Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • UDP Defends House Meeting Boycott

    UDP Defends House Meeting Boycott

    The United Democratic Party (UDP) has publicly justified its strategic boycott of a recent House of Representatives session, framing the move as a principled stand against governmental corruption. During a press conference held on February 10, 2026, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton characterized the decision as an essential ‘act of conscience’.

    The boycott was directly triggered by mounting concerns surrounding Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet/SMART. Panton’s caucus expressed firm resolve, declaring that UDP parliamentarians would not permit the national Assembly to serve as a ‘rubber stamp for corruption.’

    Panton launched a pointed critique against Prime Minister John Briceño, highlighting a perceived contradiction in his actions. She questioned how the Prime Minister, who initially claimed unawareness of BTL’s negotiations with his own family company, could now assert authority to direct a pause in the acquisition process. ‘The prime minister of this country has inserted himself to direct a pause on a deal he knew nothing about,’ Panton stated, emphasizing the apparent inconsistency.

    The opposition leader’s rhetoric intensified as she asserted that UDP parliamentarians ‘will not be treated like kunumunu’—a Belizean Creole term implying foolishness or being misled.

    In the absence of opposition lawmakers, the political atmosphere outside the newly renovated National Assembly took on a celebratory tone. A significant gathering of supporters from the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) assembled, described by Secretary General Collet Montejo as showing general support for party leaders and celebrating the parliamentary building’s reopening. Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher added that supporters were present to endorse the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. However, attendees including Pickstock Street captain Shaheed Hauze confirmed their presence was specifically to support the controversial BTL acquisition currently under scrutiny.

  • OP-ED: A primer into 21 st Century Caribbean geopolitics – The importance of Guyana

    OP-ED: A primer into 21 st Century Caribbean geopolitics – The importance of Guyana

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), comprising 15 member states across insular Caribbean territories and mainland regions of Central and South America, faces complex geopolitical challenges stemming from its numerous territorial boundaries. The region contends with 10 land borders and 37 maritime boundaries, many of which remain disputed—including tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, Belize and Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

    Geopolitically, CARICOM exists in the shadow of global powers, positioned proximate to the United States to the north, Brazil to the south, and Cuba in the central Caribbean. Member states grapple with post-colonial legacies, environmental vulnerabilities, resource distribution inequalities, and persistent border complications that challenge regional cohesion.

    Guyana emerges as a critical actor in this landscape, serving as the only English-speaking nation in South America and functioning as a strategic bridge between Caribbean and South American integration initiatives. Since Exxon Mobil’s landmark oil discovery in 2015, Guyana has experienced transformative economic growth, positioning itself as a potential future BRICS member candidate due to its growing regional influence and commitment to multilateralism.

    The nation’s agricultural capacity—producing staples of the West Indian diet including rice, sweet potatoes, and various fruits and vegetables—offers significant opportunities for enhancing regional food security. Additionally, its cross-border connectivity with Brazil through the Lethem-Bon Fim corridor provides CARICOM members access to broader South American markets.

    Despite operating in an increasingly volatile global environment where power dynamics often override multilateral cooperation, Guyana represents Caribbean resilience and potential. As noted by Dr. Kai-Ann Skeete, Trade Policy Research Fellow at the Shridath Ramphal Centre, the country exemplifies how Caribbean nations can maintain cultural identity while pursuing deeper regional integration and economic transformation, even amid the uncertainties inherent in geopolitical change.

  • Barbadians voting for new government

    Barbadians voting for new government

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Barbados commenced a pivotal snap general election on Wednesday, with an electorate of 271,205 citizens heading to the polls. Prime Minister Mia Mottley called the vote a full year ahead of schedule, seeking to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term for her Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

    The political landscape features 96 candidates representing six political parties and independent contenders, all vying for control of the 30-seat Parliament. However, political analysts characterize the contest as primarily a bilateral struggle between the long-established BLP and the principal opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

    Election authorities, under the direction of Supervisor of Elections Sherland Turton, have implemented stringent measures to safeguard electoral integrity. In an official statement titled ‘Prohibited Devices,’ Turton assured voters of complete privacy, noting that polling booths would be strategically arranged to ensure each voter enters with their back to the presiding officer.

    Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM local time, remaining operational for a 12-hour period. For the first time in the nation’s political history, the electoral process is being monitored by international observer missions from both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Prime Minister Mottley extended these invitations to preserve Barbados’ democratic reputation, simultaneously dismissing opposition requests for a postponement.

    New regulations explicitly prohibit all communication devices within polling stations, including smartphones, smartwatches, and smart pens. The Electoral and Boundaries Commission has reiterated that voters must present their national identification cards, though valid passports or driver’s licenses will also be accepted as official identification.

    Employers across the island have been formally instructed to permit workers ‘a reasonable period of not less than one hour’ for voting, with explicit prohibitions against wage deductions or any form of penalty for this absence.

    In final pre-election appeals, Prime Minister Mottley pledged to BLP supporters that ‘there will not be arrogance’ in her party, which achieved a historic clean sweep of all parliamentary seats in the previous two elections. Opposition DLP leaders countered with calls to ‘restore the balance’ in the country, urging voters to ‘take back our country.’

  • Senior FNMs to Minnis ‘your time has passed’

    Senior FNMs to Minnis ‘your time has passed’

    The Bahamian political landscape was thrown into turmoil following former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’s declaration to contest the Killarney constituency as an independent candidate, effectively severing his longstanding affiliation with the Free National Movement (FNM). This unexpected move has triggered strong reactions from former cabinet members of the Minnis administration, who expressed both disappointment and criticism regarding the decision.

    Senior FNM figures characterized the move as politically damaging and historically unpromising. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Peter Turnquest described the development as ‘disappointing,’ framing it as symptomatic of a broader failure within Bahamian politics where veteran leaders struggle to recognize their appropriate time to exit the stage. He emphasized that independent candidates have historically faced near-insurmountable challenges in achieving electoral success within the country’s two-party dominated system.

    Former Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar offered more pointed criticism, questioning the rationale behind ending a political career through open conflict with one’s own party. He suggested Dr. Minnis would face expulsion from the FNM for challenging the party’s ratified candidate in Killarney, Senator Michaela Barnett-Ellis. D’Aguilar further noted that Dr. Minnis had already reached the apex of political office and questioned the value of returning to parliament as a backbencher.

    Adding to the chorus of concern, former Immigration Minister Brent Symonette suggested Dr. Minnis could have maintained relevance without severing party ties, arguing that meaningful contributions remained possible even after electoral and leadership defeats. He implied that an earlier, more graceful exit would have demonstrated stronger character.

    The FNM organization, through its chairman and former health minister Duane Sands, indicated it would not be distracted by Dr. Minnis’s ambitions, instead focusing support on its official candidates. Meanwhile, Senator Barnett-Ellis reported that her campaign continues unchanged, centered on addressing constituent concerns including infrastructure issues, flooding, and economic development opportunities.

  • Former FNM women’s president defects to PLP after 33 years

    Former FNM women’s president defects to PLP after 33 years

    In a significant political realignment, Karen Shepherd, a longstanding Free National Movement (FNM) figure, has publicly severed ties with her party of 33 years to pledge allegiance to Prime Minister Philip Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). The formal induction ceremony occurred at PLP headquarters on Farrington Road, where she received her membership credentials alongside senior officials including party chairman Fred Mitchell.

    Shepherd, who previously held multiple leadership roles including three terms as president of the FNM’s Women’s Association and party trustee, attributed her defection to fundamental philosophical disagreements. She asserted the FNM has deviated from its foundational principles, noting a disconnect between the party’s rhetoric and its operational conduct. “Their words are saying one thing, yet their actions show another,” she observed, referencing the erosion of the FNM’s traditional ‘all together’ motto.

    The former Englerston candidate revealed that FNM leader Michael Pintard failed to initiate contact following her resignation announcement. She described a party experiencing substantial grassroots erosion while focusing disproportionately on visible leadership positions, metaphorically noting that while “the party was filling their spaces from the front, the back is hemorrhaging.”

    Shepherd detailed how her decision crystallized during constituency canvassing, where she repeatedly encountered dissatisfied supporters whose concerns were systematically ignored by party leadership. She framed her move as ethically motivated rather than opportunistic, emphasizing her commitment to national interest through “holy courage” and clear conscience.

    Citing her political heritage as the daughter of late PLP MP James Shepherd, she invoked historical continuity by referencing her father’s advocacy for price controls, housing initiatives, urban renewal, and labor reforms during the transformative 1967 general election. She specifically highlighted his role as the first House of Assembly Whip and his association with former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.

    Shepherd concluded with an explicit endorsement of Prime Minister Davis’s reelection bid, urging undecided voters to “join me on the winning team” committed to Bahamian service. PLP leadership welcomed her as a valuable organizational asset, with Women’s Branch chairwoman Calverna Small recognizing her as a formidable campaign operative.

  • ‘They ain’t coming in my yard’: FNM veteran slams Rick Fox pick

    ‘They ain’t coming in my yard’: FNM veteran slams Rick Fox pick

    The Free National Movement’s ratification of former NBA star Rick Fox as its Garden Hills candidate has ignited significant internal dissent within the party ranks, exposing deep divisions regarding leadership decisions and candidate selection processes. Prominent party figures have publicly condemned the move, characterizing it as symptomatic of the organization’s broader decline under current leadership.

    Ricardo Rolle, a former constituency chairman and nine-year president of the Garden Hills association during the Ingraham administration, delivered scathing criticism of both the party hierarchy and Fox’s nomination. The veteran FNM supporter, who has maintained party allegiance since 1985, asserted that the decision to bypass established political figures like former MPs Dr. Hubert Minnis and Renward Wells in favor of a political newcomer represents a fundamental misjudgment that has disillusioned long-standing members.

    ‘This constitutes the most poorly managed period in FNM’s history,’ Rolle declared to The Tribune, emphasizing Fox’s lack of local political knowledge. ‘He cannot even delineate Garden Hills’ boundaries despite seeking to represent the constituency.’

    The controversy emerges amid revelations that this year’s general election will mark Fox’s first-ever electoral participation in The Bahamas, a fact that has raised eyebrows among party traditionalists who expected longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson to secure the nomination after extensive campaigning.

    Kendal Culmer, an FNM meritorious council member, echoed these concerns, noting the absence of proper consultation regarding Fox’s selection. Culmer questioned whether Fox’s celebrity status and financial success qualified him for political office, criticizing party leader Michael Pintard’s communication on the matter.

    Despite the substantial opposition, some party voices have expressed support for Fox’s candidacy. Former area MP Brensil Rolle endorsed the decision, describing Fox as a qualified Bahamian who merits opportunity and predicting that Garden Hills voters would prioritize performance over political rhetoric in their electoral decisions.

  • Minnis takes aim at ‘afraid’ FNM candidates switching seats

    Minnis takes aim at ‘afraid’ FNM candidates switching seats

    In a striking political development, former Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has publicly criticized members of his former party, the Free National Movement (FNM), for abandoning their original constituencies to seek election in different electoral districts. The remarks came during his Monday appearance on ‘Beyond the Headlines with Shenique Miller,’ where he simultaneously confirmed his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election from his long-held Killarney constituency.

    Dr. Minnis drew sharp contrasts between his own consistent representation of Killarney since 2007 and what he characterized as politically opportunistic movements by fellow FNM members. ‘Regardless of how they cut it, I’m staying in Killarney unlike many others who have ran from one constituency to another,’ he stated during the broadcast interview.

    When pressed to identify specific individuals, the former Prime Minister declined to name names but pointed to extensive media coverage of these constituency changes. He suggested psychological motivations behind these electoral moves, remarking, ‘I don’t know if individuals are running. They must be afraid of something. So they’d have to inform us what that fear is all about, but I’m not afraid of it.’

    The phenomenon appears widespread within FNM ranks. Dr. Duane Sands, the party chairman and former Elizabeth constituency representative who lost to Progressive Liberal Party’s JoBeth Coleby-Davis in 2021, is now seeking nomination in Bamboo Town. Similarly, Travis Robinson, who previously represented Bain and Grants Town from 2017-2021 before losing his seat, is now pursuing the Fort Charlotte constituency. Even FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, currently representing St Barnabas, has been officially ratified as the party’s candidate for the newly created St James constituency.

    This public criticism from the former party leader signals deepening fractures within FNM leadership and highlights the strategic repositioning occurring within Bahamian politics ahead of the next general election.

  • High-stakes gamble

    High-stakes gamble

    A significant legislative debate unfolded in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers examined the final component of the nation’s casino gaming framework. The Casino Gaming Regulations, spearheaded by Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams, represent the culmination of over a decade of legal development aimed at establishing integrated resort developments (IRDs) combining luxury accommodations, entertainment venues, and gaming facilities.

    Minister Williams articulated that the comprehensive regulations were meticulously designed to safeguard Jamaica’s international standing while simultaneously creating substantial investment opportunities and employment pathways. The regulatory architecture encompasses detailed provisions governing casino organizational structures, staffing qualifications, internal control mechanisms, advanced surveillance systems, and standardized accounting practices aligned with international financial reporting standards.

    Despite governmental assurances, Opposition members voiced profound concerns regarding the social implications of expanded gambling accessibility. Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, delivered a clinically-informed intervention characterizing gambling disorder as a legitimate mental health condition comparable to substance addiction. He particularly criticized provisions permitting credit extension to casino patrons, warning this could precipitate household financial devastation and potentially increase suicide rates among vulnerable populations.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness countered these concerns by highlighting built-in safeguards within the regulatory framework, including mandatory patron registration systems and behavioral monitoring protocols designed to identify problematic gambling patterns. The Prime Minister emphasized that casino operators bear direct responsibility for implementing early intervention strategies when detecting signs of addictive behavior.

    The debate concluded with Minister Williams reaffirming the Casino Gaming Commission’s existing responsible gaming initiatives and commitment to evolving protective measures as Jamaica’s gaming industry develops, while acknowledging ongoing parliamentary concerns regarding familial intervention protocols and independent oversight mechanisms.

  • Democratic lawmakers accuse US attorney general of Epstein file ‘cover-up’

    Democratic lawmakers accuse US attorney general of Epstein file ‘cover-up’

    WASHINGTON, United States – Congressional Democrats launched scathing accusations against Attorney General Pam Bondi during a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, alleging a systematic cover-up of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and the transformation of the Justice Department into President Donald Trump’s personal instrument of retaliation.

    The hearing, attended by several of Epstein’s victims, witnessed intense exchanges as Democratic representatives condemned the handling of evidence related to the convicted sex offender. Representative Jamie Raskin, the committee’s ranking Democrat, spearheaded the criticism, asserting that the Justice Department had deliberately suppressed millions of documents despite congressional mandates.

    “You’re orchestrating a massive Epstein cover-up directly from the Department of Justice,” Raskin declared. “Despite subpoenas and congressional orders demanding six million documents, photographs, and videos, you’ve produced merely half that amount.”

    The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed with overwhelming congressional support in November, legally compelled the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents within 30 days. The legislation specifically required redaction only for victims’ identities—numbering over 1,000 according to FBI estimates—while explicitly prohibiting the shielding of powerful associates, including politicians and business magnates, based on embarrassment or political sensitivity.

    Raskin countered Bondi’s claims of compliance, stating that numerous names of “abusers, enablers, accomplices and co-conspirators” had been improperly redacted, apparently to protect them from public scrutiny. He further alleged that the department had simultaneously failed to adequately protect victims’ identities.

    Attorney General Bondi, a staunch Trump ally, defended the department’s efforts, noting that hundreds of attorneys and reviewers had dedicated thousands of hours to document examination. “We’ve released over three million pages, including 180,000 images, to the public while striving to protect victims within the legislative timeframe,” she testified.

    Beyond the Epstein controversy, Democrats condemned what they characterized as politically motivated prosecutions against Trump’s opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Raskin accused Bondi of transforming “the people’s Department of Justice into Trump’s instrument of revenge,” suggesting the department responded to presidential directives like “ordering pizza.”

    The context of these allegations traces back to Epstein’s death in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking minors—a death ruled suicide. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, remains the only individual imprisoned in connection with Epstein’s crimes, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking underage girls.

    Trump’s prolonged resistance to document release regarding Epstein—a former longtime friend—ultimately succumbed to Republican pressure, leading to his endorsement of the transparency law. This legislative move reflected growing public demand for accountability regarding suspected protections for powerful figures within Epstein’s network.

  • US top official in Venezuela for oil talks after leader’s ouster

    US top official in Venezuela for oil talks after leader’s ouster

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant diplomatic overture, United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright conducted high-level discussions in Caracas on Wednesday with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez and key oil industry executives. The landmark meeting focused on strategies to revitalize Venezuela’s enormous crude oil reserves, which rank as the world’s largest.

    This visit represents the most senior Trump administration official to enter Venezuela since US special forces orchestrated the overthrow of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3. President Trump has conditionally endorsed Rodríguez as interim leader, contingent upon her administration complying with Washington’s requirements including granting US access to Venezuelan petroleum resources and reducing state-sponsored repression.

    The US Embassy publicly welcomed Wright’s arrival via social media, stating: “Your visit is key to advancing @POTUS’s vision of a prosperous Venezuela.” The embassy further emphasized that American private sector involvement would be “essential to boost the oil sector, modernize the electric grid, and unlock Venezuela’s enormous potential.” Official photographs captured Wright’s arrival at Maiquetía International Airport alongside Laura Dogu, the newly appointed US chargé d’affaires in Venezuela.

    According to the US Department of Energy, Wright’s itinerary included inspections of Venezuelan oil fields as part of efforts to “advance President Trump’s mission to restore prosperity, safety, and security for Venezuela, the United States, and the entire Western Hemisphere.”

    Venezuela’s oil industry presents both extraordinary potential and formidable challenges. The nation possesses proven reserves exceeding 303 billion barrels—approximately one-fifth of global oil reserves—according to OPEC data. However, years of chronic underinvestment, economic mismanagement, and international sanctions have crippled production capabilities. By 2024, Venezuela’s output had dwindled to merely one percent of worldwide crude production.

    Recent developments have created new opportunities for cooperation. The Trump administration relaxed sanctions on Venezuelan oil last month following Rodríguez’s implementation of legislation opening the state-controlled energy sector to private investment. President Trump has articulated ambitions for US oil corporations to rapidly reconstruct Venezuela’s energy infrastructure and increase production by millions of barrels daily.

    Trump has proposed a profit-sharing arrangement, stating: “We’re going to be selling a lot of oil, and we’ll take some, and they’ll take a lot. They’re going to make more money than they’ve ever made, and it’s going to be beneficial to us.”

    Energy Secretary Wright praised Venezuela’s newly enacted hydrocarbons law in recent comments to Politico, describing the legislation as “a gesture of improvement already very early on in this new relationship between the US and Venezuela.” He added that both governments “want to see investment coming into Venezuela.”

    The US Treasury Department reinforced this diplomatic shift on Tuesday by issuing licenses permitting certain transactions involving Venezuela’s government and state oil company PDVSA. These authorizations specifically enable provisions of goods, technology, and software essential for oil and gas exploration, development, and production.

    Despite these developments, significant obstacles remain. Potential investors face persistent political instability, security concerns, and the substantial capital requirements needed to restore production capacity in a deteriorated energy sector.