The Bahamian government has issued a robust response to the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s concerns regarding its proposed acquisition of the Grand Bahama Power Company, framing energy reform as an essential public necessity rather than a conventional business transaction. In an official statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, authorities expressed concern that the Chamber’s position could misrepresent both the purpose and critical urgency of the proposed reforms, potentially distorting public perception of what is at stake for Grand Bahama and the nation as a whole. The administration articulated that electricity constitutes fundamental national infrastructure that transcends mere commercial service, characterizing it as simultaneously a public safety imperative, a cost-of-living concern, and a crucial determinant of economic competitiveness. The government explicitly rejected the notion that reliability and affordability should be delayed until demand increases, asserting that reliable and affordable power serves as a prerequisite for investment and population growth rather than a reward for achieving these milestones. The statement challenged the Chamber’s reliance on economies of scale arguments, countering that the geographical reality of an archipelago nation precisely necessitates a coordinated national approach to prevent fragmented planning and isolated pricing from entrenching inequality and weakening national competitiveness. Officials dismissed claims that national rate structures are artificial, maintaining they represent deliberate governance choices to prevent deepening disparities between islands. Addressing concerns about potential taxpayer burden, the government emphasized that modern energy reform derives from engineering solutions and system design rather than ownership models, citing storm-hardened infrastructure, redundancy systems, automation, and disciplined capital planning as genuine determinants of reliability. Referencing recent success in New Providence, the statement highlighted the $130 million Foundational Grid Upgrade Project which has already demonstrated independently verified improvements including 45% reduction in outage frequency and 35% reduction in outage duration, with reliability on normal operating days improving by nearly 50%. The government revealed that broader reform initiatives through public-private partnerships have unlocked approximately $1 billion in investment commitments across the archipelago. While reaffirming openness to continued dialogue, the administration stressed that national discourse must not accept high electricity costs as inevitable, defer reform until demand increases, or treat equity across islands as optional.
分类： politics
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Gov’t focused on image, not reform, says Dawes
In a scathing critique of the government’s handling of systemic failures at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Opposition Health Spokesman Dr. Alfred Dawes has accused health authorities of prioritizing public relations over substantive reform. The condemnation came during a carefully timed press conference on Thursday, deliberately scheduled after the health minister’s media tour had concluded.
Dr. Dawes challenged the necessity of the newly established review panel tasked with examining the auditor general’s findings, characterizing it as redundant bureaucratic layering designed to delay accountability. He revealed that both the auditor general’s report, tabled in Parliament on January 13, and an internal investigative report from November had already documented identical concerns regarding governance failures, procurement breaches, and internal control deficiencies.
The audit uncovered years of systemic weaknesses including UHWI’s failure to submit approved procurement plans, awarding contracts without proper documentation, and misusing its tax-exempt status to import goods for private companies—resulting in millions in lost state revenue. The report further highlighted inadequate board oversight and non-compliance with public procurement regulations.
‘After every scandal, the health minister embarks on a cross-country media tour to drown out criticism,’ Dawes stated. ‘The panel serves as a distraction mechanism allowing public interest to wane over four months before moving to the next scandal.’
The opposition spokesman questioned why decisive action wasn’t taken when concerns were first identified last year, noting that investigative recommendations already included establishing board-approved procurement plans, digital procurement systems, staff training, and strengthened audit committees. Dawes linked current problems to prolonged governance instability, including the disbanding of a previous reform-oriented board.
He warned that continued delays threaten public confidence, patient care, and staff morale at Jamaica’s premier teaching hospital, describing UHWI as being in a ‘death spiral due to poor governance.’
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Cubans queue for fuel as Trump issues energy ultimatum
HAVANA, Cuba – Long queues formed at gasoline stations across the Cuban capital Friday as citizens confronted an escalating fuel shortage following President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing punitive tariffs on nations supplying oil to the island nation. The move has been characterized by Cuban authorities as an economic stranglehold designed to destabilize the country.
The directive, which effectively forces international partners to choose between trading with the United States or Cuba, arrives amid the Caribbean nation’s most severe economic crisis since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Current conditions include power blackouts extending up to 20 hours daily and critical shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the measures as “fascist, criminal and genocidal” tactics employed by what he described as a US cabal intent on suffocating Cuba’s economy. The sentiment was echoed by citizens like Jorge Rodriguez, a 60-year-old IT specialist, who noted that ordinary Cubans would bear the brunt of these policies.
This development follows the complete cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments after US special forces deposed Nicolás Maduro’s government in January. According to analyzed official statistics, Cuba generated merely half of its required electricity in 2025.
The Trump administration, featuring several officials with strong ties to Florida politics including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has openly advocated for regime change in Havana. Trump himself declared “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY FOR CUBA: ZERO!” while labeling the nation an “extraordinary threat” to US national security—a designation that raises concerns about potential military escalation.
Mexico faces particular complications as both a remaining oil supplier to Cuba and a nation deeply integrated with US trade networks. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of impending humanitarian consequences while attempting to navigate the diplomatic challenge. Although China voiced opposition to the measures, neither it nor Cuba’s traditional allies have announced concrete support plans.
Diaz-Canel confirmed no ongoing negotiations with Washington, vowing that Cuban citizens stand “ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood.”
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Venezuela slams US ‘punitive’ measures against ally Cuba
CARACAS, Venezuela — The Venezuelan government has issued a forceful condemnation of the United States’ latest economic measures targeting nations that engage in energy trade with Cuba. This diplomatic rebuke follows President Donald Trump’s signing of a new tariff order on Thursday, which Caracas characterizes as an aggressive act of economic coercion.
In an official statement released Friday, Venezuela’s foreign ministry decried the US policy as a set of ‘punitive measures’ designed to penalize sovereign states for maintaining ‘legitimate trade relations with the Republic of Cuba.’ The declaration comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, following recent political upheavals that saw a change in Venezuela’s leadership through US military involvement.
The South American nation, itself struggling under severe economic sanctions, pledged unwavering ‘solidarity with the Cuban people’ who face potential energy shortages due to the restrictions. Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, a longstanding economic lifeline for the island nation, now fall under US regulatory control following recent geopolitical shifts.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry called for ‘collective action by the international community’ to address what it described as the ‘humanitarian consequences’ resulting from such economic aggressions. The statement emphasizes the need for global cooperation to mitigate the impact of unilateral sanctions on civilian populations, positioning the conflict within broader debates about economic sovereignty and international law.
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Fitz-Henley urges Jamaicans to use opportunities provided by amended expungement law
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark legislative move, Jamaica’s Parliament has passed the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act 2026, significantly expanding opportunities for criminal record expungement. State Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley delivered a powerful address during Friday’s Senate debate, urging eligible citizens not to squander their ‘second chance’ at societal reintegration.
The amended legislation represents a substantial modernization of Jamaica’s justice framework, aligning the nation with progressive commonwealth countries and developed nations across North America and Oceania. Key reforms include extending eligibility to sentences up to 10 years (previously capped at five years) and introducing automatic expungement for minor, non-custodial convictions predating January 1, 2005.
Minister Fitz-Henley emphasized the transformative potential of the legislation: ‘This provides genuine opportunity for those whose progress has been hindered by past convictions to become positive contributors to their families and society.’ The minister clarified that the reform shouldn’t be misinterpreted as governmental softness on crime, highlighting simultaneous 54% reduction in murders as evidence of the administration’s comprehensive crime reduction strategy.
The rehabilitation mechanism requires applicants to have completed their sentences and maintained clean records for specified periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity). Serious crimes including murder, rape, and drug trafficking remain ineligible for expungement. All applications will undergo rigorous review by the specialized Criminal Records Rehabilitation Board.
This legislative overhaul reflects Jamaica’s commitment to holistic social transformation through balanced approaches that combine punitive measures with rehabilitation opportunities, creating pathways for reformed individuals to contribute productively to national development.
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T&T PM reiterates Caricom in need of ‘some transformation’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a nuanced parliamentary address on Friday, acknowledging the Caribbean Community’s pressing need for structural reform while simultaneously reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s steadfast commitment to regional unity. The statement came during a special session attended by CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, who concurrently serves as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett.
Persad-Bissessar expressed her administration’s substantial investment in regional prosperity, echoing Chairman Drew’s New Year’s message emphasizing collective regional strength. Despite previous criticisms of the organization’s operational effectiveness, the Prime Minister deliberately reiterated that “we remain committed to Caribbean unity” – a declaration met with audible approval from government legislators.
The diplomatic engagement continued at the Diplomatic Center where Chairman Drew outlined his vision for strengthened regional collaboration, emphasizing outreach to all member states to build “stronger and more stable heights” based on mutual respect and sovereign equality within the CARICOM framework. Persad-Bissessar characterized the discussions as “very encouraging,” particularly praising Drew’s fresh leadership approach.
This high-level consultation forms part of the CARICOM chairman’s broader initiative to conduct personal dialogues with regional leaders, following recent meetings with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday. The developments precede the upcoming CARICOM heads of government summit scheduled for February 24-27 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Prime Minister’s conciliatory tone marks a notable diplomatic shift from her December criticisms, where she had labeled CARICOM “not a reliable partner” citing organizational dysfunction, accountability deficiencies, and problematic interventions in member states’ domestic affairs. Those earlier remarks emerged amidst controversy surrounding Trinidad’s support for US drug enforcement policies and CARICOM’s stance on Venezuela’s political situation.
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UN Security Council extends mandate of BINUH in Haiti
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to prolong the operational mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) through January 2027. This decision arrives amidst escalating condemnation of Haitian authorities for insufficient advancement in facilitating a stable political transition. The Council issued a forceful denunciation of the severe violence surging across the Caribbean nation, highlighting grave human rights abuses, rampant sexual violence affecting all demographics, child abductions, and extensive criminal operations run by armed factions.
The resolution, jointly sponsored by the United States and Panama, represents a consolidated international effort to address Haiti’s multifaceted crisis. U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Locetta characterized the move as a decisive step toward national stabilization, reiterating unwavering U.S. support for Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s leadership as integral to combating terrorist gangs. The Haitian representative welcomed the resolution, acknowledging its reflection of a more integrated understanding of the challenges and the urgent need for concrete outcomes to protect civilians, restore the rule of law, and achieve institutional stability.
However, significant concerns were voiced during the proceedings. Trinidad and Tobago, speaking for CARICOM, expressed apprehension that internal disputes within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council—including attempts to oust the prime minister—are complicating an already fragile governance process. China’s delegate raised alarms about the persistent influx of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging source countries to enforce stricter border controls and weapon regulations.
The enhanced BINUH mandate tasks the mission with six critical objectives, executed in an integrated manner with all UN entities on the ground. These include facilitating national dialogue, supporting the organization of elections by 2026, assisting in community violence reduction and disarmament programs, and strengthening judicial and penitentiary systems. The mission is also directed to monitor and report on gang violence and human rights violations, maintaining dedicated protection advisory capacity.
This renewal aligns with the upcoming deployment of the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with initial contingents expected in April. Authorized last September, the GSF aims to supplant the previous Kenya-led mission, focusing on restoring state authority, securing critical infrastructure, and reducing gang territorial control. BINUH is instructed to work in close coordination with this force and international organizations to help Haitian institutions address prolonged pretrial detention and handle high-risk individuals appropriately.
The UN’s deep engagement in Haiti traces back to 1986, following the departure of President Jean-Claude Duvalier, and has continued through various peacekeeping and political missions. Established in 2019, BINUH’s core function is to bolster political stability, good governance, the rule of law, and human rights, while coordinating international assistance.
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Antigua and Barbuda Government Orders Bi-Weekly Reports on Price Reductions
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented stringent monitoring measures to ensure recent fiscal relief measures are effectively reaching consumers. The Cabinet has mandated the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to submit comprehensive reports every two weeks detailing retailer compliance with tax and duty reductions.
This decisive action follows concerning reports of inconsistent adherence among retailers to cost-of-living relief initiatives. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that inspection teams have been actively monitoring supermarkets and retail establishments nationwide, with findings indicating varied levels of cooperation.
“While major supermarket chains have shown partial compliance, numerous suppliers and retailers have exhibited reluctance in providing essential invoicing and pricing documentation,” Merchant stated during the weekly Cabinet briefing. He emphasized that such documentation is legally required to verify whether tax and duty reductions are being properly reflected in consumer pricing.
The government has clarified that the fundamental objective of these policy measures is to guarantee that consumers directly benefit from initiatives designed to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. “The benefits must pass on to the consumers,” Merchant asserted, noting that reducing taxes and duties specifically targets relief from imported inflation.
This enhanced reporting mechanism constitutes part of broader governmental efforts to strengthen oversight capabilities, improve regulatory enforcement, and ensure market transparency as amendments to existing price control legislation are being prepared. The bi-weekly reporting schedule represents an unprecedented level of scrutiny over retail pricing practices in the nation’s recent economic history.
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A CCJ delegation concludes Suriname visit discuss the country’s accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – In a landmark development for Caribbean judicial cooperation, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has advanced a groundbreaking proposal to establish a specialized Civil Law Chamber specifically designed to accommodate Suriname’s unique legal system. The initiative emerged during a high-level delegation visit from January 20-24, 2026, at the invitation of Suriname’s Court of Justice President, Honourable Mr. Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks.
The centerpiece of the visit was the Congress on Modernizing the Judiciary held at the Torarica Resort on January 22, where CCJ President Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson addressed Surinamese judicial officials, lawmakers, and legal stakeholders. Justice Anderson presented a comprehensive vision for Suriname’s potential integration into the CCJ’s Appellate Jurisdiction, emphasizing that such a move would significantly enhance the nation’s judicial sovereignty while strengthening regional institutions.
The proposed Civil Law Chamber represents an innovative structural adaptation within the CCJ framework. Recognizing that Suriname operates under a civil law tradition – contrasting with the common law systems predominant in most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states – the chamber would operate with judges specializing in civil law jurisprudence. All proceedings would follow civil law procedures conducted entirely in Dutch, with all legal filings, evidence, and correspondence processed in Suriname’s official language.
The CCJ delegation, which included Justice Peter Jamadar, former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron, and Registrar Gabrielle Figore-Jones, also conducted a courtesy meeting with Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of Suriname. Discussions focused on broader judicial reform initiatives and the CCJ’s supportive role in Suriname’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The Court expressed strong commitment to continuing collaboration with Surinamese authorities, aligning with its foundational mission to promote equitable access to justice, reinforce regional unity, and uphold the rule of law throughout the Caribbean community.
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Spanish solidarity against oil blockade to Cuba
A Madrid-based political organization has issued a vehement condemnation of United States foreign policy toward Cuba, characterizing recent measures to restrict oil shipments to the island nation as a “new genocidal campaign launched by US imperialism.” The group, identified as the Madrid Coordinating Committee, asserts that this economic blockade poses a direct threat to Cuba’s fundamental energy infrastructure and civilian supply chains.
In an official statement, the committee presented a sweeping indictment of Washington’s long-standing approach to Havana, framing Cuba’s persistent economic challenges not as internal failures but as direct consequences of “ongoing criminal aggression by Washington against the Cuban people.” The language employed suggests a pattern of deliberate economic warfare rather than mere political disagreement.
The organization further escalated its rhetoric by describing the petroleum restrictions as “irrefutable proof of state terrorism practiced by imperialists” against Cuba. This accusation expands beyond economic concerns to include historical grievances, specifically referencing alleged acts of “piracy they have continued to perpetrate in the Caribbean Sea for years,” including the controversial killing of fishermen in international waters.
A central theme emerged regarding Cuba’s symbolic role in global politics. The committee argued that these aggressive measures ultimately aim “to completely silence the example of anti-capitalist struggle that the Cuban Revolution offers to all the peoples of the world.” This perspective positions Cuba not merely as a nation under pressure but as a ideological battleground.
Concluding its statement, the group offered a defiant characterization of Cuba’s resilience, labeling it “living proof that it is possible to successfully confront US imperialism, the cruelest and most powerful in history, by fighting for socialism and overcoming capitalist barbarism.” This framing presents the US-Cuba conflict as a fundamental clash between competing economic and political systems on the world stage.