Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • US strikes vessel in eastern Pacific, killing 2

    US strikes vessel in eastern Pacific, killing 2

    In a recent escalation of its counter-narcotics campaign, the United States military conducted a lethal strike against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday. According to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals aboard the target vessel, with no casualties reported among US service members.

    This incident marks the latest action under Operation Southern Spear, an aggressive initiative launched by the Trump administration to combat narcotics trafficking. The operation has now claimed at least 107 lives through strikes on suspected drug boats. The administration has classified those killed as ‘unlawful combatants,’ citing a classified Justice Department finding that purportedly authorizes lethal strikes without judicial oversight.

    The recent strike follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that US forces targeted a ‘big facility’ last week as part of its pressure campaign against Venezuela. Trump described the target as a dock area used for loading drugs onto boats, though no independent reports from Venezuela have confirmed the destruction of such a facility.

    The administration’s approach has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and some members of Congress, who question the legal basis and oversight of these operations. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned US military activities in the Caribbean as ‘psychological terrorism’ and responded with legislation imposing severe penalties for supporting blockades or piracy.

  • Gov’t wants to start paying most new local debts within 28 days

    Gov’t wants to start paying most new local debts within 28 days

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday has announced a decisive policy shift to address Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ substantial national debt, which currently stands at EC$3.1 billion. The newly installed leader revealed his administration’s commitment to settling government debts with local suppliers within 28 days, marking a significant departure from previous payment practices.

    During a Christmas Eve interview on Boom FM, Prime Minister Friday characterized the debt magnitude as “quite an eye-opener,” acknowledging widespread complaints from local businesses struggling with delayed payments. The policy initiative represents a long-standing advocacy position of the New Democratic Party, which first championed this approach under previous leader Arnhim Eustace’s tenure from 2000 to 2016.

    The Prime Minister articulated the economic consequences of delayed settlements, explaining that government payment delays create a cascading negative effect throughout the economy. “By not settling local debt, the government is essentially taking money out of the economy,” Friday stated. “You’re not paying the people, they can’t pay their staff, they can’t pay their suppliers. That holds everything back.”

    The new payment framework will prioritize smaller contractors and routine service providers rather than major infrastructure projects involving complex contractual arrangements. The administration aims to mirror standard commercial payment cycles, with Friday noting that “your electricity bill comes in every month, your phone bill comes in every month, you have to pay your workers.”

    While implementing this forward-looking policy, the government must simultaneously address historical debts accumulated before assuming office on November 27. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenge without providing a definitive timeline for resolution, committing instead to a systematic, incremental approach. “We recognize it as a problem, and we will address it,” Friday assured, asking for public patience as his administration works to resolve legacy obligations.

    The Prime Minister characterized current government financing as “difficult” but affirmed his commitment to ensuring that “those persons who are entitled [to payment] are no longer essentially made to carry the burden themselves.” This dual approach—addressing historical debts while instituting prompt payment protocols—represents the administration’s comprehensive strategy to stabilize government finances and support local business viability.

  • An open letter to Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday

    An open letter to Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday

    A concerned citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a compelling public appeal to Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday regarding the impending leadership decisions for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). The author, identifying as “A Keen Observer,” emphasizes writing without malice toward current police commissioners but with serious concerns about qualification-based appointments.

    The communication references Prime Minister Friday’s repeated campaign assurances against victimization, particularly his statement that he focuses on how employees perform their duties rather than how they obtained their positions. While expressing support for this philosophy, the author contends that positions requiring specific expertise should not be occupied by underqualified individuals whose poor performance has contributed to escalating crime rates.

    Highlighting the constitutional framework that places police commissioner appointments solely within the Prime Minister’s advisory capacity to the Governor-General, the author introduces Station Sergeant Brenton Smith as an exemplary candidate. Smith holds the distinction of being the only police officer with a master’s degree in police leadership and management, previously serving as chairman of the Police Welfare Association where he advocated for officers’ rights.

    The letter details Smith’s professional journey, including his dismissal during COVID-19 vaccine mandate implementations and subsequent role as secretary general of a political party that eventually formed the current government. The author argues that Smith’s political involvement should not disqualify him from consideration, particularly since he currently serves as station sergeant.

    The appeal concludes by urging Prime Minister Friday to consult rank-and-file police officers regarding their preferred leadership, warning that ignoring these sentiments might validate opposition predictions about governmental instability originating within the police force.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis Welcomes Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Professionals, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Cooperation Through Action

    St. Kitts and Nevis Welcomes Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Professionals, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Cooperation Through Action

    In a significant stride toward strengthening transatlantic ties, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially welcomed a new delegation of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) professionals during a formal ceremony on December 29, 2025. This initiative represents a concrete implementation of the growing Africa-Caribbean cooperation framework, focusing on tangible outcomes in critical sectors rather than symbolic gestures.

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew personally addressed the gathering, emphasizing the government’s commitment to actionable partnerships that directly benefit citizens. “Words are cheap. Action speaks louder than words,” stated Dr. Drew, characterizing the deployment as evidence of results-driven collaboration between the regions.

    The newly arrived specialists will dedicate two years to enhancing healthcare delivery and educational services within the federation. Their deployment builds upon previous successful engagements with Nigerian professionals, whose contributions notably elevated healthcare standards and left a lasting positive impression across the islands.

    Dr. Drew contextualized the partnership within the historical and cultural bonds connecting Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting shared ancestry and common legacies of liberation struggles and resilience. The collaboration forms part of St. Kitts and Nevis’s broader foreign policy orientation, which prioritizes substantive engagements with African nations and other developing regions based on mutual benefit and shared heritage.

    The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would not only strengthen local institutional capacity but also serve as a visible model for South-South cooperation, demonstrating how African and Caribbean nations can collectively address development challenges through unity and shared purpose. He concluded with aspirations that the professionals’ tenure would prove both impactful and successful, showcasing effective collaboration on the global stage.

  • Senior Minister Douglas praises NTAC Deployment as a symbol of enduring friendship and cooperation

    Senior Minister Douglas praises NTAC Deployment as a symbol of enduring friendship and cooperation

    In a significant demonstration of international cooperation, Senior Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas has hailed the arrival of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) volunteers as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria. The December 29th handing-over ceremony marked the formal introduction of seventeen professionals—twelve healthcare specialists and five educators—who will serve critical roles throughout the Federation.

    Dr. Douglas characterized the deployment as the culmination of purposeful diplomatic engagement, tracing its origins to high-level discussions between the two nations. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew led a delegation to Nigeria, followed by Dr. Douglas’s participation in the Caribbean-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa. These exchanges culminated in Dr. Douglas’s official visit to Nigeria, where he met with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to address specific human resource challenges in Saint Kitts and Nevis’s health and education sectors.

    The rapid response from Nigerian authorities saw volunteers identified and deployed within weeks, with NTAC Director General Yusuf Buba Yakub personally visiting the Federation to coordinate implementation details. This efficiency, Dr. Douglas noted, demonstrates the tangible benefits of face-to-face diplomacy and transparent dialogue between partner nations.

    The current initiative builds upon a historical foundation of Nigerian support, recalling similar medical deployments to the islands in the early 1990s that left lasting positive impacts. Dr. Douglas emphasized that this new cohort embodies the spirit of South-South cooperation, where developing nations leverage their respective strengths for mutual benefit.

    The minister highlighted the strategic timing of the deployment, noting that these professionals will address critical capacity gaps in essential services. Their expertise is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility for citizens and improve educational outcomes for students throughout the Federation. Beyond immediate sectoral strengthening, the collaboration represents meaningful progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and partnerships (SDG 17).

  • Trump bevestigt aanval op havenfaciliteit nabij Venezuela

    Trump bevestigt aanval op havenfaciliteit nabij Venezuela

    In a significant escalation of its campaign against narcotics trafficking, the United States has conducted a military strike targeting a coastal facility in Venezuela, as confirmed by President Donald Trump during his recent public appearances. The operation marks a dramatic shift from previous interdiction efforts focused on maritime interception to direct attacks on mainland infrastructure.

    Speaking spontaneously during a radio interview with host John Catsimatidis on Friday, followed by additional comments during his Monday meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, Trump revealed details of the offensive action. “We’ve struck all the boats and now the area itself,” the president stated, referencing a “major explosion in the port area where they load drugs onto boats.”

    The targeted facility, described by Trump as a major processing or launch point for drug shipments, was reportedly destroyed in an operation conducted two nights prior to his comments. While refusing to confirm whether U.S. military forces or CIA operatives executed the strike, Trump asserted, “I know exactly who it was, but I don’t want to say. But it was along the coast.”

    This development represents a substantial intensification of Washington’s pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Since September, American forces have conducted at least 29 known attacks on suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters of the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in over 105 casualties.

    The Pentagon has deferred all inquiries regarding the operation to the White House, which has not issued an official statement. Venezuelan authorities similarly remained silent on Trump’s claims.

    The Trump administration has increasingly characterized its anti-narcotics efforts as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, deploying warships, bolstering military presence throughout the region, and seizing multiple oil tankers. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles recently indicated that Trump intends to continue “blowing up boats until Maduro gives up,” while Maduro perceives these actions as attempts to forcibly remove him from power.

    Background context reveals that Trump confirmed in early October that he had authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, suggesting the potential for further mainland attacks in South America as part of the administration’s comprehensive strategy to stem the flow of illicit substances into the United States.

  • Authorities evaluate Dajabón border bridge to strengthen security

    Authorities evaluate Dajabón border bridge to strengthen security

    Santo Domingo – In a decisive move to reinforce national border security, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration (DGM) and ARD, conducted a high-level inspection tour of the Dajabón border crossing. This strategic location serves as the primary access point to the critical binational market with Haiti and represents a focal point in the Dominican government’s comprehensive border management strategy.

    The operational review was executed through close collaboration between migration officials, military command, and regional civil authorities. The joint delegation performed a meticulous assessment of the Dajabón international bridge’s structural and operational conditions, identifying key areas for enhancement to boost both security protocols and cross-border commerce efficiency.

    Significant infrastructure proposals emerged during the evaluation, with Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) representatives advocating for segregated traffic lanes to separate pedestrian and vehicular movement. This initiative coincides with scheduled maintenance works aimed at modernizing the crossing facility.

    Vice Admiral Lee Ballester convened with frontline immigration personnel to reinforce procedural rigor, specifically emphasizing stringent documentation verification for all foreign nationals. The coordinated presence of provincial governance, military leadership, and public works officials underscored the multidimensional approach to border security, combining infrastructure development with rigorous immigration enforcement.

  • Security : Prime Minister Fils-Aimé strengthens his support for the PNH and SWAT

    Security : Prime Minister Fils-Aimé strengthens his support for the PNH and SWAT

    In a decisive move to address Haiti’s ongoing security challenges, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened a high-level meeting on December 29, 2025, with key law enforcement leadership. Serving simultaneously as President of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), the Prime Minister engaged directly with Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) Vladimir Paraison and members of specialized units including SWAT teams.

    The strategic session focused on implementing tangible solutions to enhance operational capabilities against armed criminal groups. The dialogue identified critical logistical requirements for field officers while establishing immediate measures to strengthen the PNH’s effectiveness in combat operations.

    Substantial progress was achieved in three fundamental areas affecting police welfare. Risk compensation packages will be augmented for officers facing heightened danger, while medical coverage expands through both domestic enhancements and international partnerships with Cuba. Additionally, a dedicated housing support program will be implemented specifically for PNH personnel.

    The Prime Minister paid solemn tribute to officers who sacrificed their lives in service, observing a minute of silence while praising the courage of those maintaining security during the holiday period. Fils-Aimé emphasized that “the restoration of security is the essential condition for a return to democracy and the rule of law,” making an impassioned appeal for national unity against armed factions.

    The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to elite police units, positioning these measures as crucial steps toward reestablishing constitutional order and public safety across the nation.

  • Politic : Towards legal reform to protect Morne l’Hôpital

    Politic : Towards legal reform to protect Morne l’Hôpital

    In a significant environmental governance initiative, Haitian authorities have commenced a comprehensive legal modernization project targeting the protection framework for Morne l’Hôpital, a vital ecological zone. The ambitious reform effort is being spearheaded by Pierre Canisius Guignard, Director General of the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT), alongside agronomist Jean Franck Junior Charles Pierre, Director of the Morne L’Hôpital Monitoring and Development Organization (OSAMH).

    The cornerstone of this initiative involves revamping obsolete legislation originally established in 1986 that has failed to keep pace with contemporary technical standards and administrative requirements. The three-month modernization process will feature 12 collaborative workshops engaging the Legal Affairs Department and multiple technical units within the Ministry.

    Agronomist Pierre emphasized the critical nature of the reforms, stating: “This new draft bill aims to equip OSAMH with modern technical structures to enable it to effectively fulfill its protection mission.”

    The ecological degradation of Morne l’Hôpital presents substantial risks to Port-au-Prince’s viability, with the reform addressing multiple urgent priorities:

    – Safeguarding the capital’s primary drinking water supply systems
    – Implementing advanced erosion control measures to mitigate catastrophic flooding
    – Launching comprehensive reforestation programs across the site’s 2,000 hectares
    – Establishing robust land use planning mechanisms to combat uncontrolled urbanization

    Director Guignard confirmed the initiative’s alignment with the Government Action Plan, noting that beyond legislative updates, the Ministry will address operational challenges including financial resource allocation and security provisions necessary for effective enforcement in high-risk areas. The protection of Morne l’Hôpital has consequently evolved from an environmental concern to a pressing national security imperative essential for Port-au-Prince’s long-term sustainability.

  • St Michael Dems host Christmas party

    St Michael Dems host Christmas party

    In a display of community engagement and festive spirit, Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidates from three St Michael constituencies organized a vibrant Christmas celebration for local families at Bank Hall’s Empire Cricket Club this Sunday. Despite an unexpected evening downpour that curtailed some scheduled activities, the event succeeded in bringing joy to over 150 children with an array of entertainment and treats.

    The gathering represented a collaborative effort among DLP’s constituency representatives: Senator Andre Worrell (St Michael Central), Jamal Sandiford (St Michael North East), and prospective candidate Damien Fanus (St Michael West). The strategic selection of Empire Cricket Club on Pavilion Road proved ideal, offering ample space with its extensive cricket field that accommodated children’s activities throughout the venue.

    Event organizers provided an impressive assortment of children’s entertainment including bouncing tents, popcorn stations, and soft-serve ice cream machines. Young attendees received gifts ranging from toys to coloring books and yo-yos, while food offerings included pizza and traditional fish cakes.

    Senator Worrell expressed considerable satisfaction with the community response, noting that attendance significantly surpassed initial expectations. “Considering this marks our inaugural event and all three candidates are new to their constituencies, the overwhelming participation proved both heartwarming and encouraging,” he remarked. The senator emphasized the event’s dual purpose of providing children with engaging activities during the Christmas vacation period while fostering stronger connections between candidates and constituents.

    Although rainfall necessitated the cancellation of some evening programming, the overall event demonstrated the DLP’s commitment to grassroots community engagement. Worrell confirmed this would become an ongoing initiative, stating: “This is definitely something we will continue to do,” highlighting the importance of maintaining visible, meaningful contact with community members beyond traditional political campaigns.