Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Chief Elections Officer: 700 voters have been confirmed out of 9000 applicants

    Chief Elections Officer: 700 voters have been confirmed out of 9000 applicants

    The Electoral Office of Dominica has reported significant progress in its ongoing national voter confirmation initiative, with official figures indicating robust public participation. According to a recent press release, electoral authorities have received more than 9,000 applications for voter verification since the program’s inception.

    Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph provided detailed insights into the verification mechanics, explaining that each application undergoes multiple layers of scrutiny before official voter confirmation is granted. This meticulous process has already resulted in the confirmation of over 700 applicants, with thousands more currently in various stages of review.

    Addressing circulating concerns about procedural delays, Ms. Joseph categorically denied any significant setbacks, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to both transparency and electoral integrity. “The verification process is proceeding according to established timelines,” she stated, dismissing rumors of operational deficiencies.

    The Electoral Office also announced the imminent distribution of Voter Identification cards, marking the next phase in strengthening Dominica’s electoral infrastructure. This development represents a critical step toward enhancing the credibility and security of the nation’s democratic processes.

    Officials confirmed that regular updates will be provided as the verification initiative continues to evolve, ensuring ongoing public awareness regarding this fundamental aspect of electoral preparation.

  • OP-ED: Are we in a new cold war? A CARICOM perspective

    OP-ED: Are we in a new cold war? A CARICOM perspective

    The recent expansion of the US travel ban to include Antigua and Barbuda along with Dominica has sent ripples through the Caribbean community, representing more than mere policy changes but a fundamental shift in regional relations. This development coincides with substantial American military mobilization in the region, featuring the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford near Venezuela’s coastline and over 15,000 personnel conducting operations that have reportedly resulted in numerous casualties.

    For Caribbean citizens, the United States has historically represented familial connections rather than diplomatic challenges—the destination for summer visits, family weddings, educational opportunities, and cultural exchange. This deep interconnection now faces unprecedented complications as geopolitical tensions escalate.

    The current generation, raised during three decades of regional peace and extensive American cultural influence, lacks the framework to comprehend superpower dynamics that their Cold War-era grandparents understood instinctively. The Caribbean has transformed into what scholars describe as a de facto Zone of Peace—not merely diplomatic rhetoric but lived reality where military conflict remains alien to daily existence.

    Caribbean nations demonstrate inherent anti-militarism not as ideological pacifism but as practical reality. With defense forces that could assemble in small auditoriums, these nations perceive warfare as distant phenomena occurring in failed states rather than policy instruments. Thus, American discussions of “military options” and visible aircraft carriers generate cultural dissonance within the region.

    Caribbean leaders now face impossible choices without cost-free solutions. Trinidad’s Prime Minister faced Venezuelan accusations of warmongering for permitting US military access, while Antigua’s refusal to host American radar installations coincided with its inclusion on the travel ban list. Grenada currently weighs similar decisions under intense pressure. Each choice carries consequences affecting visa applications, trade relationships, economic stability, and development opportunities.

    The present crisis represents the most significant Western Hemisphere military deployment since the Cuban Missile Crisis, complete with Venezuelan oil blockades and Caracas turning to China, Russia, and Iran for support. CARICOM responses have involved improvised individual calculations rather than coordinated strategy.

    Navigating this new reality requires rediscovering what Professor C. Justin Robinson terms “Caribbean dance moves”—the diplomatic skill of maintaining balance amid shifting power dynamics, preserving relationships despite changing circumstances, and exercising sovereignty while acknowledging geopolitical realities. This demands sophisticated diplomacy that balances deep American connections against sovereign decision-making rights.

    For a generation raised in peace and cultural interconnection with America, the sudden need to comprehend superpower politics represents both challenge and necessity. The music has restarted, and the Caribbean must dance with the giants once more.

  • ‘Most public servants’ to get 1 month’s salary as bonus in January — PM

    ‘Most public servants’ to get 1 month’s salary as bonus in January — PM

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday has confirmed that the majority of public servants in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will receive a bonus equivalent to one month’s salary in January. The announcement came during a kerbside interview in Kingstown, where the Prime Minister addressed the implementation of his administration’s pre-election commitments.

    The bonus payment, part of the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) 60-day pledge following their landslide victory in the November 27 general election, will be structured to provide greater benefits to lower-income civil servants. “The salary bonus will come. We are working out the mechanics of it,” Friday stated, emphasizing that the government remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promise within the stipulated timeframe.

    The Prime Minister’s announcement comes amid public debate regarding discrepancies in campaign pledge cards circulated before the election. While one version promised a double salary within one month of taking office, another referenced a “bonus salary” within 60 days. The NDP’s decisive victory, winning 14 of 15 parliamentary seats, ended 24 years of Unity Labour Party governance.

    Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has characterized the bonus promise as a “big deception,” reflecting the political tensions surrounding the implementation of campaign pledges. The government has also delivered on another election commitment by implementing the country’s first VAT-free shopping day, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to fulfill campaign promises.

  • Trump Orders Marijuana Reclassification

    Trump Orders Marijuana Reclassification

    In a landmark move on December 19, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted a significant shift in U.S. drug policy by signing an executive order to accelerate the reclassification of marijuana at the federal level. The directive mandates the removal of cannabis from its current status as a Schedule I substance—a category reserved for drugs deemed to have no medical value and high abuse potential, such as heroin and LSD—and transitions it to Schedule III.

    Schedule III classification acknowledges recognized medical applications and a lower potential for dependency than Schedules I and II. This category includes pharmaceuticals like ketamine and Tylenol with codeine. From the Oval Office, President Trump framed the decision as a matter of “common sense,” emphasizing its aim to aid individuals suffering from chronic pain while explicitly ruling out the legalization of recreational use.

    “This action in no way legalizes marijuana in any form,” Trump stated. “My position is clear: unless a medical professional recommends it for a legitimate health reason, you should not use it.”

    The executive order specifically tasks Attorney General Pam Bondi with overseeing the completion of the rescheduling process and issuing a final ruling. This administrative change would empower the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct comprehensive research into the medicinal properties and potential applications of cannabis, a process heavily restricted under the previous classification.

    The policy shift aligns with evolving public opinion. A recent Gallup poll from November, cited by NBC News, indicates that 64% of Americans now support the full legalization of marijuana, highlighting a significant cultural and political trend that the administration’s action appears to partially address.

  • U.S Visa Update From Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States

    U.S Visa Update From Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States

    In a significant diplomatic development, Antigua and Barbuda has secured crucial assurances from the United States regarding visa arrangements following Washington’s recent security proclamation. Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, acting under direct instructions from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, held high-level discussions with U.S. State Department officials to address concerns arising from the December 16, 2025 proclamation restricting foreign national entry.

    The negotiations yielded three key agreements that provide substantial protection for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens. First, all currently valid U.S. visas held by passport holders will remain fully recognized and accepted for entry without exception. This comprehensive protection covers all visa categories including tourist (B-1/B-2), exchange visitor (J), and student (M) visas.

    Second, U.S. authorities confirmed there will be no revocation of any visas issued to nationals prior to December 31, 2025. This guarantee provides stability for existing visa holders amid changing security protocols.

    Third, for new visa applications submitted after December 31, 2025, both governments will develop mutually agreeable arrangements focusing specifically on biometric information collection. The enhanced system will ensure full compatibility with U.S. biometric standards while applying equally to all citizens regardless of acquisition method—whether by birth, descent, naturalization, or investment.

    Ambassador Sanders expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement from U.S. officials, acknowledging America’s security concerns while emphasizing Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to cooperative security measures. The agreement represents a balanced approach that protects U.S. national security interests while preserving legitimate travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

  • PM Briceño Says Conservation Can Protect Fishers’ Livelihoods

    PM Briceño Says Conservation Can Protect Fishers’ Livelihoods

    Amid mounting apprehensions within Belize’s fishing sector regarding proposed marine conservation measures linked to the Blue Bond agreement, Prime Minister John Briceño has emphatically countered assertions that environmental protections endanger economic livelihoods. Speaking on December 19, 2025, Briceño articulated a compelling vision where ecological preservation and fishing industry prosperity coexist harmoniously.

    The fishing and tourism industries have expressed concerns that expanding marine protected areas would restrict access to prime lobster and conch harvesting grounds, potentially jeopardizing employment opportunities and coastal community economies. However, Prime Minister Briceño presented a contrasting perspective, asserting that strategic conservation efforts ultimately fortify fishing sustainability.

    Employing vivid imagery, Briceño stated, “If we consume all available resources today, we face emptiness tomorrow,” emphasizing how protected zones enable fish population recovery that benefits fishermen through increased future yields. The Prime Minister referenced established marine reserves as tangible evidence of successful coexistence between conservation and commercial fishing activities.

    Briceño specifically highlighted the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve, where initial skepticism transformed into widespread acceptance as fishermen witnessed stock regeneration. “The fish mature within protected boundaries before migrating to adjacent fishable areas, resulting in larger catches and recognized benefits for all stakeholders,” he explained.

    Furthermore, the Prime Minister cited Glover’s Reef as another success story, where local guides and fishermen actively participate in reserve protection. During a recent visit, Briceño recounted conversations with community members who vigilantly monitor protected waters and promptly report unauthorized vessels to coast guard authorities. This collaborative approach has yielded significantly larger conch, lobster, and fish populations, demonstrating the practical advantages of science-based conservation partnerships.

    Briceño concluded by emphasizing the necessity of transparent dialogue, stating, “We must engage in constructive discussions and present the scientific rationale underlying these conservation decisions” to ensure all stakeholders understand the long-term benefits of sustainable marine resource management.

  • UPP Expresses Gratitude to Cuba for Decades of Medical and Educational Support

    UPP Expresses Gratitude to Cuba for Decades of Medical and Educational Support

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a formal commendation honoring the Republic of Cuba for its decades of substantial contributions to the nation’s development. This praise specifically highlights the pivotal role of Cuban medical diplomacy, which deployed hundreds of healthcare professionals to serve the Antiguan and Barbudan populace.

    A cornerstone of this bilateral cooperation was the acclaimed Eye-Care Programme, implemented during the UPP administration of former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. This initiative provided critical ophthalmological services, delivering life-changing care to hundreds of citizens and establishing a benchmark for international medical collaboration.

    Beyond healthcare, Cuba’s educational assistance program is recognized as a transformative force. The UPP emphasized that hundreds of Antiguan students received university-level training in diverse professional disciplines—opportunities that would have been financially unattainable for most families. This investment in human capital is credited with elevating numerous graduates and their families from poverty, thereby securing a more prosperous socioeconomic future.

    The UPP’s statement also reflected on the profound mutual respect and affection shared between Cuban officials and party representatives, characterizing the long-term relationship as genuinely cordial and productive. A note of regret was expressed regarding the current administration’s decision to abruptly terminate this partnership, which the UPP deemed mutually beneficial. Concluding with a pledge of enduring gratitude, the party assured Cuba that its generosity, offered from its own limited resources, would remain etched in the nation’s memory and prayers.

  • Honduras: Liberal candidate questions election results

    Honduras: Liberal candidate questions election results

    The Honduran presidential election remains in a state of deadlock as the country’s two dominant right-wing parties contest an increasingly narrow margin. Preliminary results from the National Electoral Council (CNE) place National Party (PN) candidate Nasry Asfura ahead of his rival, Liberal Party (PL) candidate and prominent television personality Salvador Nasralla, by a slim margin of approximately 33,000 votes.

    In a strategic move, the Liberal Party has consented to a CNE-initiated special recount of 2,792 ballot boxes flagged for inconsistencies, a process encompassing nearly half a million votes that commenced earlier this week. However, Nasralla has issued a firm ultimatum, declaring that this initial review is insufficient for a conclusive outcome.

    The central point of contention lies with an additional 8,845 polling stations formally challenged by the Liberal Party. Nasralla asserts these stations were marred by significant biometric system failures and other critical technical irregularities, potentially affecting around 1.8 million ballots. He has publicly demanded that the CNE proceed without delay or corruption to inspect every one of these challenged boxes following the current limited recount.

    “I challenge the authorities to open these ballot boxes,” Nasralla stated. “If, upon review, the National Party holds more votes—even if alterations occurred within the electoral warehouse—I will concede. However, we will categorically reject any proclaimed final result until the votes from all 8,845 challenged polling stations we have duly identified are fully counted and verified.”

    Nasralla contends that a thorough and transparent audit of these disputed votes would ultimately swing the election in his favor, projecting a lead of over 149,155 votes against the Nationalists once all inconsistencies are reconciled. He maintains that Honduran electoral law grants the CNE full authority to mandate these special reviews, emphasizing that the party’s objective is not to disrupt the process but to ensure ultimate transparency and a result that genuinely reflects the will of the electorate.

  • Venezuela: Security forces’ work highlights in 2025

    Venezuela: Security forces’ work highlights in 2025

    The Venezuelan government has substantially enhanced its national security infrastructure through a major deployment of operational vehicles and equipment to multiple law enforcement agencies. This strategic initiative delivered approximately 300 pickup trucks outfitted with advanced camera systems and a new fleet of motorcycles to bolster crime-fighting capabilities across the nation.

    The comprehensive equipment distribution benefited numerous security divisions including the Bolivarian National Police, General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, Extortion and Kidnapping Command, Special Operations units, Presidential Honor Guard Special Forces, and the Anti-Drug Command. Additional recipients included the Commando Action Groups, Tactical Operations Unit, Caracas Police, Directorate of Special Actions, Fire Department, and Civil Protection services.

    Interior, Justice, and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello emphasized that this represents a significant national government investment in ensuring all security agencies achieve optimal operational readiness. The initiative forms part of the Bolivarian Revolution’s ongoing commitment to public safety under the direct guidance of President Nicolás Maduro.

    Cabello highlighted the systematic campaign against armed criminal organizations, characterizing it as a ‘dedicated and joint’ endeavor involving all security forces. He particularly underscored the coordinated police-military-civilian unity being deployed throughout Venezuelan territory.

    Among the notable achievements cited by officials was a documented reduction of 340 homicides compared to 2014 statistics, which authorities attribute to these coordinated security efforts. Venezuelan officials further asserted that the country now maintains one of the world’s lowest crime rates as a result of these comprehensive security measures.

  • T&T Has ‘No Part to Play’ in U.S. Venezuela Oil Blockade

    T&T Has ‘No Part to Play’ in U.S. Venezuela Oil Blockade

    In a definitive statement addressing the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has explicitly declared her nation’s non-involvement in the proposed American blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. The political leader emphasized that her country’s sovereign interests would guide its decisions rather than external pressures.

    The declaration follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s Tuesday announcement authorizing a naval blockade against Venezuela, alleging President Nicolás Maduro’s administration utilizes oil revenues to fund narcotics trafficking and criminal operations. Venezuela has vehemently condemned these measures as an act of ‘resource theft’ and imperialistic aggression, accusing Washington of attempting to commandeer its national assets.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar clarified that while Trinidad and Tobago maintains security cooperation with the United States, this partnership focuses exclusively on domestic crime prevention rather than international interventions. ‘My primary responsibility lies with Trinidad and Tobago’s welfare,’ she stated. ‘The United States may pursue its strategic interests, just as we will pursue ours.’

    The Prime Minister highlighted significant improvements in national security, citing a substantial reduction of 240 homicides compared to the previous year and drug interdictions exceeding $200 million in value. Regarding Venezuela’s termination of gas agreements with Trinidad, Persad-Bissessar noted the nation’s energy independence, emphasizing expanded domestic oilfield operations and ongoing collaborations with international energy firms. ‘While Venezuelan resources would be welcome, they are not essential to our economy,’ she asserted. ‘We have over a century of oil and gas production without relying on Venezuelan crude.’

    This development occurs against the backdrop of Caracas’ October suspension of gas agreements, culminating in Monday’s official termination of all energy contracts and negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago.