Carib Scope

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  • Panton Says Briceño is Out of Touch with Reality

    Panton Says Briceño is Out of Touch with Reality

    BELIZE CITY – Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister John Briceño’s optimistic New Year’s address, accusing him of being profoundly disconnected from the economic hardships confronting ordinary Belizeans. The political confrontation emerged following Briceño’s December 31st speech that celebrated economic progress and outlined ambitious infrastructure initiatives for the coming year.

    Panton characterized the Prime Minister as residing in an isolated “silo,” completely oblivious to the severe financial pressures affecting households nationwide. She specifically highlighted recent increases in utility rates, property taxes, and trade license fees as evidence contradicting the government’s positive narrative.

    “The Prime Minister’s message reflects a complete disregard for the daily struggles our citizens endure,” Panton stated. “While he speaks of economic growth, families across Belize are grappling with escalating living costs that directly threaten their livelihoods and financial stability.”

    The Opposition Leader further alleged that Briceño operates within a privileged “friends and family club” that remains insulated from the economic realities impacting most citizens. This sharp rebuke signals intensified political tensions as Belize enters the new year, with the opposition positioning itself as the voice of those left behind by current economic policies.

    The government has yet to formally respond to Panton’s criticisms, setting the stage for continued political debate regarding Belize’s economic direction and the allocation of national resources in 2026.

  • PNP Slams Briceño Administration Over Ombudsman Contract Decision

    PNP Slams Briceño Administration Over Ombudsman Contract Decision

    The Belizean political landscape has been roiled by controversy following the government’s decision not to renew the contract of Ombudsman Gilbert Swazo, drawing fierce condemnation from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). The PNP has characterized the move as a direct assault on governmental transparency and independent oversight mechanisms.

    The dispute centers on a Christmas Eve notification delivered to Swazo indicating his tenure would conclude without extension. The timing has raised particular concern as it coincides with Swazo’s ongoing involvement in a significant Freedom of Information appeal case. The Ombudsman recently ruled that portions of the government’s legal fee records related to a redistricting case must be disclosed publicly under freedom of information legislation—a decision the current administration is actively challenging in court.

    In response to his non-renewal, Swazo expressed surprise but acknowledged the prerogative of the National Assembly in making such determinations. The PNP has vigorously defended Swazo’s record, highlighting his status as one of the most widely respected ombudsmen since Belize’s independence and noting his overwhelming public support as evidence of his effective service.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton joined the criticism, expressing disappointment that the matter was not brought before the National Assembly for proper deliberation and debate. The PNP has formally called upon the Briceño administration to reverse its decision and renew Swazo’s contract, asserting that such action would align with the nation’s best interests and preserve institutional integrity.

  • Tracy Panton: “Belize Left Without Ombudsman”

    Tracy Panton: “Belize Left Without Ombudsman”

    Belize has entered a period of constitutional uncertainty following the expiration of Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swazo’s contract on December 31, 2025. The situation has escalated into a political confrontation after Opposition Leader Tracy Panton publicly condemned the government’s handling of the transition, warning that the nation now lacks a crucial oversight mechanism.

    Panton expressed profound disappointment with the administration’s failure to initiate reappointment procedures, emphasizing that the Office of the Ombudsman serves as a fundamental constitutional check on governmental power. She revealed that Swazo had followed established protocols by indicating his willingness to continue serving months in advance, yet the matter never reached the National Assembly for proper deliberation.

    The controversy deepened when Swazo disclosed receiving unexpected correspondence from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie on Christmas Eve—a communication he interpreted as signaling non-renewal despite containing no explicit discussion of reengagement. This eleventh-hour development has drawn parallels to previous institutional vacancies, including the two-year period without an Accountant General.

    In response to mounting criticism, Cabinet Secretary Leslie characterized the communication as routine administrative procedure, merely acknowledging the contract’s expiration without prejudice to future decisions regarding renewal. The government maintains that no final determination has been made about filling the position, though the absence of an acting ombudsman has created an immediate governance gap.

    This development raises significant questions about institutional continuity and the government’s commitment to maintaining essential democratic safeguards, particularly given the office’s responsibility for investigating public complaints against governmental entities.

  • New Political Party Antigua and Barbuda National Congress Launches

    New Political Party Antigua and Barbuda National Congress Launches

    A new political force has emerged in Antigua and Barbuda with ambitions to transform the nation’s governance landscape. The Antigua and Barbuda National Congress (ABNC) has positioned itself as an alternative to the established political order, directly challenging what it describes as systemic governance failures perpetuated by both major parties.

    The organization’s founding declaration highlights profound dissatisfaction with the current political environment, citing repeated scandals, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and insufficient fiscal discipline across successive administrations led by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP).

    According to ABNC leadership, citizens endure what they characterize as a ‘persistent drought for truth’ among elected officials, coupled with excessive taxation burdens and deficiencies in essential services including healthcare and infrastructure development.

    The critique extends to what the group identifies as a cyclical pattern of political deflection, where allegations of misconduct—ranging from nepotism to financial waste—are routinely met with reciprocal accusations rather than substantive accountability. ABNC representatives argue this dynamic has reduced governance to a counterproductive game rather than serious public service.

    In contrast, the newly formed Congress pledges to implement rigorous standards of transparency and accountability that yield measurable economic benefits for the nation and its citizens. The organization expresses particular commitment to engaging citizens who align with the national motto of collective progress through individual effort.

    Despite acknowledging the historical challenges faced by emerging political movements in Caribbean democracies, ABNC leadership maintains confidence in their potential to redefine public service expectations and outcomes. The group formally anticipates future electoral opportunities to demonstrate their governance approach, as articulated by spokesperson Gail S. Pero-Weston.

  • Ali shrugs off unconstitutionality of Teaching Service Commission in absence of Opposition Leader

    Ali shrugs off unconstitutionality of Teaching Service Commission in absence of Opposition Leader

    Guyanese President Irfaan Ali has vigorously defended his administration’s decision to appoint and swear in a seven-member Teaching Service Commission (TSC) despite the absence of an officially recognized Opposition Leader, a position required by the constitution for meaningful consultation on such appointments.

    Addressing concerns raised by journalists, President Ali asserted that governmental and constitutional processes must proceed uninterrupted. “The work of the government must continue. The work of the Constitution must continue,” he stated during Wednesday’s proceedings. The President emphasized that the commission’s establishment was crucial for improving educational quality and creating advancement opportunities for teachers, with Education Minister Sonia Parag having stressed the importance of constituting the body before the new school term.

    The political backdrop reveals a complex constitutional standoff. Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has yet to convene opposition parliamentarians to elect a leader for the 16-seat We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. The anticipated candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, faces extradition requests from the United States over financial crime allegations, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall previously warning that Mohamed’s appointment would tarnish the nation’s reputation.

    Opposition parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul of APNU condemned the presidential move as “constitutional erosion,” accusing the administration of displaying “a maturing dictatorship unfolding before our eyes.” Mahipaul further criticized the international community for remaining silent on these constitutional developments while engaging diplomatically with the Ali government.

    The President referenced a five-month-old legal precedent wherein Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled that appointing a Police Commissioner without opposition consultation was constitutionally permissible out of necessity. When questioned about gender assumptions regarding the future opposition leader, Ali noted the decision would depend on parliamentary voting, remarking, “I don’t know that the Opposition Leader will be a ‘he’ or a ‘she’.”

    The newly inaugurated TSC, chaired by Doodmattie Singh alongside six other members including Chief Education Officer Saddam-Hussain, faces immediate challenges with 2,700 senior vacancies created by the government to enhance educational quality. President Ali highlighted that these positions would facilitate faster career advancement for teachers who traditionally “had to wait all their life, close to retirement to become head teachers.”

  • Is St. Lucia In Trouble? EU delivers Ultimatum to Caribbean CBI nations – The Voice St. Lucia News

    Is St. Lucia In Trouble? EU delivers Ultimatum to Caribbean CBI nations – The Voice St. Lucia News

    The European Commission has dramatically escalated its stance against Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs, fundamentally reclassifying them as inherent security threats rather than merely flawed regulatory schemes. This paradigm shift moves beyond previous calls for reform and now targets the very existence of these economic cornerstones for five Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.

    The Commission’s new position asserts that the mere operation of CBI programs in countries enjoying visa-free Schengen access constitutes sufficient grounds for visa suspension. This absolutist stance effectively nullifies any potential path forward through procedural improvements or enhanced due diligence measures. The language in the official recommendations reads as an ultimatum, calling for security enhancements ‘pending the discontinuation’ of these programs rather than presenting them as sustainable long-term solutions.

    Despite documented reforms including harmonized $200,000 minimum investment thresholds, strengthened security screening, and improved transparency standards, the EU maintains its uncompromising position. Data revealing the scale of the industry underscores Brussels’ concerns: over 100,000 passports collectively issued, with application volumes remaining high (13,113 in 2023; 10,573 in 2024) and rejection rates notably low (ranging from 1.7% to 6.5% in 2024).

    The EU is simultaneously testing its enforcement mechanisms through actions against Georgia, where phased visa suspension has begun in response to democratic backsliding concerns. This demonstration of political will and operational capability makes the threat to Caribbean nations immediately credible, transforming theoretical risk into probable consequence for programs that have become vital revenue sources for these small island economies.

  • Honourable. Mark A. G. Brantley Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis New Year’s Address 2026

    Honourable. Mark A. G. Brantley Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis New Year’s Address 2026

    In his comprehensive New Year’s Address for 2026, Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis, articulated a compelling vision for national progress while calling for renewed social cohesion among citizens. The address balanced celebration of 2025’s economic achievements with a sober acknowledgment of growing societal divisions, particularly in public discourse and social media interactions.

    Premier Brantley commenced with traditional seasonal greetings before launching into an extensive review of the federation’s accomplishments throughout 2025. The nation witnessed significant economic growth with a 3% increase in employment figures and a remarkable 30% surge in new registrations within the Financial Services Sector. Infrastructure development saw substantial progress through road construction at Morgan Estate and widespread rehabilitation of transportation networks across Nevis.

    The healthcare sector achieved groundbreaking milestones, including 25 patients receiving specialized colon treatments, 633 men undergoing prostate screenings, and 1,576 individuals benefiting from the Eye Care Program. Alexandra Hospital made history by performing cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatments, diabetic eye care, and pioneering corneal transplant procedures.

    Housing development emerged as a particular success story, with the Nevis Housing and Land Corporation constructing 25 homes valued at $6.9 million in 2025 alone. Since 2013, the administration has delivered 346 homes totaling $76.1 million in investment—a transformation Premier Brantley characterized as a ‘housing revolution.’

    The address highlighted innovative economic diversification strategies, particularly the development of a film industry initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six major motion pictures filmed on the island in 2025, accompanied by a second fashion shoot from Southern Tide Fashion Brand, creating both economic opportunities and platforms for local talent.

    National security received significant enhancements through the operationalization of a modern 911 Dispatch Unit, expansion of the K9 Unit with three new dogs, and installation of phase one of a sophisticated Radar System with high-resolution cameras.

    Looking forward, Premier Brantley outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026 featuring: geothermal drilling contracts in the first quarter, construction of 34 additional affordable homes, sale of 134 lots at Garner’s Estate, accelerated chicken broiler project development at Prospect, and commencement of both the Airport Project and Alexandra Hospital Wing Project. The cultural sector will see production of a major film starring acclaimed actor Taye Diggs, while infrastructure improvements will continue with road rehabilitation projects.

    The tourism sector anticipates a substantial 27.7% increase in cruise arrivals and daily flights between St. Maarten and Nevis via WINAIR.

    Premier Brantley addressed concerns regarding the proposed Destiny south coast development, acknowledging public apprehensions while emphasizing the necessity of bold economic decisions for sustainable progress. He argued that avoiding necessary development due to fear would result in economic stagnation and dependency, urging citizens to embrace transformative projects that would create jobs, attract investment, and enable diaspora citizens to return home.

    The Premier concluded with a powerful call for national unity, respect for diverse opinions, and collective commitment to building a prosperous future for St. Kitts and Nevis, invoking divine blessing for the nation and its people in the coming year.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a landmark ruling that exposes significant administrative failures within Trinidad and Tobago’s defense establishment, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has ordered the state to pay $175,000 in damages to Coast Guard Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz for unlawfully denying his promotion. The December 30 judgment revealed that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to hinder Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz, an 18-year veteran of the TT Coast Guard (TTCG), was unjustly bypassed for promotion to acting lieutenant commander due to irrelevant and unsupported claims that contaminated decisions affecting his seniority, compensation, and professional trajectory. Justice Ramcharan delivered a sharply critical assessment of the evidence presented by the state, particularly questioning the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which demonstrated repeated claims of ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    Central to the case was a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm. The court established that Diaz was not in command of the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that a rating outside his crew was responsible. Since no finding of guilt was ever made against Diaz, the judge ruled that his seniority could not legally be impacted and that negative appraisals connected to the incident should not have been used to penalize him.

    Justice Ramcharan expressed particular concern about the quality of the defense’s evidence, noting: ‘On several occasions, Capt Polo averred that he could not admit or deny certain allegations because it was not within his knowledge. Clearly that cannot be true. He must know about matters concerning him. Therefore, the court views Capt Polo’s averments with respect to those issues very skeptically.’

    The court established that Diaz should have been promoted to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—and to the substantive rank on September 15, 2020, aligning with previous High Court precedent regarding promotion timelines.

    Regarding Diaz’s claim for the Efficiency Medal, which requires 12 years of ‘irreproachable’ service, the court determined that while the standard exceeds mere absence of convictions, the weapons incident could not have tarnished Diaz’s reputation since he was not responsible. The judge ordered reconsideration of the medal decision based solely on relevant factors, though stopped short of directly awarding the medal.

    The court awarded Diaz $100,000 in compensatory damages and $75,000 in vindicatory damages, plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment, along with legal costs. Attorneys Arden Williams and Mariah Ramrattan successfully represented Diaz in both judicial review and constitutional proceedings against the Coast Guard commanding officer, the Defence Force Commissions Board, and the Attorney General.

  • In New Year’s message, PM reflects on overcoming challenges while staring down crises

    In New Year’s message, PM reflects on overcoming challenges while staring down crises

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a sobering yet resolute New Year’s address, framing Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa—the most destructive storm in the nation’s history—as a catalyst for transformative change. The Category 5 hurricane, which claimed numerous lives and caused widespread devastation, has prompted what Holness termed a “renewed sense of purpose” among Jamaicans.

    Significant progress has been made in restoring critical infrastructure, with 90% of customers now having electricity, water, and telecommunications services reinstated. The government has initiated comprehensive school repairs and is implementing rotational learning modalities to ensure educational continuity, particularly for exam-bound students. Medical facilities are being restored with support from field hospitals, while first responders and healthcare workers received special commendation for their heroic efforts.

    A landmark home-repair program is underway, leveraging the administration’s economic management which enabled one of Jamaica’s largest social-care initiatives. Over 16,000 citizens have already received rehabilitation grants, with 50,000 damage assessments completed to facilitate targeted aid distribution. The Jamaica Defence Force, alongside engineering corps from Ghana and Guyana, is actively engaged in roof restoration, while modular housing solutions have been procured for those rendered homeless.

    Holness announced the establishment of a National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority with sweeping powers to coordinate rebuilding efforts across multiple sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture. This ambitious initiative is backed by $6.7 billion in multilateral support for reconstruction, which the Prime Minister attributed to Jamaica’s strengthened economic foundation.

    The address highlighted remarkable security achievements, with murders declining by 42% in 2025—marking the first time in 31 years that homicides fell below 700. This third consecutive year of reduced violence demonstrates the success of Plan Secure Jamaica, which involved transforming security forces, creating MOCA, tripling security budgets, and implementing emergency measures.

    Despite these accomplishments, Holness issued a stark warning about impending challenges in 2026, citing climate change as an existential threat. He noted that historically rare weather events are now occurring with alarming frequency, citing back-to-back hurricanes Beryl (2024) and Melissa (2025) as evidence of this new reality. The Prime Minister also pointed to shifting global秩序, geopolitical maneuvering, and economic instability as additional sources of potential crisis, urging national preparedness and resilience in the face of multifaceted challenges.

  • Central Bank: US, Venezuela tensions create economic uncertainty in TT

    Central Bank: US, Venezuela tensions create economic uncertainty in TT

    Escalating military tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the southern Caribbean are creating significant economic uncertainty in Trinidad and Tobago, according to the latest monetary policy report from the nation’s Central Bank. The report, released December 31, 2025, identifies the “fluid geopolitical tension” as a primary contributor to domestic economic instability.

    The military buildup began in August 2025 with the deployment of guided missile destroyers USS Gravely, Sampson, and Jason Dunham to the region. This presence has since expanded dramatically to include the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group, US amphibious assault vessels, the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News, and elements of the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Notably, this marks the MEU’s first Caribbean engagement since the 1983 invasion of Grenada.

    Trinidad and Tobago has facilitated this military presence by granting the US military indefinite access to Piarco International and ANR Robinson International Airports for transit flights. In November, US Marines established a military radar system at ANR Robinson International Airport.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported the US deployment, including military strikes on alleged drug vessels that have resulted in at least 107 fatalities across 31 vessels since September 2. This week, President Trump confirmed the destruction of an alleged onshore drug facility via drone strike with CIA involvement.

    The Prime Minister has condemned regional critics of the deployment, asserting that the United States represents Trinidad and Tobago’s sole protector against external threats.

    Economically, the Central Bank reports that growth remains “somewhat tentative” despite increased energy production from two new natural gas fields in the second quarter of 2025. This growth is being partially offset by a non-energy sector losing momentum across multiple sub-sectors, indicating the domestic economy still requires support for sustained recovery.

    International context shows the IMF projecting global output expansion of 3.2% in 2025, marginally down from 3.3% in 2024. While the US economy demonstrates durability despite labor market challenges and elevated inflation, other major economies experience softer growth with persistent inflation.

    Energy markets reflect these uncertain conditions, with West Texas Intermediate crude slipping below $60 per barrel, averaging $59.57 in November and remaining below that threshold in December. This presents challenges for Trinidad and Tobago’s budget, which was pegged against crude oil at $73.25 per barrel and natural gas at $4.25 per mmbtu.