Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Farley: Never a permanent fixture

    Farley: Never a permanent fixture

    The controversial United States military radar system previously stationed at ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Tobago, has been formally dismantled and removed from the site. Visual confirmation yesterday revealed no traces of the equipment at its previous location, with airport security personnel now monitoring the area.

    Chief Secretary Farley Augustine confirmed to media outlets that his office received advance notification about the equipment’s removal, characterizing the development as unsurprising. “The radar system that was temporarily installed in Tobago has now been dismantled and preparations are under way for the equipment and associated US military personnel to leave the island,” Augustine stated.

    The Chief Secretary emphasized that the dismantling aligned perfectly with the original schedule presented to him, noting that the temporary nature of the installation made previous concerns about permanent militarization unfounded. “This was always a temporary fixture,” Augustine remarked, “which makes the alarmists quite laughable because they engaged in fearmongering about making us a military target.”

    Augustine framed the episode as a crucial lesson in national security sovereignty, asserting that Trinidad and Tobago must invest in its own defense infrastructure. “We cannot permanently rely on the capabilities of other countries; we must make our own investments into our national security infrastructure to strengthen our surveillance, maritime and air defense systems,” he emphasized.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously disclosed that the radar system operation cost the United States approximately $3 million daily. While unable to confirm the exact number of US personnel stationed at Grafton Beach resort, the Prime Minister indicated their phased departure would conclude by month’s end. She acknowledged the intelligence-sharing collaboration between US forces and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service had proven instrumental in recent security operations.

    Despite the removal of US military assets, Augustine maintained that “Tobago remains safe and focused on its development,” highlighting the island’s continued commitment to both security and economic progress.

  • Children’s Authority board rejects call

    Children’s Authority board rejects call

    A significant institutional standoff has emerged between Trinidad and Tobago’s Children’s Authority board and its overseeing minister, with board members firmly rejecting resignation demands despite revelations of substantial financial liabilities. Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit publicly called for the board’s resignation during a Sunday news conference, citing a troubling $77 million liability and alleged operational mismanagement within the agency.

    Board Chairman Marsha Bailey explicitly stated the board’s intention to serve through its appointed term until October 2026, countering the minister’s demands. The authority’s governing body expressed astonishment at Mohit’s public statements, revealing that numerous formal requests for ministerial meetings had gone unanswered throughout their tenure.

    The conflict appears rooted in fundamental disagreements regarding financial oversight and operational responsibilities. The board emphasized its compliance with the Children’s Authority Act, which establishes that presidential appointees serve fixed terms, suggesting the minister lacks direct authority to demand resignations.

    Financial constraints have significantly hampered the Authority’s operations, affecting critical areas including personnel costs, foster care programs, facility maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. These challenges were formally communicated to the ministry following the 2026 national budget passage, yet the board claims it received inadequate ministerial support.

    The current confrontation escalated after the board implemented disciplinary measures regarding non-payment of statutory deductions—a violation of national law. Minister Mohit subsequently requested a comprehensive report on these actions, which the board provided within 24 hours despite having received only a brief five-minute meeting with the minister in February.

    The board maintains that operational management falls under the director or chief executive officer’s purview, while their role focuses on governance and oversight. They expressed concern that public criticism potentially damages the Authority’s reputation and undermines the professionals serving on the board.

    Both parties have committed to providing additional clarifications regarding the $77 million liability, though neither side had issued further statements by press time. The minister indicated a response would be forthcoming regarding potential government actions should the board maintain its position.

  • Nurses group accused of defending gov’t over 5% salary allotment

    Nurses group accused of defending gov’t over 5% salary allotment

    A significant political controversy has emerged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following allegations by Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves against Shelly-Ann Alexander-Ross, president of the SVG Nurses’ Association. Gonsalves has publicly accused Alexander-Ross of functioning as a “partisan political explainer” for the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) government regarding the discontinuation of a 5% tax-free supplement for nursing staff.

    The dispute centers around a temporary financial benefit initially introduced by the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration in 2024. During his appearance on Star Radio, Gonsalves revealed that his attention was drawn to the matter when nurses showed him payslips indicating the missing supplement. He expressed particular concern about Alexander-Ross’s dual role as both nurses’ association president and senior member of the Public Service Union.

    The Nurses’ Association had previously issued a March 11 press release clarifying that the 5% supplement was always intended as a temporary measure. The statement emphasized that the benefit was initially communicated as a time-bound provision designed to offer short-term fiscal relief while discussions about nursing post reclassification continued. The association acknowledged the supplement’s extension through 2025 but maintained its understanding of the temporary nature of the arrangement.

    Gonsalves countered these explanations, stating that during the election campaign, his party had clearly committed to continuing the supplement and incorporating it into future salary increases. The ULP, after 25 years in governance, was voted out of office in the 2025 elections, leading to the current political dynamic.

    The opposition leader expressed bewilderment at Alexander-Ross’s position, questioning her approach as a trade union representative. He emphasized that his government had clearly articulated the supplement’s continuation, making the current administration’s decision to discontinue it particularly concerning from his perspective.

  • Defense Minister and U.S. Ambassador tour Dajabón border

    Defense Minister and U.S. Ambassador tour Dajabón border

    In a significant demonstration of bilateral cooperation, Dominican Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre and U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos conducted a comprehensive joint inspection of the Dajabón border region. The high-level delegation meticulously evaluated security infrastructure and operational protocols along this critical frontier zone.

    The officials undertook an extensive tour of strategic installations, including newly constructed perimeter fencing systems and the primary official crossing point. During their assessment, they observed firsthand the complex interplay of cross-border commercial exchanges and social interactions that characterize daily activity in this transnational community.

    Military authorities provided detailed briefings on integrated surveillance mechanisms and multi-layered control measures currently enforced by Dominican Armed Forces personnel. These operational procedures are designed to maintain border integrity while simultaneously facilitating legitimate cross-border movement. The delegation received comprehensive updates on technological enhancements and tactical deployments aimed at strengthening territorial monitoring capabilities.

    Minister Fernández Onofre was accompanied by senior military leadership including Army Commander General Carlos Antonio Camino Pérez and specialists from CESFRONT (Specialized Border Security Corps). These experts elaborated on strategic force deployment patterns and coordinated inter-agency security initiatives.

    This collaborative assessment underscores the deepening security partnership between the Dominican Republic and the United States, reflecting mutual commitment to addressing shared challenges in regional stability and transnational security management.

  • Gonsalves criticises Leacock’s Taiwan trip

    Gonsalves criticises Leacock’s Taiwan trip

    A significant political dispute has emerged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves’ strong criticism of Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock’s official delegation to Taiwan. The controversy centers on Leacock’s stated objective to secure a fleet of vehicles for crime prevention efforts during his visit to Taipei.

    Gonsalves, whose Unity Labour Party (ULP) governed for 25 years before being defeated by the New Democratic Party (NDP) in November elections, questioned the diplomatic appropriateness of the mission. He expressed particular concern that neither Prime Minister Godwin Friday nor Foreign Affairs Minister Fitzgerald Bramble led the delegation, despite Taiwan’s longstanding role as a development partner.

    The opposition leader highlighted the apparent contradiction in the NDP government’s position, noting they had previously campaigned against Taiwan and in favor of mainland China. Gonsalves characterized the vehicle-seeking mission as diplomatically embarrassing, stating that such requests typically occur through ambassadorial channels rather than high-level ministerial visits.

    Historical context reveals Taiwan’s substantial contributions to St. Vincent’s infrastructure development, including the Rabacca Bridge, international airport, and ongoing hospital construction at Arnos Vale. During Gonsalves’ administration, Taiwanese assistance grew from $1 million to $10 million annually through negotiated agreements.

    Beyond diplomatic concerns, Gonsalves raised practical questions about vehicle maintenance, durability, and funding sources. He also addressed broader issues within police vehicle usage, noting concerns about driver responsibility and vehicle care that transcend the acquisition of new assets.

    The incident reflects deeper tensions in Caribbean diplomatic relations and highlights the complex balancing act small nations face between Taiwan and mainland China. It also underscores ongoing challenges in police resource management and crime prevention strategies in the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • Column:Zes plus partijen, vier wetten en veel zijden handschoenen

    Column:Zes plus partijen, vier wetten en veel zijden handschoenen

    Suriname’s ambitious judicial reform agenda has hit significant political roadblocks, revealing deep divisions within the governing coalition. The proposed legislative package, requiring constitutional amendments to establish cassation jurisprudence within Suriname, failed to advance during Monday’s parliamentary session despite the coalition’s technical 34-seat supermajority in De Nationale Assemblee.

    The government’s plan to overhaul the judicial system through four interconnected laws has encountered resistance from both opposition parties and coalition partners. The complexity of the reforms—affecting the fundamental structures of Suriname’s judiciary—has prompted extensive debate about potential unintended consequences.

    One consensus emerged: the abandonment of plans for a college of prosecutors-general. Instead, the proposal now suggests a governing board for the Public Prosecutor’s Office headed by a single prosecutor-general supported by multiple attorneys-general. However, two contentious issues have sparked intense debate.

    The most controversial provision concerns the prosecutor-general’s term limit. The proposed legislation would reduce the position from lifetime appointment to a five-year term, raising concerns about potential political influence during reappointment negotiations. Critics argue this could compromise the office’s required independence.

    Additionally, the bill proposes lowering the prosecutor-general’s retirement age to 65 while allowing judges to serve until 70. This discrepancy has prompted questions about why the nation’s top prosecutor should retire earlier than members of the judiciary.

    The interconnected nature of the four laws, combined with the required constitutional amendment, has created a legislative challenge of unusual complexity. The current impasse demonstrates that even with sufficient parliamentary votes, substantive judicial reforms require broader consensus beyond mere numerical majority.

  • DNA vraagt aandacht voor acute problemen rijstboeren in Nickerie

    DNA vraagt aandacht voor acute problemen rijstboeren in Nickerie

    In a heated session of the National Assembly on Monday, lawmakers sounded the alarm over the deepening crisis within Suriname’s rice farming sector in Nickerie. Parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi (VHP) brought the issue to the floor, emphasizing the acute challenges farmers face from excessive rainfall, significant harvest losses, and critically low market prices. He urgently called for government intervention to prevent further collapse.

    Ebu Jones (NDP), another assembly member, acknowledged that some steps are being taken but stressed that many critical issues demand immediate resolution. The debate highlighted that while problems have persisted for years, the current situation has reached a critical point, placing immense financial and operational pressure on farmers due to poor yields and unfavorable production conditions.

    Jones also criticized past governmental policies, pointing to longstanding mismanagement in the sector, including irregularities in fertilizer distribution, inadequate infrastructure, and unreliable fuel supplies. These systemic failures, lawmakers argued, have severely weakened the entire rice industry.

    Parliament has now called on the government to move beyond vague promises and implement concrete, short-term relief measures for struggling farmers. The focus is on sustaining production capacity and restoring viability to the sector. Recent visits to Nickerie by Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin and Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, Mike Noersalim, included discussions with farmers about necessary legislative changes.

    In response, Vice President Gregory Rusland acknowledged the necessity of supporting the agricultural sector, confirming that further coordination with Minister Noersalim is underway. He emphasized that protecting production is vital not only for the economy but also for ensuring national food security during this critical period.

  • Alex Browne Thanks Supporters After St. Philip North By-Election Loss

    Alex Browne Thanks Supporters After St. Philip North By-Election Loss

    The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has claimed a decisive victory in the St. Philip North by-election, with preliminary results confirming candidate Randy Baltimore’s commanding lead. The electoral contest was called following the retirement of the constituency’s longstanding representative, Sir Robin Yearwood.

    United Progressive Party (UPP) contender Alex Browne formally acknowledged his defeat in a post-election address to his supporters. Having resigned from his Senate position to pursue the parliamentary seat, Browne expressed his appreciation for the backing he received throughout the campaign. “Thank you for your continued support. The work continues, my brothers and sisters,” he stated shortly after the results became evident.

    Electoral data indicated Baltimore’s insurmountable advantage with one ballot box still awaiting tallying, signaling a clear electoral mandate for the ABLP candidate. This by-election outcome is anticipated to influence the political equilibrium within the constituency previously held by a veteran parliamentarian. The transition marks a significant moment in the region’s political landscape, reflecting voter sentiment in the post-Yearwood era.

  • Baltimore Wins St. Philip North By-Election in Landslide

    Baltimore Wins St. Philip North By-Election in Landslide

    In a resounding electoral triumph, Randy Baltimore of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has captured the St. Philip North parliamentary seat through a decisive by-election victory. The conclusive results, finalized after the tallying of all seven ballot boxes, reveal a commanding mandate for the ABLP candidate.

    The final polling division at Newfield Primary School cemented Baltimore’s lead, contributing 149 votes to his total against 42 for his opponent, Alex Browne of the United Progressive Party (UPP), with one ballot rejected. This brought the definitive count to 924 votes for Baltimore versus 407 for Browne, establishing a dominant victory margin of over two-to-one.

    This electoral contest was necessitated by the retirement of political stalwart Sir Robin Yearwood, who concluded his distinguished parliamentary service spanning approximately fifty years representing the constituency. The transition marks a significant generational shift in St. Philip North’s political representation while maintaining continuity in party alignment.

    Baltimore’s victory ensures the ABLP maintains its stronghold in the constituency, with the newly elected representative poised to assume his legislative duties in Parliament. The electoral outcome demonstrates continued voter confidence in the governing party’s direction and provides fresh momentum for the ABLP’s political agenda.

    The comprehensive nature of Baltimore’s victory, evident from early counting trends that showed an insurmountable lead after six boxes, suggests strong constituency support for the ABLP’s platform and candidate selection process.

  • North/Northeast : Tour of the Secretary of State for Territorial Communities

    North/Northeast : Tour of the Secretary of State for Territorial Communities

    In a significant move to strengthen local governance, Haitian Secretary of State for Territorial Communities Ms. Sharina Lochard initiated an extensive consultation tour across Haiti’s North and Northeast departments on March 13, 2026. The high-level delegation, comprising Director of Local Authorities Mallew Étienne and Delegations Coordinator Ms. Elvire Jean François, embarked on this critical mission to identify pressing local needs and develop actionable solutions through collaborative governance.

    The tour’s primary objective involves establishing a comprehensive program of realistic, flagship actions to be implemented jointly by central government authorities and local administrations. This initiative specifically targets addressing the urgent and specific requirements of local populations through enhanced coordination between national and municipal levels.

    During the initial phase, the delegation participated in Special Technical Council meetings in both departments, with Minister of Public Works Engineer Joseph Almathe Pierre-Louis contributing to discussions about the political, social, and economic situations. These councils focused on three core government priorities: security enhancement, economic recovery strategies, and election preparations.

    Secretary Lochard emphasized the necessity of strengthened technical partnerships between departmental delegates, deputy delegates, and various ministry directors—particularly those from the Haitian National Police and decentralized state agencies. She specifically called for collaborative efforts to tackle structural challenges and promote sustainable development initiatives.

    Additionally, the Secretary conducted separate working sessions with Mayors, Councilors of Communal Section Administrations (CASEC), and Communal Section Administrations (ASEC) in both departments. These meetings, held at Cap-Haïtien City Hall and the Northeast Departmental Delegation in Fort-Liberté, focused on evaluating communal section operations, enhancing local coordination mechanisms, and identifying municipal priorities.

    The findings from this initial consultation phase will be formally submitted to the Minister of the Interior for review and subsequent presentation to the Council of Ministers, marking a structured approach to addressing Haiti’s local governance challenges.