition.

    Between the posts, Guivemy Joseph received recognition as the Best Goalkeeper of the inaugural edition. His spectacular saves and commanding presence established him as a formidable last line of defense, earning him the reputation as a veritable wall for his team during both regular season and playoff matches.

    The Haitian Football League administration extended congratulations to both finalists, acknowledging Baltimore SC’s remarkable campaign and fighting spirit that elevated the championship’s competitive standard. The final represented more than just a trophy celebration—it signaled a new era of professional football in Haiti, with the league emerging stronger and more promising after this elite competition.