Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Dominicans should capitalize on opportunities that come with an international airport, urges PM Skerrit

    Dominicans should capitalize on opportunities that come with an international airport, urges PM Skerrit

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a compelling call to action for Dominican citizens, urging them to strategically position themselves to harness the economic potential generated by the nation’s new international airport. During an official site inspection at the Wesley airport construction location last week, Skerrit emphasized that while the government’s responsibility lies in infrastructure development, the onus now shifts to the populace to leverage emerging opportunities.

    The Prime Minister revealed significant international interest in Dominican real estate, disclosing that foreign investors have attempted to purchase substantial land parcels—including one offer exceeding 100 acres—prompting government intervention to protect national assets. “We’ve had to hold it back because there are some lands I believe should stay with the people of Dominica,” Skerrit stated, highlighting the need for domestic economic empowerment.

    Skerrit proposed concrete collaborative approaches for local entrepreneurship, suggesting citizens form consortiums or companies to develop hospitality infrastructure including Airbnb facilities, guest houses, and accommodation services targeting airport staff, airline employees, and transit visitors. The Prime Minister articulated a comprehensive vision of nationwide economic integration, explaining how the airport will stimulate growth across all geographic regions and economic sectors—from fisheries in Scottshead to tourism in the valley, agricultural exports from Marigot farmers, and artisanal crafts from the Kalinago Territory.

    Currently employing over 100 Dominican workers during its development phase, the international airport project represents a transformative economic catalyst designed to generate multidimensional benefits across the entire island nation, connecting local producers and service providers with global markets and opportunities.

  • ComPol Rosado Speaks on Free Zone’s Policing Measures

    ComPol Rosado Speaks on Free Zone’s Policing Measures

    COROZAL FREE ZONE, BELIZE – January 12, 2026 – Belize has implemented enhanced security protocols in the Corozal Free Zone since December 2025, employing innovative multi-agency policing strategies to combat criminal threats. Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado today detailed the comprehensive security overhaul, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the operation.

    “Our methodology in the free zone has consistently embraced an interagency framework,” stated Commissioner Rosado. “We are operating with full support from both the Belize Defence Force and the Coast Guard to maintain security throughout the Free Zone territory. This represents a unified cooperative endeavor to ensure comprehensive policing of our border regions.”

    The security enhancement initiative introduced last month incorporates all-terrain vehicles for police patrols, residential facilities for deployed military personnel, and reinforced coordination mechanisms with customs and immigration authorities. According to Florencio Marin, the newly appointed Minister of National Defence and Border Security, these measures are designed to protect shoppers while addressing criminal enterprises and cartel-related threats.

    Commissioner Rosado expressed optimism about working with the recently appointed Minister of Border Defense and Home Affairs, noting their aligned vision would drive operational improvements. “I enthusiastically endorse this collaboration. We share complementary perspectives and ideological alignment. Their oversight will critically evaluate our existing protocols and facilitate the development of more advanced policing methodologies,” Rosado commented.

    The police commissioner further projected that the partnership would introduce technological advancements to crime prevention efforts: “I am confident that with their integration into our security apparatus, we will witness greater innovation and technological implementation in our comprehensive crime reduction initiatives.”

  • Saint Lucia signs non-binding migration cooperation framework with United States

    Saint Lucia signs non-binding migration cooperation framework with United States

    The Government of Saint Lucia has formally endorsed a strategic migration cooperation framework with the United States through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed the Cabinet-approved agreement during his New Year’s address, presenting the arrangement as a procedural foundation for future dialogue rather than an immediate action plan.

    The agreement establishes structured channels for discussing potential collaboration involving third-country nationals presently in the United States. Prime Minister Pierre explicitly clarified that the MOU creates no binding obligations for either nation and triggers no immediate transfer protocols. Official presentation slides accompanying his address reinforced that the framework does not alter existing U.S. visa policies for Saint Lucian citizens seeking American travel.

    This development positions Saint Lucia as the latest Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member to formalize migration cooperation talks with Washington. The move follows similar non-binding agreements reached by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis in recent months, signaling a regional pattern of engagement with U.S. migration authorities.

    Notably, despite four OECS nations signing similar agreements, only Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have faced recent U.S. visa restrictions. A December proclamation by President Donald Trump cited national security concerns related to citizenship-by-investment programs in these nations, imposing limitations on immigrant and certain nonimmigrant visas. Saint Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis remain unaffected by these specific measures.

    Prime Minister Pierre contextualized the agreement within Saint Lucia’s broader foreign policy commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace,’ emphasizing diplomatic dialogue and respect for international law through CARICOM membership. No implementation timeline has been established, and U.S. officials have yet to issue public commentary regarding the arrangement.

  • Belize and the U.S. Sign Biometric Data Sharing Agreement

    Belize and the U.S. Sign Biometric Data Sharing Agreement

    In a significant move to bolster national security infrastructure, Belize has formally entered into a Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) with the United States. The alliance was cemented during an official signing ceremony in Belmopan, attended by high-ranking officials from Belize’s Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy.

    The partnership is substantiated by a substantial in-kind contribution from the U.S., providing over a quarter of a million U.S. dollars worth of advanced technological hardware and equipment. This infusion of resources is earmarked for the comprehensive modernization of Belize’s immigration and border management protocols.

    Central to the BDSP initiative is the deployment of state-of-the-art, fingerprint-based biometric technology at key national entry points. This technological upgrade will empower Belizean immigration officers to perform enhanced surveillance and conduct rigorous background verifications on incoming visitors. The system will facilitate direct, secure access to one of the world’s most extensive law enforcement biometric databases, maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

    Government authorities from both nations assert that this collaborative effort will significantly augment Belize’s operational capacity to identify and prevent instances of identity fraud. The integration of advanced biometric screening is projected to create a more robust and secure border control framework, aligning with international security standards and fostering a safer travel environment.

  • LETTER: Kentish seen as the best choice to replace Watts in St. George

    LETTER: Kentish seen as the best choice to replace Watts in St. George

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has finalized candidates for fifteen constituencies, with only the substantial St. George electoral district remaining undecided. This key constituency, which boasted over 5,100 voters in the last election cycle, has become a competitive arena with multiple contenders vying to succeed outgoing MP Algernon ‘Serpent’ Watt.

    The primary race features three prominent figures: Antigua Barbuda Workers Union President Kem Riley, newly qualified lawyer Kelton Dalso, and media personality Jermaine ‘Buffy’ Kentish. An analysis of the political landscape suggests significant disparities in candidate viability. Two contenders face substantial challenges—one lacks name recognition beyond his immediate community, while another demonstrates inconsistent political positioning. Conversely, Kentish emerges as a formidable candidate with nationwide recognition, charismatic appeal, and deep community connections transcending traditional political boundaries.

    Kentish’s candidacy is bolstered by his multi-generational roots throughout the constituency. Born in New Winthorpes and raised in Barnes Hill, his family connections extend through Pigotts (his father’s birthplace) and Potters. His political heritage traces back to his grandfather, Samuel Kentish, an early member of the Progressive Labour Movement renowned for advocating workers’ rights and agricultural community interests.

    Political observers note Kentish’s potential to disrupt the electoral dominance of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s Michael Freeland. His widespread popularity and cross-party appeal could potentially achieve vote totals exceeding 3,000 ballots—a threshold unmatched since Sir Adolphus’s political era. The January 19th primary at Potters Primary School represents a critical juncture for UPP’s electoral strategy and St. George’s political future.

  • SVG’s laws online this year; halls of justice a ‘medium-term objective’

    SVG’s laws online this year; halls of justice a ‘medium-term objective’

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has initiated a comprehensive million-dollar legal modernization program that will digitize the nation’s entire body of laws. Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced the landmark initiative during her address marking the commencement of the judicial year, revealing plans to make all national legislation accessible online through a complete consolidation and revision process.

    The ambitious project, which will incorporate all laws passed through December 31, 2025, represents the first major revision since 2009. The government has engaged the Regional Law Revision Centre in Anguilla, signaling a strategic shift toward regional collaboration while maintaining sovereignty over the legal framework. Notably, the finalized compilation will be government-owned and produced in MS Word format to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance investor confidence through transparent legal frameworks.

    In parallel developments, Mitchell addressed infrastructure concerns within the judicial system, acknowledging reports of mold, termite infestations, and inadequate facilities in both the High Court and magistrates’ courts. While confirming that the previous administration’s proposed halls of justice project remains a medium-term objective, the current government has prioritized immediate digital advancements over new construction.

    The Attorney General also outlined progress on the digitization of the Land Registry Project, with approximately 250,000 deeds from 1939-2025 already scanned ahead of the anticipated 2028 completion. Additionally, the Legal Professions Bill, carried over from the previous administration, is scheduled for parliamentary agenda placement in the first quarter, aiming to establish enhanced ethical standards for legal practitioners.

    A feasibility study commissioned for 2024 will evaluate comparative costs and suitability of locations for the proposed halls of justice, with a final decision on location and concept design expected by late 2026. The government projects funding acquisition for the construction project to commence in 2027, pending study outcomes.

  • CARICOM SG underscores importance of effective public finance management at SPEM certification ceremony

    CARICOM SG underscores importance of effective public finance management at SPEM certification ceremony

    In a landmark address at the Certification Ceremony for the Strengthening Public Expenditure Management (SPEM) Project, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett celebrated the pioneering cohort of Belizean public officials who completed the groundbreaking fiscal training initiative. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in collaborative governance, bringing together the Government of Belize, the University of Belize, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in a tripartite commitment to fiscal excellence.

    Dr. Barnett emphasized that robust public financial management constitutes the bedrock of sustainable development for small developing states like Belize, which face disproportionate vulnerabilities to global economic volatility and climate-induced disruptions. She articulated that every dollar of public expenditure carries profound implications for national development outcomes, directly influencing critical sectors including healthcare, education infrastructure, and community resilience building.

    The Secretary-General positioned Belize’s fiscal advancement within broader regional and international contexts, noting that the country’s participation in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy necessitates sophisticated financial management capabilities. She underscored that transparent fiscal systems enable more effective regional trade engagement, cross-border collaboration, and foreign investment attraction.

    Beyond technical proficiency, Dr. Barnett highlighted the program’s alignment with global development frameworks, particularly the United Nations Financing for Development agenda emphasizing domestic resource mobilization. She framed fiscal discipline as a strategic imperative for reducing external dependency and building self-reliant economies capable of withstanding external shocks.

    Addressing the graduates directly, Barnett charged them with transforming their acquired expertise into tangible improvements in public service delivery and fiscal accountability. She characterized their certification not merely as personal achievement but as a critical contribution to strengthening public trust in governance institutions through demonstrable development outcomes.

    The SPEM Project represents a continuous commitment to institutional capacity building, incorporating digital financial systems, advanced data analytics, and modern auditing techniques while maintaining core principles of accountability and inclusive governance.

  • STATEMENT: ERC public forum – A call to action for Dominica – How did we get here and how are we getting out?

    STATEMENT: ERC public forum – A call to action for Dominica – How did we get here and how are we getting out?

    The Commonwealth of Dominica confronts an unprecedented national emergency as it grapples with severe diplomatic repercussions from the United States. For the first time in history, Dominican citizens face stringent U.S. visa restrictions, mandatory visa bonds, and mounting pressure to accept third-country deportees merely to restore basic travel privileges. These developments signal a critical erosion of the nation’s international standing and credibility.

    This crisis stems directly from the controversial management of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), which critics allege was transformed into a ‘passport mill’ operation. Under this scheme, national sovereignty was effectively commodified, with citizenship traded for immediate financial gain without adequate consideration of long-term consequences. While benefiting a select few, this approach has now jeopardized the travel freedom and global reputation of all Dominican citizens.

    The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has announced a major public forum to address this escalating situation. Scheduled for January 13, 2026, at the DPSU Conference Room, the gathering will feature united opposition leadership, immigration experts including attorney Tamika Jude, and influential voices from the global Dominican diaspora. The forum aims to comprehensively examine how irresponsible passport sales damaged international relations, analyze the tangible threats posed by current visa restrictions, and formulate concrete strategies for national recovery.

    This initiative represents a rare moment of political unity, transcending partisan interests to address fundamental questions of national survival and dignity. The collective response underscores a determined effort to reclaim control of Dominica’s future and restore the integrity of its national identity on the world stage.

  • Sheinbaum: Mexico can be a vehicle for US-Cuba communication

    Sheinbaum: Mexico can be a vehicle for US-Cuba communication

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed her nation’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with Cuba, emphasizing that bilateral ties transcend political party affiliations in both countries. The statement came during a press engagement where Sheinbaum addressed questions regarding potential oil shipments to Cuba and broader geopolitical dynamics.

    President Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico consistently opposed the United States’ economic blockade against Cuba from its inception, establishing a historical precedent for diplomatic solidarity. “The Mexico-Cuba relationship is historic,” Sheinbaum stated on December 22. “Mexico was the only country that opposed the blockade imposed by the United States from the outset. Therefore, regardless of the political party in power, there has always been a Mexico-Cuba relationship.”

    The comments followed Sheinbaum’s recent telephone discussion with former US President Donald Trump, wherein the Republican figure announced intentions to initiate ground operations against cartels. This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating US aggression toward Venezuela and continued threats against Cuba and other nations.

    Sheinbaum elaborated on the multidimensional cooperation between Mexico and Cuba, citing energy collaboration and frequent diplomatic exchanges spanning decades. These interactions have persisted irrespective of changing political leadership in Washington, demonstrating the resilience and continuity of Mexico-Cuba relations despite external pressures.

    The Mexican leader’s remarks directly addressed inquiries about sustaining oil exports to Cuba, which continues to endure a comprehensive economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by Washington over sixty years ago. Experts universally recognize this embargo as the primary impediment to Cuba’s economic development and international integration.

  • Colombian Solidarity Movement decry US threats on Cuba

    Colombian Solidarity Movement decry US threats on Cuba

    A prominent international solidarity movement has issued a forceful condemnation of United States policies toward Cuba, characterizing recent US government declarations as “fascist” attempts to undermine Cuban self-determination. The organization expressed unwavering support for Cuba’s sovereignty and endorsed calls by Cuban intellectuals and artists to resist perceived threats from Washington.

    The movement specifically endorsed the Cuban Chapter of the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity’s position regarding escalating tensions between the two nations. In its comprehensive statement, the group reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to defending Cuba’s sovereign rights and national integrity.

    Beyond mere condemnation, the movement issued a broad mobilization appeal to Colombian civil society, urging social organizations, labor unions, artistic communities, student groups, and the general public to unite in defense of Cuba. The solidarity platform specifically acknowledged gratitude for Cuba’s “tireless struggle to achieve peace” in Colombia, highlighting the island nation’s historical role in regional conflict resolution.

    The statement concluded with a historical reference to Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, whose centennial year is currently being commemorated. Invoking Castro’s “absolute conviction and faith in victory,” the movement drew inspiration from Cuba’s 1961 victory at the Bay of Pigs (known as Giron in Cuba) as motivation to resist what it termed “the barbarity that surrounds us.”

    This development follows earlier condemnation from Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who characterized recent US government statements as immoral. Responding to remarks attributed to former US President Donald Trump, Diaz-Canel questioned America’s moral authority to criticize Cuba, asserting that “those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba in any way.” The Cuban leader reaffirmed his nation’s readiness to defend itself against external pressure.