Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Abinader receives credentials from six new ambassadors in Dominican Republic

    Abinader receives credentials from six new ambassadors in Dominican Republic

    An official diplomatic ceremony held at the Dominican Republic’s National Palace marked a key milestone in the country’s global diplomatic engagement, as President Luis Abinader formally accepted credentials from six newly appointed ambassadors representing nations across Europe and Oceania. The head of state was joined on the official program by Vice President Raquel Peña and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez for the structured diplomatic event.

    The incoming envoys represent a diverse group of sovereign states: Sergio Maffettone of Italy, Pascal Bornoz of Switzerland, Nicola Jane Stilwell of New Zealand, Alessandro Mario Segnini Bocchia Di San Lorenzo of San Marino, Eija Rotinen of Finland, and Anna Kristina Craenen of Sweden. Each ambassador completed the traditional formal presentation of their credentials, a core procedural step that formally confirms their diplomatic status to begin their official postings in the Caribbean nation.

    The ceremony followed established diplomatic protocol, opening with a performance of the Dominican national anthem by the First Dominican Presidential Guard Regiment. Musicians then played the national anthems of each ambassador’s home country in sequence, honoring the bilateral ties between each nation and the Dominican Republic. After the formal credential presentation concluded, President Abinader held one-on-one introductory discussions with each new envoy to lay groundwork for future diplomatic collaboration.

    All six newly accredited diplomats bring a wealth of accumulated experience to their new posts, with deep professional backgrounds spanning diplomatic service across multiple continents. Their prior careers include tenures in national foreign ministries, bilateral embassies, global multilateral bodies, and consular missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, positioning them to advance cross-border cooperation between their countries and the Dominican Republic.

  • Fernandez Defends Constituency Engagement Amid Criticism Over Visibility

    Fernandez Defends Constituency Engagement Amid Criticism Over Visibility

    With the April 30 general election rapidly approaching, incumbent St. John’s Rural North candidate and cabinet minister Charles Fernandez is pushing back against growing opposition criticism that he has failed to maintain a sufficient presence among the voters he represents. In a wide-ranging “Know Your Candidate” interview held in the lead-up to the vote, Fernandez addressed the core critique head-on, acknowledging the intense demands of his national government portfolio but rejecting claims that these duties have sidelined his work for local constituents. As the country’s tourism minister, Fernandez oversees a sprawling brief that includes not just hospitality sector strategy, but also regulatory oversight of aviation, public transportation systems, and several large-scale infrastructure developments across the nation. “Tourism is not an easy thing… there has been a lot, a lot of work,” he explained in the interview. Contrary to claims that his heavy national workload has kept him from engaging with local residents, Fernandez outlined a robust slate of community-focused initiatives that he says prove his consistent, ongoing commitment to the constituency. The incumbent highlighted that his constituency office remains open to all residents every single working day, emphasizing that no voter is turned away seeking assistance, even if occasional scheduling conflicts lead to short wait times for meetings. “No constituent is turned away from my office, no day,” he affirmed. Beyond open-door office access, Fernandez pointed to targeted collaborative programs with local community groups designed to address vulnerable resident needs, including skills-training sewing classes tailored for single mothers seeking new employment opportunities. He also pointed to a calendar of regular, recurring community events that his office organizes, ranging from annual holiday Christmas parties for local families to organized group tours for senior residents. Addressing a common critique of low engagement, Fernandez acknowledged that traditional large-format public gatherings such as in-person town hall meetings have struggled to draw significant crowds in recent cycles. He attributed this shift not to a lack of effort on his part, but to changing voter habits, noting that the vast majority of constituents now turn to digital media and social platforms to access information and connect with their elected representatives. The race for St. John’s Rural North is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched competitive contests in this election cycle. Fernandez first won the seat for his party in the 2023 snap election by a narrow margin of just over 200 votes, making it a top target for opposition parties seeking to gain ground in the overall race to form a new government. Both major political parties have identified the marginal seat as a key battleground that could swing the overall outcome of the general election. While Fernandez openly admitted that balancing high-stakes national ministerial responsibilities with the day-to-day demands of constituency work is an ongoing, persistent challenge, he maintained that his track record of initiatives and direct outreach speaks to his unbroken commitment to serving the people of St. John’s Rural North.

  • Prime Minister Drew Urges Political Leaders to Put Country First in Social Security Reform Effort

    Prime Minister Drew Urges Political Leaders to Put Country First in Social Security Reform Effort

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts — At a pivotal moment for one of the federation’s most foundational social safety nets, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a urgent, clear appeal to all political leaders and national stakeholders: set aside partisan divides to prioritize the long-term national good in ongoing Social Security reform negotiations. Speaking at the official Social Security Reform Conference on April 21, 2026—one day ahead of his formal public address released via the Prime Minister’s Office—Drew stressed that the future of the decades-old system cannot be held hostage to partisan political gain, and must be treated as the defining national priority it is, requiring broad collaboration and cross-group consensus to move forward.

    Established decades ago as a landmark social policy initiative, the current Social Security system has stood as the central pillar of social protection for thousands of citizens across St. Kitts and Nevis, offering stability, dignity and guaranteed support to working people, retirees and vulnerable communities. Today, the system stands at a critical turning point that demands decisive, coordinated action from all sectors of national life, Drew noted.

    In his address, the Prime Minister pushed back against the risk of the reform process being weaponized for political advantage. “I call on political parties. I call on political leaders to look at the data and information being presented and let us all decide to not allow Social Security to become a political football, but allow it to be a moment of solidarity for all of us to unite on,” he said.

    Drew drew a direct parallel between the current push for reform and the political courage required to launch the Social Security system in the first place. He recalled that the pioneering leaders who initially introduced the framework faced significant public and political pushback for their transformative social policy choices, but their far-sighted decisions laid the stable foundation that has benefited generations of citizens ever since. Meaningful, lasting reform today will require that same level of bold, collective resolve, he added.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Social Security reform is never an issue that belongs to a single political administration, nor should it be treated as a partisan political exercise. It is a non-negotiable national imperative that outlasts governments, and demands a unified approach rooted in shared responsibility for all citizens. He called on stakeholders across every sector—from government bodies and organized labor to the private sector and independent civil society groups—to engage in constructive, evidence-led dialogue focused on securing the long-term sustainability of the system.

    “This is not a partisan exercise. Social Security reform must not be viewed through political lens. It is a national imperative. It transcends administrations, and it demands a unified approach grounded in shared responsibility and collective interest,” he reaffirmed.

    Decisions made during this current phase of reform will carry generational consequences, touching the lives of both current residents and future generations of St. Kitts and Nevis citizens. That long-term impact, Drew argued, makes it essential for all parties to set aside short-term political or financial considerations and focus on the lasting public good. The core goal of all ongoing negotiations, he reiterated, is to preserve and strengthen the system so it can continue to deliver reliable, accessible support to workers, pensioners, and the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

    As cross-stakeholder discussions move forward, Drew encouraged all participants to keep their focus on the broader national vision, stressing that unity and collaborative problem-solving are the only keys to guaranteeing that Social Security remains a resilient, enduring pillar of sustainable national development for decades to come.

  • Economic recovery and security challenges : discussions between the PM of Haiti and IMF

    Economic recovery and security challenges : discussions between the PM of Haiti and IMF

    In a high-stakes diplomatic meeting focused on Haiti’s path forward, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and his official delegation sat down with International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives to deliberate on three of the Caribbean nation’s most pressing priorities: advancing the ongoing national economic program, addressing rampant insecurity, and locking in key structural reforms.

    The gathering, which took place ahead of planned national elections at the end of 2026, opened with positive recognition of Haiti’s recent policy efforts from the IMF side. IMF officials highlighted tangible progress in public financial governance, noting that the country has managed to maintain a satisfactory level of foreign reserves even amid a volatile global economic landscape that has put unprecedented pressure on small, developing nations across the world.

    For their part, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and his delegation reaffirmed that restoring full security and reestablishing sovereign state authority across the entire country remains the government’s top immediate priority. Armed gang violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of Haitians and disrupted basic governance in large swathes of the nation, particularly in urban centers, and the government is prioritizing the stabilization of these gang-controlled areas. The reestablishment of security, officials stressed, is a non-negotiable precondition to creating the stable, trusted environment required to hold what the government has pledged will be credible, free, inclusive, and democratic elections by the close of 2026.

    Beyond security, the two sides also centered conversations on inclusive economic growth that delivers tangible benefits to Haitian communities. A core topic of these talks was expanding job opportunities, especially for young Haitians, who make up a large share of the country’s population and have faced disproportionately high unemployment in recent years. Delegates also delved into plans to advance ongoing tax reform efforts, with a focus on boosting transparent, equitable revenue collection and tightening border control measures to cut down on illicit trade and protect domestic revenue streams.

    In the final segment of discussions, both parties aligned on the critical need to strengthen Haiti’s judicial institutions and root out systemic impunity. These steps, both sides agreed, are foundational to consolidating the rule of law across the country and rebuilding public trust in state institutions, which has been eroded by years of political instability and violence.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, the IMF reiterated its long-standing commitment to standing with Haiti as it works to address its interconnected challenges. The organization confirmed it will continue to provide targeted technical assistance and policy support aligned with the Haitian government’s stated national priorities to help advance reform and stabilization efforts.

  • Volledige RvC Canawaima ontslagen na ingrijpen regering

    Volledige RvC Canawaima ontslagen na ingrijpen regering

    In a swift decision following allegations of misconduct at state-owned ferry operator Canawaima, all three members of the company’s Supervisory Board (Raad van Commissarissen, RvC) have been removed from their posts. The action was finalized on 22 April following closed consultations between Raymond Landveld, Suriname’s Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, and national President Jennifer Simons.

    Union leadership confirmed the government’s intervention to local outlet Starnieuws, noting that the ruling came in direct response to concerns raised by organized labor just days prior. Dayanand Dwarka, chair of the Canawaima workers’ union, confirmed that Minister Landveld had officially notified him of the dismissal order. Just this Monday, the union had formally withdrawn all confidence in the incumbent RvC over reports of widespread wrongdoing at the state-run enterprise, which operates the critical ferry link between South Drain in Suriname and neighboring Guyana. After meeting with Landveld to discuss the allegations, union representatives agreed to pause planned industrial action that would have disrupted ferry services to avoid harming the thousands of passengers who rely on the cross-border connection. In the meeting, the minister had given a formal commitment that the government would step in to address the union’s concerns.

    To the surprise of many observers, the government delivered on that promise in less than a week. The union has praised the rapid response from the country’s executive branch. Dwarka emphasized that both Minister Landveld and President Simons acted decisively to resolve the crisis. Even as the union celebrates this outcome, however, Dwarka warned that the problems at Canawaima are not an isolated incident. Across multiple state-owned enterprises in Suriname, he argued, national interests are often not prioritized, opening the door to mismanagement and graft.

    Dwarka, who also serves as deputy chair of Suriname’s largest trade union center C-47, said the incident has made it clear that systemic reform is needed across the country’s state-owned sector. C-47 is calling for permanent structural changes, including a requirement that trade unions get a permanent seat on the supervisory boards of all state enterprises. For frontline workers, good governance is not an abstract policy goal: it directly determines their job security and long-term livelihoods, Dwarka explained.

    The speed of the RvC’s dismissal has drawn particular attention: the entire board took office less than two months before corruption allegations emerged. Dwarka called that timeline deeply worrying, noting that improper activity began almost immediately after the board assumed oversight responsibilities. The union has pushed for tangible, long-term changes to strengthen the company’s oversight function rather than just replacing the dismissed board members.

    Minister Landveld has signaled openness to the union’s core demand: he has confirmed that he will discuss the proposal to add a union representative to Canawaima’s newly formed supervisory board with President Simons as the process to appoint a new RvC moves forward.

  • The Prime Minister of Haiti is holding numerous political meetings in the United States.

    The Prime Minister of Haiti is holding numerous political meetings in the United States.

    In a packed week of diplomatic engagement aimed at advancing Haiti’s stability and democratic transition, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has held a series of back-to-back high-level meetings with top U.S. political leaders across the executive and legislative branches since launching his official U.S. visit on April 20, 2026.

    The first and most critical of these talks was a strategic meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, centered on deepening bilateral cooperation across three core pillars: Haitian national security, domestic political stabilization, and the upcoming electoral process. The two leaders aligned on shared priorities that included expanding capabilities for the newly formed Gang Repression Force (FRG), rebuilding core state institutions, laying the groundwork for free, inclusive and internationally credible general elections, and moving forward with the renewal of the long-standing HOPE/HELP trade agreements. Both parties confirmed that tangible progress has already been made in standing up the FRG, and jointly called for the full, rapid deployment of the force to execute its security mandate across Haiti.

    Following the meeting with Secretary Rubio, Fils-Aimé sat down with Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Their discussion centered on Haiti’s ongoing security crisis, national efforts to reassert state authority across gang-controlled territories, and the preconditions required to hold a legitimate democratic election. The Haitian Prime Minister underscored that lasting security is an non-negotiable foundation for any successful democratic transition and the holding of peaceful general elections. In response, Díaz-Balart reaffirmed that the U.S. Congress remains deeply invested in long-term Haitian stability, and encouraged continued progress on restoring public safety and strengthening democratic governing institutions.

    The Prime Minister’s tour also included a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a long-standing congressional supporter of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants living in the U.S. Fils-Aimé used the meeting to stress that TPS protections remain a lifeline for thousands of Haitian nationals residing in the United States, amid Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian and security collapse. He called on U.S. authorities to maintain their focus on the ongoing crisis in Haiti, framing the meeting as part of a broader diplomatic push to extend and preserve protections for the Haitian diaspora at a time when the country’s domestic situation remains extremely fragile.

    Fils-Aimé also held bilateral talks with Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, who serves as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. The pair covered a wide range of bilateral priorities, from Haiti’s ongoing security challenges to the country’s long-term economic and institutional development. Discussion also turned to inclusive economic growth, specifically targeted policies to create new job opportunities for Haitian youth and expand social programs that underpin domestic stability.

    A working session with Republican Congressman Gregory Murphy expanded on these core themes, with talks covering security, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and economic priorities. The two leaders agreed that closer international cooperation is critical to expanding security gains and creating the stable conditions needed for a credible electoral process. On economic policy, they highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent, predictable terms for trade programs like HOPE/HELP, which support existing Haitian jobs and sustain the country’s struggling productive sector. The discussion also addressed the urgent humanitarian situation, with both sides agreeing that emergency response efforts must be paired with long-term sustainable solutions rooted in economic recovery and job creation.

    The final key meeting on Fils-Aimé’s schedule was with Kristi Noem, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who left that post on March 31, 2026. The pair aligned on core priorities for Haiti: strengthening national security, consolidating institutional stability, and delivering a transparent, inclusive and credible electoral process. They also emphasized the need for closer cooperation with regional partners to counter drug trafficking, disrupt transnational criminal networks operating in and through Haiti, and address the growing challenges of irregular migration across the Americas.

  • PM lays out education reform plan

    PM lays out education reform plan

    The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia has launched an ambitious, multi-faceted strategic plan to modernize and revitalize its national education system, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre detailing wide-ranging reforms designed to expand equitable access to learning, embed a culture of lifelong education, and align academic offerings with the shifting demands of the 21st-century workforce.

    Pierre laid out the full details of the reform agenda as he presented the government’s 2026/2027 budget to the House of Assembly on Tuesday evening, anchoring the plan in his administration’s core policy perspective. “A fundamental belief of my administration is that learning is a lifelong endeavour, and our policies are designed to achieve this national goal,” the prime minister told legislators.

    This overarching vision will guide investment and policy changes across three priority areas from the start: early childhood education, specialized support for learners with disabilities, and technical and vocational skills training. Building on two existing flagship access programs—the First Generation Scholarship Programme and the one university graduate per household initiative—Pierre confirmed both initiatives will not only be preserved but scaled up to reach more eligible learners across the island.

    This year alone, 25 new fully partnered scholarships will be made available through a collaboration with New York-based Monroe College, and senior government leaders will soon hold formal talks with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to open up additional spots for Saint Lucian students at the regional institution.

    A core infrastructure priority of the reform plan is the full upgrade of traditional learning spaces into technology-integrated smart classrooms. “We must upgrade our classrooms into smart classrooms,” Pierre said, noting the renovated spaces will foster more dynamic, interactive learning experiences while helping curricula evolve to match workplace needs.

    The prime minister also addressed a long-standing challenge facing the island’s education sector: a persistent shortage of qualified instructors in high-priority STEM fields, specifically science and mathematics. To close this gap, the government will increase recruitment for these roles and introduce a new “master teacher” model, where experienced, expert educators will lead instruction and mentor less experienced staff in these critical subject areas.

    Beyond curriculum and infrastructure changes, the reform plan recognizes the foundational role of family engagement in student success. Pierre warned that without intentional, supportive parenting, many children will struggle to reach their full academic and personal potential. In response, a cross-government joint initiative bringing together the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund will provide targeted resources to parents, while also working to improve overall student retention across all school levels.

    This program will include early screening to identify students at risk of dropping out, and expanded technical and vocational pathways for learners whose strengths and interests fall outside the traditional academic track.

    Vulnerable student groups, particularly boys, who make up a disproportionate majority of the island’s high school dropouts, will receive targeted, tailored support under the new plan. Males currently account for most school departures before graduation, so the reforms will add targeted counselling, peer mentorship, and behavioural support, alongside a dedicated student support program for students in Forms Four and Five.

    Early childhood education remains a central pillar of the entire transformation agenda, with Pierre emphasizing that these early developmental years are “the most critical and receptive for learning.” To raise quality and consistency across the sector, the government will standardize early childhood education through a new national play-based curriculum, and a comprehensive quality assessment will be conducted for all public and private early childhood centres across the island. More than $1 million has been allocated in this year’s budget to launch the first phase of this work.

    Technical and vocational education and training (TVET), a key lever for aligning education with labour market demands, will see dramatic expansion under the plan. Four existing secondary schools are already in the process of being converted into dedicated technical and vocational institutes. The government will also deepen its collaboration with the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education (CARE) to support positive behavioural development, cut national dropout rates, and boost graduate employability through structured, work-focused training.

    Additional support through the regional OECS Skills and Innovation Project will help Saint Lucia develop national TVET standards and curricula that are directly mapped to current and projected labour market needs. The government will also introduce targeted training subsidies for vulnerable learners, alongside a new Grants Management Facility to support education-focused innovation and youth entrepreneurship.

    To deliver on these TVET expansion goals, the national Programme for Education Realignment and Transformation will fund the construction of new TVET laboratories and hands-on training workshops in selected secondary schools, all outfitted with modern, industry-standard tools and digital technology to give learners practical, job-ready experience before they enter the workforce.

  • Abusing elderly could bring $100K fine, jail under new bill

    Abusing elderly could bring $100K fine, jail under new bill

    A sweeping new bill aimed at strengthening protection for Barbados’ senior population was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, bringing with it unprecedented harsh penalties for elder abuse and mandatory reporting requirements for professionals who encounter suspected mistreatment in their line of work. The Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill, sponsored by Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde, establishes comprehensive new frameworks to safeguard the health, safety and dignity of all people aged 65 and older, covering everything from residential care facility standards to rules governing how family members must treat elderly relatives under their care.

    Under the bill’s core protection provisions, anyone found guilty of abusing or neglecting an older person faces steep consequences. Perpetrators can receive summary convictions carrying fines as high as $100,000, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both penalties combined. This accountability extends across all groups responsible for elder care, including family members, professional caregivers, institutional facilities, and even government entities that provide care services. Minister Forde emphasized that the severe penalties send an unambiguous warning to potential abusers, covering all forms of harm: physical, psychological, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation of older adults.

    A centerpiece of the new legislation is its mandatory reporting requirement, which imposes a legal duty on a wide range of professionals to flag suspected abuse to law enforcement or relevant authorities. The mandated group includes all healthcare workers, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists, who are required to report suspected abuse if they observe signs of mistreatment during examinations or identify patterns of potential pharmacological abuse through medication dispensing records. The requirement also applies to hospital administrators, social workers, law enforcement officers, telecommunications technicians, and any other worker who may encounter evidence of elder abuse in the course of their job. For example, a technician repairing an older person’s phone or computer who discovers evidence of abuse will now be legally required to report their findings.

    Failing to fulfill this mandatory reporting obligation carries a fixed fine of $10,000. To address common barriers to reporting, such as fear of retaliation or victimization, the legislation includes robust protections for individuals who come forward. Reports can be submitted anonymously, and anonymous submissions receive the same level of review and investigation as named reports. Additionally, anyone who submits a report in good faith is protected from legal repercussions, even if an investigation ultimately finds the report was not fully accurate based on the information the reporter had at the time.

    To enable rapid intervention in life-threatening situations, the bill grants authorized officers new powers to act quickly without first obtaining a court order. If inspectors find an older person living in an immediately unsafe environment – such as a facility with a collapsing roof, severe vermin infestation, or exposure to life-threatening diseases like leptospirosis – officers can move the older person to a safe location immediately to protect their health. For non-emergency cases, any concerned individual with reasonable grounds to believe an older person is at risk can apply to the court for a relocation order, placing the senior in a safe, supervised care setting for up to six months, with ongoing court oversight and regular reviews to arrange permanent alternative care if needed.

    Authorized officers assigned to implement the legislation also gain explicit new powers to conduct investigations, enter residential or care premises, interview relevant parties, and conduct on-site assessments of living and care conditions for older adults.

    Finally, the bill establishes a formal national register of elder abuse cases, to be administered by the Social Empowerment Agency (SEA). The register will collect key details for each case, including the personal contact information of the vulnerable older person, the nature, timing and location of the reported abuse, contact details for the alleged perpetrator, contact information for the older person’s caregiver, family or friends, and any additional information the SEA deems relevant. All information held in the register is strictly confidential, with access limited only to authorized personnel, the SEA executive director, and individuals granted access via court order or legal provision. Unauthorized disclosure of information from the register carries a penalty of up to $10,000.

  • 36 Hours Missing, Many Questions Remain in Indian Creek Case

    36 Hours Missing, Many Questions Remain in Indian Creek Case

    It has been seven days since the normally quiet community of Indian Creek Village in Toledo unexpectedly captured national public attention, and the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the disappearance of First Alcalde Marcus Canti has yet to lift. Though Canti returned to his home just 36 hours after he suddenly vanished from his rural property, public demand for answers has only grown in the days since his reappearance. The local leader claims he was abducted by two unknown assailants, but law enforcement has released no official updates on the case, leaving residents and observers demanding full transparency and accountability from authorities.

    On April 13, Canti disappeared without warning from his family farm. He resurfaced before dawn on April 15 on the outer edges of the village, unharmed beyond minor injuries but offering little detail about what transpired during his absence. According to initial police accounts, Canti told investigators he was taken against his will from his property by two men, held captive, and later released. Beyond that basic statement, no further information has been made public, leaving the unusual incident shrouded in ambiguity.

    When pressed by reporters last week about whether investigators had confirmed Canti’s account of a forced abduction, ACP Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that the probe was still active. “We are carrying out a thorough investigation and so we’ll have all the facts when his statement is concluded today. So that is all I know at this time,” Romero stated on April 16.

    To date, law enforcement has not issued any formal update on the reported abduction, beyond confirming that Canti presented with minor bruises and soreness when he returned home. While Canti was still missing, two leading local groups—the Toledo Alcalde Association and Maya Leaders Alliance—launched a community search and called on authorities to release all available information. But after Canti’s return, efforts to secure public clarity have hit a wall. Multiple attempts by News Five to contact Canti directly for comment have received no response, and a joint public statement released by the two organizations on Friday offered no new details, only noting that the incident is a serious matter and that a full official investigation had been requested.

    Police have confirmed that five local residents were taken into custody for questioning in the early days of the probe, all of whom have since been released. Among those detained are three prominent local leaders: Indian Creek Village Chairman Domingo Choc, Second Alcalde Manuel Ack, and former Village Councilor Santiago Pop. All three have publicly denied any involvement in Canti’s disappearance.

    “Each one of us was questioned and then we had proof. We showed them proof that all of us are innocent. So that is why we were released,” Choc explained in an interview on April 15.

    Ack echoed that claim of innocence, saying: “The officer ask me, you know why you are here. I told him no sir. Then the man take a little minute and asked me again, sir do you know the Alcalde is missing? Sir, I don’t have no idea about that.”

    Pop echoed the calls for full transparency to clear his name and the names of other detainees, saying: “I need to clear myself that I have not done anything as a criminal. So, I want to clear my name and the others’ name as well.”

    Shortly after returning to the village, Canti traveled out of the Toledo District to receive outpatient care at a private medical clinic in Belmopan. News Five’s attempts to reach Canti at the clinic for comment were also unsuccessful. Adding another layer of uncertainty to the case is an unconfirmed audio recording that purports to capture Canti pleading for help during his captivity. Pressure continues to build on authorities to verify the authenticity of the recording, a step that has not yet been taken.

    With the official investigation still ongoing and no new information forthcoming from Canti himself, the unresolved mystery of his 36-hour disappearance continues to hang over Indian Creek Village. This report was compiled by Paul Lopez for News Five, out of Belize.

  • FAd’H, recruitment of 1,200 new soldiers in Haiti in the coming days

    FAd’H, recruitment of 1,200 new soldiers in Haiti in the coming days

    Against a backdrop of escalating security instability across Haiti, the Caribbean nation’s Armed Forces (FAd’H) have taken a major step toward expanding their operational capacity, with a new cohort of graduates entering service and plans for mass recruitment in the coming weeks. On April 21, 2026, a solemn patriotic ceremony was held at Vertières Military Base to mark the graduation of 339 new soldiers from the 36th intake, a class that honors legendary Haitian figure François Capois.

    In a charged atmosphere brimming with national pride, the newly minted service members took a formal oath of allegiance to Haiti. The new recruits pledged to uphold the country’s constitution and committed their service to protecting and defending the Haitian nation. Over four months of rigorous foundational training led by seasoned military instructors and mentors, the cohort not only mastered core combat and operational skills but also completed specialized coursework focused on human rights standards, gender equality, and civilian protection protocols. Of the 339 graduates, 200 will progress to advanced specialized training to reinforce the military’s existing operational task forces.

    Addressing attendees and graduates at the ceremony, Colonel Neoxles P. Arné, the FAd’H’s head of training, extended a formal welcome to the new soldiers. He urged the cohort to uphold strict discipline, demonstrate mature judgment, and cultivate a relentless sense of duty as they step into their new roles defending the country. Colonel Arné also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful training of the 36th class, and highlighted a growing trend of strong interest in military careers among Haiti’s youth, a development he called encouraging for the future of the armed forces.

    The graduation and upcoming recruitment push form part of a broader strategy by Haiti’s Ministry of Defense to shore up the military’s operational capabilities amid a rapidly deteriorating domestic security landscape. The ministry’s end-of-year target is to bring roughly 3,000 new trained soldiers into the FAd’H ranks. Already, 570 qualified applicants are scheduled to begin their four-month basic training at Vertières Base in the third week of May. Looking ahead, the ministry will launch a recruitment drive for an additional 1,200 new soldiers in the immediate coming days. To facilitate this effort, three new recruitment offices will open shortly at the Anacaona Military Base, Petit-Goâve, and Les Cayes.

    Infrastructure upgrades are also underway to support the expanded training pipeline. Once planned renovations to FAd’H training facilities are complete, the military will be able to train up to 900 new soldiers every four months: 500 candidates at the Vertières site and a further 400 at the Anacaona base, putting the force on track to meet its year-end expansion goals.