分类: politics

  • Stop the hatred against Cuba, women’s organization in Peru demands

    Stop the hatred against Cuba, women’s organization in Peru demands

    A Cuban advocacy organization has issued a forceful condemnation of United States foreign policy, characterizing recent measures as part of a dangerous escalation in aggression. The group, operating under the collective name ‘We Are All Micaelas,’ asserts that these actions form a calculated campaign to instigate governmental change in Cuba through coercive means.

    The statement specifically references the seizure of oil tankers destined for Cuban shores and the implementation of restrictive visa policies featuring exorbitant fees and partial suspensions. These moves are framed within a broader historical context of US military dominance, which the organization labels as ‘rabid and decadent.’ The critique highlights a profound contradiction: a nation possessing the world’s most formidable military arsenal, and one with a unique history of nuclear weapon deployment, now designates a peaceful Caribbean island as an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to its national security.

    This designation, the group argues, serves as a pretext for imposing extraterritorial sanctions and represents an extreme form of hypocrisy. The communication vehemently disputes the notion that Cuba poses any legitimate threat, instead portraying the island’s people as dignified and committed to peace. The narrative positions Washington’s policies as not only an affront to Cuba but also a humiliation to all global citizens, a blatant disregard for international law, and a direct obstacle to establishing a civilized world order founded on mutual respect.

    In closing, ‘We Are All Micaelas’ issues a clarion call to the global community, urging conscious individuals everywhere to denounce coercion, break away from complicit silence, and recognize that no geopolitical objective can morally justify the deliberate infliction of harm upon civilian populations.

  • Na COP30 krijgt Suriname–Brazilië-overleg concreet vervolg

    Na COP30 krijgt Suriname–Brazilië-overleg concreet vervolg

    In a significant diplomatic development, Suriname and Brazil have embarked on a new chapter of strengthened bilateral relations through high-level ministerial discussions in Brasília. Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva of Suriname, overseeing International Trade and Cooperation, engaged in substantive working consultations with his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, and accompanying delegations.

    The high-stakes meeting convened at the prestigious Palácio do Itamaraty, the headquarters of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a concrete implementation of agreements established during presidential discussions between President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. These previous negotiations occurred alongside the COP30 climate summit in Belém during November 2025.

    Central to the ministerial dialogue was the meticulous preparation for an anticipated presidential summit scheduled for the first half of this year. Both diplomatic teams examined specific cooperative projects and programs destined for approval by the respective heads of state. The comprehensive agenda spanned multiple strategic sectors including agricultural development, healthcare innovation, defense coordination, public administration, cybersecurity enhancement, and educational exchange programs.

    As neighboring nations and strategic partners within the South-South cooperation framework, both countries demonstrated renewed commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship. The diplomatic engagement will continue with a Brazilian Foreign Ministry delegation scheduled to undertake a working visit to Suriname in late February.

    Following the productive discussions in Brazil, Minister Bouva and his delegation immediately departed for Dubai to participate in the 10th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States, where the minister will remain engaged through February 7th.

  • LETTER: Joan Says Hon. Kelvin Simon Should Not Worry About Her but About Winning His Seat

    LETTER: Joan Says Hon. Kelvin Simon Should Not Worry About Her but About Winning His Seat

    A dramatic internal conflict within the United Progressive Party (UPP) reached new heights as Joan, the prominent host of Progressive Radio, delivered a blistering on-air condemnation of Member of Parliament Hon. Kelvin Simon. The broadcast has exposed deepening fractures within the party’s ranks as it struggles with internal dissent.

    During her widely listened program, Joan directly challenged Simon’s parliamentary position, stating he should focus less on her criticisms and more on securing his electoral standing in St. Mary South. The radio personality detailed multiple grievances against the MP, who has been a central figure in the party’s internal strife since its last convention.

    Joan accused Simon of attempting to silence her voice by allegedly complaining to party leadership about her commentary. “I am a voter!” she emphatically declared, asserting her right to express opinions without restriction. She further questioned whether Simon had ever defended her during his appearances on the ‘Knight on Night’ show.

    The criticism extended to Simon’s alliance with Mr. Knight on Observer media, where they have publicly criticized UPP leadership. Joan posed a fundamental question about party cohesion: “How can we move forward when our own members are tearing each other down?”

    Adding to her allegations, Joan highlighted Simon’s apparent absence from crucial party events and failure to maintain connection with his constituency branch members. She revealed growing discontent among Simon’s supporters, with some reportedly considering voting for his opponent in upcoming elections.

    Joan concluded with a powerful call to action, urging Simon to improve engagement with his branch, foster party unity, and end what she characterized as his pattern of avoidance. The broadcast has transformed into an unexpected platform for party supporters to express their concerns about internal divisions and leadership effectiveness.

    The segment concluded with an impassioned plea for collective effort to restore party strength, underscoring the critical need for unity within the troubled political organization.

  • Trump en Petro: onverwachte verstandhouding in Witte Huis

    Trump en Petro: onverwachte verstandhouding in Witte Huis

    In a remarkable diplomatic turnaround, U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro convened for an unexpectedly cordial two-hour private meeting at the Oval Office on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face engagement amid previously strained relations.

    The closed-door discussion, conducted without media presence, yielded positive assessments from both leaders despite months of public acrimony. President Trump confirmed collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking from Colombia, stating, ‘We were working together and it clicked. We were never friends because I didn’t know him, but I didn’t feel insulted.’

    President Petro subsequently shared on social media platform X a photograph featuring Trump’s handwritten note: ‘Gustavo – a great honor – I love Colombia.’ In interviews with Colombian radio network Caracol, Petro emphasized that their ideological differences proved less significant than media portrayals had suggested.

    The Colombian leader presented specific requests during the meeting, seeking U.S. assistance in locating major drug criminals operating beyond Colombia’s borders. Additionally, Petro asked Trump to mediate an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Colombia and Ecuador, whose president maintains strong allegiance to the U.S. administration. According to Petro, Trump agreed to initiate contact with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

    This diplomatic engagement represents a substantial shift from previous exchanges. In October, Trump had baselessly labeled Petro an ‘illegal drug trafficker’ and earlier this year suggested potential military action against Colombia. Petro had conversely criticized U.S. military interventions throughout Latin America.

    The Washington meeting follows an unexpectedly positive telephone conversation in January, signaling gradual reconciliation. Petro even complimented the recent refurbishment of the Oval Office, particularly noting its gold accent features.

    Outstanding issues remain unresolved, including U.S. sanctions against Petro himself due to unproven allegations of drug trade connections—claims the Colombian president vehemently denies.

    Regional security analysts note that failed reconciliation could have severe consequences for regional stability. As the world’s largest producer of coca—the primary ingredient for cocaine—Colombia hosts multiple U.S.-designated terrorist organizations while simultaneously serving as a crucial U.S. ally in anti-narcotics operations.

    Under Petro’s administration, coca production has increased according to some metrics, though interpretations vary. Colombia has shifted from forced eradication policies toward more sophisticated interception mechanisms and seizure operations.

    The meeting occurred against a complex backdrop: Last week, Petro urged Colombian migrants in Chile, Argentina, and the United States to return home to avoid ‘slave-like’ treatment abroad. He also declared he would prefer residing in Havana over Miami, which he characterized as traffic-congested and culturally deficient.

  • GPA tells House Speaker he’s referring to COVID-19 agreement on media access

    GPA tells House Speaker he’s referring to COVID-19 agreement on media access

    In a significant development for press freedom in Guyana, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has publicly refuted claims by House Speaker Manzoor Nadir regarding an existing agreement on media access to parliamentary proceedings. The controversy emerged during the February 3-4, 2026 parliamentary sessions when Speaker Nadir asserted that current media arrangements were established in consultation with the GPA.

    The GPA issued a comprehensive statement clarifying that any previous agreement with the Parliament Office was specifically limited to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020 and has been obsolete since national restrictions ended in March 2022. The association emphasized that Speaker Nadir’s continued reference to this expired agreement represents a fundamental misrepresentation of the current media landscape.

    The dispute centers on the Speaker’s decision to limit parliamentary access to only seven journalists while banning all private television news cameras from the chamber, permitting only the state-affiliated Department of Public Information (DPI) to provide video coverage. The GPA maintains that these restrictions are unjustified, noting that the parliamentary chamber has historically accommodated up to twelve journalists and multiple camera operators simultaneously.

    Speaker Nadir challenged opposition parliamentarian Sherod Duncan to formally propose changes to parliamentary rules through a motion while simultaneously expunging Duncan’s concerns from the official record. The Speaker maintained that no journalists are restricted from covering proceedings, despite implementing the seven-reporter cap.

    The GPA has identified multiple concerns with the current arrangement, including the unreliable nature of the DPI-provided video feed, which frequently experiences audio breaks and interruptions. The association also rejected the Speaker’s suggestion that smartphone recordings could substitute for professional broadcast equipment.

    This conflict represents the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle between Guyana’s media community and parliamentary authorities. The GPA characterizes these restrictions as an attack on media freedom that compromises transparent coverage of the nation’s legislative processes, particularly during critical events like budget presentations.

  • Senator Dwayne George Praises Finance Ministry After IMF Commendation

    Senator Dwayne George Praises Finance Ministry After IMF Commendation

    A prominent senator has extended high praise to Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Finance following a favorable International Monetary Fund assessment that signals robust economic recovery. Senator Dwayne George publicly commended the ministry’s “exceptional work and unwavering commitment” to fiscal discipline, highlighting how the IMF’s recent Article IV consultation review validates the nation’s economic trajectory.

    The comprehensive IMF evaluation confirmed that the twin-island state is experiencing a remarkable fiscal transformation while maintaining a sustainable economic course. This assessment, which systematically examines economic performance, policy frameworks, and structural reforms, positions the country for enhanced growth and stability throughout the current fiscal cycle according to legislative officials.

    Senator George emphasized that this demonstrated progress stems from coordinated efforts across the finance ministry’s leadership and staff, whose professional dedication has substantially bolstished public confidence in national economic governance. The ministry’s implementation of disciplined fiscal management and effective policy execution has been instrumental in achieving this turnaround.

    Beyond immediate fiscal improvements, the ministry’s work is credited with establishing foundational frameworks for long-term development, economic resilience, and sustained prosperity for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizens. These regular IMF consultations serve as critical diagnostic tools that provide member states with tailored recommendations to promote macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth objectives.

  • IMF Presses Government to Reform Fragmented Social Assistance System

    IMF Presses Government to Reform Fragmented Social Assistance System

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a compelling call for the government of Antigua and Barbuda to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of its social assistance infrastructure. A recent Article IV consultation mission concluded that the existing framework, dispersed across five distinct ministries, is critically flawed. This administrative fragmentation is resulting in significant operational redundancies, diminished targeting accuracy, and overall inefficiencies in service delivery to citizens.

    A cornerstone of the IMF’s recommendation is the urgent establishment of a unified, centralized beneficiary database. This integrated system is deemed vital for enabling authorities to accurately identify eligible recipients, thereby eliminating coverage gaps and minimizing wasteful overlap between various aid programs. The Fund emphasized that without enhanced inter-agency coordination, the nation’s constrained public resources are being diluted, severely undermining the support available to vulnerable households. These communities continue to face heightened exposure to global economic volatility and escalating costs of living.

    Furthermore, the IMF underscored that modernizing this social protection network is not merely an operational improvement but a fundamental step toward bolstering fiscal sustainability and national economic resilience. Successful reform hinges on overcoming institutional barriers and fostering unprecedented cooperation among ministries. The ultimate goals are to ensure life-saving benefits reach those most in need and to strengthen accountability in the management of public finances.

  • The third-party deportee bazaar: a tailor’s guide to hemming the truth

    The third-party deportee bazaar: a tailor’s guide to hemming the truth

    The memory of a childhood spent in a tailor’s shop near the sea provides an unexpected lens through which to examine contemporary political theater. The author’s father, a craftsman of sartorial illusions, often remarked that a suit constitutes a falsehood worn upon the body—much like the superhero costumes in comic books that conceal ordinary men beneath extraordinary facades.

    This childhood observation finds disturbing resonance in today’s geopolitical landscape, where national leaders have perfected the art of political tailoring. These modern statesmen don impeccably crafted power suits with silk ties and cufflinks worth more than average monthly salaries, yet behave like hostages reciting prepared statements. They participate in what diplomats euphemistically term ‘strategic dialogues’ but what essentially function as imperial summonses—receiving instructions before returning home to perform elaborate political theater.

    The parallel to Orwell’s Ministry of Truth becomes increasingly apparent. Much like the civil servants who systematically rewrote historical records to align with the Party’s current positions, contemporary leaders engage in verbal acrobatics regarding deportation policies. They simultaneously claim to have always accepted deportees, never accepted deportees, and magnanimously considered accepting deportees as their own humanitarian initiative.

    The current deportation theater presents a particularly stark example of this phenomenon. Nation A issues directives to Nation B’s leader without consultation or negotiation, employing the language of command rather than diplomacy. The recipient of these demands then returns home to reframe coerced compliance as voluntary participation in regional resettlement initiatives, carefully weighing options that were never truly optional.

    This constitutes the geopolitical equivalent of being dragged behind the woodshed for a beating, then limping back to claim one fell down stairs—while expecting observers to applaud the narrative. The craftsmanship would impress any tailor: perfectly constructed lies without loose threads or misplaced stitches.

    The disturbing evolution beyond traditional deception lies in leaders being fitted for political costumes they never chose, made from fabrics they would never select, in sizes that never properly fit. Unlike the tailor’s clients who actively chose their deceptions, today’s leaders parade in ill-fitting political garments while insisting they represent haute couture. The true horror emerges not from the lies themselves, but from the leaders’ apparent belief that their ill-fitting suits actually fit—a testament to the Orwellian efficiency of modern political manipulation.

  • Gonsalves criticises spending he defended in gov’t

    Gonsalves criticises spending he defended in gov’t

    In a striking display of political irony, Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has launched scathing criticism against Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s administration for allocating EC$2.1 million for official vehicles and repairs to the Prime Minister’s residence. This condemnation comes nearly 15 years after Gonsalves himself, during his premiership, defended similar expenditures totaling EC$1.5 million for his fourth SUV and residential renovations.

    During Thursday’s parliamentary debate on the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Gonsalves sarcastically referenced the allocation, comparing the potential outcome to ‘Donald Trump’ standards while recalling how his own spending was previously labeled ‘Saddam Palace.’ The opposition leader acknowledged the official residence required repairs when he vacated in November after two decades of occupancy but maintained it remained ‘liveable.’

    The current allocation includes EC$600,000 for prime ministerial vehicles—imported duty-free but valued at EC$1.3 million with duties—which Gonsalves deemed unnecessary given the ‘perfectly functioning’ vehicles from his tenure that had ‘another couple of years going for them.’

    The debate echoes strikingly similar criticisms from 2011 when then-opposition MP St. Clair Leacock—now Deputy Prime Minister—condemned Gonsalves’ expenditures, stating he was ‘getting too expensive to mind’ and operated ‘like a government within a government.’ Leacock had highlighted multiple vehicle acquisitions and substantial renovation funds totaling over EC$1 million.

    Prime Minister Friday, in his concluding remarks, revealed that upon assuming office, he discovered the residence required significantly more than ‘cosmetic changes’ and was ‘not in a state to move in.’ He explained the vehicle allocation predated his administration and reflected security protocols requiring at least two vehicles, noting he currently drives a smaller vehicle without complaint.

    The exchange highlights enduring tensions between governing and opposition parties regarding executive spending priorities, with both sides demonstrating remarkably similar arguments when their political positions reversed.

  • LETTER: Gangrene in the Opposition: The UPPs Terminal Unravelingz

    LETTER: Gangrene in the Opposition: The UPPs Terminal Unravelingz

    In the political landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, the fundamental role of an opposition party is to provide citizens with a viable governmental alternative. This duty requires substantive policy platforms, inspirational leadership, and organizational maturity. The United Progressive Party (UPP) currently fulfills none of these democratic functions. Instead, it has become an institution in its terminal phase, characterized by internal warfare between former leader Harold Lovell and current leader Jamale Pringle. This conflict represents not a healthy competition of ideas but rather the final convulsions of a moribund political entity.

    The power struggle within UPP transcends ideological differences, revealing itself as purely personal ambition devoid of policy substance. Lovell’s attempt to reclaim leadership from Pringle demonstrates not strategic revitalization but desperate maneuvering within a sinking organization. The party’s internal divisions have been exacerbated by Chairman Giselle Isaac’s divisive leadership, which has transformed the chairman’s role from impartial arbiter to partisan weapon. Under this governance, internal procedures have become public spectacles where personal vendettas override organizational integrity.

    This internal decay manifests as a critical failure in political responsibility. While Antigua and Barbuda face significant challenges including economic diversification needs, climate vulnerability, and geopolitical pressures, the opposition offers only cacophony instead of constructive solutions. The party’s discourse prioritizes titular authority over substantive governance plans, demonstrating profound disregard for national interests.

    The current state of UPP resembles medical gangrene—a necrotizing condition that has progressed from limb to core. Palliative measures cannot salvage an organization with self-destruction encoded in its institutional DNA. The only remedy is complete political amputation, allowing space for new opposition formations to emerge.

    The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda deserve an opposition focused on national development rather than personal grievances. The UPP has proven institutionally incapable of fulfilling this democratic function. Its collapse appears irreversible, with fragmentation too severe for reconciliation. Civil society must now demand and cultivate a new, development-centered political force untainted by this toxic legacy. Continuing to hope for UPP’s reformation would constitute acceptance of political gangrene as normalcy—an unacceptable betrayal of the nation’s future.