Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • PM Says Long List of Duty-Free Vehicle Approvals Tied to Opposition MP

    PM Says Long List of Duty-Free Vehicle Approvals Tied to Opposition MP

    The Prime Minister has publicly addressed and justified the significant number of duty-free vehicle import approvals granted to Members of Parliament from opposition parties. This clarification comes amid public scrutiny over the allocation of tax-exempt vehicle privileges to political representatives.

    During a parliamentary session, the PM explained that these approvals are part of established protocols and entitlement systems available to all elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation. The system, designed to facilitate the official duties of parliamentarians, allows for the importation of vehicles without standard customs duties under specific regulatory frameworks.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that the approval process follows strict procedural guidelines and is not influenced by political considerations. This statement serves as a response to emerging questions about potential preferential treatment and aims to maintain transparency in governmental operations.

    This development highlights the ongoing discourse about parliamentary benefits and their perception by the general public. The administration maintains that all allocations are conducted in accordance with existing regulations governing official entitlements for elected representatives.

  • PM Browne Says His Comments About Harold Lovell Were Not Defamatory

    PM Browne Says His Comments About Harold Lovell Were Not Defamatory

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly defended his right to make critical statements about political opponents within the legislative chamber, specifically addressing recent controversial remarks directed at opposition parliamentarian Harold Lovell. The Prime Minister’s office issued a statement clarifying that his comments were protected under parliamentary privilege and therefore could not be considered defamatory under Antiguan law.

    The controversy emerged following a parliamentary session where Browne made allegations regarding Lovell’s political conduct and decision-making. The Prime Minister asserted that his statements were based on documented evidence and represented legitimate political discourse rather than personal attacks. Constitutional experts have noted that parliamentary privilege provides legal immunity for statements made during official proceedings, though this protection typically extends only to remarks made within the legislative chamber itself.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing political tensions between the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the opposition United Progressive Party. Observers suggest the exchange reflects broader patterns of political rivalry in Caribbean democracies, where parliamentary privilege occasionally becomes a point of contention between governing and opposition parties.

    The Prime Minister’s statement emphasized his commitment to robust political debate while maintaining that his criticisms remained within constitutional boundaries. The opposition has yet to issue an official response to these latest developments regarding the parliamentary exchange.

  • OPINION: Some Reasons Why Saint Lucia Stuck with Mr. Pierre Part I

    OPINION: Some Reasons Why Saint Lucia Stuck with Mr. Pierre Part I

    The Saint Lucian political landscape has delivered a decisive verdict, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) securing a commanding supermajority in the December 1 general elections. This electoral outcome, analyzed through the unique lens of political calypso, reveals a nation largely satisfied with its leadership and deeply skeptical of the opposition. Traditionally a medium for anti-government sentiment, calypso music this season unusually echoed pro-administration views and delivered sharp critiques of the United Workers Party (UWP) and its leader, Allen Chastanet. The resonant lyrics of calypsonian TC Brown, in particular, are seen as having captured the national mood, framing the election as a direct referendum on leadership character and performance.

    The core of the electorate’s decision appears to have hinged on a comparative assessment of the two leaders. Prime Minister Pierre was widely perceived as a humble, rooted, and empathetic figure whose policies—such as raising the minimum wage, liberalizing cannabis laws, and advancing the St. Jude Hospital project—were viewed as tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. His background and demeanor fostered a connection with the populace, positioning him as a leader who genuinely understood their struggles.

    In stark contrast, Allen Chastanet and the UWP campaigned on a platform of visionary infrastructure projects and business acumen, harkening back to a pre-pandemic 2019 as a golden era. However, this message failed to gain traction. Chastanet was persistently portrayed by opponents as divisive, arrogant, and out of touch with the cultural and social fabric of Saint Lucia. Criticisms focused on his policy inconsistencies, unfulfilled promises from his previous term, and a perceived inability to connect with the electorate on a personal level. The UWP’s failure to present a cohesive shadow cabinet further exacerbated sentiments that the party was overly centralized around a flawed leadership.

    Analysts like Dr. Anderson Reynolds suggest that the UWP’s future resurgence is intrinsically tied to moving beyond the leadership of Chastanet and Deputy Guy Joseph, whom the public has shown a clear reluctance to rally behind. The election result, featuring a statistically significant positive swing for the incumbent government—a rarity in the Caribbean for a second-term party—signals a robust vote of confidence in Pierre’s administration. Voters ultimately chose the leader they deemed more trustworthy, caring, and effective, solidifying a new political chapter for Saint Lucia grounded in perceived humility and service over grand, unfulfilled vision.

  • Supreme Court rejects Buchanan’s request for judicial review in St Andrew WC election dispute

    Supreme Court rejects Buchanan’s request for judicial review in St Andrew WC election dispute

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling by rejecting a judicial review application from Paul Buchanan, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St Andrew West Central. Buchanan had contested the September 3 general election results, alleging procedural irregularities in his constituency.

    The court’s decision hinged primarily on the expiration of the statutory period for challenging election outcomes, rendering Buchanan’s application legally untenable. Judicial authorities emphasized that while the Constituted Authority remains subject to judicial scrutiny, Buchanan failed to present substantiated grounds for his case.

    The ruling highlighted that election disputes are governed by strict timelines under Jamaican law. Although Buchanan filed within the three-month maximum period permitted by civil procedure rules, the court found his nine-day delay between the Authority’s September 30 determination and his October 8 application demonstrated insufficient urgency. The judgment noted that his constituency-specific complaints did not raise broader constitutional questions that might have justified exceptional consideration.

    This decision reinforces the judicial system’s commitment to procedural discipline in electoral matters and establishes important precedent regarding the timely resolution of election disputes.

  • Former Haitian first lady renews a demand for justice for her husband

    Former Haitian first lady renews a demand for justice for her husband

    PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti—Martine Moïse, widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has issued a powerful renewed demand for justice nearly three years after her husband’s brutal killing. The former first lady, who survived the July 7, 2021 attack that claimed the president’s life, delivered a scathing indictment of Haiti’s judicial system, describing it as a weaponized tool for political persecution rather than an instrument of justice.

    In an emotionally charged statement, Moïse characterized Haiti’s justice system as being ‘in the hands of a small group that manipulates an entire population,’ asserting that her husband had consistently denounced this corrupt system during his presidency. She revealed disturbing patterns within the judicial framework: those without powerful connections ‘die in prison,’ while wealthy individuals evade incarceration ‘even with solid evidence against them.’

    The former first lady drew direct connections between previous judicial attacks on her husband and his ultimate assassination, specifically referencing events on February 7, 2021, when Haitian authorities claimed to have thwarted an attempted coup against President Moïse. She pointedly questioned the whereabouts of judges who had issued warrants against the president while he was executing his constitutional duties, suggesting these legal instruments were ultimately weaponized to facilitate his murder.

    Moïse’s statement extended beyond personal tragedy to address Haiti’s broader crisis, attributing the country’s paralyzing violence to ‘oligarchs, corrupt politicians, and globalist whites’ who she claims ‘sacrificed the People by assassinating President Jovenel Moïse.’ She warned of ongoing strategies to consolidate power through violent means, creating what she described as a ‘violent, enslaving system that sucks their blood.’

    Invoking Haiti’s revolutionary heroes—Padrejean, Makandal, Boukman, Toussaint, and Dessalines—Moïse recalled their rallying cry of ‘Liberty or death’ as relevant to the current crisis. She concluded with her husband’s haunting question from a recorded video: ‘What will we do in the face of these criminals, these lawless bandits?’ asserting that ‘the people have had enough’ and that ‘the time has come for the system to collapse.’

  • EBC chair to returning officers: Conduct THA elections with integrity

    EBC chair to returning officers: Conduct THA elections with integrity

    TOBAGO – The electoral machinery for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections has been officially set in motion with the ceremonial presentation of writs to returning officers, marking the formal initiation of proceedings leading to the January 12 polling day.

    In a significant procedural event conducted under Election Rule 3 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 2:01, Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman Mark Ramkerrysingh personally handed the writs to the appointed officers. This legal instrument empowers the officials to administer the electoral process on behalf of the EBC, establishing the framework for democratic participation.

    Chairman Ramkerrysingh addressed the assembled officers with a compelling charge, emphasizing their critical role as custodians of electoral integrity. He characterized their position as “guardians of the process on the ground” who carry the substantial responsibility of maintaining public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.

    “The people of Tobago expect an orderly, transparent, and trustworthy process,” Ramkerrysingh stated. “What you do impacts democracy directly, and it is a great service to this country.” He stressed that every electoral event, regardless of scale, must be conducted with absolute professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering integrity.

    The EBC chairman further elaborated on leadership expectations, urging officers to foster positive working relationships with polling day staff through effective support, guidance, and management. He affirmed that the commission’s selection process identified individuals possessing demonstrated competence and requisite experience for these temporary but crucial positions.

    Ramkerrysingh concluded with an inspirational charge: “May you execute your duties with confidence, integrity, and the sense of purpose befitting the high office you temporarily hold. Together, let us deliver an election that Tobago can trust and be proud of.”

  • Kublalsingh: PM must ‘step aside’ for aligning with ‘imperialists’

    Kublalsingh: PM must ‘step aside’ for aligning with ‘imperialists’

    Prominent environmental activist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh has issued a forceful demand for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to relinquish her position, accusing her of embroiling Trinidad and Tobago in what he characterizes as an “imperialist” agenda through alleged support of controversial US military operations in the region.

    The controversy stems from ongoing US counter-narcotics operations that have resulted in over 80 fatalities across more than 20 lethal strikes in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific since September 2. United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has declared these operations in violation of established international law.

    During a December 7 vigil for peace at Woodford Square in Port of Spain, organized amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, Kublalsingh delivered a scathing indictment of the government’s foreign policy alignment. “She appears to be actively encouraging this military approach, mirroring the previous Trump administration’s attempted strategy of invading Venezuela, installing an illegitimate leader, and securing oil access,” he asserted.

    The environmental advocate accused the administration of abandoning diplomatic channels in favor of militarized approaches, stating that Persad-Bissessar was following the “American playbook” of confrontation rather than negotiation. He called for her to “step aside peacefully and diplomatically” to preserve national interests.

    Regarding ongoing US investigations into potential war crimes allegations, Kublalsingh warned that the Prime Minister was effectively painting targets on herself and her supporters. He challenged the evidentiary basis of the strikes, demanding: “Has America produced any verification that these vessels transported drugs? Any proof these individuals were traffickers? The answer is none.”

    Radio and television personality Abeo Jackson amplified these concerns in an impassioned address, urging national unity across political divisions to confront what she termed the government’s “betrayal” of economic sovereignty. She specifically referenced damaged relations with Venezuela and lost opportunities for oil access, arguing that the administration was sacrificing national interests to align with “big imperialist nations.”

    Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah, addressing questions about the modest turnout, emphasized the qualitative significance of the diverse cross-section of participants. He maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s international reputation had suffered severe damage due to the administration’s policies, stating that protesters were “maintaining the integrity of TT” against complicity in questionable international operations.

    All three speakers framed the situation as a critical juncture for Caribbean sovereignty, invoking historical struggles for self-determination and calling for the region to maintain its status as a “zone of peace” through diplomatic engagement rather than military alignment.

  • Duke backs TPP: When Farley wins, we win

    Duke backs TPP: When Farley wins, we win

    In a dramatic political reversal, Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke has publicly endorsed the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. The announcement came during a December 8 media conference in Scarborough where Duke declared, “If Farley wins, we win. We are one.”

    This endorsement marks a significant reconciliation between formerly bitter political rivals. The PDP had achieved a landslide victory in the previous THA elections, securing 14 out of 15 seats. However, a substantial rupture occurred within the party just one year later when Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and twelve other assembly members defected from the PDP to establish the TPP following a very public dispute with Duke.

    The PDP subsequently experienced a disappointing performance in the April 28 general election, with Duke himself failing to secure victory as the Tobago East candidate. Following this electoral setback, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar disclosed that Duke had approached her seeking employment opportunities.

    Recent developments suggest a thaw in previously strained political relationships. Duke was among the attendees at a November 4 reception held at the Prime Minister’s official Blenheim residence in Tobago. The event followed Persad-Bissessar’s presentation of an export licence for the Studley Park project to Augustine. During the gathering, the Prime Minister acknowledged both political symbols, noting, “We have the flambeau (PDP symbol) and we have the anchor (TPP symbol),” while greeting Duke and another TPP official.

  • JLP hails court ruling in Buchanan matter as victory for rule of law

    JLP hails court ruling in Buchanan matter as victory for rule of law

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Supreme Court has delivered a decisive ruling, rejecting a legal challenge against Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s electoral victory in the St Andrew West Central constituency. The court’s dismissal marks a significant affirmation of the country’s electoral integrity and judicial processes.

    Justice Sonya Wint-Blair presided over the case brought by Paul Buchanan, an aspirant from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), who sought judicial review of the election results. In her Monday ruling, Justice Wint-Blair determined the case was legally unarguable and described it as having suffered a ‘knock-out blow’ in judicial terms. The court found two critical flaws: the challenge was filed after the expiration of the mandatory statutory period, and the application itself lacked substantive merit.

    Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Communication Task Force, welcomed the verdict as a victory for democratic principles. Fitz-Henley revealed that the JLP had anticipated this outcome based on prior legal counsel from King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, who also serves as a Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica. ‘We are not taken aback by it,’ Fitz-Henley stated. ‘Indeed, we are of the view that it’s an indication of the upholding of our finest democratic traditions… an upholding of the rule of law.’

    The JLP representative further characterized the lawsuit as part of a pattern of political strategy, accusing the PNP of employing ‘disinformation, fake news and misinformation to burnish their political agenda.’ Fitz-Henley criticized affidavits submitted by individuals aligned with Buchanan, noting that independent electoral workers from the constituency did not support the claims of irregularities. He additionally accused the Mark Golding-led PNP of targeting Prime Minister Holness with ‘untruthful allegations,’ warning that such tactics could undermine public trust in Jamaica’s democratic institutions.

  • ‘Blue’ Johnson to run as independent candidate for Freetown

    ‘Blue’ Johnson to run as independent candidate for Freetown

    In a significant political development, Andrew ‘Blue’ Johnson has officially declared his independent candidacy for the Freetown constituency in the upcoming general election. This decision comes months after the Free National Movement (FNM) opted not to nominate him as their representative.

    Mr. Johnson’s campaign launch on Saturday revealed intriguing cross-party dynamics, with former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis making an unexpected appearance and Progressive Liberal Party MP Leroy Major opening the event with a prayer. This unusual show of support from figures across the political spectrum highlights the unpredictable nature of the upcoming election.

    The independent candidate has invested approximately $400,000 of personal funds to establish his constituency office in a barbershop formerly owned by his late father. Johnson has already demonstrated his commitment to the community through substantial grassroots initiatives, including repairing over 50 roofs, clearing properties, removing abandoned vehicles, providing school uniforms, and distributing food vouchers to residents.

    When questioned about his political affiliations, Johnson emphasized his primary loyalty lies with Freetown’s constituents rather than any political organization. ‘I am a, most of all, supporter of Free Town and its people,’ he stated, adding that he holds no opposition toward FNM, PLP, or COI parties but remains focused on serving his community’s needs.

    Political analysts suggest Johnson’s independent bid could significantly influence the electoral outcome in Freetown, potentially drawing votes from both major parties and altering the traditional political landscape in the constituency.