Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Statement by the Media Workers Association of Grenada

    Statement by the Media Workers Association of Grenada

    The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) has formally responded to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s recent televised commentary regarding the absence of regular government press briefings and journalist conduct at previous engagements. Issued on Monday, January 5, the statement aims to rectify what the association describes as inaccurate representations of longstanding media concerns spanning three years.

    MWAG emphasizes that transparency issues were raised early in the current administration’s tenure, including during a direct meeting with the prime minister. The administration’s initial action involved discontinuing scheduled press engagements, with Prime Mitchell publicly announcing information would be distributed on a “need-to-know” basis—a approach that raised significant concerns within media circles about governmental transparency.

    The association clarifies that journalists have never objected to the volume of information disseminated by the government. Rather, media professionals welcome comprehensive and timely information serving public interest. The core concern centers on the structure of government news conferences, which prioritize sequential presentations over interactive dialogue. This format consistently limited opportunities for journalists to question, clarify, and scrutinize issues on behalf of the public.

    MWAG refutes suggestions that journalists disengaged due to being overwhelmed by information, characterizing this assertion as misleading. The actual problem resided in the lack of coherent focus and adequate questioning time during these engagements. Regarding virtual participation, the association notes that hybrid formats have long been facilitated through government communications teams using Zoom credentials distributed to media houses. Any technical disconnection experienced by the prime minister should have been addressed through proper technical arrangements standard in hybrid events.

    The association reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the Grenadian government, emphasizing that regular, well-structured press briefings with sufficient questioning time remain fundamental to transparent governance and democratic accountability. MWAG stands ready to collaborate in good faith to improve these arrangements for public benefit.

  • Gonsalves criticises ex-cop on PSC although 4 served under his gov’t

    Gonsalves criticises ex-cop on PSC although 4 served under his gov’t

    In a striking political development, opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves has issued a public caution regarding the composition of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Public Service Commission and Police Service Commission (PSC). The veteran politician specifically raised concerns about retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Ronald Christopher’s recent appointment, warning fellow commissioners to prevent any potential attempts to “lead the constabulary from the PSC.

    This advisory has drawn immediate scrutiny from political analysts who note the apparent contradiction in Gonsalves’ position. During his 25-year tenure as prime minister, his administration appointed three retired deputy commissioners of police and one retired police sergeant to serve on the very same commission without similar public reservations.

    The context of this warning emerges amid a dramatic political shift. Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party suffered a decisive electoral defeat on November 27, 2025, losing all parliamentary seats except his own to the New Democratic Party after nearly a quarter-century in power.

    Retired Sergeant Morgan, who served on the PSC during the final ULP administration (2020-2025), publicly defended Christopher’s appointment via social media. “If Ronald Christopher was made Commissioner, the force would not be in the mess it is in today,” Morgan stated, adding that Christopher “would not have been anyone’s puppet” and describing him as an excellent choice to represent police interests.

    Morgan further criticized the previous commission’s operations under ULP governance, alleging that promotions were pre-arranged and commissioners were expected to be “yes men,” reducing the body to a mere “figurehead.”

    The newly sworn commission, chaired by retired public servant Laura Anthony-Browne, includes Christopher among its members. Gonsalves acknowledged the qualifications of several appointees while maintaining his specific concerns about former high-ranking police officers influencing current force operations.

    Insiders familiar with the relationship between Gonsalves and Christopher suggest personal history may factor into the opposition leader’s stance. Sources reveal that Christopher was effectively sidelined within the police force after declining a government-proposed transfer to Barbados in 2007 due to family obligations, spending his final six service years in diminished roles handling port and government building security.

    One source characterized this treatment as “vindictiveness” from the then-ULP government, comparing it to similar reassignments of other officers who fell out of favor.

  • CARICOM should seek to be interlocutor between US, Venezuela — Gonsalves

    CARICOM should seek to be interlocutor between US, Venezuela — Gonsalves

    In a significant development following the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by United States authorities, regional leaders are calling for CARICOM’s active diplomatic intervention. Ralph Gonsalves, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and prominent opposition leader, has proposed that the Caribbean Community leverage its unique position to facilitate crucial dialogue between Washington and Caracas.

    Gonsalves, a longstanding Maduro ally, emphasized during a Kingstown press conference that the 15-member regional bloc must transcend mere statements and assume the role of impartial interlocutor. He advocated for CARICOM to work through both United Nations channels—noting Guyana’s current non-permanent Security Council membership—and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to establish sustained diplomatic engagement.

    The veteran statesman outlined grave concerns about regional stability, warning that military intervention to install an alternative government would inevitably lead to ‘pitch battles’ and widespread chaos. He projected catastrophic secondary effects including massive refugee flows, economic disruption, and infiltration by criminal elements across Caribbean nations, particularly affecting tourism-dependent economies already experiencing flight cancellations following Maduro’s capture.

    Gonsalves highlighted the immediate economic repercussions, noting that the U.S. military operation had already grounded numerous flights to Caribbean and South American destinations, directly impacting the vital tourism sector. Beyond economic concerns, he stressed the potential security vacuum that could emerge if ‘bad men and women’ exploited the crisis to create mayhem across neighboring islands.

    While acknowledging the limitations of international institutions, Gonsalves insisted that CARICOM’s perceived neutrality as ‘the smallest and weakest partners’ positions the bloc ideally to facilitate ‘mature conversations’ aimed at ensuring peace, security, and inclusive development. He cautioned that without dialogue, the alternative would be conflict, emphasizing that ‘if people don’t talk, people will war.’

    The former prime minister suggested that while some issues might resolve through negotiation, others might require acceptance of ‘mutually agreed dissatisfaction.’ He deliberately avoided criticizing specific CARICOM members, emphasizing the critical need for regional unity during this potentially transformative geopolitical crisis that has already prompted the largest voluntary migration in modern times with approximately eight million Venezuelans leaving their country during Maduro’s tenure.

  • PM says SVG fortunate to have ‘Stalky’ John as GG

    PM says SVG fortunate to have ‘Stalky’ John as GG

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration of Stanley ‘Stalky’ John as the nation’s eighth Governor General. The distinguished lawyer and former parliamentarian took his oath of office during a formal ceremony at Government House in Old Montrose on Tuesday, succeeding Dame Susan Dougan following her six-year tenure as head of state.

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday, who recently assumed office after his New Democratic Party’s decisive electoral victory, presided over the transition. In his address, Friday characterized the appointment as a moment of national fortune, emphasizing John’s deep-rooted connection to the nation. “As a son of the soil, whose love of country is second to none and knows no bounds, I have no doubt that you will be exemplary in your service as Head of State,” the Prime Minister declared.

    The ceremony served dual purposes: installing the new Governor General while honoring the legacy of his predecessor. Dame Susan Dougan concluded her remarkable 50-year public service career, which included roles as Cabinet Secretary and head of state. Prime Minister Friday expressed the nation’s collective gratitude for her “magnificent service” and “enduring and outstanding” contributions to national development.

    Governor General John brings substantial legal and political credentials to the role. As a King’s Counsel, he has established himself as a prominent barrister known for his rigorous representation and professional dignity. His political journey includes service as a senator for the St. Vincent Labour Party (1984-1989), Parliamentary Representative for East St. George under the Unity Labour Party (1998-2001), and leadership of the SVLP (1992-1994).

    Prime Minister Friday, who describes John as a long-standing friend, highlighted the new Governor General’s consistent commitment to excellence throughout his career. “Knowing him as well as I do, I can say that he could do it no other way, for he knows no other way but to give of his best,” Friday remarked.

    The Prime Minister also acknowledged John’s family for their support in enabling him to accept this significant responsibility. The transition occurs alongside the recent formation of a new government that Prime Minister Friday asserts has received a “clear and unmistakable mandate” to drive progressive change and national unity.

  • Citing 200 years of history, Gonsalves questions motives for Maduro’s arrest

    Citing 200 years of history, Gonsalves questions motives for Maduro’s arrest

    Distinguished Caribbean statesman Ralph Gonsalves, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has raised profound questions regarding the United States’ apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, challenging whether the operation constitutes legitimate law enforcement or represents a politically motivated intervention.

    Addressing journalists at a Kingstown press conference, the seasoned politician and legal expert emphasized the critical importance of distinguishing between standard judicial procedures and potential geopolitical power plays. “We must not conflate military intervention or political operations with authentic law enforcement activities,” Gonsalves stated, adding, “The fundamental question remains: Is this purely a law enforcement action?”

    With twenty-four years of regional leadership experience and having recently facilitated diplomatic talks between Venezuela and Guyana in December 2023 amid territorial disputes, Gonsalves brings considerable credibility to the discussion. While deliberately avoiding speculation about specific motivations behind Maduro’s capture, he expressed concern about broader implications for international justice systems.

    The veteran statesman outlined established extradition frameworks within CARICOM nations, noting that member states maintain bilateral treaties and domestic legislation governing such procedures. “When the United States alleges an individual has violated American law, proper channels exist through mutual legal assistance agreements,” he explained, while acknowledging some constitutions prohibit citizen extradition altogether.

    Gonsalves raised particular concern about Maduro’s prospect for a fair trial in New York, ironically referencing President Trump’s own assertions about judicial bias in the region. Drawing parallels with historical precedents, he cited numerous instances where charges against leaders were subsequently revealed as fabricated, including the 19th-century abduction of Nigerian King Jaja who was exiled to St. Vincent, and more recent cases involving Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

    The former prime minister framed current developments as symptomatic of eroding multilateralism, explicitly connecting Trump’s embrace of a modernized Monroe Doctrine—sometimes referred to as the “Trump Corollary” or “Donroe Doctrine”—to concerning patterns of hemispheric intervention. “This represents nothing less than the undermining of the multilateral system and the enthronement of unilateralism,” Gonsalves concluded, urging Caribbean citizens to educate themselves about these complex geopolitical dynamics.

  • Senaat beperkt Trumps militaire acties in Venezuela

    Senaat beperkt Trumps militaire acties in Venezuela

    In a significant bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate has advanced measures to curtail President Trump’s military authority regarding Venezuela. The procedural vote of 52-47 saw several Republicans joining Democrats to consider a resolution prohibiting further military deployment without congressional approval.

    This development coincides with Venezuela’s announcement of releasing a substantial number of political prisoners—both Venezuelan and foreign nationals—on Thursday. Jorge Rodríguez, a leading Venezuelan politician, described this as a unilateral peace gesture, addressing a long-standing opposition demand. However, human rights organizations emphasize that hundreds remain detained, with local monitoring group Foro Penal documenting 863 political prisoners including leaders, activists, and journalists.

    President Trump, expressing surprise at the Senate vote, criticized supporting senators for ‘diminishing presidential power to protect the United States.’ Meanwhile, in a New York Times interview, Trump indicated U.S. control over Venezuela and regulation of oil revenues could extend ‘well beyond a year,’ discussing rebuilding Venezuela ‘in a very profitable manner.’ He noted his relationship with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, an ally of deposed leader Nicolás Maduro, was ‘very good.’

    On the regional front, Trump’s stance toward Colombia appears softening. Following previous tensions, he invited President Gustavo Petro to Washington after a telephone conversation described as ‘a great honor’ by Trump, who praised Petro’s diplomatic tone.

    Economically, Trump announced plans Tuesday to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil currently under U.S. blockade. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves yet suffers a profound economic and humanitarian crisis that has driven millions to flee. The White House has scheduled a Friday meeting between Trump and executives from ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron—companies with Venezuelan experience—to discuss increasing the country’s oil production, though none have yet commented.

    The resolution faces legislative challenges requiring House approval and a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override any presidential veto. Nevertheless, it represents rare Republican resistance to White House policy as Venezuela’s complex situation continues evolving with rapid political, military, and economic developments.

  • Column: Wanneer geld het recht gijzelt

    Column: Wanneer geld het recht gijzelt

    A recent confrontation between Surinamese authorities and timber exporters has revealed profound systemic failures in the nation’s regulatory enforcement framework. What initially appeared as an isolated incident involving wood exports to India has instead exposed fundamental weaknesses in rule-of-law implementation.

    In late October 2025, Agriculture Minister Mike Noersaliem issued a stern warning to all timber companies, explicitly stating that non-compliant operations would no longer receive mandatory phytosanitary certifications from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV). This action came after discoveries that several exporters had been shipping wood without meeting national and international standards.

    Six timber enterprises have positioned themselves as victims of what they term ‘sudden government intervention,’ claiming the minister’s directive introduced unexpected new requirements. This argument proves both legally and factually untenable. Phytosanitary certification constitutes a legal obligation derived from national legislation and international treaties, not merely policy preferences of individual ministers. Established exporters have operated under these requirements for years.

    The ministry’s communication represented not the introduction of novel regulations but rather enforcement of existing mandates—a crucial distinction. In any rule-of-law society, businesses cannot legitimately appeal to ‘established practice’ when knowingly operating in violation of requirements, whether dealing with timber, fish, rice, gold or any other export commodity.

    The central inquiry therefore shifts from why Minister Noersaliem enforced regulations to why previous administrations apparently did not. If current timber shipments failed compliance standards while previous exports received certification, only two conclusions emerge: systematic regulatory neglect or active complicity in rule-breaking. Both scenarios indicate serious governance failures where systematic non-compliance creates fertile ground for corruption, conflicts of interest and political manipulation.

    Most alarmingly, judicial intervention has compounded these concerns. The cantonal judge avoided addressing the core issue of regulatory compliance, instead prioritizing arguments about irreversible financial damage. This establishes a dangerous legal precedent suggesting that those who act quickly, ignore regulations, and subsequently threaten financial claims can force the state into retroactive authorization.

    The implications extend far beyond timber. Rice exporters investing in certification, fisheries undergoing international audits, gold companies struggling with compliance, and vegetable exporters meeting strict European standards now face distorted incentives. Why maintain strict adherence when precedent demonstrates that violation pays?

    At the strategic level, Suriname’s credibility faces imminent jeopardy as the nation approaches large-scale oil and gas production. These industries fundamentally depend on certification, compliance and local content requirements. Surinamese businesses must demonstrate adherence to international standards regarding safety, environment, quality and governance—not as paper formalities but as verifiable practices.

    How credible appears Suriname’s commitment to compliance if certificates can be coerced under pressure? How convincing becomes our narrative to international partners and investors if regulations prove negotiable for the sufficiently powerful? In petroleum industries, reputation constitutes everything. A single perception of flexible regulations could cost millions in investments and exclude local companies from participation.

    This case transcends six timber companies versus the state. It represents societal injustice where economic power hijacks legal principles, where influential entities place themselves above the law and, worse, manipulate legal frameworks to their advantage. Unless the state establishes clear political and judicial boundaries, we risk legitimizing an economy where compliance becomes optional and integrity subordinate to pressure.

    Should the National Assembly refrain from launching parliamentary investigations and the Public Prosecutor’s Office neglect examining potential criminal offenses, they effectively confirm that capital outweighs justice in Suriname. Such outcome represents not governance but organized lawlessness.

  • Nandlall publicly praises Chancellor, dismisses questions on alleged plot against Justice Cummings

    Nandlall publicly praises Chancellor, dismisses questions on alleged plot against Justice Cummings

    In a significant development within Guyana’s judicial landscape, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has publicly commended Acting Chancellor Roxane George-Wiltshire’s contributions to the justice system while vehemently rejecting allegations of government conspiracy against former judiciary member Justice Yonnette Cummings.

    The statements emerged during a ceremonial event at the United Nations complex in Georgetown, where substantial IT equipment and software valued at US$400,000 were transferred to multiple law enforcement and judicial agencies. This technological enhancement initiative falls under the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union (PACE) Justice Project, representing a major investment in modernizing Guyana’s legal infrastructure.

    Nandlall characterized Chancellor George-Wiltshire as possessing “extremely high ideals” and praised her dedicated work ethic, describing her as “a special asset” to the nation’s judicial framework. The ceremony highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial capabilities through technological advancement.

    Following the event, journalists pressed the Attorney General regarding circulating media reports suggesting possible government involvement in Justice Cummings’ departure from the judiciary. Nandlall dismissed these allegations as “ridiculous” during an impromptu exchange, asserting that Justice Cummings remained “a qualified, very respected jurist” who would not submit to such conduct.

    The controversy stems from recent correspondence by Former Chief Magistrate Kalam Juman Yassin, who speculated about a potential coordinated effort against Justice Cummings-Edwards. This occurred amidst a backdrop of public criticism from government officials, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, regarding the Guyana Court of Appeal’s decisions in several politically sensitive cases.

    The judicial landscape has undergone notable transitions since late October 2025, when President Irfaan Ali announced Justice Cummings’ move into pre-retirement status, subsequently maintaining Navindra Singh as Acting Chief Justice and George-Wiltshire as Acting Chancellor.

    Notably, the Caribbean Court of Justice has upheld the majority of Chancellor George-Wiltshire’s judicial decisions during her tenure as Chief Justice, even after several were previously overturned by the Guyana Court of Appeal, underscoring her judicial competence and the complex dynamics within Guyana’s legal system.

  • Opposition Questions Telecom Acquisition Secrecy

    Opposition Questions Telecom Acquisition Secrecy

    Belize’s political landscape has been stirred by serious allegations from the Opposition regarding clandestine corporate acquisitions within the nation’s telecommunications sector. Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition, has raised the alarm about credible reports indicating that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has quietly finalized significant acquisitions involving major industry players SMART, Centaur, and NexGen.

    The Opposition Leader characterized these developments as part of a disturbing pattern where transformative national transactions are conducted without public transparency or governmental accountability. Panton asserted that such behind-closed-doors decision-making involving substantial financial sums and widespread national impact fundamentally contradicts the principles of genuine nation-building.

    In her comprehensive statement, Panton emphasized the critical nature of telecommunications infrastructure, noting its profound implications for national security protocols, public safety systems, business continuity frameworks, consumer protection rights, and overall cost of living adjustments. She maintained that any transaction capable of reshaping this vital sector must undergo rigorous public scrutiny, incorporate appropriate safeguards, and maintain thoroughly documented terms accessible to citizen review.

    The United Democratic Party, under Panton’s leadership, has committed to pursuing all lawful avenues to compel government transparency regarding these alleged transactions. The Opposition Leader stressed that Belizean citizens deserve proper disclosure rather than learning about nationally significant developments through unverified reports and speculative rumors, particularly when accompanied by government assurances that lack substantive transparency measures.

  • PSU Challenges Government Over SARA Transition

    PSU Challenges Government Over SARA Transition

    A significant confrontation has emerged between Belize’s Public Service Union (PSU) and the Ministry of Finance regarding the proposed transformation of the Belize Tax Services Department into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). In a sharply worded communication dated January 7th, PSU President Dean Flowers leveled serious accusations against government officials, claiming they had reneged on commitments made merely weeks earlier.

    The dispute centers on what the union characterizes as the ministry’s dismissive approach and excessively narrow consultation parameters. Authorities have attempted to restrict dialogue solely to internal employee matters, effectively excluding broader public scrutiny of what represents a substantial economic reform initiative. The PSU maintains that this approach contravenes fundamental democratic principles by preventing adequate oversight of policy decisions with far-reaching national implications.

    Transparency remains the core issue, with union leadership demanding full disclosure of the studies and analytical frameworks that informed the Cabinet’s decision to proceed with SARA. With a critical January 16th deadline rapidly approaching, the PSU has issued a clear warning that failure to address these concerns will result in the consideration of all available response options. Flowers specifically criticized the Financial Secretary’s position that policy matters fall outside the union’s purview, asserting that in a functioning democracy, citizens and their representatives maintain the right to question decisions potentially affecting the national economy and all Belizeans.