Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Criminals losing territorial control, says Holness

    Criminals losing territorial control, says Holness

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness has articulated a comprehensive national security doctrine positioning Jamaica’s declining homicide statistics as evidence of systematic success against organized criminal networks. Addressing the 4th Annual Security Seminar in New Kingston, Holness detailed how strategic interventions have disrupted gang leadership architectures, constrained illicit financing channels, and diminished criminal territorial dominance.

    The Prime Minister framed national security resilience as the central organizing principle of Jamaica’s strategy, emphasizing that temporary gains require permanent consolidation. “Communities formerly governed through fear must become structurally and permanently inhospitable to criminal return,” Holness asserted, outlining prerequisites including secure public spaces, reliable infrastructure, ordered development, lawful economic opportunities, and consistent state presence.

    Holness presented Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 impact in October as a paradigm-shifting national security event that claimed 45 lives and affected 760,000 citizens. While praising the Jamaica Defence Force’s response demonstrating enhanced joint planning and civil-military coordination, he revealed critical vulnerabilities: stretched logistical chains, strained maintenance capacity, and border security assets diverted to humanitarian relief.

    The crisis illuminated Jamaica’s persistent capability gaps despite tripled security budgets. “There are threats we could face for which we don’t have assets to respond,” Holness acknowledged, declaring climate shocks permanent features of Jamaica’s security landscape rather than episodic emergencies.

    Holness articulated disasters as strategic shocks that redirect resources, stress institutions, disrupt logistics, and create opportunities for illicit trafficking and irregular migration. Following Melissa’s destruction of police stations and government buildings, he noted with pride the uninterrupted policing services through human resource resilience.

    The Prime Minister integrated border security into this framework, highlighting Jamaica’s position in one of the hemisphere’s most trafficked maritime corridors. He detailed adaptive trafficking methodologies utilizing containerized cargo, clandestine airstrips, UAVs, and semi-submersibles, with narcotic routes increasingly converging with irregular migration networks.

    Citing 2025 interdictions of 33,000 kg of marijuana and 1,360 kg of cocaine, plus 990 pounds of cocaine valued at $3.7 billion intercepted by Coast Guard units, Holness connected border security directly to national stability. The documentation of 124 irregular migrant entries primarily from Haiti and Cuba demonstrated additional humanitarian, legal, and resource challenges for the island nation.

    Holness concluded that national security institutions must develop capacities to “anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from shocks” across criminal, environmental, and geopolitical domains, with disaster risk management fully integrated into security planning, budgeting, and capability development.

  • ‘Only one MP’

    ‘Only one MP’

    A ceremonial health center inauguration in St. Mary, Jamaica, descended into political chaos on Thursday after Health Minister Christopher Tufton unexpectedly invited former MP Dr. Norman Dunn to address attendees despite his absence from the official program. The incident triggered heated confrontations between supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

    Outside the newly opened Belfield Health Centre, Dunn’s supporters credited him with driving the project to completion. However, current MP Norman Brown countered these claims by emphasizing the community-led effort initiated by late former MP Dr. Winston Green, a dental surgeon who died suddenly in 2017 while serving his second term under the PNP ticket.

    Brown recounted how Belfield residents had “protested, organised, appealed and consistently raised their voices about the unacceptable condition of the former clinic,” noting that advocacy began under Green’s leadership and continued through sustained community engagement until the vision materialized. “This facility belongs to the people of Belfield. It is their victory,” Brown asserted.

    The tension reached its peak when Minister Tufton invited Dunn to speak toward the end of the program, deviating from the planned agenda that should have proceeded directly to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Brown expressed concern to Observer Online that Dunn’s remarks unexpectedly shifted into political territory, with the presentation taking on a partisan tone as it outlined the project’s ‘history.’

    Brown emphasized democratic principles, noting that residents of St. Mary South East had already exercised their voting rights in last year’s general election. “At any given time, there is one duly elected Member of Parliament. Political contests have their place and when that time comes, we will meet in the political field. But during moments of governance and community development, politics must not overshadow progress,” Brown stated.

    Despite the political theatrics, Brown remained determined to focus on substantive governance matters, stating his commitment to “delivering for the people, protecting the dignity of the office entrusted to me and ensuring that development in South East St Mary continues without unnecessary political distractions.”

  • Asabina erkent fouten rond bezoldigingswetten: Corrigerend optreden nodig

    Asabina erkent fouten rond bezoldigingswetten: Corrigerend optreden nodig

    In a striking admission of institutional failure, BEP parliamentary leader Ronny Asabina has publicly acknowledged that Suriname’s National Assembly severely mishandled controversial legislation governing financial provisions for the three branches of government. The assemblyman described the situation as “a blow to public trust” and called for immediate consultations to rectify the widely criticized arrangements.

    Asabina conceded that parliament has become the target of intense societal criticism and distrust, noting that the experience feels “sometimes hurtful and intimidating” for elected representatives. The laws originally intended to harmonize financial provisions across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches have instead created a public perception of self-enrichment and excessive benefits rather than achieving synchronization and balance.

    While rejecting suggestions of bad faith, Asabina stated unequivocally: “We have failed miserably. No branch excluded. Society rightly feels misled.” He expressed particular regret about the compensation structure for the judiciary, which has provoked widespread public outrage. The politician acknowledged that his own BEP faction couldn’t have anticipated how disproportionately and inappropriately the decisions would unfold.

    Asabina revealed critical flaws in the legislative process, noting that parliament didn’t serve as the first stop in the lawmaking process and that certain elements escaped notice during legal translation and formulation of articles. He questioned whether designers and direct stakeholders fully comprehended the scope of the controversial provisions.

    The assemblyman highlighted unmet promises regarding financial transparency, revealing that commitments to share the financial consequences with parliament remain unfulfilled. He also criticized the lack of substantive depth during parliamentary deliberations, which were often overshadowed by mutual accusations and populist rhetoric.

    Asabina called for emergency consultations among the three branches of government, followed by thorough review and repair of financial provisions, including budgeting for the financial implications. He emphasized this isn’t pressure tactics but a call for shared responsibility within the separation of powers framework.

    Additionally, he proposed broader reforms including establishing an independent Integrity Chamber to promote governance integrity and considering international examples that implement maximum income limits for top officials to reduce legal inequality. Asabina stressed that transparency, accountability, and restored trust must form the foundation of the recovery process.

  • First Plenary Session of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly recently concluded

    First Plenary Session of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly recently concluded

    In a landmark development for interregional cooperation, the inaugural Plenary Session of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly concluded in Antigua and Barbuda on February 18, marking the official parliamentary activation of the Samoa Agreement. Co-President Malik Azmani characterized the gathering as historically significant for strengthening ties between the regions.

    The three-day assembly, conducted against a backdrop of complex global challenges including geopolitical tensions and pressures on international rule-based systems, demonstrated strong political commitment to enhanced dialogue and collaboration. Participants from both regions, bound by historical connections and shared values of democracy and multilateralism, engaged in substantive discussions across five strategic priority areas.

    Key deliberations focused on climate resilience and clean energy transition, with consensus emerging for a Caribbean-EU Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy Compact under the Global Gateway initiative. Parliamentarians also addressed trade and investment opportunities, combating transnational organized crime, safeguarding territorial integrity, and the critical situation in Haiti. The assembly expressed profound concern about Haiti’s deteriorating conditions while reaffirming support for Haitian-led political solutions.

    Notably, the assembly incorporated dynamic Youth and Women’s Forums that enriched the proceedings. The Youth Forum emphasized developing green skills among young people and their essential role in climate resilience, while the Women’s Forum highlighted economic empowerment through improved financial access and women’s crucial participation in shaping future Caribbean-EU relations.

    The session produced concrete recommendations directed to the Caribbean-EU Council of Ministers, establishing a roadmap for future joint initiatives. Co-President Azmani confirmed the European Parliament delegation’s strengthened conviction that sustained engagement and enhanced political dialogue are imperative for advancing shared prosperity and defending a rules-based international order.

  • DLP selects two nominees for Senate; swearing-in set for today

    DLP selects two nominees for Senate; swearing-in set for today

    The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has concluded its internal deliberations, finalizing two candidates for senatorial appointment. The party’s governing council convened in a decisive meeting on Wednesday evening, reaching a consensus on their official recommendations. General Secretary Pedro Shepherd verified the completion of this process, indicating that the formal submission of names to President Jeffrey Bostic is imminent. While Shepherd maintained a discreet stance on the nominees’ identities prior to the official presidential communiqué, he affirmed the procedural milestone. Informed sources within the party’s upper echelons have strongly suggested that the selected individuals are party leader Ralph Thorne and former Opposition senator Ryan Walters. Thorne, a veteran of the previous House of Assembly who recently contested the St John constituency, and Walters, a candidate for St Michael North West in the latest general election, both faced electoral setbacks. The official swearing-in ceremony for all senators is slated for 2 p.m. today at State House, marking a significant step in the formation of the new parliamentary session.

  • Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Political tensions are escalating in Antigua and Barbuda as Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for All Saints West, has launched a substantive critique against the government’s management of a $100 million road rehabilitation initiative. During a recent appearance on Observer Radio’s ‘Night at Night’ program, Lovell articulated deep concerns regarding the program’s execution and financial transparency.

    Lovell’s scrutiny emerged in response to mounting complaints from constituents about the persistently poor condition of community roads throughout the region. The opposition figure challenged the administration’s claims of massive financial investment, noting a significant disparity between the reported $100 million allocation and the observable deterioration of residential thoroughfares. “We hear that they have a hundred million to spend,” Lovell stated, “yet many residential roads remain in unacceptable condition.”

    The politician further accused the government of prioritizing cosmetic improvements on major highways and highly visible corridors while neglecting village and inner-community infrastructure. Lovell emphasized that the core issue extends beyond sporadic repairs to encompass what he characterized as a fundamental absence of comprehensive, long-term infrastructure planning. “There’s no plan,” he asserted, describing the current approach as piecemeal rather than strategically structured.

    Adding another dimension to his critique, Lovell raised serious questions about the transparency of contract awarding processes within the rehabilitation program. While acknowledging he lacked specific contractual evidence, Lovell maintained that the perceived irregularities in procurement procedures have generated substantial public skepticism regarding governmental accountability.

    The current administration has consistently defended its infrastructure investments, highlighting the necessity of addressing longstanding transportation challenges and modernizing the island’s road network. However, Lovell has reframed the discussion as a matter of national accountability, insisting that substantial public expenditures must be governed by strategic planning and rigorous oversight mechanisms.

    These developments occur against a backdrop of intensified political activity preceding an anticipated by-election, with infrastructure management rapidly emerging as a pivotal issue in public discourse.

  • Voormalig Zuid-Koreaans president Yoon veroordeeld tot levenslange gevangenisstraf

    Voormalig Zuid-Koreaans president Yoon veroordeeld tot levenslange gevangenisstraf

    In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape, the Seoul Central District Court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment for orchestrating a rebellion during his controversial attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The court found Yoon guilty of conspiring with then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to undermine constitutional order by deploying military forces to paralyze parliamentary functions.

    Presiding Judge Jee Kui-youn, speaking for the three-judge panel, declared that “dispatching armed troops to the parliament and using equipment to make arrests constitute acts of rebellion.” The court determined that Yoon’s actions on December 3, 2024, resulted in significant societal damage through his emergency declaration, which lasted merely six hours but triggered massive public demonstrations and parliamentary rejection.

    Alongside Yoon, seven other defendants received sentences, including Kim who was handed a 30-year prison term. The former president maintained composure during the verdict reading while his legal team immediately announced plans to appeal, with lead attorney Yoon Kab-keun denouncing the judgment as “completely unjust” and lacking evidentiary basis.

    The case represents one of the most consequential trials in South Korea’s modern history, exposing deep political divisions that have persisted since Yoon’s ouster. Public reaction remains sharply divided, with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the courthouse demanding his release, while other citizens expressed support for even harsher punishment.

    Current President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office through interim elections following Yoon’s impeachment, praised the South Korean public for peacefully resisting the emergency measures. He suggested the populace deserved Nobel Peace Prize consideration for their democratic resilience.

    This conviction adds to Yoon’s existing legal challenges, including his ongoing appeal of a separate five-year prison sentence. Legal experts anticipate the full judicial process may extend for years, though Thursday’s verdict delivers a clear condemnation of actions that severely tested democratic institutions in one of Asia’s most important economies and U.S. allies.

  • High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    In a decisive legal ruling, the High Court of Saint Kitts and Nevis has comprehensively dismissed the constitutional challenge brought by the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. against the nation’s newly established copyright regulatory framework. The court delivered its final judgment on Thursday, February 19, 2026, ordering ECCO to pay the government EC$10,000 in legal costs.

    The legal dispute centered on the Copyright Act No. 14 of 2024 and its accompanying Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, 2024, which establish a comprehensive system for authorizing and overseeing collective management organizations operating within the federation. The government implemented this regulatory regime to enhance transparency, accountability, and protection for both promoters and creative professionals.

    ECCO’s legal action sought multiple forms of relief, including a declaration that section 4(6) of the Regulations exceeded the authority granted by the parent Copyright Act. The organization additionally argued that the absence of transitional provisions in section 4 violated their legitimate expectations and requested an order of certiorari to invalidate the contested regulatory section.

    The court rejected all aspects of ECCO’s claim, affirming that the Regulations were properly enacted within the scope of authority granted by the Copyright Act. This ruling represents a significant validation of the government’s approach to regulating copyright collective management organizations.

    Legal representation for the government was provided by Solicitor General Simone Bullen-Thompson, while ECCO was represented by attorney Dane Victor Elliott-Hamilton. The judgment follows a previous interim ruling from June 2025, where ECCO similarly lost its bid for an interim injunction against the regulations.

  • ABLP Hosts St. Philip’s North Town Hall Tonight

    ABLP Hosts St. Philip’s North Town Hall Tonight

    The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is set to host a pivotal town hall meeting for residents of the St. Philip’s North constituency this evening. This event forms a key component of the party’s broader public engagement strategy, designed to foster direct dialogue between constituents and their political representatives. The forum will provide a platform for the community to voice concerns, pose questions, and discuss pressing local and national issues directly with party officials. Such gatherings are instrumental in the democratic process, allowing for the exchange of ideas and ensuring that the electorate’s priorities are heard and understood. The town hall is expected to cover a wide array of topics, potentially including infrastructure, social programs, economic development, and other policy matters relevant to the constituency. The outcome of this direct engagement is likely to inform the party’s approach and agenda in the region leading up to the next electoral cycle.

  • Bipartisan Tribute Marks 50 Years of Parliamentary Service by Sir Robin Yearwood

    Bipartisan Tribute Marks 50 Years of Parliamentary Service by Sir Robin Yearwood

    In an unprecedented display of cross-party unity, the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda convened a special session on Wednesday to commemorate the golden jubilee of Sir Robin Yearwood’s parliamentary service—a landmark achievement in Caribbean political history. The ceremony, presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne, transcended political divisions to honor a career spanning five decades of uninterrupted democratic service.

    Governor General Williams, drawing from his own parliamentary experience, articulated the extraordinary significance of fifty consecutive years in elected office. “This milestone represents more than longevity; it embodies generations of consistent public trust,” he remarked, highlighting the exceptional discipline and resilience required to maintain such service. Williams emphasized Yearwood’s role as a living repository of institutional knowledge, having guided the nation through pivotal moments from pre-Independence governance to modern statehood.

    Prime Minister Browne delivered a comprehensive tribute, characterizing Yearwood as a foundational pillar of the nation’s political architecture. “Eleven consecutive electoral victories since 1976 testify not merely to political skill, but to profound integrity and unwavering dedication,” Browne stated. He detailed Yearwood’s extensive ministerial portfolio—spanning agriculture, aviation, public utilities, and finance—and his service as both Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, illustrating a career dedicated to multifaceted national development.

    The Prime Minister particularly highlighted Yearwood’s distinctive approach to constituency representation. For half a century, his Willikies residence functioned as an informal community center, symbolizing his philosophy of accessible, personal governance. This deep connection with constituents in St. Philip’s established him as both political representative and community patriarch.

    The parliamentary tributes culminated in Yearwood’s announcement of his retirement, closing what Browne described as “a remarkable chapter in our nation’s political narrative.” The Prime Minister extended gratitude to Yearwood’s family for their five decades of sacrifice, noting that his retirement “crowns rather than diminishes” an extraordinary legacy.

    This celebration transcends mere political ceremony, serving as a national recognition of how democratic institutions are strengthened through sustained service, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to public good.