Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has publicly condemned what he describes as subversive activities and economic manipulation orchestrated against Cuba through a U.S.-supported publication. In a series of social media posts, Marrero revealed that the digital outlet El Toque is linked to U.S. government institutions, including the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID, and the State Department. He asserted that these connections confirm El Toque’s role as a tool for undermining Cuba’s economic stability and depressing the income levels of its citizens. Marrero’s statements align with previous accusations by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has highlighted the financing of digital media to devalue the Cuban peso. The Prime Minister also emphasized ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Cuba to establish a transparent and orderly official exchange market. This initiative aims to reflect the true state of the economy and counteract destabilizing forces. Earlier this month, Cuba accused the U.S. government of executing a comprehensive economic warfare program designed to disrupt the nation’s constitutional order. The allegations, detailed on the program Razones de Cuba, specifically targeted currency trafficking and tax evasion schemes involving Cuban-origin operators based in the U.S. and other countries. El Toque was directly implicated as a manipulated media outlet despite its claims of independence.
分类： politics
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The 11th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba is convened
The Communist Party of Cuba is set to convene its 11th Plenary Session on December 12 and 13, 2025, to address critical issues impacting the nation’s socioeconomic and political landscape. This high-level meeting, organized by the Party’s highest governing body between Congresses, aims to evaluate the government’s response to ongoing challenges and assess the implementation of the Government Program designed to rectify economic distortions and stimulate growth. The session, which has been under review since November 15 and will continue until December 30, will also focus on setting economic objectives and goals for 2026, alongside discussions on the proposed State Budget for the upcoming year. Additionally, the Central Committee will examine the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the recovery progress in the eastern provinces, and the lingering effects of previous natural disasters. As part of the agenda, the Political Bureau will present a report on its recent activities and key decisions, particularly in the context of preparations for the 9th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, scheduled for April 16-19, 2026. This Congress holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, marking a pivotal moment in Cuba’s political history.
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Prosecutor’s Office creates specialized unit to combat illicit drug trafficking
In a significant move to address the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Dominican Republic has launched the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Illicit Drug Trafficking. This initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso, aims to enhance the nation’s capacity to dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering networks, seize illegal assets, and mitigate criminal activities that threaten public safety. The establishment of this unit, authorized under Article 53 of Law 133-11 by the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, builds on a strategy that has already yielded historic successes in drug seizures, micro-trafficking operations, and international collaboration.
Attorney General Reynoso highlighted the necessity of this specialized office in response to the increasingly sophisticated nature of criminal networks. She pointed out that traditional prosecution methods are inadequate in tackling modern trafficking, which leverages digital platforms, global distribution systems, and advanced techniques to hide illicit profits. The new unit will prioritize anticipating emerging trends, tracking digital assets, and fostering real-time international cooperation. By doing so, it aims to fortify the Dominican Republic’s ability to counter contemporary threats posed by synthetic drugs and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, ensuring a more robust and adaptive approach to combating drug trafficking.
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Ambassadeur Ricardo Panka: ‘Geen gewijzigd, maar hernieuwd beleid richting Nederland’
The swearing-in of Suriname’s new ambassador to the Netherlands, Ricardo Panka, has marked a significant shift in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Panka, representing the National Democratic Party (NDP), emphasized that Suriname will not tolerate external interference from The Hague. He stated that the renewed policy aligns with the principles upheld by Suriname under NDP-led governments, including the tenure of former President Bouterse. Panka acknowledged that this principled stance introduces challenges in the political relationship with the Netherlands, given their historical disagreements. However, he asserted that Suriname has the right to chart its own course based on equality within bilateral cooperation. Panka highlighted that the new policy aims to address neglected sectors from the previous administration, emphasizing the need for change. Before fully implementing his strategy, Panka plans to assess the organizational structures of the embassy and consulate in the Netherlands, addressing past complaints about customer service and accessibility. His priorities extend beyond diplomatic relations, focusing on cultural exchange, public health, education, and tourism. A key initiative is the establishment of a diaspora directorate to engage Surinamese communities abroad in national development. Panka also addressed pressing issues such as visa-free travel, high airline ticket prices on the Mid-Atlantic route, and broader aviation policies. He noted that the government has already reduced fees for the PSA pass (Persons of Surinamese Origin) but acknowledged the ongoing challenge of expensive airfares. Panka, a law graduate and seasoned diplomat, is set to present his credentials to King Willem-Alexander in the Netherlands.
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Tommy Descartes demands CIP accountability ahead of December 1 polls
Tommy Descartes, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Castries South, has publicly challenged the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to provide a detailed account of the funds generated through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). Speaking at a UWP rally on William Peter Boulevard, Descartes, a former chief economist in the Department of Economic Planning, raised concerns about potential under-reporting of CIP revenues. He pointed to the significant financial gains made by neighboring countries like Saint Kitts and Grenada through their CIP initiatives, suggesting that billions of dollars might be unaccounted for in Saint Lucia. Descartes emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the SLP must release the audited CIP report before the upcoming elections on December 1. Although Parliament has been dissolved, he insisted that the report should still be made public. Despite his call for accountability, Descartes expressed skepticism about the SLP’s willingness to disclose the figures, urging voters to hold the party accountable by voting them out of office.
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Dennery Segment artist Pablo backs UWP as ‘only party’ with a plan for creatives
Renowned Dennery Segment artist Kurtly Pablo made a significant political statement at a United Workers Party (UWP) rally on William Peter Boulevard, openly endorsing the party and criticizing the incumbent Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) for its alleged neglect of the creative sector. Pablo, a prominent figure in the Dennery Segment for the past eight years, accused the SLP administration of failing to provide adequate support to artists, despite the global recognition of Saint Lucian music. He emphasized the lack of a structured industry, which hinders artists from fully capitalizing on their international success. Pablo highlighted issues such as work permits and distribution deals as areas where creatives desperately need assistance. ‘Exposure without a plan doesn’t really work,’ he stated, arguing that artists often return home without tangible benefits after performing abroad. Pablo expressed confidence in the UWP, led by Allen Chastanet, as the only party committed to developing the Dennery Segment and the broader creative industry. He revealed that the UWP has already initiated collaborations with other Caribbean nations to strengthen the music sector. Pablo urged young Saint Lucians to support UWP candidates in the upcoming December 1 general election, asserting that a UWP-led government would provide the necessary resources to help artists thrive.
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APNU questions gov’t about border monitoring, law to register migrants for e-ID cards
In the aftermath of a devastating bombing at a Georgetown gas station last month, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has intensified its scrutiny of the government’s border monitoring and migrant management practices. APNU’s shadow home affairs minister, Sherod Duncan, has posed a series of pressing questions to the government, focusing on the security of border regions and the implementation of electronic identification (e-ID) cards for migrants.
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U.S. Moves Major Warship Into Caribbean
In a significant military maneuver, the United States has deployed its most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. The move, described by Washington as part of a counterdrug mission, represents the largest display of American military force in the region in recent years. However, the deployment has raised eyebrows, as aircraft carriers are typically not utilized for anti-drug operations but rather for exerting political pressure on governments. The timing of this deployment has drawn particular attention to Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with the U.S. Maduro has accused Washington of fabricating a crisis to destabilize his government and has responded by mobilizing troops in preparation for potential attacks. The Trump administration has framed the mission as a crackdown on drug smugglers, but the sheer scale of the operation—nearly a dozen warships and approximately 12,000 personnel—has led to speculation about broader geopolitical motives. Since September, U.S. strikes on small boats in the region have reportedly resulted in at least 80 fatalities, though Washington has yet to provide evidence linking those killed to drug cartels. According to CBS News, senior Trump administration officials convened three times this week to deliberate military options concerning Venezuela. President Trump remained cryptic about the details, stating only, ‘I sort of have made up my mind.’ The situation continues to escalate, with regional tensions reaching a critical juncture.
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Epstein mentioned Trump multiple times in private emails, new release shows
Newly disclosed emails from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have revealed that Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019, mentioned former President Donald Trump multiple times in private correspondence over the past 15 years. The emails, exchanged with Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and author Michael Wolff, suggest Trump spent significant time with a woman described as a victim of Epstein’s sex trafficking network. In one message, Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” seemingly referencing Trump’s assertion that he expelled Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club for targeting young women there. The emails, released on November 12, were obtained after subpoenaing Epstein’s estate earlier this year. Notably, Trump neither sent nor received any of the messages, which largely predate his presidency, and he has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein or Maxwell. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the release, calling it a “selective leak” to create a “fake narrative” against Trump. Meanwhile, Wolff, who was in communication with Epstein, stated he couldn’t recall the full context but confirmed discussing Epstein’s relationship with Trump. The emails have reignited scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to high-profile figures, though their implications remain unclear.
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At Least 120 Injured as Protests Erupt in Mexico
On November 16, 2025, Mexico witnessed widespread unrest as thousands of demonstrators, predominantly from Gen Z youth groups, took to the streets to protest escalating cartel violence and the government’s perceived inaction. The protests were triggered by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, a mayor who had vocally opposed cartel activities. Manzo was killed on November 1 while attending a Day of the Dead festival, a tragedy that galvanized public outrage. Demonstrators, carrying banners emblazoned with “We are all Carlos Manzo” and donning cowboy hats in his honor, clashed with police near the National Palace in Mexico City. Authorities responded with tear gas, resulting in at least 120 injuries, including 100 police officers, and 20 arrests. President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose approval ratings remain above 70%, accused right-wing opponents of funding the protests and warned of the use of online “bots” to incite unrest. In a public briefing, Sheinbaum emphasized her support for freedom of expression but questioned the motives behind the demonstrations. The incident underscores the growing tension between the Mexican government and citizens demanding stronger action against cartel violence.