Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Johnson Explains Decision to Leave Independent Senate Seat

    Johnson Explains Decision to Leave Independent Senate Seat

    In a significant political transition, Senator Kiz Johnson has articulated her rationale for abandoning an independent role to join the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), emphasizing a critical shift from advocacy to actionable authority. Addressing the Upper House during the 2026 budget debate on Wednesday, Johnson revealed that her appointment as an independent senator in January 2023, while initially valuable for amplifying non-partisan citizen concerns, ultimately proved insufficient for driving tangible change.

    Johnson’s political evolution was catalyzed by her experiences representing the nation internationally and domestically, which illuminated the structural limitations of an appointed position. She reached a definitive conclusion that speaking on behalf of constituents ‘without the authority to act’ had reached its functional limit. This realization culminated in her formal resignation on October 24, 2024, followed by a successful campaign in the ABLP primary for St. Philip’s South on December 4, 2025.

    The Senator framed her move not as a rejection of her independent tenure but as a necessary response to a clear constituency mandate. Now seated with the government majority, Johnson underscored her commitment to transitioning ‘from influence to impact,’ crediting Prime Minister Gaston Browne for fostering a talent-inclusive and people-centered administration. She asserted that legislative seats are instrumental platforms for delivering measurable outcomes rather than mere honorific titles.

    Her declaration coincided with ongoing deliberations on the 2026 Appropriations Bill, where Johnson identified education and human-capital development as foundational to her legislative agenda, signaling her prioritized focus for substantive governance contributions.

  • Tienduizenden boeren protesteren in Brussel tegen Mercosur-verdrag

    Tienduizenden boeren protesteren in Brussel tegen Mercosur-verdrag

    Thousands of European farmers descended upon Brussels on Thursday, mobilizing agricultural vehicles in a massive demonstration against the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The protest coincided with a critical summit where European leaders are scheduled to deliberate on the contentious trade pact with the South American bloc.

    Organizers reported approximately 10,000 agricultural producers from 26 EU member states converged on the Belgian capital to voice their opposition. The timing was strategically aligned with high-level discussions concerning the European budget and the future trajectory of agricultural policy beyond 2027.

    At the heart of the protest lies farmers’ profound concerns regarding market competition. They argue the agreement—which would open European markets to agricultural products from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—creates fundamentally unequal conditions. European producers fear being undercut by cheaper South American imports, potentially destabilizing price structures and threatening their economic viability.

    The demonstration featured a convoy of tractors and displayed numerous banners amplifying their message through Brussels’ streets. This mobilization represents the latest in a series of coordinated actions by agricultural organizations across the EU, opposing both the Mercosur agreement and proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy.

    The Mercosur pact, subject to prolonged and intense negotiations, faces renewed scrutiny during current EU deliberations. France and Italy have already expressed reservations about supporting the agreement, influenced significantly by pressure from agricultural constituencies. This opposition casts considerable uncertainty on the ratification process.

    These developments highlight the growing tension between free trade ambitions and the protection of European agricultural interests. The coming days are poised to determine the fate of the Mercosur agreement and its acceptance within the European Union.

  • MIREX: Ministry of Justice will deepen protection of human rights

    MIREX: Ministry of Justice will deepen protection of human rights

    The Dominican Republic has embarked on a significant institutional reform with the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Justice, a move hailed by government officials as a transformative advancement for human rights protection. During a commemorative panel in Santo Domingo marking International Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) outlined the structural innovation at the core of this initiative: the creation of a specialized Vice Ministry focused exclusively on human rights.

    This institutional redesign aligns with the third axis of Dominican foreign policy and aims to bridge the gap between national policy implementation and international human rights commitments. Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez articulated the government’s vision, emphasizing that human rights constitute the foundational principle of state action. He announced MIREX’s intention to forge a strategic partnership with the new ministry, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to democratic values and effective multilateral engagement.

    Panel participants, including representatives from MIREX, the Executive Branch, and the Attorney General’s Office, concurred that the ministry would address a longstanding institutional void in human rights management. The new framework is expected to enhance inter-agency coordination while improving mechanisms for violation prevention, accountability, and citizen access to justice. Minister Álvarez further called for collaborative support from public institutions, academic circles, the private sector, and civil society to build a comprehensive protection system.

    The announcement comes as the Dominican Republic strengthens its international human rights profile, having joined the UN Human Rights Council in 2023. This membership reflects the country’s growing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and advancing human rights advocacy on the global stage.

  • BWU head stresses job security, fair treatment in public service

    BWU head stresses job security, fair treatment in public service

    During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Barbados government backbencher Toni Moore delivered a critical assessment of the nation’s public service compensation system, acknowledging governmental progress while highlighting persistent administrative failures affecting contracted workers. The St George North MP, who also serves as general secretary of the Barbados Workers Union, characterized these issues as creating widespread discontent within the public sector.

    Moore recognized the current administration’s advancements compared to what she described as “nine years of zero movement” under previous leadership. However, she emphasized that fundamental problems continue to plague the system, particularly regarding delayed payments for acting positions, temporary appointments, and other entitled compensations.

    The parliamentarian illustrated the systemic nature of these failures by recounting specific instances where contractual employees experienced payment disruptions due to inter-ministerial oversights. “These are situations that are not acceptable,” Moore stated, “and they are situations in which the people who are responsible should be held accountable.”

    Moore joined opposition leader Ralph Thorne in criticizing the excessive reliance on contractual arrangements for positions that clearly require permanent staffing. She referenced approximately 720 workers who have remained on service contracts for over five years despite performing essential ongoing functions. This practice, initially justified during Barbados’ IMF program, now requires urgent reconsideration according to the MP.

    The legislator detailed how this contractual instability creates cascading consequences, denying workers job security, access to credit facilities, and proper national insurance coverage. She particularly emphasized how financial institutions hesitate to extend loans to workers without guaranteed income streams, creating additional financial hardships during periods like Christmas.

    Moore further warned that these practices undermine the sustainability of Barbados’ National Insurance system, potentially jeopardizing retirement security for thousands of workers. She questioned how the system could remain viable while excluding contractual workers from proper coverage.

    The MP concluded by expressing hope for prompt resolution of these issues, emphasizing that the current situation fails both workers and the national interest.

  • PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    In response to mounting public criticism over the mishandled investigation into Joseph Budna’s abduction case, the Belizean government under Prime Minister John Briceño is advancing legislative measures to enhance governmental accountability. Cabinet-level deliberations have focused on establishing an independent investigative mechanism, drawing inspiration from successful Caribbean models, with Jamaica’s system receiving particular attention.

    Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the administration’s commitment to developing a transparency framework that avoids political weaponization. “We’ve conducted extensive Cabinet discussions recognizing the need to examine effective Caribbean models rather than exclusively American approaches,” Briceño stated. “While many Belizeans are familiar with American television portrayals of law enforcement, we’re particularly interested in Jamaica’s successful implementation of independent oversight.”

    The proposed legislation aims to create safeguards preventing current and future governments from exploiting the investigative process for political targeting. Briceño reiterated this critical balance, noting that the system must maintain independence while preventing partisan manipulation against political opponents. The initiative represents a direct response to the Budna investigation fallout, which exposed significant deficiencies in current accountability mechanisms.

    This policy shift signals the administration’s attempt to restore public confidence through institutional reforms rather than temporary measures, potentially establishing new standards for governmental transparency in Belize’s political landscape.

  • Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    In a significant leadership transition within Belize’s national security apparatus, Captain Gregory Soberanis has been designated as the Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard. This interim appointment follows the reassignment of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the former Commandant, who has been elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.

    The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security formally announced the strategic personnel shift this week, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining operational continuity. Captain Soberanis, who previously served as Vice Commandant, will helm the coast guard’s operations pending a formal confirmation process by Prime Minister John Briceño’s administration.

    Government officials expressed unequivocal confidence in Captain Soberanis’s capabilities to ensure both stability and effectiveness during this transitional phase. The ministry’s statement highlighted the critical nature of seamless leadership changes within institutions fundamental to Belize’s maritime security and border protection framework. This development represents the latest in a series of strategic appointments aimed at strengthening national security governance under the current administration.

  • Politic : Towards a strong and forward-looking Haitian diplomacy

    Politic : Towards a strong and forward-looking Haitian diplomacy

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a landmark gathering at the Kinam Hotel on December 17, 2025, Haiti’s top leadership convened the nation’s entire diplomatic corps for a transformative conference aimed at reshaping the country’s international engagement. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé inaugurated the two-day 4th Conference of Haitian Ambassadors, themed “Haitian Diplomacy Serving National Priorities,” which brought together the highest echelons of Haiti’s transitional government and foreign service.

    The high-level assembly featured Laurent Saint Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council, alongside Council Advisors Leslie Voltaire, Smith Augustin, and Régine Abraham. Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste joined government officials, state dignitaries, and the complete roster of Haitian ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and consuls stationed abroad. Representatives from the diplomatic corps accredited to Haiti also participated in the strategic dialogue.

    This conference initiates a comprehensive 25-year strategic roadmap for Haiti’s foreign policy, seeking to enhance coordination between the central administration and overseas missions while modernizing operational standards across diplomatic posts. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé opened proceedings by acknowledging the challenging environment in which diplomats operate, recognizing their efforts to maintain Haiti’s international standing amid severe security, humanitarian, and political crises.

    The Prime Minister delivered a forceful address outlining his administration’s methodical approach to national security, declaring: “My government is acting methodically, courageously, and consistently. Security remains the cornerstone of our actions—the fundamental prerequisite for national survival and dignity. Without security, there can be no functional state, viable economy, genuine democracy, or human dignity. Armed gangs represent not social actors but enemies of the Republic.” He challenged diplomatic personnel to embrace an active, strategic approach centered on mutually beneficial international partnerships.

    Transitional Council Coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr echoed these sentiments while emphasizing the critical need for collective mobilization. He issued an urgent appeal to ambassadors to vigorously defend national interests through strengthened alliances and sacrificial commitment. Saint-Cyr identified four paramount priorities: security restoration, credible elections, humanitarian response, and economic recovery. He explicitly called for diplomats who demonstrate active engagement rather than passive observance, emphasizing solidarity and mission-focused dedication to restoring Haitian confidence and dignity.

    Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste reinforced the vision for a coherent, proactive diplomacy aligned with national priorities, highlighting specific objectives including enhanced mission management, improved international perception, and consolidated global presence. The conference agenda addressed additional critical themes such as immigration policy, diaspora integration, diplomatic service reform, youth engagement, and increased women’s leadership within foreign policy decision-making.

  • Belcan Bridge Project Advances; Bids Open January

    Belcan Bridge Project Advances; Bids Open January

    The protracted Belcan Bridge initiative in Belize has entered a new phase of development, with the bidding process scheduled to commence in January 2025. This critical infrastructure project has been officially restored under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) following what Minister Julius Espat characterizes as persistent and successful lobbying efforts.

    Minister Espat clarified the ministerial transition, emphasizing that the project’s relocation from Belize City Council oversight to MIDH control resulted from strategic advocacy rather than protest. “We call it lobbying,” Espat stated during press inquiries. “We are proud that MIDH is the ministry responsible for infrastructure. We have proven that with time. We have the capability, we have experience, we have working relationships with external partners.”

    The project, originally conceived in 2021 as an MIDH initiative, encountered complications during the City Council’s tenure as executing agency, including allegations of design plagiarism involving a Lebanese firm. Minister Espat confirmed that MIDH would revert to utilizing its original bridge design to circumvent ongoing copyright concerns, stating firmly: “I only defend the Belizean professional and I stand with that at all times.”

    When questioned about potential intergovernmental friction with city authorities, Espat dismissed such notions, noting that the Belize City Council remains appreciative of the infrastructure investment. “We started this from 2021. It was our initiative to look out for the city, and we started it from scratch. I don’t think they can be unhappy,” Espat remarked, emphasizing the dual benefit for both Belize City and the nation at large.

    The Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s ultimate authority in the jurisdictional decision, confirming that the project’s green light must originate from the executive level before MIDH can commence implementation.

  • Recent Double Murder Sparks Julius Espat’s Call for Change

    Recent Double Murder Sparks Julius Espat’s Call for Change

    In a stark address to the nation, Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat has delivered a grave assessment of Belize’s deteriorating security landscape, drawing alarming parallels to widespread Latin American instability. The legislator’s urgent call for comprehensive reform follows the brutal double homicide of two constituents—Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford—along the Hummingbird Highway on December 17, 2025.

    Espat characterized the current trajectory as ‘dangerous’ and warned Belize risks mirroring regional security failures where civilian armed protection becomes normalized. ‘Nobody wants their loved ones to be killed in that manner,’ Espat stated, acknowledging the profound grief affecting families in Roaring Creek and nationwide.

    The parliamentarian outlined a multi-faceted approach to combat escalating violence, emphasizing the necessity of public consultations, enhanced punitive measures, and intelligently crafted regulations. While acknowledging he isn’t a security specialist, Espat expressed confidence in recently appointed leadership at the Ministry of Home Affairs, particularly highlighting the experienced Chief Executive Officer now overseeing operations.

    Espat revealed that governmental structures are actively developing proposals for cabinet consideration, with guaranteed financial backing being prioritized. However, he cautioned that regulatory measures must accompany public awareness campaigns to prevent negative reactions stemming from inadequate information dissemination.

    The timing of this security alert coincides with political developments elsewhere in government, as Minister Ferguson appears to regain standing within the Prime Minister’s administration, suggesting potential shifts in Belize’s governing coalition amid the crisis.

  • Why Julius Espat Skipped the Orange Look

    Why Julius Espat Skipped the Orange Look

    Belize’s Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his sartorial choice during a parliamentary session dedicated to domestic violence awareness. While all other government representatives wore bright orange guayaberas to show solidarity with victims, Espat stood out as the sole official who opted for different attire.

    In an exclusive interview, Minister Espat clarified that his decision was not an act of political defiance but rather a matter of personal comfort and preference. “No rebellion. I am just comfortable in who I am and I was comfortable in what I wore,” Espat stated, acknowledging the negative public reaction to his choice.

    The minister revealed that no customized orange shirt had been provided to him beforehand, though he expressed full support for the awareness initiative itself. Reflecting on the public response, Espat proposed an alternative approach for future campaigns: “I personally believe that if we would have worn a white guayabera with an orange ribbon it would have been professional and send the signal.”

    Espat characterized the situation as a learning opportunity for government officials, noting that while the intention behind the orange shirt campaign was positive, the execution drew mixed public reactions. He emphasized the importance of adapting to public sentiment while maintaining support for worthy causes like domestic violence awareness.