Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • David Hinds recommends allocation of GOAL funds to UG, higher public servant salaries

    David Hinds recommends allocation of GOAL funds to UG, higher public servant salaries

    In a significant parliamentary address, Dr. David Hinds, Co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and APNU parliamentarian, has called for a major reallocation of Guyana’s educational budget. Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, Dr. Hinds proposed diverting substantial portions of the GY$5.8 billion allocated to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) program to instead bolster funding for the University of Guyana (UG).

    The veteran politician and former Political Science Professor at Arizona State University expressed grave concerns about UG’s financial stability, noting that the institution’s GY$14.5 billion allocation falls significantly short of its requested GY$21 billion budget. This underfunding occurs despite a dramatic enrollment increase following the government’s reintroduction of free education policies last year.

    Dr. Hinds drew historical parallels, recalling that UG was initially established in 1963 by PPP founder Dr. Cheddi Jagan with modest beginnings at Queen’s College. “Is Jagan’s party not running the risk of turning the University of Guyana into another night school?” he questioned, highlighting the irony that current policies might undermine the very institution his political opponents’ founder created.

    The criticism of GOAL’s management follows similar concerns raised days earlier by WIN’s Shadow Education Minister Dr. Gordon Barker, who characterized the program as suffering from “poor planning, weak oversight, and unacceptable uncertainty.” Dr. Barker noted the absence of clear reporting on completion rates, accreditation standards, and employment outcomes for GOAL participants.

    Education Minister Sonia Parag responded to earlier criticisms by highlighting what she characterized as hypocrisy, noting that Dr. Barker himself had pursued studies through the GOAL program he now criticizes.

    The budgetary debate also extended to public sector compensation. APNU parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul highlighted the disparity between government ministers’ substantial salary increases and the modest wages of ordinary public servants. With minimum public sector wages at GY$102,000 and private sector minimums at GY$60,000, Mahipaul questioned whether the GY$1.558 trillion budget adequately addressed workforce dignity.

    Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally defended the administration’s record, noting a 46% increase in public servants’ minimum wage since the PPP returned to office in 2020. He emphasized that the public sector wage bill had nearly doubled from GY$127 billion in 2020 to GY$252 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting consistent annual increases.

  • Rusland trekt zich terug, New START-verdrag loopt af

    Rusland trekt zich terug, New START-verdrag loopt af

    The expiration of the New START treaty—the final major nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States—has officially taken effect, marking a critical juncture in global security dynamics. Russia declared on Wednesday that it no longer considers itself bound by the treaty’s deployed warhead limits, citing the U.S.’s lack of response to President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend the pact for an additional year.

    Signed in 2010 by former President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, New START imposed strict limits on the number of strategic nuclear weapons each nation could deploy. The treaty, which came into force in 2011, was designed to regulate nuclear arsenals and prevent a renewed arms race between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.

    With the treaty’s lapse, both Moscow and Washington are now technically free to significantly expand their missile and warhead arsenals—though such moves would entail considerable logistical challenges and time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the U.S. of “consciously ignoring” Moscow’s extension proposal, labeling Washington’s stance as “deeply flawed and regrettable.”

    Despite the expiration, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed openness to negotiating a new agreement. In an interview with The New York Times, he emphasized the need for a “better deal” and insisted that China must be included in future nuclear negotiations.

    Arms control experts warn that the collapse of New START could trigger a dangerous new nuclear arms race, exacerbated by China’s rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities. Matt Korda of the Federation of American Scientists cautioned that both nations could now deploy hundreds of additional warheads, potentially doubling their strategic arsenals in a worst-case scenario.

    The looming expiration also drew concern from Pope Francis, who issued an urgent appeal urging both countries not to allow the treaty to lapse. “It is more urgent than ever to replace the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethic focused on the common good,” the pontiff stated during his weekly audience.

    The international community now watches anxiously to see whether the U.S. and Russia can negotiate a successor agreement to maintain nuclear oversight—or whether the end of New START will usher in an era of heightened nuclear tension and global instability.

  • Cuban President appears before the media

    Cuban President appears before the media

    In a nationally televised address, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel delivered a comprehensive response to mounting pressures from the United States, addressing critical questions about Cuba’s international relations, energy security, and national survival strategies. The presentation, broadcast across state media platforms, came amid heightened tensions following US military actions against Venezuela and intensified economic measures against Cuba.

    Díaz-Canel categorically rejected US characterizations of Cuba as a ‘failed state,’ asserting instead that Cuba represents a resilient nation successfully resisting ‘maximum pressure from the world’s leading power.’ He framed current difficulties as the result of prolonged economic warfare rather than systemic failure, emphasizing that ‘most current generations of Cubans were born under the US economic blockade.’

    Regarding Cuba-Venezuela relations, the president dismissed notions of dependency, describing the partnership as one of ‘comprehensive cooperation’ spanning energy, education, healthcare, and cultural exchange. He detailed how the relationship evolved from bilateral cooperation into regional initiatives like ALBA-TCP and Petrocaribe, while acknowledging that recent US sanctions have significantly impacted fuel shipments from Venezuela.

    The Cuban leader revealed receiving substantial international support, mentioning specific backing from Russia and China alongside solidarity from ‘governments, institutions, and companies’ worldwide. He noted that many support mechanisms remain confidential due to active US efforts to block assistance channels.

    Díaz-Canel characterized US actions as part of a broader ‘ideological, cultural, and media war’ against sovereign nations, urging Global South countries to strengthen multilateral cooperation through blocs like BRICS, the Eurasian Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement. He drew historical parallels to fascist tactics, stating US actions resemble ‘Hitler’s hordes when they attack a country.’

    On US-Cuba relations, the president reaffirmed Cuba’s historical openness to dialogue ‘without preconditions and on equal terms.’ He identified multiple potential cooperation areas including migration, security, environmental protection, and scientific exchange, while insisting that dialogue must occur without pressure and with respect for Cuban sovereignty.

    The address concluded with a call for national unity and ‘creative resistance,’ emphasizing that Cuba would overcome current challenges through collective effort and international solidarity despite unprecedented economic pressure.

  • Supervisor of Elections to Lead CARICOM Election Observation Mission to Barbados

    Supervisor of Elections to Lead CARICOM Election Observation Mission to Barbados

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has formally appointed a three-member regional delegation to oversee Barbados’s forthcoming General Elections scheduled for February 11, 2026. Leading the mission as Chief Observer will be Mr. Ian S. Hughes, the Supervisor of Elections, who will head the team in an independent contractor capacity.

    Mr. Hughes will be supported by two seasoned electoral officials: Mr. Andrew Smith, Regional Manager at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (EOJ), and Ms. Josephine Tamai, Chief Election Officer of Belize. The observation mission is set to be stationed in Barbados from February 5 to February 13, 2026, encompassing the pre-election, election-day, and immediate post-election periods.

    In accordance with the Mission’s established Terms of Reference, Mr. Hughes will provide strategic leadership and operational guidance to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process. His responsibilities include overseeing the team’s efforts to monitor, evaluate, and report on the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the proceedings.

    Expressing his commitment to the role, Mr. Hughes acknowledged CARICOM for entrusting him with this critical responsibility. He emphasized his dedication to capturing the full context and subtleties of the electoral environment, ensuring the mission’s reporting is both accurate and insightful.

  • U.S. pressures St. Lucia to ban students studying in Cuba

    U.S. pressures St. Lucia to ban students studying in Cuba

    The Trump administration has escalated diplomatic pressure on Caribbean nations, specifically targeting educational cooperation programs with Cuba. Recent developments reveal that Washington has issued directives to Saint Lucia demanding the cessation of medical student exchanges with Cuban institutions—a move that threatens to destabilize healthcare systems across the region.

    Prime Minister Philip Pierre of Saint Lucia publicly acknowledged receiving this mandate during an international health conference, characterizing the situation as a ‘major problem’ for his nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Historically, Cuban-trained physicians have formed the backbone of Saint Lucia’s medical workforce, with educational exchanges dating back to the 1970s.

    This pressure campaign extends beyond educational ties. The administration has simultaneously implemented visa suspensions for citizens of Dominica and Saint Vincent, included most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations on immigration ban lists, and demanded acceptance of third-country deportees. Additionally, the U.S. has sought military concessions, including radar station installations in Grenada—the same nation it invaded in 1983.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spearheaded the effort, threatening visa revocations for officials involved with Cuban medical programs. The administration alleges exploitation in payment structures where professionals retain less than 20% of their salaries, though Caribbean leaders uniformly deny these claims.

    The confrontation is set to dominate the upcoming CARICOM summit in Saint Kitts, chaired by Prime Minister Terrance Drew—a Cuban-trained physician himself. Drew recently defended the programs, stating: ‘Cuban healthcare professionals have saved lives. They’ve become pillars of our society. Our federation values relations with both Cuba and the U.S., but these accusations contradict our laws and values.’

    Multiple governments, including The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua, have already complied with U.S. demands to avoid sanctions, though many warn their healthcare systems would collapse without Cuban support. The summit may determine whether CARICOM can maintain unified resistance against what leaders perceive as unwarranted superpower aggression.

  • Dominican Republic to host World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America in 2026

    Dominican Republic to host World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America in 2026

    DUBAI – A significant milestone in international governance cooperation was achieved at the conclusion of the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai with the signing of a Letter of Intent that designates the Dominican Republic as host nation for the World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America in late 2026. This strategic agreement substantially enhances the Caribbean nation’s positioning as a crucial diplomatic and economic bridge connecting the Middle East with Latin American markets.

    The forthcoming regional dialogue represents the return of the World Governments Summit to Dominican soil with an expanded agenda and broader strategic scope. The event is specifically designed to strengthen bilateral relations between Latin America and the Middle East, facilitate substantial investment flows from the United Arab Emirates, and foster high-level dialogue among senior government officials, private sector executives, and international policymakers.

    The formal announcement ceremony in Dubai featured the signing by His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organization, and Minister Víctor ‘Ito’ Bisonó of the Dominican Republic. The signing was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, alongside Dominican President Luis Abinader Corona. The document formalizes the joint commitment to establish an annual World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America beginning in 2026.

    This initiative aligns perfectly with President Abinader’s comprehensive strategy to establish the Dominican Republic as a regional center for diplomatic engagement, foreign investment, and international cooperation. The nation’s institutional stability, economically liberal policies, and advantageous geographic location provide ideal conditions for such high-profile international gatherings.

    The partnership originated in 2025 when the Dominican Republic made history by hosting the first World Governments Summit regional dialogue outside the United Arab Emirates, marking the first occasion any Latin American nation had hosted an event of this caliber. That pioneering effort was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Governments Summit and the Center for Analysis for Public Policies (CAPP), creating an institutional cooperation framework focused on policy analysis, international engagement, and high-level dialogue initiatives.

    Under this established agreement, the 2026 Regional Dialogue will be coordinated in collaboration with CAPP, significantly enhancing the event’s technical, academic, and public policy dimensions. This announcement confirms both the continuity and expansion of the vision initiated in 2025, envisioning a larger-scale gathering with a reinforced strategic agenda and clear commitment to regional impact.

    The Latin America Summit – World Governments Summit 2026 aims to solidify the Dominican Republic’s role as a natural connector between the Middle East and Latin America by convening government leaders, corporate executives, investors, international organizations, and global experts. The summit will facilitate strategic cooperation, accelerate investment flows from the UAE to Latin America, exchange best practices in public policy, and address critical challenges and opportunities related to development, governance, and the global economy.

    Through this prestigious undertaking, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its growing importance as a platform for global dialogue and regional coordination, substantially strengthening its international profile and leadership in building sustainable bridges between world regions.

  • Openbaar Ministerie gaat in hoger beroep na vrijspraak Danielle Veira

    Openbaar Ministerie gaat in hoger beroep na vrijspraak Danielle Veira

    The Public Prosecution Service has formally filed an appeal against the full acquittal of Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), by the Court of Martial Appeals. This move signals the prosecution’s refusal to accept the court’s finding that insufficient evidence existed to prove Veira’s involvement in the April 16, 2020 hostage operation targeting Rodney Cairo.

    Presiding Judge Cynthia Valstein-Montnor emphasized during Friday’s ruling that the central consideration was whether the operation genuinely constituted an official DNV action. The court determined that only one convicted co-suspect, Imro Miedema, had testified about Veira’s potential involvement when police requested explanations, while other objective evidence confirming her role as instigator remained absent.

    The court also dismissed allegations regarding Veira’s unauthorized distribution of weapons and firearm permits, noting that providing arms to informants and civilians had been an established practice within DNV—sometimes even under presidential instruction. The judiciary deemed it unreasonable to hold Veira solely criminally responsible for what constituted an institutionalized organizational practice.

    Following her emotional release, Veira expressed profound gratitude outside the courthouse, repeatedly referencing her religious faith. She described enduring five arduous years and affirmed her belief in divine justice, while also thanking the judges for their discernment and her family for their unwavering support.

    The case remains unresolved as it proceeds to appellate review, where the higher court will reexamine both factual evidence and legal assessments. The prosecution had initially sought a nine-year prison term with immediate custody.

  • Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana breaching ICAO rules over failure to release GDF helicopter crash report- Walton-Desir

    Guyana’s compliance with international aviation standards has been called into question following allegations that the government has violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation by withholding the official investigation report of a deadly military helicopter crash that occurred over two years ago.

    Amanza Walton-Desir, Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement and former General Counsel to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, raised the serious allegation during parliamentary debates on the 2026 national budget. She emphasized that Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Convention mandates states to publicly release accident investigation reports within twelve months, or provide annual interim statements if the full report cannot be completed within that timeframe.

    The tragic incident involved a Bell 412 Epi helicopter belonging to the Guyana Defence Force that crashed on December 6, 2023, while transporting five servicemen to an interior location. The accident occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela concerning Venezuela’s longstanding territorial claim to Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

    While acknowledging potential national security considerations that might justify redacting certain sections, Walton-Desir insisted that the families of the deceased servicemen deserve closure and that the aviation industry needs access to the report’s safety findings to prevent future accidents. She made an impassioned plea from the parliamentary floor for the immediate release of the long-overdue document.

    The continued withholding of the crash investigation report represents both a regulatory violation and a significant transparency issue, raising questions about governmental accountability in matters of national security and aviation safety.

  • Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    Heavy Police Watch as UDP Protests SSB

    BELIZE CITY – Under intense police surveillance, the United Democratic Party (UDP) launched its second major demonstration on Thursday, targeting the Social Security Board’s (SSB) involvement in Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet.

    The protest unfolded outside the SSB headquarters where UDP supporters gathered from 9:00 AM, brandishing placards demanding transparency and opposing the telecommunications merger they warn could negatively impact workers and national contributors. The demonstration occurred despite authorities relocating the SSB’s scheduled meeting to Belmopan, a move opposition leaders characterized as evasive.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton emphasized the fundamental right of citizens to voice concerns regarding SSB funds. “Our people don’t get a chance to opt out of paying their social security contributions monthly,” Panton stated. “It is our attempt to get the board members to hear from the people whose money they wish to use for private gains.”

    Tensions escalated when police detained Brian ‘Yellowman’ Audinette, Mesopotamia area campaign commander, prior to the protest’s official commencement. The detention prompted strong reactions from UDP officials, with Mesopotamia Representative Lee Mark Chang accusing authorities of employing “trumped up charges” to suppress dissent.

    The situation intensified as protesters initially breached permitted boundaries, obstructing traffic flow and prompting formal warnings from Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes. Despite these tensions, both protestors and police largely maintained restraint, avoiding major confrontations.

    The UDP’s demonstration gained notable momentum with the appearance of Hugo Patt, Corozal North Representative, who joined the march in a rare show of party unity. Multiple UDP representatives from across the country converged on the event, signaling broad opposition to the telecommunications consolidation.

    Protesters eventually shifted their focus to secure Audinette’s release, marching to Belcan Bridge and temporarily blocking traffic. The demonstration concluded successfully from the UDP’s perspective when Audinette was released and greeted as a hero by cheering supporters.

    The ongoing protests represent growing political resistance to the BTL-Speednet merger, with opposition figures framing the issue as a fundamental matter of governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility.

  • Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    Security : The State strengthens its authority and accelerates the fight against insecurity (video)

    The Haitian government has declared an unwavering offensive against pervasive insecurity, positioning public security as the fundamental prerequisite for national stability and economic recovery. During the 35th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation,’ Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andrésol articulated the administration’s structured and irreversible campaign to restore state authority across the nation.

    Andrésol characterized public security as an absolute strategic priority essential for political normalization, economic revitalization, and democratic restoration. The government’s approach received significant international reinforcement through a strategic cooperation framework signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in late July 2025.

    This comprehensive partnership is built upon five interconnected pillars designed to systematically address Haiti’s security crisis. The framework prioritizes enhancing governance and strategic management within public security institutions while simultaneously consolidating the legal and regulatory foundations of the security sector. It further provides direct support to government mechanisms for strategic planning and critical decision-making processes.

    The cooperation additionally focuses on strengthening community resilience against diverse security threats, both criminal and non-criminal in nature. A crucial component involves intensifying operations against transnational organized crime networks while promoting inclusive security measures and ensuring equity in state security operations across all communities.

    The primary objective of this multilateral initiative is to support the Haitian State’s gradual territorial reconquest, specifically targeting the establishment of lasting security in the highly vulnerable West, Artibonite, and Central departments where armed gangs have exerted significant control. To operationalize this strategy, the Office of the Secretary of State for Public Security has convened a specialized team comprising both national and international security experts.