Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Ambassador Webson Advocates for Innovative Climate Finance and Regional Resilience Architecture in Trinidad and Tobago

    Ambassador Webson Advocates for Innovative Climate Finance and Regional Resilience Architecture in Trinidad and Tobago

    Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, positioned the survival of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as the central focus of high-level deliberations during the 22nd Meeting of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) Monitoring Committee. The December 8-9 conference in Trinidad and Tobago, convened under the theme “Unlocking Caribbean Potential: Enhancing Growth and Development through South-South Cooperation,” featured Ambassador Webson’s pivotal contributions alongside First Secretary Claxton Duberry from the Antigua and Barbuda Mission in New York.

    During a distinguished panel addressing “Financing for Development: Increasing Caribbean Access to Climate Finance and Innovative Financing Mechanisms,” Ambassador Webson delivered a compelling address blending urgency with optimism for the Caribbean’s future. He characterized the current juncture as a definitive turning point that would shape the region’s resilience and prosperity throughout the coming decade. Drawing upon the transformative principles outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS 2024–2034), the ambassador implored fellow delegates to recognize this framework as both a generational commitment and a solemn promise toward achieving sustainable development for Caribbean communities and all SIDS nations.

    The diplomat articulated how Caribbean SIDS remain constrained within a global financial architecture that penalizes vulnerability while employing evaluation metrics that systematically ignore climate risks. With more than 40% of SIDS currently experiencing or approaching debt distress, Ambassador Webson emphasized the critical necessity for revised financing regulations, enhanced financial instruments, and a strategic regional transition from post-disaster recovery to proactive resilience building.

    Central to this transformative vision is the newly established SIDS Centre of Excellence, which the ambassador described as an innovative initiative that would leverage cutting-edge tools to pioneer novel approaches to climate-resilient development. Among the groundbreaking measures highlighted were the operationalization of the Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) as a cornerstone mechanism, alongside efforts to simplify and accelerate access to climate finance.

    Additional strategic proposals included the expansion of debt-for-climate swaps, the introduction of structured resilience bonds, and the development of domestic currency financing alternatives. Ambassador Webson further advocated for strengthening regional mechanisms through shock-responsive social protection systems, innovative disaster insurance products, resilience reserves, and comprehensive drought and heat-response frameworks.

    “The Caribbean does not lack investment opportunity — it lacks risk alignment,” Ambassador Webson asserted, challenging international financial institutions to forge partnerships combining public, concessional, and private capital that properly align financing mechanisms with climate realities.

  • Govt defends two per cent minimum wage rise ‘compromise’

    Govt defends two per cent minimum wage rise ‘compromise’

    The Barbadian government has formally implemented a two per cent elevation in both national and sectoral minimum wages, effective January 2026. Labour Minister Colin Jordan staunchly defended this policy decision, characterizing it as a carefully calibrated measure that strikes an equitable balance between bolstering low-income workers and preserving corporate profitability.

    During a press briefing at Illaro Court, Minister Jordan elaborated that this incremental adjustment aims to alleviate financial strain on the most vulnerable earners while maintaining business sector stability. The adjustment elevates the national minimum wage from $10.50 to $10.71 hourly—a 21-cent increase—while security guards will see their sectoral minimum rise from $11.43 to $11.66 per hour.

    Minister Jordan emphasized the government’s commitment to predictable, annual wage indexing since its establishment in the 2025 Budget. He revealed that official notifications regarding the January implementation were disseminated as early as March 2025, providing approximately eight months’ advance notice to employers and stakeholders.

    Addressing concerns from some business operators who expressed surprise at the announcement, Jordan maintained that communication had been both timely and unambiguous. He urged employers to remain vigilant about labor policy developments while focusing on core business operations.

    The Minister provided historical context, noting that Barbados had no official minimum wage until the Mottley administration instituted one in April 2021. Previous wage regulations only covered shop assistants and domestic workers under the Shops Act. The most recent significant adjustment occurred six months prior, when rates jumped from $8.50 to $10.50 nationally and from $9.25 to $11.43 for security personnel.

    Jordan confirmed that the Minimum Wage Board has commenced comprehensive analysis of the June 2025 increase’s economic impact. This evaluation will inform development of a scientifically-grounded indexing model tailored to Barbados’ specific economic conditions. While international frameworks have been examined, no domestic model has been finalized yet. Cabinet will ultimately determine policy based on the board’s recommendations.

    Regarding inflationary pressures, Jordan acknowledged that imported inflation affects Barbados significantly, but asserted that the two per cent adjustment remains modest compared to global inflation trends. He framed the increase as essential for worker subsistence, noting that the additional 21 cents hourly could determine whether workers can afford basic protein sources to accompany their staple meals.

  • Column: De feiten achter de stoelendans

    Column: De feiten achter de stoelendans

    In Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, recent administrative reshuffling continues to be officially characterized as “policy restructuring” and “professionalization.” However, mounting evidence reveals these personnel changes represent nothing more than deeply entrenched political gamesmanship and ethnic patronage systems that have long plagued the nation’s governance.

    The pattern emerges with striking clarity when examining recent political transitions. During the previous administration—when VHP and NPS parties collaborated—VHP Minister Henry Ori exploited the rupture with NPS to systematically replace predominantly non-Hindustani executives aligned with NPS with officials from his own Hindustani support base. Now, under a new power constellation, the identical maneuver unfolds in reverse: primarily Hindustani officials are being dismissed while some NPS-affiliated personnel previously ousted by Ori are being reinstated.

    This cyclical pattern of removal, replacement, and reinstatement isn’t anomalous—it constitutes the fundamental operating system. Framing these changes as merit-based discussions inadvertently creates dangerous stigmatization by suggesting Hindustani experts are being replaced by non-Hindustani incompetents, or vice versa. The reality remains that expertise bears minimal consideration, overshadowed by partisan shortsightedness with strong ethnic motivations.

    The dangerous fallacy lies in characterizing this musical chairs exercise as a debate about qualifications. Accepting this framing perpetuates the precise ethnic stigma society must avoid. While some suggest discrimination based on race and political affiliation, this not only misrepresents reality but creates an ethnic smokescreen obscuring the core issue.

    For the officials appointed and replaced, the process becomes a mockery—they serve merely as political pawns deployed not based on competency but partisan grudges. What requires acknowledgment is that these have become political positions, and political positions inevitably change hands with administrative transitions. While not inherently unusual globally, Suriname’s process occurs without framework, transparency, and consistently along ethnic lines, rendering it particularly destructive.

    Suriname might benefit from examining established democracies like the United States, which maintains a clear distinction between political appointees (temporary, administration-linked positions) and career officials (diplomats, civil servants, policy analysts who remain regardless of electoral outcomes). This system preserves both stability and neutrality.

    Suriname lacks—or insufficiently defines—this crucial distinction. Consequently, bureaucratic functions and political appointments remain toys of political immaturity, with each new administration resetting progress while citizens bear the consequences. The time has arrived to definitively classify which positions are truly political and which are not, to terminate ethnically-charg appointment traditions, and to construct a professional, stable, and depoliticized apparatus where career civil servants serve based on expertise rather than partisan interests.

    Until these reforms materialize, Suriname remains trapped in the same cycle: petty political games infused with ethnic tensions producing significant consequences. Ultimately, the nation invariably pays the price.

  • Dominican Republic recognized at NovaGob Awards for Zero Bureaucracy program

    Dominican Republic recognized at NovaGob Awards for Zero Bureaucracy program

    MADRID – The Dominican Republic has achieved international recognition for its groundbreaking digital governance initiative, receiving the NovaGob Excellence Award 2025 for Digital Transformation. The nation’s ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ program, designed to eliminate administrative redundancy and enhance governmental efficiency, was honored during a ceremony at Madrid’s historic Casa de la Panadería.

    Edgar Batista, Director of the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC), accepted the award on behalf of the Dominican government. In his address, Batista emphasized that the initiative represents more than technological adoption—it signifies a fundamental restructuring of state operations with citizen needs at its core. ‘This recognition validates our commitment to building a modern, efficient, and people-centered public administration,’ Batista stated, highlighting the program’s focus on prioritizing citizens’ time and reducing procedural burdens.

    The Zero Bureaucracy initiative forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy to enhance institutional efficiency and transparency through digital innovation. By streamlining processes, removing regulatory obstacles, and integrating digital services, the program aims to create a more agile and accessible public sector for both citizens and businesses.

    Established under Decree 640-20, the program operates through an inter-institutional commission coordinated by the Ministry of the Presidency, the Ministry of Public Administration, OGTIC, and the National Competitiveness Council. Numerous government entities are actively integrating their services into this centralized platform.

    The NovaGob Excellence Awards represent one of Latin America’s most prestigious recognitions for public-sector innovation, celebrating projects that improve governance and citizen engagement. This achievement solidifies the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation and state modernization efforts.

  • Belize Tightens Free Zone Security in ‘Northern Fortress’

    Belize Tightens Free Zone Security in ‘Northern Fortress’

    The Government of Belize has initiated a comprehensive security enhancement program dubbed ‘Operation Northern Fortress’ to address growing concerns about organized crime infiltration at the northern border region. This $8 million initiative represents a significant escalation in border protection measures, featuring strengthened cooperation with Mexican authorities and increased military presence along the Rio Hondo waterway.

    In a strategic governmental reorganization, Prime Minister John Briceño has merged the Enterprise ministry with Home Affairs, placing Minister Oscar Mira at the helm of the security operation. Minister Mira has committed to regular consultations with Free Zone leadership to ensure business operations can continue without security concerns.

    The Belize Coast Guard has intensified patrols along the border river, resulting in recent interdictions of illicit cargo staged outside the Free Zone perimeter, believed to be destined for Mexican criminal networks. While authorities acknowledge they cannot yet confirm specific criminal organizations behind these operations, the increased vigilance reflects the seriousness of the threat.

    Concurrent with these operational changes, the government has inaugurated new infrastructure developments to support security efforts. The recently completed Santa Elena/Corozal Free Zone Access Road has been designed to improve safety, traffic management, and operational efficiency. To further bolster security capabilities, the Corozal Free Zone investors have donated an All-Terrain Vehicle valued at $39,813.18 to enhance police patrols within the zone and along the border area. Additionally, a dedicated headquarters facility has been established for Belize Defense Force personnel stationed in the region.

    Minister Mira emphasized that these measures extend beyond symbolic gestures, noting that security breaches have previously endangered businesses, officers, and civilians. The strategy emerged from bimonthly interagency meetings involving customs, immigration, police, military, agricultural health authorities, and Free Zone management, where candid discussions about security challenges yielded practical solutions.

  • Government Tightens Free Zone Security Push

    Government Tightens Free Zone Security Push

    The Belizean government has launched a significant security enhancement initiative for the Corozal Free Zone and surrounding border regions, marking a coordinated effort between national defense and domestic security agencies. This strategic move represents a concrete implementation of the broader Plan Belize 2.0 framework aimed at fortifying national stability.

    In a ceremonial handover on December 11, 2025, security officials received newly constructed living quarters for deployed military personnel and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) specifically designated for enhanced patrol operations within the free trade area and along the perimeter borders. This equipment transfer symbolizes the operational synergy between the Ministry of Defense & Border Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs & Enterprise.

    Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Border Defense & Border Security, emphasized the critical nature of inter-ministerial cooperation in addressing transnational security challenges. “This collaborative approach demonstrates our commitment to maintaining Belize’s security integrity through practical measures,” Minister Marin stated during the handover ceremony.

    The initiative stands as a testament to successful public-private partnership models, highlighting open communication channels and shared objectives between government entities and private stakeholders. While these measures represent substantial progress, questions remain regarding their sufficiency in completely securing Belize’s most active border marketplace against persistent security vulnerabilities.

  • Politic : Laurent Saint-Cyr, on an official trip to Washington D.C.

    Politic : Laurent Saint-Cyr, on an official trip to Washington D.C.

    WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant diplomatic move, Haiti’s Interim President and Transition Council Coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr commenced a pivotal two-day mission to the United States capital on December 11, 2025. This high-stakes visit represents a crucial effort by Haiti’s transitional leadership to address the nation’s multifaceted crisis through international cooperation.

    The Washington mission focuses on securing essential international backing for two critical initiatives: the rapid deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the comprehensive implementation of the Organization of American States (OAS) Roadmap. These parallel efforts constitute the foundation of Haiti’s strategy to restore national security and establish conditions conducive to democratic processes.

    This diplomatic engagement follows productive discussions held in New York on December 9 regarding international contributions to the GSF, where several nations and global partners expressed concrete support for the security initiative. During his Washington visit, Saint-Cyr will participate in the OAS-convened Group of Friends of Haiti meeting alongside numerous high-level bilateral, regional, and multilateral discussions.

    The agenda centers on three priority areas: enhancing security measures, coordinating humanitarian response efforts, and establishing frameworks for credible electoral processes. The OAS Roadmap, developed through collaborative dialogue between the international organization and Haitian authorities, will feature prominently in all negotiations.

    Saint-Cyr emphasized the Transitional Council’s dedication to strengthening strategic alliances and reinvigorating Haiti’s diplomatic presence to effectively combat the security crisis, protect vulnerable populations, and create necessary conditions for free and inclusive elections. The interim president is scheduled to return to Port-au-Prince on December 13, 2025, following the conclusion of these critical diplomatic meetings.

  • Dorpen presenteren visie op ontwikkeling en grondenrechten aan president

    Dorpen presenteren visie op ontwikkeling en grondenrechten aan president

    In a landmark ceremony at the National Assembly building, President Jennifer Simons formally received comprehensive development plans from villages in Suriname’s Coeroenie and Matawai regions. These documents represent a significant step in regional decentralization, outlining community-driven priorities across social, economic, and ecological dimensions.

    The ceremony marked the culmination of an extensive eighteen-month participatory planning process conducted in collaboration with the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), various government ministries, and non-governmental organizations. ACT Regional Director Minu Parahoe explained that methodologies were adapted from regional models to suit Suriname’s unique context, with villages establishing their development vision through traditional krutu consultations.

    President Simons praised the initiative as demonstrating village communities’ readiness to assume greater responsibility within regional development and decentralization processes. ‘We’re building a model where district residents can determine their own development direction,’ Simons stated. ‘Indigenous and tribal peoples have long practiced local governance, but this must now be structurally integrated into the national governance system.’

    The development plans also provide crucial input for ongoing land rights recognition efforts. Simons emphasized that collaboration with traditional authorities remains essential for achieving sustainable solutions, according to the Communication Service Suriname.

    Current progress indicates completed plans for approximately ten villages in the Upper Saramacca region within the Matawai area, while downstream communities are still determining their participation. In Southern Suriname, eight of nine indigenous villages have expressed interest, with five already possessing finalized documents. ACT anticipates further participation from tribal communities in coastal regions.

    These formally submitted plans now create expectation among communities that their priorities will be incorporated into the government’s national development policies, representing a transformative approach to inclusive governance in Suriname.

  • Harold Lovell Returns to a Rousing Welcome as the UPP Candidate for All Saints West

    Harold Lovell Returns to a Rousing Welcome as the UPP Candidate for All Saints West

    Following a year-long tenure as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell has returned to Antigua and Barbuda with a transformed perspective on governance and public service. The seasoned politician, who represented All Saints West constituency since 2009, describes his academic interlude not as a withdrawal from politics but as a strategic period of intellectual renewal.

    Lovell’s departure from frontline politics followed two significant events in 2023: a razor-thin electoral defeat by just six votes in St. John’s City East and his subsequent resignation as UPP Political Leader. Rather than viewing these developments as endpoints, he embraced them as opportunities for recalibration and growth.

    His academic engagement in Canada provided unexpected inspiration through daily interactions with international students and scholars. These exchanges fundamentally expanded his understanding of critical global challenges including climate resilience, artificial intelligence, technological transformation, and principles of effective governance. The classroom environment fostered meaningful intergenerational dialogue that reshaped his approach to Caribbean development challenges.

    ‘Teaching afforded me the extraordinary privilege of learning directly from future global leaders,’ Lovell reflected. ‘Their perspectives challenged my preconceptions and refined my vision for what a modern Caribbean society must aspire to become.’

    Addressing skeptics of his political return, Lovell emphasizes humility and evolved leadership capabilities. He notes that the core challenges facing Antigua and Barbuda remain unchanged since the previous election: persistent water shortages, alarmingly high youth unemployment, deficient infrastructure, and escalating crime rates. His international experience has equipped him with fresh methodologies and comparative insights to address these persistent issues.

    ‘Authentic leadership demands the resilience to grow, adapt, and elevate oneself to meet evolving public needs,’ Lovell asserted. ‘We are meant to evolve in our thinking and capabilities.’

    The politician’s journey underscores a fundamental philosophy: life represents a moving target requiring continuous adaptation. Lovell returns to his All Saints West constituency recommitted to public service, describing himself as ‘energized, enlightened, and prepared to confront forthcoming challenges while delivering tangible results for the community.’

  • Walker rejects claims that Pit Latrines Are Still In Use in Barbuda

    Walker rejects claims that Pit Latrines Are Still In Use in Barbuda

    Barbuda’s parliamentary representative Trevor Walker has publicly refuted claims made by a development consultant regarding sanitation conditions on the island, suggesting the misinformation may have been utilized to secure funding for a project that ultimately delivered no benefits to Barbudans.

    During a parliamentary address, Walker recounted his direct challenge to a consultant who asserted that pit latrines remained a pressing issue during poverty-assessment consultations. The MP characterized the claims as both inaccurate and disrespectful to the island’s development status. “When the consultant referenced pit latrines as an ongoing problem, I immediately questioned this narrative,” Walker stated. “I instructed her to inform her sources that such characterization was entirely unfresh and forward.”

    The parliamentarian raised serious concerns about whether these purported sanitation issues were leveraged to justify funding allocations for a dual-island solar energy and water system initiative. Walker emphasized the fundamental inequity in using Barbuda’s name to secure project resources without subsequent delivery of promised infrastructure.

    Evidence of the project’s failure manifested in the complete absence of implementation, according to Walker’s account. Despite seven to eight religious institutions qualifying for assistance under the project’s criteria, not a single church received system installations or repairs. This outcome has prompted questions regarding transparency and equitable distribution of development resources between Antigua and Barbuda.

    Walker carefully clarified that his criticisms targeted the consultant’s specific remarks rather than the Department of Environment itself. The MP stressed that perpetuating outdated narratives about Barbuda’s development needs not only misrepresents reality but potentially undermines genuine assistance requirements. He called for greater accountability in how project proposals utilize situational assessments to justify funding requests.