Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Van buschauffeur tot president: Nicolás Maduro bleef altijd in de schaduw van Chávez

    Van buschauffeur tot president: Nicolás Maduro bleef altijd in de schaduw van Chávez

    In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was apprehended during an early morning US military operation in Caracas on Saturday, marking a stunning conclusion to his controversial leadership that witnessed Venezuela’s descent into economic collapse and democratic erosion.

    The operation, announced via social media by US President Donald Trump, resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being taken into custody. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed their whereabouts remained unknown shortly after the operation. US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated both would face trial on American soil for serious charges including drug trafficking and corruption.

    Maduro’s capture represents the culmination of mounting US pressure across multiple fronts. The Venezuelan leader had spent his final months in power anticipating military intervention aimed at dismantling the socialist revolution initiated by his mentor Hugo Chávez in 1999. Throughout his presidency, Maduro consistently portrayed the United States as Venezuela’s primary antagonist, resisting efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to restore democratic norms.

    Maduro’s extraordinary political journey began over four decades ago. After receiving ideological training in Cuba in 1986—his only formal education beyond high school—he returned to Caracas as a bus driver for the metro system, quickly rising through union ranks. By the 1990s, intelligence agencies identified him as a left-wing radical with close Cuban ties.

    His political ascent accelerated when he joined Chávez’s movement following the latter’s presidential pardon after a failed military coup. Maduro progressed through party ranks, serving six years in parliament before becoming National Assembly president. He additionally held the foreign ministry portfolio for six years and briefly served as vice president.

    Chávez formally anointed Maduro as his political heir during his final address before dying in 2013. Though the choice surprised many, Chávez’s substantial electoral capital secured Maduro a narrow victory and his first term. However, he never achieved his predecessor’s popularity levels.

    Maduro’s presidency became characterized by profound socio-political and economic crisis. Millions were plunged into poverty, over 7.7 million Venezuelans fled the country, and thousands of government opponents faced imprisonment and frequent torture—sometimes allegedly ordered by Maduro himself. Critical voices were systematically purged from state institutions.

    The crisis erupted during his first year with protests resulting in 43 deaths and numerous arrests. In 2015, Maduro’s party lost parliamentary control after sixteen years, prompting him to establish a pro-government constituent assembly in 2017 to sideline opposition. This triggered months of protests with over 100 fatalities and thousands injured. Maduro survived an assassination attempt involving explosives detonated during a military parade in 2018.

    The US-led capture operation signifies the lowest point of Maduro’s rule, forming part of broader American strategy to end socialist governance and reestablish influence in Venezuela. The arrest has provoked strong global reactions, with US allies applauding the action while other nations warn against escalation and emphasize peaceful, lawful transition needs.

    Regional countries are closely monitoring developments given the ongoing humanitarian crisis and refugee flows. Venezuela’s political and economic situation remains extremely fragile, with recovery expected to require years amid significant stability and security challenges. The international community now faces the complex task of facilitating Venezuela’s transition toward democratic and economic recovery while respecting human rights and sovereignty.

  • Former NDP chair says opposition will not be easy for ULP

    Former NDP chair says opposition will not be easy for ULP

    In the wake of a seismic political shift in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, veteran political figure Linton Lewis has delivered a sobering assessment of the challenges facing the defeated Unity Labour Party (ULP). The former New Democratic Party (NDP) chairman drew upon his own extensive experience to outline the difficult path ahead for the party that governed for nearly a quarter-century.

    The November 27th election results delivered a stunning blow to the ULP, relegating them to opposition status with a mere single parliamentary seat against the NDP’s commanding 14-seat victory. This dramatic reversal marks the end of 24 years of continuous ULP governance, echoing the NDP’s own transition to opposition in 2001 after 17 years in power.

    Lewis, appearing as an analyst during the national election broadcast, emphasized the psychological and social challenges of opposition life. “It is not an easy experience,” he noted, describing how former allies often distance themselves from defeated parties. “People feel more comfortable keeping their distance and gravitating towards the winning side. You sometimes become very lonely.”

    The veteran politician highlighted the particular significance of the ULP’s defeat under Ralph Gonsalves, a remarkably successful political leader who had represented North Central Windward since 1994. Gonsalves’ solitary victory amidst the electoral landslide represents both a personal endorsement and a party rejection.

    Lewis raised crucial questions about the ULP’s future resilience, noting that Vincentian voters historically grant extended mandates to governing parties. With the NDP having governed for 17 years (1984-2001) and the ULP for 24 years (2001-2025), the psychological preparation for potentially lengthy opposition becomes paramount.

    The electoral statistics reveal the depth of the ULP’s defeat. The NDP secured 37,207 popular votes against the ULP’s 27,152—a decisive margin of 10,055 votes. Lewis suggested this indicated discontent beyond the traditional voter base, noting that “the rank and file alone cannot bring about this result. There must have been people at a higher level.”

    Several key constituency results underscored the electoral revolution. In West St. George, political newcomer Kaschaka Cupid defeated experienced ULP incumbent Curtis King by 1,081 votes. Similarly, in East St. George, Laverne Gibson-Velox unseated Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves by 1,043 votes—a particularly symbolic defeat given Gonsalves’ status as a presumed ULP successor.

    Lewis predicted a period of political isolation for ULP supporters, drawing parallels with his own experiences during the NDP’s transition to opposition. He questioned whether the ULP’s newer, younger members possess the political grounding and loyalty to withstand the rigors of extended opposition.

    The analysis gains additional complexity given Lewis’s own recent endorsement of the ULP just four days before the election, during which he praised the party’s developmental record and questioned the NDP’s policy offerings. This context adds depth to his current assessment of the challenges facing his former political rivals.

  • America First en de hertekening van het Guiana Shield

    America First en de hertekening van het Guiana Shield

    The escalating crisis in Venezuela represents not an isolated incident but the most visible manifestation of a comprehensive geopolitical repositioning by the United States across the Western Hemisphere. This strategic shift, formalized in the December 2025 National Security Strategy under the ‘America First’ doctrine, demonstrates a calculated integration of energy interests, governance influence, and regional power projection.

    Venezuela has transitioned from sovereign nation to geopolitical testing ground following a unilateral US military intervention that resulted in the capture and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to New York. Conducted without Congressional authorization or UN Security Council mandate, the operation has drawn international condemnation while revealing Washington’s broader ambitions. President Donald Trump has explicitly stated that military action constitutes merely the initial phase, with plans for direct involvement in Venezuela’s governance and development of its oil resources by American corporations—effectively establishing elements of externally imposed administration.

    International legal experts warn these actions violate fundamental principles of the UN Charter regarding prohibitions on force, non-interference in domestic affairs, and self-determination rights.

    Venezuela’s strategic significance stems from possessing the world’s largest proven reserves of heavy crude oil—a resource particularly suited to US refinery infrastructure despite years of sanctions and economic decline. This explains why American discourse encompasses not merely resource extraction but complete governance restructuring, positioning Venezuela as a demonstration case for how far the US will go to secure strategic energy interests.

    Neighboring Guyana exemplifies alternative approach within the same framework. As the world’s fastest-growing oil producer—approaching one million barrels daily under predominantly US corporate leadership—Guyana maintains formal sovereignty while becoming deeply integrated into American economic and security arrangements. Though Venezuelan claims over oil-rich Essequibo remain unresolved, Washington views Guyana as proof that energy development can occur within its strategic framework without overt confrontation.

    Suriname emerges as the next strategic focal point, poised to commence large-scale offshore oil production within the same geographic corridor. Recent replacement of the US ambassador to Suriname—part of broader diplomatic reshuffling affecting 29 nations—signals heightened American interest in the country’s future direction, with embassies increasingly functioning as strategic hubs connecting economic, security, and political interests.

    Regional bodies including the Organization of American States (OAS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM), alongside Surinamese President Jennifer Simons, advocate counterbalancing power politics with normative frameworks emphasizing de-escalation, international law, constitutional order, and regional stability. For smaller nations, this represents not merely diplomatic rhetoric but essential self-protection in an era where resources increasingly drive geopolitical maneuvers.

    The Venezuela crisis demonstrates that energy has transcended economic status to become geopolitical currency attracting influence that seeks administrative control. Resource-rich nations consequently face heightened vulnerability when institutions, oversight mechanisms, and regional solidarity remain underdeveloped. As Suriname contemplates its oil future, it must consider not merely production partnerships but institutional strengthening to preserve governance autonomy amid great power competition.

  • Venezuela condemns US military aggression; declares state of emergency

    Venezuela condemns US military aggression; declares state of emergency

    The Venezuelan government has issued a formal declaration condemning what it characterizes as unprecedented military aggression by the United States against its sovereign territory. Official reports indicate multiple strikes targeted both civilian infrastructure and military installations across several regions including Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.

    In a strongly worded statement, Venezuelan officials decried the attacks as a direct violation of fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, specifically citing Articles 1 and 2 which guarantee respect for national sovereignty and prohibit the use of force between states. The government warned that these actions pose a severe threat to regional stability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, potentially endangering millions of civilians.

    The administration accused the United States of attempting to orchestrate a resource-grab operation aimed at Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves and mineral wealth through the destabilization of its democratically elected government. Venezuelan authorities emphatically stated that such efforts to undermine the nation’s political independence would ultimately fail, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to preserve national sovereignty that has endured for over two centuries.

    Drawing parallels to historical resistance against foreign intervention, the statement referenced President Cipriano Castro’s defiance during the 1902 naval blockade and invoked the revolutionary legacy of national heroes Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda.

    In response to the crisis, President Nicolás Maduro has implemented sweeping emergency measures including the activation of comprehensive national defense protocols and the declaration of a nationwide State of External Emergency. This presidential decree aims to ensure civilian protection, maintain institutional functionality, and prepare for potential armed resistance scenarios.

    The government has mobilized civilian populations to demonstrate unity through street protests, coordinating social and political organizations alongside the Bolivarian National Armed Force and law enforcement agencies. Defense command structures have been deployed throughout the country while Venezuela’s diplomatic corps prepares to formally present grievances before the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General, CELAC, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

    Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Venezuela asserted its inherent right to self-defense and called upon international communities throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and global allies to demonstrate solidarity. The statement concluded with an inspirational quotation from former President Hugo Chávez emphasizing unity and victory in the face of adversity.

  • PM Browne confirms WIOC official was questioned in U.S.

    PM Browne confirms WIOC official was questioned in U.S.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly verified that a high-ranking executive from the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) underwent questioning by United States authorities during a recent visit to the US. The disclosure came after Browne reviewed a report from the media outlet Real News Antigua and conducted subsequent direct inquiries with the official involved.

    During an appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne Show’ this past Saturday, the Prime Minister recounted how he initiated contact with WIOC Chief Executive Officer Gregory Georges upon learning of the incident through press reports. According to Browne’s account, Georges acknowledged being temporarily detained by US officials, who also confiscated his electronic devices for examination before returning them.

    Prime Minister Browne contextualized the interrogation within the framework of ongoing international scrutiny, specifically highlighting Venezuela’s longstanding 25 percent stake in WIOC. He emphasized that this shareholding arrangement predated current US sanctions against Venezuela and asserted that WIOC has maintained full compliance with all international regulations since their implementation. “There has been absolutely no violation whatsoever,” Browne stated unequivocally.

    The Prime Minister explained his motivation for addressing the matter publicly stemmed from a desire to provide accurate information verified through direct channels. His comments appear designed to clarify circumstances surrounding increased international attention focused on Antigua and Barbuda’s state-affiliated corporations, particularly those with historical ties to nations under US sanctions. No indications were given that any disciplinary measures would be taken against the WIOC official involved.

  • Maduro indicted in U.S. Court on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy among others

    Maduro indicted in U.S. Court on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy among others

    In an unprecedented escalation of international legal and military action, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been apprehended by U.S. forces and transported to New York to face federal charges. The dramatic operation, which unfolded in Caracas on January 3, 2026, marks the physical culmination of a multi-year investigation into what American prosecutors describe as state-sponsored narcoterrorism.

    The judicial foundation for this extraordinary action was laid in March 2020 when the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed indictments against Maduro and fourteen high-ranking Venezuelan officials. The charges allege their orchestration of a sophisticated cocaine trafficking network in collaboration with Colombia’s FARC guerrillas, operating under the designation ‘Cartel de los Soles’ (Cartel of the Suns). This organization allegedly facilitated the movement of thousands of kilograms of cocaine through Venezuelan territory destined for American markets.

    The legal case gained substantial momentum through successive guilty pleas from key figures within Maduro’s inner circle. Former General Clíver Alcalá admitted to related charges in 2023, followed by former intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal’s 2025 confession to drug trafficking offenses in Spain connected to the same conspiracy network.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the capture as a landmark achievement in international justice, declaring that the defendants would ‘face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.’ The judicial proceedings are scheduled to commence in Manhattan federal court where Maduro and Flores will answer charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.

    President Donald Trump framed the intervention as both a law enforcement necessity and a strategic geopolitical move, announcing Washington’s intention to oversee Venezuela’s transition while leveraging American energy companies to revitalize the nation’s oil industry under U.S. military protection. This declaration prompted immediate condemnation from Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who denounced the operation as an imperialist resource grab disguised as judicial process.

    The military operation resulted in civilian casualties according to Venezuelan authorities, while U.S. sources acknowledged several American troops sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the engagement. The political aftermath has revealed deep divisions, with expatriate communities in South Florida celebrating Maduro’s capture while residents in Caracas face uncertainty about their nation’s future. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for opposition leadership to assume power during this transitional period.

    This extraordinary intersection of international law, military intervention, and energy geopolitics represents one of the most significant developments in Western Hemisphere relations in decades, setting profound precedents for extraterritorial justice and sovereign intervention.

  • Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he was forced to address allegations that reached the White House linking him to Venezuela’s Maduro

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he was forced to address allegations that reached the White House linking him to Venezuela’s Maduro

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly refuted what he characterizes as entirely fabricated allegations of conducting business with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration, claims he says had circulated within the White House. The Caribbean leader disclosed that he learned of these accusations through a senior intermediary after submitting correspondence intended for U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Browne detailed the incident during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne Show,’ revealing that within minutes of delivering his letter, the intermediary contacted him regarding circulating information about alleged business dealings between Browne’s family and the Venezuelan government. The Prime Minister promptly issued additional written denials to counter what he labeled as politically motivated falsehoods.

    According to Browne, these allegations originate from coordinated efforts between Antiguan political opposition figures and U.S.-based attorneys involved in ongoing legal proceedings concerning the controversial sale of the Alfa Nero yacht. He categorically denied any involvement by himself or family members in illegal commodity trading with Venezuela, specifically mentioning gold and oil transactions.

    The Caribbean leader framed these allegations as part of a broader campaign to damage both his personal reputation and Antigua and Barbuda’s international standing. In response, Browne has retained legal counsel to pursue defamation claims against those responsible for spreading the allegations.

    Browne emphasized that his comments regarding Venezuela have consistently focused on maintaining regional stability rather than expressing support for any particular foreign leader. He stressed that his primary concern remains protecting the economic interests of small, tourism-dependent Caribbean nations like Antigua and Barbuda from the effects of regional instability.

  • PM Browne says Antigua could accept non-criminal deportees from the United States, with needed skills

    PM Browne says Antigua could accept non-criminal deportees from the United States, with needed skills

    In a significant diplomatic development, Antigua and Barbuda has articulated a nuanced immigration stance regarding the acceptance of certain deportees from the United States. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during a recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, detailed the nation’s conditional openness to individuals being repatriated.

    The Prime Minister clarified that the twin-island nation is prepared to welcome deportees or refugees who, despite minor infractions, possess valuable skills that could contribute to the country’s development. This position, however, is strictly contingent upon the exclusion of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. ‘If they have refugees, or deportees for that matter, who may be involved in minor matters but have skills that can help us, we gladly take them,’ Browne stated. He was unequivocal in adding, ‘we’re not taking the criminal refugees from the third country.’

    This policy framework is not a recent reaction but was formally communicated to U.S. authorities approximately ninety days prior to the latest U.S. visa proclamation. Browne emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency, ensuring the public was informed of these high-level discussions. The dialogue culminated in a formal agreement between the two nations. A critical component of this pact is that it explicitly preserves Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereign authority to vet and approve all individuals on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, it mandates intelligence sharing from U.S. authorities to facilitate informed decision-making.

    Prime Minister Browne framed the agreement as a testament to pragmatic international cooperation that safeguards national security and upholds the principles of sound governance. The arrangement demonstrates a balance between engaging with global partners on complex immigration issues and protecting the nation’s interests and sovereignty.

  • Cuba strongly condemns the cowardly aggression of the United States against Venezuela and expresses its absolute support for that sister nation

    Cuba strongly condemns the cowardly aggression of the United States against Venezuela and expresses its absolute support for that sister nation

    In a strongly worded official statement released on January 3, 2026, the Cuban Revolutionary Government has issued a comprehensive condemnation of what it describes as “cowardly U.S. military aggression” against Venezuela. The Havana administration declared its absolute solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic and its constitutional government while demanding immediate proof of life for President Nicolás Maduro Moros and his wife Cilia Flores, whom it claims have been captured by American forces.

    The Cuban government characterized the operation as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, representing a dangerous escalation of Washington’s prolonged campaign against Venezuela. According to the statement, this aggression constitutes part of a broader strategy rooted in the Monroe Doctrine, aimed at establishing U.S. hegemony throughout Latin America and securing unrestricted access to the region’s natural resources.

    Havana’s declaration endorsed earlier demands by Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez for verification of the detained leaders’ wellbeing. The statement further emphasized Venezuela’s peaceful nature, noting that the South American nation has not engaged in aggression against the United States or any other country.

    The Cuban government placed full responsibility for casualties and material damage on the Trump administration, specifically naming the President and his Secretary of State, along with what it described as “aggressive elements and enemies of Latin America and the Caribbean” who have gained political influence in the United States.

    Recalling the 2014 Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed unanimously by regional governments in Havana, the statement warned that this aspiration is now under direct attack. The Revolutionary Government called upon global governments, parliaments, social movements, and citizens to condemn the operation, which it labeled an act of “state terrorism” threatening international peace and security.

    The declaration concluded with a rallying cry of “Homeland or Death” and expressed Cuba’s willingness to “give, as we did for Cuba, even our own blood” for Venezuela and its people, signaling Havana’s unwavering commitment to regional solidarity against perceived American imperialism.

  • Captured Venezuelan leader Maduro arrives in New York with his wife

    Captured Venezuelan leader Maduro arrives in New York with his wife

    In a significant geopolitical development, prominent Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López has arrived in New York City accompanied by his wife, Lilian Tintori. This arrival follows a dramatic series of events that culminated in his capture and subsequent release by the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro.

    López, a central figure in the Venezuelan opposition movement and the founder of the Voluntad Popular party, had been a political prisoner for years before seeking refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas in 2019. His recent capture by Venezuelan authorities and the conditions of his release remain shrouded in intense diplomatic intrigue, with sources suggesting high-level negotiations involving international actors.

    His presence in the United States is anticipated to significantly reshape the dynamics of the Venezuelan opposition in exile. Analysts suggest his arrival could galvanize anti-Maduro efforts, potentially influencing U.S. foreign policy towards the Caracas regime. The move is seen by many as a strategic maneuver, possibly brokered to facilitate broader diplomatic talks or as a concession by the Maduro government under mounting international pressure. The long-term implications for Venezuela’s protracted political crisis are yet to be fully understood, but this event marks one of the most notable shifts in the political stalemate in recent years.