Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • China Voices Support for Venezuela as U.S. Pursues Third Oil Tanker

    China Voices Support for Venezuela as U.S. Pursues Third Oil Tanker

    Tensions escalated in the Caribbean Sea as the United States Coast Guard intensified its maritime operations, pursuing a third Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker in international waters. This development marks the latest chapter in an ongoing geopolitical confrontation involving global superpowers.

    The Chinese government issued a formal condemnation through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, characterizing Washington’s actions as a ‘flagrant breach of established international legal frameworks.’ The diplomatic statement emphasized Beijing’s firm opposition to ‘any measures that contravene the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter or compromise the sovereign integrity and national security of independent nations.’

    China explicitly endorsed Venezuela’s entitlement to autonomous economic development and unrestricted trade relations. ‘The People’s Republic of China acknowledges and affirms Venezuela’s position in protecting its lawful rights and interests,’ Lin asserted during the press briefing.

    Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump provided unambiguous clarification regarding the disposition of previously confiscated petroleum from two Venezuelan vessels. The Commander-in-Chief outlined multiple potential scenarios for the appropriated resources, indicating they might be ‘marketed commercially, retained for federal use, or allocated to the strategic petroleum reserve.’ President Trump further confirmed that the detained ships would remain in U.S. custody indefinitely.

    The White House maintains that its enhanced naval deployment in the region exclusively targets narcotics interdiction efforts. Pentagon officials reference over twenty-five tactical engagements against vessels suspected of drug trafficking operations across Pacific and Caribbean maritime corridors.

    Venezuelan leadership vehemently disputes these allegations, denying any institutional involvement in narcotics distribution networks. Caracas alleges that the Trump administration’s true objective involves orchestrating the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro to commandeer Venezuela’s substantial petroleum reserves, recognized globally as the most extensive certified deposits worldwide.

  • US delivers Trump’s peace plan to Russia

    US delivers Trump’s peace plan to Russia

    The Kremlin has entered a critical waiting period as Russian presidential envoy Dmitriev returns from high-level negotiations in the United States. Presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov confirmed Tuesday that Moscow will withhold judgment on a proposed peace plan for Ukraine until receiving Dmitriev’s comprehensive briefing.

    The diplomatic discussions, held in Miami over two days, featured notable participation from the American side including presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the businessman and former presidential son-in-law. This high-profile involvement underscores the significance Washington places on finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

    Ushakov emphasized that Dmitriev’s firsthand account of the negotiations will be essential for President Putin’s administration to evaluate the viability of the proposed settlement. The plan, developed collaboratively between Ukrainian officials and their European allies, represents the latest international effort to broker peace between the warring nations.

    The Kremlin’s deliberate approach signals both the complexity of the proposed agreement and Russia’s cautious stance toward any settlement that would require substantial concessions. The waiting period allows Russian leadership to thoroughly analyze the negotiation outcomes before formulating their official response, maintaining strategic ambiguity in the interim.

  • Opposition Leader: Christmas a time for hope

    Opposition Leader: Christmas a time for hope

    In a solemn Christmas address to the nation, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles framed the holiday season as a critical moment for national renewal amid mounting economic pressures and regional diplomatic strains. Speaking against a backdrop of widespread economic anxiety, Beckles characterized the current period as one of ‘profound uncertainty’ with many families confronting job losses and persistent financial instability.

    The political leader highlighted specific economic concerns, noting that thousands of public sector workers from discontinued CEPEP, URP and Forestry Division programs found themselves unemployed following the April 28 general election. ‘The national mood is heavy,’ Beckles observed, ‘as the cost of living continues to rise and opportunity feels increasingly out of reach for far too many.’

    International economic assessments have reinforced these concerns, with major ratings agencies Moody’s and S&P revising Trinidad and Tobago’s economic outlook from stable to negative. Local business chambers have simultaneously raised alarms regarding ongoing foreign exchange complications.

    Beyond domestic economic challenges, Beckles addressed growing regional tensions, referencing the country’s delicate positioning between ‘powerful interests’—an apparent allusion to ongoing US-Venezuela military tensions in the Caribbean. The opposition leader criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration for its supportive stance toward US military deployment and its condemnation of CARICOM members who questioned these developments.

    ‘There is also strain on our relationships within our region, CARICOM,’ Beckles noted, ‘arising from the unfortunate posture adopted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.’

    Despite these challenges, the opposition leader framed Christmas as an opportunity for national unity and active hope. Emphasizing that hope requires ‘courage, vigilance and a deep love for country,’ Beckles called upon citizens to ‘recommit ourselves to the work of rebuilding hope, not just for today but for generations to come.’ She urged citizens to choose ‘peace over discord and unity over division’ during the holiday season.

  • When sovereignty becomes a doormat

    When sovereignty becomes a doormat

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has ignited a firestorm of controversy by asserting that the United States possesses an unquestionable right to pursue its national interests—even when such actions adversely affect other sovereign nations—and that impacted countries must simply “accept the consequences.” While presented as a tough stance, legal experts contend this position is not only legally flawed but dangerously reckless for a small nation state.

    The core of the dispute centers on fundamental principles of international law. Sovereignty, contrary to the Prime Minister’s characterization, has never equated to unlimited freedom. Since the establishment of the post-1945 global legal order, sovereignty has existed within a framework designed to restrain powerful nations and protect vulnerable ones. The longstanding principle, repeatedly affirmed by the International Court of Justice, is that the freedom of any state ends where another’s begins.

    Actions such as economic coercion, extraterritorial punishment, and policy intimidation are not legitimate expressions of sovereignty but rather violations of it. The editorial argues that if powerful nations could freely impose their preferences on others based solely on might, international law would be rendered meaningless, replaced by pure hierarchy.

    The specific context involves U.S. criticism of Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs. The contention is not whether the U.S. can regulate its own borders—a right acknowledged as undisputed—but whether it can penalize other countries for domestic policies that breach no international treaty or convention. This is framed not as legitimate border control but as interference disguised as security.

    In contrast to the Prime Minister’s stance, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delivered a response described as orthodox, restrained, and legally sound. CARICOM recognized U.S. sovereignty while formally requesting consultation, clarity, and respect for the rule of law. This approach is presented as the prescribed method for small states to navigate a rules-based international system.

    The editorial expresses particular alarm that this doctrine originates from a Prime Minister who holds the title of Senior Counsel, a position that should demand a higher standard of legal reasoning. The author condemns the underlying logic as “profoundly defective,” where sovereignty is mischaracterized as an unlimited license, coercion is rebranded as mere consequence, and international law is treated as optional etiquette.

    The author concludes with a stark warning: if the Prime Minister’s doctrine were correct, Trinidad and Tobago would itself have no protection against sanctions, blacklists, or financial pressure whenever it became inconvenient to more powerful nations. The piece ends with a powerful admonition: “Sovereignty is not a doormat. And TT should stop pretending that being trampled is a sign of strength.”

  • Zelensky reveals US-Ukraine plan to end Russian war, key questions remain

    Zelensky reveals US-Ukraine plan to end Russian war, key questions remain

    KYIV, Ukraine — A newly revealed US-brokered draft proposal to resolve the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine indicates that Kyiv has secured several critical concessions in negotiations, though fundamental disagreements over territory and Moscow’s potential acceptance continue to pose significant obstacles.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed details of the 20-point framework during an extensive briefing with journalists, presenting an annotated version of the document that has been jointly developed by American and Ukrainian negotiators. While acknowledging that certain elements of the plan remain unsatisfactory to Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian diplomats successfully eliminated several initially problematic demands.

    The revised draft no longer contains immediate requirements for Ukraine’s complete military withdrawal from the Donetsk region or automatic recognition of Russian-occupied territories as sovereign Russian land. Perhaps most significantly, the proposal removes previous stipulations that would have compelled Ukraine to legally renounce its aspirations for NATO membership—a longstanding red line for Moscow.

    However, the blueprint appears to facilitate potential future troop redeployments and establishes mechanisms for creating demilitarized zones along current front lines. Specifically, the agreement would recognize the existing deployment positions in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions as the de facto line of contact, with working groups subsequently convening to determine necessary force movements and parameters for special economic zones.

    This structure suggests a compromise approach that postpones decisions on militarily and politically sensitive issues—including territorial withdrawals that Ukraine had previously resisted—while creating procedural pathways for continued dialogue. Zelensky characterized the negotiations as attempting to balance Russian demands for Ukrainian withdrawal with American efforts to devise mutually acceptable arrangements through demilitarized or special economic zones.

    The Kremlin has received the draft proposal for review, though analysts remain skeptical that Moscow would abandon its maximalist territorial objectives in eastern Ukraine. The emerging framework represents the most detailed diplomatic effort to date to outline a potential resolution to the conflict, yet its viability ultimately depends on Russia’s willingness to engage with terms that fall short of its original demands.

  • Regional private sector group re-affirms commitment to Caricom

    Regional private sector group re-affirms commitment to Caricom

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has forcefully reiterated its dedication to regional unity and the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. This declaration comes during a period of heightened diplomatic friction among Caribbean leaders regarding the strategic orientation of the 15-nation bloc.

    As an officially recognized associate institution within Caricom, the CPSO emphasized its collaborative efforts with private enterprises and business associations to propel initiatives aligned with the CSME’s foundational goals. This economic arrangement guarantees the unrestricted movement of goods, services, labor, and skills across member states. The organization highlighted the CSME’s demonstrable successes, citing its role in boosting intra-regional commerce, fortifying regional supply networks, and generating substantial foreign exchange revenues and economic stimulation across member nations, including Trinidad and Tobago.

    This corporate endorsement emerges against a backdrop of recent diplomatic discord. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, publicly challenged Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to substantiate her claims that Caricom nations had aligned themselves with Venezuela’s ‘Maduro narco government.’ Persad-Bissessar had accused the regional body of endorsing a ‘fake zone of peace narrative’ to facilitate the withdrawal of U.S. military presence, thereby consolidating Nicolás Maduro’s regime—a government she labeled dictatorial and responsible for widespread civilian oppression and threats against Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

    In contrast, the CPSO’s statement, representing a coalition of at least seven national private sector bodies, underscored the immense value of both intra-Caricom trade and the community’s robust external trade partnerships, notably with the United States—Caricom’s primary external trading ally. The organization posited that these relationships are not mutually exclusive but are fundamentally complementary, enhancing economic resilience and diversification.

    The CPSO concluded with a cautionary note, asserting that in an era of mounting global economic instability and isolationist tendencies, the confidence, stability, and cooperative dialogue fostered by Caricom and the CSME are indispensable for the collective sustainability and prosperity of the Caribbean region. The phrase ‘stronger together’ was emphasized as particularly pertinent, framing Caricom as the essential platform for unified resilience and strategic global integration.

  • PLP to re-nominate Petty for North Eleuthera seat

    PLP to re-nominate Petty for North Eleuthera seat

    The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has officially confirmed the re-nomination of incumbent MP Sylvanus Petty as its candidate for North Eleuthera in the upcoming general election. This decision concludes a competitive selection process that saw two other aspirants—Harbour Island entrepreneur Joseph John ‘JJ’ Percentie and Oscar McPhee—formally notified of their unsuccessful bids.

    The party’s candidate committee conducted interviews with all hopefuls several weeks prior to making this determination. According to insider information, the PLP intends to ratify additional candidates across other constituencies early next year.

    Despite his disappointment, Mr. Percentie publicly pledged his continued support for both Mr. Petty and the party. ‘With Mr. Petty now securing the nomination as the incumbent, I remain a committed PLP member and will provide any requested assistance,’ he stated. Percentie further emphasized the northern region’s significance and expressed confidence in the Chester Cooper-Davis administration’s ongoing development initiatives.

    Mr. Petty’s political journey has been marked by notable fluctuations. Initially elected under the PLP banner in 2021, he subsequently announced he would not seek re-nomination, citing personal reasons including the need to prioritize family commitments. However, he consistently maintained his party allegiance and previously expressed aspirations for the nation’s highest office.

    His return to the political arena has generated mixed reactions within both party circles and the North Eleuthera constituency. Earlier this year, numerous voters voiced frustrations to media outlets regarding perceived inadequate representation, with several explicitly opposing Petty’s potential candidacy. Residents highlighted persistent challenges with essential services—including unreliable water supply, electricity interruptions, and inconsistent internet connectivity—describing these conditions as the most severe in decades.

    In October, Mr. Petty acknowledged these constituent concerns while affirming the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure deficiencies. ‘We will secure the same level of support as in the previous election,’ he asserted confidently. ‘Substantial work lies ahead, but we will vigorously advocate for the people of North Eleuthera who recognize they have a dedicated fighter in their corner.’

  • Sturge warns against flying drones near airports

    Sturge warns against flying drones near airports

    The Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago has raised serious concerns regarding unauthorized drone operations within restricted airspace surrounding the nation’s primary aviation hubs. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge issued an official statement on December 24, confirming these activities occurred in close proximity to both Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago.

    According to ministry investigations, these drones were operated within a five-kilometer radius of both airports, deliberately violating established security perimeters. Minister Sturge emphasized that beyond the obvious aviation hazards, the intentional capture and dissemination of military installation footage represents a direct threat to national security. “Such actions expose our citizenry to entities that might exploit this information to our detriment,” Sturge stated.

    Authorities have launched comprehensive investigations to identify those responsible for the illegal drone surveillance. The minister warned that persistent unlawful operations would trigger necessary government interventions, including potential measures under the current state of emergency initially declared in July and extended through October for an additional three-month period.

    This security development coincides with the recent installation of advanced G/ATOR radar technology at ANR Robinson International Airport by US Marines in November. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this sophisticated radar system specializes in detecting unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and various airborne threats.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially remained discreet about the radar deployment but subsequently acknowledged its role in combating drug trafficking activities. When questioned about support infrastructure surrounding the radar installation, the Prime Minister displayed visible frustration with what she termed ‘nonsensical inquiries’.

    These security enhancements align with Trinidad and Tobago’s approval for US military aircraft transit through national airports, described by the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry as logistical support operations for replenishment and personnel rotations.

    The strategic partnerships unfold against the backdrop of the recently published US National Security Strategy 2025, which emphasizes strengthened hemispheric cooperation for migration control, drug interdiction, and enhanced regional stability.

    At a recent political gathering, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar vehemently defended her administration’s security cooperation with the United States, cautioning that criticism could jeopardize the US visa status of approximately 350,000 Trinbagonians. She asserted that the United States remains Trinidad and Tobago’s sole viable partner for national protection against external threats, citing their superior resources and capabilities.

    Minister Sturge has consistently supported the Prime Minister’s position, maintaining that Trinidad and Tobago will not serve as a military launchpad for attacks against other nations. However, the minister has declined parliamentary inquiries from opposition members regarding specific security arrangements, citing potential compromise to public interests.

  • Trump waarschuwt Maduro: ‘Speel niet te hard’

    Trump waarschuwt Maduro: ‘Speel niet te hard’

    President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, suggesting it would be “wise” for Maduro to step down amid escalating tensions. The December 22nd address, attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signaled Washington’s readiness to intensify pressure on Caracas following months of heightened diplomatic strain.

    Trump explicitly stated that removing Maduro from power remains an objective, warning that “if he plays tough, it will be the last time he gets to do so.” Simultaneously, the U.S. Coast Guard continues pursuing a third oil tanker from Venezuela’s alleged “shadow fleet” used to circumvent American sanctions. The president confirmed the retention of previously seized vessels containing nearly 4 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, indicating potential options including sale, retention, or allocation to strategic reserves.

    Maduro responded through state television with a counterattack, urging Trump to address domestic economic and social issues rather than threatening Caracas. The exchange occurs alongside increased U.S. military operations in the region under drug interdiction missions, with over two dozen attacks on suspected drug smuggling operations resulting in more than 100 fatalities—actions whose legality has been questioned by critics.

    The escalating crisis prompted an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting convened at Venezuela’s request with Russian and Chinese support. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed “profound concern” over U.S. operations in the Caribbean, warning of risks to regional stability and international shipping while reaffirming Moscow’s support for Maduro’s government.

    China condemned American actions as “serious violations of international law,” emphasizing Venezuela’s right to independent development through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil presented Maduro’s letter to the UN, warning that U.S. blockade measures would disrupt global oil and energy supplies, particularly affecting vulnerable nations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

  • Perez Esquivel: Attacking Venezuela is attacking the entire continent

    Perez Esquivel: Attacking Venezuela is attacking the entire continent

    Nobel Peace Prize recipient Adolfo Pérez Esquivel has issued a severe condemnation of United States foreign policy toward Latin America through his organization, the Service for Peace and Justice (SERPAJ). The statement characterizes former President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize Venezuelan oil and national assets as founded on falsehoods, facilitated by the \”complicit silence\” of European allies and major international institutions including the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the U.S. Congress. Pérez Esquivel accuses Washington of adopting a posture of \”fierce hostility\” that endangers the entire Latin American region. The critique further describes Trump as behaving like a \”great dictator\” who systematically disregards established international law, binding treaties, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. SERPAJ’s document highlights the enduring U.S. economic embargo against Cuba, now in its seventh decade, alongside contemporary threats directed at nations such as Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Nicaragua. It also alleges American interference in regional electoral processes, citing Honduras as a specific example. The statement contextualizes current U.S. actions within a long and violent history of supporting military dictatorships and orchestrating interventions across the continent to preserve its global hegemony. SERPAJ concludes that as U.S. power is increasingly contested by other nations on the world stage, it is aggressively seeking to secure its interests and maintain dominance within its traditional sphere of influence in Latin America through blockades, destabilization attempts, military posturing, and overt threats.