Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Seed and Fencing Support Rolled Out Nationwide for Small Farmers

    Seed and Fencing Support Rolled Out Nationwide for Small Farmers

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a comprehensive agricultural initiative set to launch nationwide in 2026, featuring the distribution of diverse seed varieties and fencing materials to small-scale farmers. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith announced the program during the recent Budget Debate, positioning it as a strategic intervention to strengthen the nation’s farming infrastructure and food production capabilities.

    Minister Smith emphasized the program’s dual focus on immediate practical support and long-term agricultural development. The initiative will provide farmers with essential resources to protect crops from theft, roaming animals, and weather-related damage while simultaneously working to expand production capacity. Smith characterized the effort as direct response to the daily challenges faced by those who ‘feed our nation.’

    The seed and fencing distribution represents one component of a broader agricultural modernization strategy that includes infrastructure development, expanded land preparation services, and increased mechanization. These coordinated efforts aim to significantly boost sector productivity and establish conditions for sustainable food security.

    Notably, the program specifically addresses demographic challenges within Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector. With an aging farming population, the government is implementing measures to lower barriers for new entrants while supporting experienced farmers. The provision of essential materials serves as both practical assistance and an incentive for younger participants to engage in farming.

    The initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to ensuring local food producers have adequate resources to deliver affordable, accessible nutrition nationwide. Minister Smith described the program as a concrete step toward reinforcing food systems and sustaining the country’s agricultural foundation for future generations.

  • Opposition party accuses Environment Ministry of “selling” permits amid alarming volume

    Opposition party accuses Environment Ministry of “selling” permits amid alarming volume

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic’s political opposition has launched a severe indictment against the nation’s environmental authority, alleging systemic corruption and administrative failure within its permitting operations. Fuerza del Pueblo (FP), the primary opposition party, has publicly accused the Ministry of Environment of issuing an ‘astronomical’ and ‘operationally unviable’ total exceeding 6,000 environmental permits within an 11-month timeframe.

    Paino Abreu, the FP Secretary for Environmental Affairs, contends that the ministry possesses neither the technical infrastructure nor the administrative bandwidth to process such an immense volume of applications while simultaneously upholding mandated legal and ecological safeguards. The allegations extend far beyond numerical concerns, pinpointing a purportedly ‘distorted’ management framework. This model is accused of enabling data manipulation, diluting the rigor of environmental impact assessments, and fostering a network of intermediaries who allegedly expedite permits in exchange for illicit financial compensation.

    In a formal escalation, the party has submitted a comprehensive dossier labeled ‘Worrisome Licenses and Permits’ to relevant state bodies. FP is formally petitioning for an immediate forensic audit to be conducted by the Chamber of Accounts, the supreme audit institution. Furthermore, they have called for the urgent intervention of the Office of Ethics and Government Integrity (OEIG) to probe these grave accusations.

    The opposition’s critique also challenges the government’s environmental reporting, casting doubt on the authenticity of official statistics concerning national forest coverage and timber import data, which they claim are significantly inflated or misleading. Abreu additionally highlighted worsening working conditions for park rangers and a concerning pattern of institutional neglect towards protected areas, citing these as evidence of a broader degradation in environmental governance.

    Drawing stark parallels to historical corruption scandals, such as the infamous case involving the National Health Insurance (SeNaSa), Fuerza del Pueblo warned that confirmed irregularities would constitute a severe blow to both environmental sustainability and eroding public trust. The party is urging for swift, transparent, and decisive action from authorities, framing the situation not as a mere procedural failure but as a full-blown crisis in the nation’s environmental stewardship.

  • Finance Ministry earns dual ISO certification for anti-bribery and compliance management

    Finance Ministry earns dual ISO certification for anti-bribery and compliance management

    In a landmark achievement for governmental integrity, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Finance and Economy (MHE) has obtained dual ISO certifications validating its anti-bribery and compliance management systems. The certifications, conforming to the rigorous international benchmarks of ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management Systems) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems), signify a major advancement in the ministry’s institutional governance framework.

    The formal certification ceremony was presided over by Néstor Julio Matos, Director of the Dominican Institute for Quality (Indocal), with Finance Minister Magín Díaz formally accepting the accolades. Minister Díaz characterized this accomplishment as a testament to the ministry’s ‘mature and effective’ internal control mechanisms, underscoring a renewed dedication to ethical administration and public accountability.

    Independent auditors conducting the exhaustive evaluation reported exceptional findings, praising the ministry’s deeply embedded culture of integrity. The assessment commended the cohesive involvement across all departmental units, the clarity and implementation of policy directives, and the robustness of procedural compliance. Specific initiatives that drew acclaim included the comprehensive modernization of internal controls, enhanced safeguards for whistleblowers, and sustained educational programs focused on integrity standards.

    Looking forward, Minister Díaz outlined the ongoing challenge of not only preserving these elevated standards but also further embedding a zero-tolerance philosophy towards corruption within the institution’s ethos. He stated that the certification establishes the MHE as a ‘benchmark within the Dominican state,’ and confirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the perpetual identification of compliance risks and the strengthening of reporting channels for misconduct.

  • Nieuwe initiatiefwet moet criminelen financieel volledig kaalplukken

    Nieuwe initiatiefwet moet criminelen financieel volledig kaalplukken

    In a significant move against organized crime, Surinamese legislators Ebu Jones (NDP) and Ivanildo Plein (NPS) have introduced groundbreaking legislation enabling authorities to fully confiscate illegally obtained assets from convicted criminals. The proposed Confiscation of Illegally Obtained Profits Act—colloquially termed the ‘Bare Plucking Law’—represents a paradigm shift in the nation’s approach to criminal justice by targeting the financial foundations of unlawful activities.

    The initiative specifically addresses Suriname’s escalating challenges with organized crime, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, human trafficking, and financial-economic offenses. Assembly member Jones emphasized that conventional law enforcement methods have proven insufficient when focusing solely on incarceration rather than asset recovery. “The state frequently loses millions while convicted individuals return to society after serving prison sentences with their criminal proceeds intact. This constitutes a double injustice for citizens,” Jones stated during the parliamentary session.

    Current legislation within Suriname’s Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure is deemed fragmented and outdated, particularly regarding modern wealth forms including cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, and complex corporate structures. The proposed framework establishes a lex specialis—a specialized legal regime—that operates alongside existing criminal statutes, enabling proportional and effective seizure of both directly and indirectly obtained criminal assets regardless of their location.

    Key objectives of the new legislation include:
    – Disrupting the financial infrastructure supporting criminal enterprises
    – Enhancing the integrity of Suriname’s financial-economic system
    – Increasing transparency in asset flows across jurisdictions
    – Strengthening judicial authorities’ information-gathering capabilities
    – Fostering structured collaboration with financial institutions
    – Restoring public confidence in the rule of law

    Jones concluded that comprehensive asset recovery is essential for reestablishing societal trust: “Retrieving criminal profits is crucial for restoring legal consciousness and demonstrating that crime will never again be profitable.”

  • Cuban youth debate their role in the country’s economic and ideological battle

    Cuban youth debate their role in the country’s economic and ideological battle

    HAVANA – The Third Plenary Session of the National Committee of Cuba’s Union of Young Communists (UJC) convened to deliberate on the pivotal role of youth in navigating the nation’s pressing challenges and advancing the Government Program. The assembly emphasized youth mobilization as essential to Cuba’s strategic development objectives.

    Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, a senior member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, articulated the Party’s unwavering confidence in young Cubans. He declared that the younger generation must spearhead efforts to consolidate and refine the national project through broad civic participation.

    The meeting identified three core missions for youth engagement: economic development, national unity, and the pursuit of regional peace. Dr. Morales Ojeda specifically highlighted threats against Venezuela, echoing the historic commitment of former leader Fidel Castro by stating, “For Venezuela, we will have to give everything,” thus reaffirming Cuba’s unconditional solidarity.

    Addressing Cuba’s economic constraints under what he described as a “war economy,” Dr. Morales Ojeda stressed the critical need to prioritize foreign exchange earnings. This approach is deemed vital for resolving severe infrastructural crises, including chronic failures in the National Electric System and acute fuel shortages.

    The session also confronted severe deficits in domestic food production, particularly rice, beans, and sugar. Officials advocated for a comprehensive revitalization of the sugarcane industry and urged increased local manufacturing to reduce import dependencies and secure stable supplies for the basic food basket.

  • A Plenary Session in tune with the times we live in

    A Plenary Session in tune with the times we live in

    In response to pressing national circumstances, the Political Bureau of Cuba’s Communist Party has announced a significant restructuring of its scheduled proceedings. The 11th Plenary Session of the Party’s Central Committee will now convene as a single session via videoconference on Saturday, December 13th.

    This strategic adaptation, formally disclosed through the Party’s official communication channels, aims to address multiple operational priorities simultaneously. By transitioning to a virtual format, the Party ensures that key leadership personnel can maintain their presence at grassroots levels across the nation. This presence is deemed critical for direct assessment, verification, and management of issues affecting population welfare and economic efficiency.

    Roberto Morales Ojeda, Organization Secretary of the Central Committee and Political Bureau member, elaborated on the decision through his social media presence. He characterized the move as consistent with the Party’s established methodology of rational and objective decision-making tailored to contemporary national conditions. This approach, he noted, enables continued task execution through adaptive alternatives without compromising operational effectiveness.

    The procedural adjustment demonstrates the Party’s operational flexibility while potentially reducing financial and material expenditures associated with conventional in-person gatherings. This virtual transition reflects a broader pattern of institutional adaptation to challenging circumstances, emphasizing both pragmatic resource management and maintained governance continuity.

  • Minister Announces Acquisition of Heavy-Duty Equipment to Support Farm Expansion and Soil Work

    Minister Announces Acquisition of Heavy-Duty Equipment to Support Farm Expansion and Soil Work

    In a significant move to transform agricultural capabilities, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith has unveiled the establishment of a specialized heavy-duty equipment division within the Ministry of Agriculture. The groundbreaking initiative represents a multi-million dollar investment aimed at directly addressing critical infrastructure challenges facing the nation’s farming sector.

    The newly formed department will operate a comprehensive fleet of machinery including excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rollers, and transport trucks. This strategic acquisition eliminates previous dependencies on the Ministry of Works, granting the agriculture sector autonomous control over essential land development operations.

    Minister Smith emphasized the transformative potential of these resources during his parliamentary address. “This modern equipment arsenal will enable us to independently mine construction materials, construct and maintain farm access roads, develop water retention ponds, and execute large-scale land clearing operations,” he stated.

    The infrastructure expansion includes the imminent arrival of four new tractors currently undergoing final preparations. These additions will substantially enhance land preparation services available to farmers nationwide.

    The initiative specifically targets perennial obstacles in agricultural productivity including soil management challenges, transportation limitations, and water accessibility issues. By establishing this dedicated machinery division, the government aims to create foundational infrastructure that attracts private investment while ensuring sustainable sector growth.

    Smith characterized the investment as a cornerstone development for long-term agricultural security. “Building robust infrastructure within agriculture isn’t merely about immediate efficiency gains—it’s about ensuring decades of growth by making strategic investments in our foundational capabilities,” he concluded.

  • Briceño Slams Media Coverage, Points to Budna’s Record

    Briceño Slams Media Coverage, Points to Budna’s Record

    BELIZE CITY – Prime Minister John Briceño has launched a vehement defense of his administration amidst growing scrutiny following the abduction of Joseph Budna. During a televised appearance on the ‘Open Your Eyes’ program Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister delivered a blistering critique of media coverage, accusing news outlets of sensationalism while redirecting attention to Budna’s extensive criminal background.

    Briceño employed stark language in characterizing Budna, explicitly referring to him as a ‘monster’ while questioning media priorities. ‘When you live a life of crime then that would happen,’ Briceño stated, though he clarified, ‘I am not suggesting in any way that I would want anything bad to happen to Mr. Budna or any citizen of this country.’

    The Prime Minister’s commentary highlighted several serious allegations from Budna’s past, including a fatal shooting of a sixteen-year-old in Budna’s bedroom and multiple sexual assault cases. ‘I did not see any of you crying out for justice for these people,’ Briceño challenged journalists, ‘yet I see you crying out for justice for Mr. Budna.’

    This extraordinary public statement raises profound questions about governmental responsibility in high-profile criminal investigations and the ethical considerations surrounding victim portrayal based on prior conduct. Briceño further distanced his administration from operational law enforcement matters, stating unequivocally, ‘You can’t hold me responsible for anything happening in Orange Walk Central. I don’t know what criminal activities are going on in Orange Walk Central.’

    The administration’s positioning on this kidnapping case signals a potentially significant shift in how authorities address victims with criminal histories, while simultaneously testing the boundaries of executive commentary on active investigations.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirms Human Rights Commitment at OAS

    St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirms Human Rights Commitment at OAS

    WASHINGTON, DC — In a powerful address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council on Wednesday, St. Kitts and Nevis demonstrated its steadfast dedication to human rights principles during the global observance of World Human Rights Day 2025.

    Minister Counselor and Alternate Representative Augustine Skerritt articulated the Federation’s unwavering commitment to preserving human dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens. The 2025 theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” served as the foundation for discussions emphasizing how fundamental rights constitute the bedrock of daily existence worldwide.

    Skerritt emphasized the nation’s continued alignment with both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core international human rights conventions. As a small island developing state, St. Kitts and Nevis maintains particular awareness of global vulnerabilities, prompting reinforced efforts to protect marginalized communities including Afro-descendants, Indigenous populations, children, women, girls, and persons with disabilities.

    The address coincided with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres’ sobering assessment of contemporary human rights challenges. Guterres highlighted concerning trends including shrinking civic spaces and grave rights violations, while simultaneously calling for collective action to strengthen protective institutions.

    Both officials underscored the necessity of multilateral cooperation between governments, civil society, and international organizations to transform human rights from theoretical concepts into tangible realities. From basic needs provision to environmental protection and gender empowerment, the comprehensive approach requires universal participation according to both speakers.

    Skerritt concluded by reaffirming the Federation’s renewed pledge to recognize, respect, and protect all rights and dignities enshrined in United Nations, Inter-American, and other international agreements, emphasizing that every individual’s contribution remains vital to democratic sustainability regardless of status, gender, ability, or origin.

  • Contraband Carrots Back in Focus as Mai Speaks Out

    Contraband Carrots Back in Focus as Mai Speaks Out

    In a remarkable political reversal, former Belize Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai has dramatically shifted his position on the contentious issue of contraband carrots affecting local farmers. Having recently stepped down from his ministerial role, Mai now openly champions the cause of carrot growers in San Carlos Village, Orange Walk—a stark contrast to his previous dismissive stance while in government.

    The controversy centers on the annual market saturation caused by illegally imported carrots, which domestic farmers claim devastates their livelihoods through price depression and unfair competition. During his tenure, Minister Mai consistently downplayed these concerns, characterizing them as political opportunism and questioning the evidence of significant smuggling operations.

    In January 2025, Mai publicly dismissed the issue as “primary school politics,” specifically referencing opposition figures Tracy Taegar-Panton and Shyne Barrow who had raised the matter. He argued then that market forces of supply and demand were the primary factors, while maintaining that border control fell outside his ministry’s direct jurisdiction.

    Now, as a private citizen and opposition representative for Orange Walk South, Mai has completely reversed his position. He recently revealed receiving direct communications from farmers unable to sell their harvest due to market flooding by imported carrots. Acknowledging these must be illegal imports, Mai has attempted to contact customs officials and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to request intensified enforcement measures.

    The former minister’s about-face highlights the perennial challenge of agricultural smuggling through Belize’s porous borders and raises questions about political accountability and the consistency of policy positions between government and opposition roles.