Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica respond as partial US travel restrictions set to take effect in the new year

    Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica respond as partial US travel restrictions set to take effect in the new year

    The United States has announced significant visa restrictions targeting multiple nations, including Caribbean counterparts Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, citing national security concerns related to their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. The policy shift, declared by the White House on December 16, 2025, will take effect January 1, 2026.

    This development represents an expansion of existing travel limitations, now encompassing twenty additional countries across Africa and the Caribbean. The restrictions specifically apply to B1/B2 business/tourist visas, F and M student visas, and J exchange visitor visas for applicants from these nations.

    According to the presidential proclamation, the measures aim to address perceived vulnerabilities in immigration vetting processes. The administration identified several systemic issues including inadequate document verification, unreliable criminal records, and insufficient birth registration systems in affected jurisdictions. Particular concern was directed toward CBI programs that allegedly enable identity concealment and bypass standard vetting protocols through non-residency requirements.

    Caribbean leaders have responded with both surprise and consternation. Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed ‘deep disappointment,’ asserting that recent legislative reforms have already implemented a mandatory 30-day physical residency requirement for citizenship applicants—directly contradicting the US administration’s stated concerns.

    Similarly, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted his nation’s comprehensive CBI reforms enacted in October 2025, which established enhanced due diligence procedures, stricter financial transparency mandates, and an independent regulatory authority. Both governments have initiated diplomatic channels, dispatching envoys to Washington for urgent consultations regarding the implementation scope of these restrictions.

    The policy announcement has generated uncertainty among current visa holders and applicants from affected nations, with specific implications for educational exchanges, business travel, and diplomatic relations between the US and Eastern Caribbean states.

  • Parlementaire commissie wil OM spreken over initiatiefwet inrichting rechterlijke macht

    Parlementaire commissie wil OM spreken over initiatiefwet inrichting rechterlijke macht

    Suriname’s National Assembly has taken significant steps toward judicial reform with the establishment of a special parliamentary committee mandated to engage with the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding proposed legislation on the structure of the judiciary. The committee, appointed during Monday’s administrative session, aims to initiate dialogue with judicial authorities as early as this week.

    Rabin Parmessar, leader of the National Democratic Party faction and appointed committee chair, currently oversees four distinct legislative proposals concerning judicial organization. Parmessar clarified that the decision to consult the Public Prosecutor’s Office stems from constitutional necessities rather than responding to Prosecutor General Garcia Paragsingh’s expressed concerns about the proposed laws. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to properly establishing the judicial branch as a fundamental pillar of our separation of powers,” Parmessar stated.

    Both Parmessar and fellow NDP legislator Ebu Jones emphasized that parliamentary members maintain constitutional authority to propose legislation, noting that the Prosecutor General’s public criticism through media channels occurred prematurely and without proper procedural context. Jones highlighted the established parliamentary process for legislative proposals, which involves formal submission, committee appointment during administrative sessions, and consultation with relevant stakeholders before public deliberation.

    The current situation presents a unique circumstance where four separate committees—all chaired by Parmessar—will examine constitutional amendments and judicial restructuring proposals before they became public knowledge, somewhat accelerating the typical legislative timeline.

    In parallel developments, the National Assembly established additional committees for other legislative matters, including a committee for the Sustainable Nature Management initiative led by NDP parliamentarian Rossellie Cotino. The government has identified this legislation as crucial for policy implementation, particularly following Suriname’s recent securing of $20 million in commitments from Nordic countries and international environmental institutions during the latest UN assembly. These funds remain contingent upon strengthening the legal framework for environmental conservation.

    Notably, the proposed ban on online gambling has not yet received committee assignment as it was absent from the current session’s agenda. Jones has received assurances that this proposal will be prioritized during the next parliamentary administrative meeting.

  • STATEMENT: Ministry of Foreign Affairs on US visa sanctions

    STATEMENT: Ministry of Foreign Affairs on US visa sanctions

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has formally responded to the United States government’s recent imposition of partial travel restrictions targeting Dominican nationals. The White House disclosed this diplomatic decision on December 16, 2025, with implementation scheduled for January 1, 2026.

    In an official statement, Dominican authorities acknowledged potential concerns arising from this development while emphasizing their serious and urgent approach to the matter. The government has initiated high-level communications with the United States Embassy based in Bridgetown, Barbados, seeking comprehensive clarification regarding multiple aspects of the new measures.

    Diplomatic engagements focus on three primary objectives: determining the precise scope of restrictions, understanding the foundational rationale behind the implementation, and identifying specific consequences for Dominican travelers, international students, family members, and legitimate visa holders. The government has committed to protecting citizen interests through continued collaboration with American officials to resolve identified challenges.

    Transparency remains a priority throughout these diplomatic exchanges, with authorities pledging to provide accurate information to the public as developments occur. The government has promised subsequent updates once additional details are formally confirmed through diplomatic channels.

  • Dominica seeking ‘clarification’ on US travel restriction

    Dominica seeking ‘clarification’ on US travel restriction

    ROSEAU, Dominica – The Dominican government has initiated urgent diplomatic communications with United States authorities following President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing partial travel restrictions on its nationals. The December 16, 2025 proclamation, which becomes effective January 1, 2026, also targets citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Haiti.

    In an official statement released Tuesday night, Dominica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy acknowledged the White House announcement while emphasizing its commitment to addressing concerns among Dominican citizens. The Roosevelt Skerrit administration has engaged US Embassy officials in Bridgetown, Barbados to obtain detailed clarification regarding the scope, rationale, and specific implications for Dominican travelers, students, and visa holders.

    President Trump’s executive order reinstates immigration policies from his first administration, citing national security concerns. The proclamation specifically identifies Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs—which Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda operate—as creating vetting vulnerabilities. These programs grant citizenship to foreign investors without residency requirements, which US authorities claim enables individuals to conceal identities and evade travel restrictions.

    The Trump administration asserts that the measures are necessary to protect national security against potential terrorists, public safety threats, and those who might exploit immigration laws for malevolent purposes. The order suspends entry for immigrants and non-immigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas from the affected Caribbean nations.

    Dominican officials have pledged continued cooperation with US authorities to address identified issues while protecting the interests of Dominican citizens. The government has committed to providing regular public updates as additional information becomes available.

  • Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela

    Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela

    In a dramatic intensification of pressure on Caracas, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a comprehensive naval blockade prohibiting all sanctioned oil tankers from entering or departing Venezuelan waters. This decisive action represents the most aggressive measure to date in Washington’s campaign against the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    Through an official communication on Truth Social, Trump asserted that substantial U.S. military assets have encircled Venezuela within Caribbean territories. He leveled serious accusations against the Maduro government, claiming it utilizes national petroleum resources to bankroll narco-terrorism operations, human trafficking networks, kidnapping schemes, and various illicit enterprises. The former president framed this maritime blockade as essential to halt prohibited crude exports and recover assets allegedly expropriated from United States interests.

    This blockade significantly expands ongoing U.S. naval operations in international Caribbean waters, previously justified as counter-narcotics initiatives targeting regional drug trafficking organizations. Although White House officials haven’t quantified the expected impact on tanker movements, energy analysts anticipate substantial disruptions to Venezuelan petroleum exports with potential ramifications for global oil markets.

    The escalation follows intensified activities by U.S. Southern Command, which has interdicted over thirty vessels since August accused of narcotics transportation and sanctions evasion. Most notably, American forces recently captured the sanctioned Skipper tanker—a vessel long associated with Venezuela’s so-called “shadow fleet”—while it transported crude near Venezuela’s coastline. The apprehended ship was escorted to a U.S. port where legal proceedings to confiscate its cargo are underway.

  • Cooperation : Haiti and Mexico celebrate 195 years of diplomatic relations

    Cooperation : Haiti and Mexico celebrate 195 years of diplomatic relations

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a significant demonstration of international camaraderie, Haiti and Mexico commemorated 195 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations during an official ceremony held December 16, 2025, at the Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince.

    The event, characterized by both solemn reflection and warm conviviality, assembled high-ranking officials from both nations. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé led the Haitian delegation alongside Presidential Transition Advisor Leslie Voltaire and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste. The Mexican contingent was headed by Ambassador José de Jesús Cisneros Chávez, with Haitian Ambassador to Mexico Hubert Labbé also in attendance alongside numerous diplomatic corps representatives.

    The ceremony featured the inauguration of a historical exhibition showcasing archival photographs and documents chronicling nearly two centuries of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé personally participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony that unveiled this visual narrative of international friendship.

    During the proceedings, Haitian officials reaffirmed their government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Mexico across multiple strategic sectors. The partnership prioritizes collaborative initiatives in healthcare, education, national defense, security enhancement, and agricultural development – all oriented toward sustainable development and mutual prosperity.

    Presidential Advisor Voltaire delivered an address highlighting the exemplary nature of Haitian-Mexican relations, noting their foundation in shared historical struggles for freedom and independence. He referenced Haiti’s early support for Latin American independence movements as one of history’s first instances of South-South cooperation.

    Voltaire further emphasized Mexico’s substantial contributions to Haitian development through educational scholarship programs, cultural exchanges, and technical cooperation projects. He characterized Mexico as an indispensable strategic partner in Haiti’s ongoing reconstruction and sustainable development efforts, underscoring the relationship’s evolution from historical solidarity to contemporary partnership.

  • PM Drew tables EC$1 billion budget addressing government priorities for 2026

    PM Drew tables EC$1 billion budget addressing government priorities for 2026

    In a comprehensive parliamentary address spanning nearly five hours on December 16, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew presented a transformative EC$1.07 billion national budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The financial blueprint outlines a strategic shift away from dependency on the Citizenship by Investment Programme while addressing critical national priorities including healthcare enhancement, economic expansion, crime reduction, infrastructure modernization, and cost-of-living mitigation measures.

    The budget framework establishes a three-year fiscal strategy emphasizing strengthened public financial management, increased governmental transparency, and improved service delivery mechanisms. Dr. Drew highlighted the necessity of this approach given current economic challenges, particularly declining CBI revenues that have traditionally served as the Federation’s primary economic pillar.

    Financial projections indicate total revenue and grants for 2026 are estimated at $894.8 million, with recurrent revenue expected to reach $855.7 million. The government anticipates recurrent expenditure of $879.8 million for 2026, alongside capital expenditure and net lending projected at $167.2 million. Medium-term forecasts suggest revenue growth to $899.1 million with average annual expenditure of $892.4 million for 2027-2028.

    The budget addresses the 2025 fiscal deficit, where government expenditure reached $1.04 billion (35.6% of GDP) against revenues of $732.7 million. Public debt is projected to rise to $1.7 billion by year-end 2025, underscoring the need for fiscal reforms.

    Notably, the Prime Minister announced that public servants will receive traditional double salary payments, while government officials and their advisers will be excluded from this benefit. The administration has committed to implementing tax policy reforms designed to create a more equitable and modernized tax system supported by enhanced compliance measures.

  • FLASH : Citizens of 34 countries affected by total or partial restrictions on entering the USA

    FLASH : Citizens of 34 countries affected by total or partial restrictions on entering the USA

    In a significant expansion of immigration restrictions, the Trump administration has enacted sweeping travel limitations affecting citizens from 34 countries through executive action. The updated policy, implemented on December 16, 2025, introduces a comprehensive framework of entry prohibitions targeting specific nations based on security assessments and diplomatic considerations.

    The revised travel ban now imposes complete entry restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, including seven newly added nations: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria. This expansion builds upon existing restrictions initially implemented in June 2025, which previously targeted 12 countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

    Additionally, the executive order establishes partial travel restrictions for citizens of 15 countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These partial restrictions vary in scope and application based on visa categories and specific circumstances.

    Notably, the policy also prohibits entry to individuals holding travel documentation issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority, reflecting broader diplomatic considerations in the administration’s immigration framework.

    The expanded restrictions represent the most comprehensive travel ban implemented during President Trump’s administration, significantly altering entry protocols for affected nationals and generating substantial implications for international travel, diplomatic relations, and global mobility patterns. The policy continues to prioritize national security concerns while reshaping America’s immigration landscape through executive authority.

  • Israeli Embassy recognizes Dominican institutions for security cooperation

    Israeli Embassy recognizes Dominican institutions for security cooperation

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Israeli Embassy in the Dominican Republic hosted a formal awards ceremony this Tuesday to honor multiple Dominican security institutions for their outstanding collaboration in protection operations. The event, organized by the embassy’s Security Division, brought together representatives from various branches of the Dominican security apparatus that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to safeguarding Israeli diplomatic interests.

    Israeli Ambassador Raslan Abu Rukun addressed attendees, emphasizing the critical nature of international security partnerships amid growing global security challenges. “The professionalism and unwavering dedication of Dominican authorities have been instrumental in maintaining the security of our diplomatic mission,” Ambassador Rukun stated, expressing profound appreciation for the collaborative efforts.

    The Embassy’s Head of Security provided additional context, noting that the coordinated response mechanisms and rapid intervention capabilities of Dominican institutions have created an effective protective shield against potential threats. This security partnership, he emphasized, transcends routine protocol and represents a deeper mutual commitment to protecting lives and maintaining stability.

    Distinguished units receiving recognition included the Ministry of Defense, National Intelligence Directorate, National Police, National Drug Control Directorate, Dominican Army, CESAC, and several specialized tactical units. The ceremony highlighted specific instances of successful cooperation that have enhanced security protocols for the diplomatic mission.

    The Israeli Embassy formally reaffirmed its commitment to expanding security coordination with the Dominican Republic, noting that such cooperation not only ensures physical protection but also strengthens the foundational bonds between the two nations. This bilateral security arrangement represents a model of international partnership that benefits both countries’ strategic interests while fostering greater diplomatic trust and operational synergy.

  • Dominica and Antigua added to U.S. entry restrictions under Trump proclamation

    Dominica and Antigua added to U.S. entry restrictions under Trump proclamation

    The United States has significantly expanded its travel restriction policies targeting several Caribbean nations, citing substantial national security vulnerabilities. President Donald Trump’s December 16th proclamation adds Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to existing entry limitations previously imposed on Haiti and Cuba.

    The executive order specifically identifies weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems as creating unacceptable risks for American security agencies. According to the document, these deficiencies severely hinder the U.S. government’s ability to conduct thorough vetting procedures for travelers seeking entry into the country.

    Haiti continues to face comprehensive entry suspensions covering both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel categories. Cuba maintains its partial restrictions across similar visa classifications. The newly designated nations—Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—now face specific limitations that bar their nationals from entering the United States as immigrants or on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.

    A central concern highlighted in the proclamation involves Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs operated by both newly added countries. These initiatives permit individuals to obtain citizenship through financial investment without establishing residency, creating potential pathways for citizens from restricted countries to acquire new passports and apply for U.S. visas under different nationalities.

    U.S. law enforcement and State Department assessments have historically identified CBI programs as vulnerable to exploitation, including identity concealment, asset hiding, and circumvention of existing travel and financial restrictions.

    Notably exempt from the restrictions are lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on passports from non-designated countries, specific diplomatic and official visa categories, and individuals attending major international sporting events. Refugees and asylees already within the United States also remain exempt, with the proclamation explicitly preserving rights to seek humanitarian protections under U.S. law.

    The restrictions will become effective at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, with mandatory reviews scheduled every 180 days to assess whether measures should be continued, modified, or terminated. The U.S. government will concurrently engage with affected nations to improve screening, vetting, and information-sharing protocols.