Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Police Commissioner Absent Again, Questions Mount

    Police Commissioner Absent Again, Questions Mount

    Belize’s top law enforcement official, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado, has drawn increasing public attention due to his continued absence from official engagements. The most recent incident occurred Sunday during the closing ceremony of the Williams Dawson Peace Cup, where Commissioner Rosado was expected to co-present awards with Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira.

    Minister Mira confirmed receiving notification from Rosado two days prior to the event, citing family health concerns as the reason for his inability to attend. While acknowledging the legitimacy of personal medical matters, observers note this absence continues a pattern that began following Rosado’s return from administrative leave. The commissioner’s leave was connected to earlier controversies surrounding the handling of the Ryan Budna abduction case.

    Previously known for his high public visibility, Rosado has missed several significant events in recent months, including police appreciation awards, the annual Christmas luncheon, and crucial press briefings. This consistent pattern of non-appearance has raised questions about his leadership presence and commitment to public accountability.

    When pressed by journalists regarding his expectations for the commissioner’s public visibility, Minister Mira offered a diplomatic response: ‘It’s always good to be more visible. It’s always good to give more information. The public demands information and I think it’s going to happen.’ Mira emphasized the importance of transparent communication to prevent public speculation, while simultaneously expressing understanding for Rosado’s personal circumstances.

  • Civil Society Initiative : Proposal for the completion of the transition

    Civil Society Initiative : Proposal for the completion of the transition

    With Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) facing an imminent expiration of its mandate on February 7, 2026, without having accomplished its core objectives, the nation confronts a severe governance crisis. The Civil Society Initiative (ICS) has intervened with a critical proposal to prevent a dangerous power vacuum that could exacerbate the country’s existing security collapse and institutional fragility.

    According to the foundational April 3, 2024 Agreement, the CPT’s authority is constitutionally prohibited from extending beyond the February deadline. The council has demonstrably failed to achieve its primary missions: restoring national security, revitalizing the crippled economy, conducting constitutional revisions, and organizing democratic elections.

    The ICS’s framework document, titled ‘Proposal for Completing the Transition,’ outlines an emergency consultation process to establish a new transitional governance structure. This plan advocates for a 17-member deliberative assembly, to be chaired by the CPT’s current coordinator, designed to include broad national representation. Its composition would extend beyond traditional politics to incorporate delegates from business federations, labor unions, agricultural sectors, religious organizations, women’s groups, human rights advocates, and regional representatives from the Great North, Great South, and the Haitian Diaspora.

    A cornerstone of the proposal is the selection of an interim President from either civil society or high-ranking state institutions like the Court of Cassation or ULCC, emphasizing competence and credibility over political affiliation. Similarly, the Prime Minister position would be filled by either the current officeholder—to maintain continuity in security operations—or another qualified civil society figure. Crucially, the plan explicitly excludes members of political parties from these roles to ensure impartiality in future electoral processes.

    The proposed timeline targets the swearing-in of a newly elected president by February 7, 2027. The interim executive leadership and deliberative assembly would conduct comprehensive evaluations of current ministerial positions to determine necessary replacements. This initiative, formally endorsed by ICS General Coordinator Lionel Rabel and Executive Director Rosny Desroches, represents a civilian-led effort to navigate Haiti through its most severe institutional crisis in recent history.

  • FLASH : A federal court is to rule on the legality of not extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

    FLASH : A federal court is to rule on the legality of not extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

    A pivotal legal battle over the fate of approximately 353,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States reaches a critical juncture on January 6, 2026, as the Washington federal court prepares to rule on the Trump administration’s controversial decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The November 2025 termination order, now under judicial scrutiny, faces challenges from migrant advocacy groups questioning its legal foundation and humanitarian implications. Presiding Judge Ana C. Reyes will evaluate whether the administration complied with statutory requirements when determining that Haiti’s conditions no longer warranted protected status. The ruling carries profound consequences for Haitian families who have established lives in the U.S., many for over a decade, while simultaneously supporting relatives back home through remittances. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security has initiated notifications advising beneficiaries to prepare for potential departure by the February 3, 2026 deadline, unless the court intervenes. Advocates argue that Haiti remains incapable of safely reintegrating returnees due to ongoing political instability, security concerns, and economic challenges that persist in the Caribbean nation.

  • Panton Unveils UDP Shadow Cabinet to Challenge PUP Dominance

    Panton Unveils UDP Shadow Cabinet to Challenge PUP Dominance

    In a decisive move to revitalize Belize’s primary opposition force, United Democratic Party Leader Tracy Panton has formally announced her Shadow Cabinet lineup as part of a comprehensive organizational overhaul. This strategic development comes after years of internal discord and leadership conflicts that significantly diminished the party’s electoral performance and public standing.

    Panton, who now steers the UDP following its period of internal turbulence, emphasized the critical urgency of structural reforms during a recent address. She outlined a multi-faceted approach to rebuilding party credibility, which includes constitutional amendments, executive committee appointments, and intensive preparation for upcoming municipal elections in 2027.

    The Opposition Leader framed these organizational changes within a broader context of national concerns, asserting that Belize’s democratic institutions, territorial sovereignty, and national security face substantial threats under the current People’s United Party administration. Panton specifically referenced criminal elements infiltrating northern regions and border incursions in the south as evidence requiring heightened governmental accountability.

    Panton acknowledged the challenges of party unification, noting that rebuilding trust and cohesion requires sustained effort rather than immediate solutions. However, she expressed confidence in the progress made thus far and reaffirmed the UDP’s commitment to presenting itself as a viable governmental alternative capable of addressing Belize’s most pressing security and democratic challenges.

  • FLASH : After Venezuela, Trump’s next target would be Cuba

    FLASH : After Venezuela, Trump’s next target would be Cuba

    In a stunning development with profound geopolitical implications, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during their initial appearance at the Southern District of New York court on Monday, January 5, 2026. The hearing before 92-year-old Judge Alvin Hellerstein marked the first judicial proceeding since their controversial capture by U.S. military forces in Caracas just two days prior.

    Maduro, addressing the court in Spanish, identified himself as the legitimate president of Venezuela and characterized his transfer to the United States as an act of kidnapping from his home territory. His statement was promptly interrupted by Judge Hellerstein, who indicated that procedural formalities would take precedence over political declarations at this initial stage.

    The Venezuelan leader is being represented by prominent attorney Barry Pollack, known for his high-profile defense of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Pollack has announced intentions to challenge the legality of Maduro’s military apprehension and subsequent transfer to U.S. jurisdiction, setting the stage for a complex legal battle with significant international law implications.

    Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, indicated that Cuba would be the next focus of his administration’s foreign policy initiatives. Trump declared that ‘Cuba is ready to fall’ and suggested that without revenue from Venezuelan oil partnerships, the Cuban government would face severe economic challenges. The American president explicitly endorsed the Venezuela operation as a model for potential future actions against Cuba.

    In a remarkable expansion of stated geopolitical ambitions, Trump also reiterated his administration’s interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and questioning Denmark’s capacity to administer the territory effectively. The president suggested concrete action on Greenland could materialize within approximately two months.

    The administration’s declared sphere of interest appears to extend beyond these specific targets, with additional statements suggesting potential future concerns regarding Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Canada, signaling a potentially transformative period in Western Hemisphere relations.

  • Henry Gordon, UDP Stalwart and Pastor, Passes Away

    Henry Gordon, UDP Stalwart and Pastor, Passes Away

    Belize’s political and religious communities are mourning the passing of Henry Gordon, a foundational figure who shaped the nation’s democratic landscape while maintaining profound spiritual influence. The former United Democratic Party Secretary General and Senator died on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy spanning decades of public service.

    Gordon’s political career reached its zenith during the critical early-to-mid 1990s period when he served as UDP Secretary General, a tenure that established the organizational foundation for the party’s landmark 2008 electoral triumph. Following this victory, religious institutions including the Council of Churches and Evangelical Association appointed him as their designated Church Senator, recognizing his unique ability to bridge faith and governance.

    His professional journey demonstrated remarkable versatility: from his early role as Chief Meteorologist to his later work as a respected pastor and political strategist. UDP Leader Tracy Panton memorialized Gordon on social media, highlighting his “integrity, commitment, and deep sense of duty to nation-building.”

    The depth of Gordon’s influence became evident through the testimony of his protégé, current Church Senator Louis Wade, who described him as both mentor and ideological compass. Wade recalled how Gordon’s weekly newspaper column “In Search of Truth” and his Krem Radio discussions with intellectuals like Evan X Hyde and Dr. Taeger shaped national discourse through a Judeo-Christian lens.

    “He walked both the halls of power yet maintained a relationship with God,” Wade noted, comparing Gordon to biblical figures who navigated political and spiritual realms simultaneously. Gordon famously carried both the Bible and Belize’s Constitution, asserting they worked synergistically to build a democratic society protecting individual freedoms, religious liberty, and conscience rights.

    Wade committed to continuing Gordon’s tradition of addressing political issues from informed Christian perspectives, acknowledging he was “walking in the giant footsteps” of his mentor whose impact transcended political boundaries and touched countless lives across Belize.

  • Dominica agrees to host third-country refugees under U.S. agreement

    Dominica agrees to host third-country refugees under U.S. agreement

    In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has confirmed a new bilateral arrangement with the United States concerning refugee processing. The agreement, announced during a press conference, establishes Dominica as a transfer destination for certain refugees when the U.S. is unable to repatriate them to their countries of origin.

    This arrangement emerges from sustained dialogue between the two nations, particularly following the U.S. imposition of partial visa restrictions on Dominican citizens in December 2025. Prime Minister Skerrit characterized the pact as a mutual compromise, underscoring its importance for broader bilateral relations.

    A paramount consideration in the negotiations was national security. Skerrit explicitly stated that meticulous protocols have been established to prevent the transfer of individuals deemed violent or who might pose a threat to Dominica’s security. This safeguard, he noted, was received positively by the U.S. State Department.

    The Prime Minister framed the agreement as a strategic decision made in the interest of the Dominican people. He emphasized that his government’s primary duty is to protect the welfare of its citizens, specifically their continued access to lawful travel, educational opportunities, employment in the U.S., and the maintenance of family ties. This agreement, therefore, is presented as a measure to safeguard these vital interests while fostering governmental cooperation.

    Skerrit concluded that this partnership not only deepens the longstanding relationship with the United States but also solidifies Dominica’s reputation as a willing and reliable international partner.

  • Belize Aligns with CARICOM as Venezuela Faces Political Upheaval

    Belize Aligns with CARICOM as Venezuela Faces Political Upheaval

    In a decisive regional response to Venezuela’s political transformation, Belize has formally aligned its position with the CARICOM Heads of Government following Saturday’s military operations that resulted in the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. The Central American nation, having monitored military buildups in the southern Caribbean for four months, now urges restraint and adherence to international law while calling for constructive dialogue to restore constitutional order reflective of Venezuelan citizens’ will.

    United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo addressed the Security Council, characterizing the situation as developing during “a grave time” following the January 3rd United States military intervention. According to DiCarlo’s assessment, US forces conducted operations across Caracas and northern states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, though casualty figures remain undetermined.

    President Donald Trump confirmed the “large scale strike against Venezuela, and its leader” via social media, later stating during a press conference that the US would administer the country until “a safe, proper and judicious transition” could be implemented. The ousted Venezuelan government has condemned the action as military aggression and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.

    Notably, Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are currently detained in New York facing serious criminal charges brought by US authorities. As Belize reiterates its commitment to maintaining a “Zone of Peace” in the region, the government has confirmed the safe return of all Belizean students previously studying in Venezuela.

    The unfolding crisis raises fundamental questions about regional stability when constitutional norms are challenged, the appropriate extent of CARICOM’s defense of rule of law without exacerbating tensions, and potential ramifications for Belize’s security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations should Venezuela’s turmoil persist.

  • Guyana, US in talks about accepting nationals from third countries

    Guyana, US in talks about accepting nationals from third countries

    Guyana has entered into substantive diplomatic negotiations with the United States concerning the potential acceptance of third-country nationals currently residing in American territory, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud confirmed on Monday, January 5, 2026.

    The South American nation is actively developing a framework of understanding aligned with its national priorities while supporting U.S. objectives regarding migration management. “Guyana and the USA have been in productive discussions on a framework of understanding which is consistent with our national priorities and needs and supportive of the USA objectives,” Persaud stated in an exclusive interview with Demerara Waves Online News.

    This development follows similar agreements recently confirmed by Caribbean neighbors Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. The U.S. initiative, first proposed to Caribbean nations and other allied countries in early 2025, seeks international cooperation in addressing complex migration scenarios where individuals cannot be returned to their countries of origin.

    According to Caribbean Media Corporation reports, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt announced his country’s formal agreement with the U.S., emphasizing stringent security provisions. “In our discussions with the State Department there has been careful deliberation of the need to avoid receiving violent individuals or individuals who will compromise the security of Dominica,” Skerritt clarified during a press conference.

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne indicated his nation would accept approximately ten carefully screened non-criminal refugees possessing skills in local demand. The arrangement maintains full discretionary power for the Caribbean nation to accept or reject any recommended individuals, with the U.S. providing comprehensive biometric data and criminal background information.

    The United States has extended similar invitations to over 100 countries worldwide, seeking to distribute the responsibility for refugee and deportee cases more equitably across the international community. Several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have already participated in this multilateral initiative.

  • Foreign Affairs Minister Says Observer Visa Story Is False and Misleading

    Foreign Affairs Minister Says Observer Visa Story Is False and Misleading

    The Antigua and Barbuda government has issued a formal rebuttal against what it characterizes as a deliberately misleading news report regarding U.S. visa processing. Foreign Affairs Minister E. Paul Chet Greene has unequivocally rejected an article published in the January 5, 2026 edition of the Antigua Observer, which alleged improper cancellation of a student visa despite government assurances.

    According to official statements, direct consultations with U.S. immigration authorities confirmed that the case referenced in the article bore no connection to Presidential Proclamation 10998. Instead, the application was denied under Section 214(b) of standard U.S. immigration law, which pertains to applicant eligibility requirements.

    The Ministry clarified fundamental aspects of U.S. visa processing protocols, noting that preliminary interview approval does not constitute final visa issuance. All applications undergo mandatory post-interview vetting through Washington, D.C., where refusals may occur if statutory criteria remain unmet. Crucially, no visa was ever issued in this instance, and the refusal notice made no reference to the Presidential Proclamation.

    Further investigation revealed that the photograph accompanying the article—purportedly showing a cancelled visa—was completely unrelated. The image actually depicted an H-1B work visa application from India, bearing no connection to either Antigua or student visa processing.

    The Ministry concluded that the article was constructed with malicious intent to falsely suggest that visas approved before January 1, 2026 were not being honored. The government maintains that all validly issued visas continue to be respected and that the newspaper’s claims lack factual foundation.