Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • 2 independents among 32 candidates for Nov. 27 election

    2 independents among 32 candidates for Nov. 27 election

    The upcoming general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, has seen 32 candidates nominated to contest the 15 parliamentary seats, including two independent candidates. Among them are Kenna Questelles, contesting the West St. George constituency, and Doris Charles of the National Liberation Movement (NLM), vying for South Leeward. Questelles, represented by the torch symbol, and Charles, symbolized by the bicycle, bring the total number of female candidates to nine, accounting for nearly one-third of all nominees.

    Doris Charles, a former diplomat under the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and wife of ex-Central Leeward MP Maxwell Charles, emphasized the significance of her nomination for the NLM, a party established in 2022. She highlighted the party’s commitment to values such as accountability, pragmatism, and transparency, while the bicycle symbol represents forward movement and progressive thinking. Meanwhile, Kenna Questelles, a former executive member of the Women’s Arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has pledged to focus on youth empowerment if elected. Her proposals include establishing a digital youth service agency, providing training and employment opportunities, and launching an annual innovation award to support youth-led start-ups.

    The election is expected to be a fierce contest between the ULP, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive term, and the NDP, seeking to regain power after being ousted in 2001. However, the nomination process has not been without controversy. The ULP challenged the candidacy of Opposition Leader Godwin Friday and Fitz Bramble, citing their Canadian citizenship as a violation of the Constitution. Despite the challenges, their nominations were upheld by returning officers, though Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed legal action.

    As the election approaches, the focus remains on the candidates’ platforms and the potential impact of independent voices in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

  • PM Briceño: Reshuffle Is Strategy, Not Punishment

    PM Briceño: Reshuffle Is Strategy, Not Punishment

    Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly defended his recent Cabinet reshuffle, emphasizing that the changes were driven by strategic considerations rather than punitive measures. In an exclusive interview with News Five, Briceño explained that the adjustments were made to optimize the effectiveness of his administration as it marked its fifth anniversary. He stated, “As a Prime Minister, I’m constantly evaluating where adjustments can be made to enhance performance.” One of the most significant changes was the reassignment of Kareem Musa from the Ministry of Home Affairs after five years. Briceño praised Musa’s tenure but noted the demanding nature of the role, saying, “Kareem has done an excellent job, but the ministry can be exhausting. I felt the fifth anniversary was the right time for a change.” Musa had previously expressed interest in a new challenge, aligning with the timing of the reshuffle. Another notable change involved Oscar Requena, who was moved from the Education Ministry back to Rural Transformation after just eight months. Briceño clarified that this was not a reflection of poor performance but rather a recognition of Requena’s strengths in rural development. “Minister Requena was more effective and comfortable in his previous role,” Briceño explained. The Education portfolio was reassigned to Francis Fonseca, whom Briceño described as one of the administration’s most transformative and capable leaders. “Minister Fonseca has my full support and is exceptionally hardworking,” Briceño affirmed. The reshuffle reflects Briceño’s commitment to aligning ministerial roles with individual strengths and the evolving needs of the government.

  • New UAE ambassador to present credentials to Governor-General

    New UAE ambassador to present credentials to Governor-General

    In a significant diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated His Excellency Mohamed Issa Abushahab as its new ambassador to Grenada. The official credential presentation ceremony is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at the residence of Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, in Point Salines. This event marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between the two nations, which were established in 1975. Currently, Ambassador-designate Abushahab serves as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he plays a crucial role in international discussions on peace and security. He assumed this position in April 2024, succeeding Lana Nusseibeh, who also held the non-resident ambassadorship to Grenada. Grenada holds a unique position in its relationship with the UAE, being the first member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to open a consulate in the UAE in June 2020. The UAE has been a key partner in Grenada’s development, notably funding the reconstruction of the Parliament building and supporting renewable energy projects like the Limlair Solar PV Hybrid initiative in Carriacou through the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. Additionally, several UAE nationals have obtained Grenadian citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, further deepening the ties between the two countries. The UAE, a federation of seven emirates founded in 1971, continues to expand its global influence through strategic partnerships and investments.

  • Trump Says U.S. Lacks Talent

    Trump Says U.S. Lacks Talent

    In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has publicly defended the H-1B visa program, despite his administration’s historically stringent immigration policies. During a recent interview on Fox News with host Laura Ingraham, Trump argued that the United States lacks the domestic talent necessary to maintain its global competitiveness. This stance has sparked significant backlash from his political base, particularly among those who advocate for stricter immigration controls. When questioned about the potential impact of foreign visas on American wages, Trump emphasized the necessity of importing skilled workers. ‘You also do have to bring in talent,’ he stated. Ingraham countered by asserting that the U.S. has ample homegrown talent, to which Trump replied, ‘No, you don’t … you don’t have certain talents, and people have to learn.’ He further explained that certain specialized jobs cannot be filled by unemployed Americans, using the example of missile manufacturing. Trump’s comments come at a time when his administration is implementing measures to tighten immigration rules, including a proposed $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. These visas, which allow skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years, are particularly prevalent in the technology and engineering sectors. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who took to social media to express her belief that American workers are ‘talented, creative, intelligent’ and should not be ‘replaced by foreign labor.’ Trump responded by accusing Greene of having ‘lost her way’ and ‘catering to the other side.’

  • Visit of Cuba’s Parliament President to Angola closes with tributes

    Visit of Cuba’s Parliament President to Angola closes with tributes

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, the head of the State Council of Cuba, accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid homage to Angola’s first president, Antonio Agostinho Neto, at his memorial early Friday morning. The visit coincided with Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, marking a pivotal moment in the shared history of the two nations. The Cuban leader, Lazo, emphasized the deep fraternal bonds between Cuba and Angola, rooted in their joint struggle against colonialism, apartheid, and imperialism. He highlighted the enduring friendship between Fidel Castro and Agostinho Neto, which continues to inspire current generations to uphold their legacy of solidarity and cooperation. The delegation also honored Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, Angola’s long-serving leader from 1979 to 2017, and commemorated Raul Diaz-Argüelles, the first head of Cuba’s military mission in Angola, at his burial site in Alto de las Cruces. The tribute concluded with an exchange between the Cuban delegation and the President of Angola’s Parliament, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

  • Simons kondigt verscherpte voorwaarden aan voor gronduitgifte

    Simons kondigt verscherpte voorwaarden aan voor gronduitgifte

    In a significant policy shift, Suriname’s government has announced stricter criteria for land allocation, as revealed by President Jennifer Simons during the first round of the General Political Considerations (APB) in the National Assembly on Thursday. The President emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive revision of the land allocation policy to ensure transparency and accountability in land use.

    Simons highlighted that the government must ensure land is utilized for its designated purposes, whether for industrial activities, housing, agriculture, or social projects. She acknowledged that past practices often allocated land with the hope of productive use, but these expectations frequently fell short. To address this, the government is drafting legislative amendments, set to take effect in 2026, which will clearly define permissible land uses and enforce stricter compliance measures.

    Under the new framework, applicants will be required to demonstrate their readiness to execute proposed projects. Simons stressed that land allocated for business ventures must come with binding obligations. If no tangible results are achieved within two to three years, the land rights will be automatically revoked.

    The President also pointed out Suriname’s unique regional position, noting the country’s vast unused agricultural lands despite its abundant available land. She argued that utilizing previously allocated agricultural areas could boost agro-production without encroaching on forests.

    However, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) faces significant administrative challenges, including illegal land allocations and prolonged delays in processing applications. Simons underscored the necessity of a thorough policy overhaul to address these systemic issues and ensure efficient land management.

  • Border Meeting Draws Criticism for Ignoring Narco Concerns

    Border Meeting Draws Criticism for Ignoring Narco Concerns

    On November 14, 2025, officials from Belize and Mexico’s Quintana Roo convened in the Corozal Free Zone to discuss bilateral cooperation on trade, border management, and environmental challenges. The meeting, attended by high-ranking delegates including Belize’s Minister Thea Ramirez and CEO Narda Garcia, focused on issues such as gender-based violence, beach erosion in Chetumal Bay, and the introduction of a special border pass for residents of Mexico’s southern states. Additionally, both parties agreed to update key economic agreements, with Mexican officials highlighting the potential for Belize’s ports to reduce shipping costs for Quintana Roo businesses and facilitate access to CARICOM markets.

    However, the meeting drew sharp criticism from Belizean citizens, particularly on social media, for its failure to address the escalating narco-trafficking threats in the region. Recent incidents, including an alleged execution attempt on a Corozal Free Zone businessman linked to Mexican cartels, have heightened concerns. Many questioned the absence of police representation and the delegation’s focus, with one commenter labeling the event as a ‘family trip’ rather than a serious diplomatic engagement. The oversight has sparked debates about the priorities of regional cooperation and the urgent need to tackle organized crime.

  • Cummings wants Grace to say if she got 2 salaries while on contract

    Cummings wants Grace to say if she got 2 salaries while on contract

    Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has intensified scrutiny over the EC$144,000 one-year contract awarded to Grace Walters, a Hospital Administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward. Cummings raised critical questions about the contract’s timeline and Walters’ dual roles, demanding clarity on whether she continued to receive her EC$8,000 monthly salary as a hospital administrator while simultaneously benefiting from the EC$12,000 monthly consultancy contract. Speaking at an NDP campaign event in Owia, Cummings challenged Walters to disclose if she was paid EC$20,000 monthly from the Treasury until August. He further questioned the transparency of the contract’s awarding process, asking whether it was publicly tendered or authorized by the Public Service Commission. Walters, a first-time candidate aiming to retain North Windward for the ULP, defended the contract, stating it is common for public sector workers to receive such agreements. She revealed she had taken no-pay leave to contest the election, emphasizing her qualifications for the consultancy role. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, ULP leader, countered by referencing Cummings’ own past contract with the Central Water and Sewerage Authority. Cummings, however, stood by his criticisms, accusing the ULP of long-standing corruption and defending his integrity. The controversy has sparked debates about accountability and transparency in government contracts, with both parties trading accusations ahead of the upcoming elections.

  • PM Skerrit weighs in on suspension of voter confirmation; alleges opposition is attempting to confuse voters

    PM Skerrit weighs in on suspension of voter confirmation; alleges opposition is attempting to confuse voters

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has emphasized the importance of voter registration in the ongoing electoral reform process, urging all eligible citizens to confirm their registration. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Skerrit addressed concerns about misinformation campaigns by opposition groups and reiterated the independence of the Electoral Commission in managing the process. The Registration of Electors Act 2025, a cornerstone of electoral modernization, mandates that all registered voters confirm their registration by October 14, 2026. Over 4,000 voters have already completed this process in the first month. Skerrit encouraged citizens, both domestic and abroad, to visit enrollment centers to ensure their names remain on the voters list. He also clarified that the Electoral Commission, as an independent body, is solely responsible for overseeing voter registration and confirmation. Skerrit expressed disappointment with the Commission’s recent decision to remove alternative identification methods, such as affidavits of identity, which he argued disadvantages elderly and low-income voters. He called for the Commission to revisit this decision to ensure broader participation. Additionally, Skerrit criticized the suspension of new voter registrations, citing the Commission’s prior experience with technology-enabled systems. He also condemned misinformation spread by opposition leaders, particularly Dr. Thomson-Fontaine of the United Workers’ Party, accusing him of making false claims to confuse voters. Skerrit urged political leaders to uphold the integrity of Dominica’s electoral process, emphasizing that every vote matters in maintaining the country’s democracy.

  • AG amends bill in committee stage: Way cleared for JPs’ expanded powers

    AG amends bill in committee stage: Way cleared for JPs’ expanded powers

    The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (AJIPA) was successfully passed in the Senate on November 14, following intense debates and several amendments. The bill, which amends the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act of 2011, introduces significant changes to the powers of Justices of the Peace (JPs), including the authority to authorize search warrants and grant station bail for indictable offenses. The bill passed with 24 votes in favor, six against, and no abstentions, with no independent senators opposing the amended version.

    During the discussions, senators emphasized the need for modernization of the JP system before expanding their powers. Concerns were raised about the current criteria for JPs, which were deemed insufficient for the responsibilities they are expected to undertake. Proposals included establishing a unified record-keeping system for warrants, modern legislation governing JPs, continuing education programs, and an emergency on-call system for Masters of the Court, who possess the necessary expertise to sign search warrants.

    Attorney General John Jeremie, along with PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi and independent Senator Dr. Desiree Murray, proposed amendments during the committee stage. Key issues highlighted included the necessity of legal training for JPs before they could sign search warrants, as well as concerns about corruption, unethical behavior, and the potential for bribery due to the low monthly honorarium of $1,000.

    Jeremie committed to referring the matter to the Law Review Committee to address ethical standards and responsibilities of JPs. He also added a proclamation clause to the bill, delaying the implementation of the search warrants section until training and other legislative measures are addressed.

    Senator Al-Rawi raised concerns about the potential for JPs to authorize warrants for unspecified premises and questioned whether JPs could approve warrants for the seizure of stored data and communications. Jeremie clarified that such actions were excluded under the Data Protection Act. Al-Rawi’s amendment to remove JPs from the category of individuals authorized to grant search warrants was ultimately defeated.

    Senator Murray proposed an amendment requiring JPs to complete standardized and certified training before issuing warrants or granting bail. However, this amendment was also defeated, with eight senators in favor and 22 against. The bill was subsequently read a third time and passed.