分类: politics

  • Diaz-Canel rejects US satements and reaffirms defense of Cuba

    Diaz-Canel rejects US satements and reaffirms defense of Cuba

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a forceful response to recent U.S. criticisms, delivering a scathing rebuke via social media that directly addressed remarks from American leadership. The Caribbean leader asserted that those “who commercialize everything, including human lives, lack the moral authority to criticize Cuba in any manner whatsoever.”

    Díaz-Canel characterized recent criticisms against Cuba as hysterical reactions fueled by anger over the nation’s sovereign choice of political model. He addressed those blaming the Cuban Revolution for current economic challenges, stating they should feel ashamed and maintain silence rather than offer uninformed commentary.

    The Cuban president attributed the nation’s economic difficulties directly to six decades of “draconian extreme suffocation measures” imposed by the United States, noting that these restrictions now threaten to intensify further. He emphasized that Cuba remains a free, independent, and sovereign nation that categorically rejects external impositions.

    In a definitive declaration, Díaz-Canel stated: “Cuba does not engage in attacks; it has been under continuous attack from the United States for 66 years. Cuba does not issue threats; it prepares diligently, standing ready to defend the Homeland to the final drop of blood.” The message concluded with the hashtag #CubaIsCourage.

    These statements received extensive coverage across Cuban state media outlets, occurring within a broader context of regional tensions including aggression against Venezuela and escalating threats from the White House toward multiple nations.

  • Paris multinational drive demands freedom for Maduro and Cilia

    Paris multinational drive demands freedom for Maduro and Cilia

    PARIS – In a striking display of international solidarity, dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Esplanade of Human Rights at Trocadero, with the Eiffel Tower providing a symbolic backdrop, to vehemently protest recent US actions against Venezuela. The multinational rally, organized by a coalition of civil society organizations, expressed profound outrage over what participants labeled as unlawful aggression by the Trump administration.

    The demonstration featured a diverse representation from across the globe, including associations representing Argentinians, Bolivians, Colombians, Cubans, Chileans, Ecuadorians, French, Hondurans, Malians, Mexicans, Nigerians, and Peruvians. Participants collectively denounced Washington’s recent measures as flagrant violations of established international legal frameworks.

    Amid a sea of banners, national flags, and impassioned slogans, protesters demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom they affirmed as the constitutionally legitimate leader of the South American nation. The gathering simultaneously called for respect of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and the fundamental right to self-determination, positioning the defense of these principles as crucial for maintaining peace throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the global community.

    Speakers and organizers articulated that the true motivation behind the aggression targets Venezuela’s substantial natural resources—including petroleum, natural gas, gold reserves, and water—rather than purported concerns about drug trafficking or terrorism. The demonstration served as a platform to urge political entities worldwide to transcend partisan positions and unite in condemning what they characterized as a dangerous breach of the United Nations Charter.

    In a related show of support, a separate solidarity event convened at Paris’s historic Place de la Bastille, drawing participation from French political parties, labor unions, and additional civic associations. This gathering echoed the condemnation of US foreign policy while issuing warnings that other sovereign nations might subsequently become targets of the current administration’s expansionist ambitions.

  • Cubans denounce aggression against Venezuela from various provinces

    Cubans denounce aggression against Venezuela from various provinces

    Across multiple Cuban cities, significant public demonstrations have emerged expressing vehement opposition to U.S. foreign policy while demonstrating unwavering solidarity with Venezuela’s government. In Holguín, a substantial gathering convened to demand regional peace and condemn what participants characterized as imperialist intervention in Caribbean affairs.

    According to reports from Granma newspaper, attendees assembled along Avenida de los Libertadores near the monument to Simón Bolívar, launching an international campaign against American leadership. Participants denounced U.S. policies as ‘wars of plunder,’ labeled economic sanctions as ‘genocidal blockades,’ and condemned recent actions as criminal violations of international law.

    The declaration specifically referenced the January 3rd incident involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, demanding their unimpeded return to Venezuela after what was described as their effective kidnapping by U.S. authorities.

    During emotionally charged proceedings, tribute was paid to thirty-two combatants who reportedly fell defending Venezuelan sovereignty, including seven individuals from Holguín province according to the Cuban News Agency.

    Parallel demonstrations occurred in Camagüey, where military personnel, civilian workers, and soldiers from the local firing range expressed unconditional support for Venezuela’s Bolivarian Republic. The regional newspaper Adelante documented calls for a Latin America free from external interference.

    Adding personal dimension to the political support, employees of Granma Provincial Electricity Company who previously served on internationalist missions in Venezuela voiced their endorsement of the nation’s government and people. They joined in condemning what they characterized as recent military aggression against the Bolivarian nation.

  • Panamanians reject joint military drills with the USA

    Panamanians reject joint military drills with the USA

    Approximately 50 U.S. Marines have commenced joint training operations with Panamanian forces, initiating a controversial military program that runs from today through February 26th. The exercises will take place at two strategic locations: the Jungle Warfare School in Colón province and Captain Noel Rodríguez Naval Base near the capital city.

    This military collaboration has sparked significant opposition from civil society organizations, particularly the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso). The group contends that these maneuvers stem from a memorandum of understanding secretly signed between Panama and Washington in April 2025, which they characterize as detrimental to national sovereignty.

    In an official statement obtained by Prensa Latina and endorsed by Frenadeso coordinator Jorge Guzmán, the organization vehemently rejected the notion that these activities represent international cooperation. Instead, they framed the training as outright foreign interference and an act of aggression against Panama’s autonomous governance.

    The memorandum, according to Frenadeso’s analysis, effectively normalizes foreign military presence within Panamanian territory and transforms the nation into a strategic platform for geopolitical operations targeting neighboring countries, particularly Venezuela. These actions are allegedly justified under the pretext of addressing security concerns, migration flows, and narcotics trafficking.

    Frenadeso’s declaration emphatically states: ‘Panama is a sovereign and neutral country, not a ramp for imperial aggression,’ while demanding the immediate termination of all joint military exercises and calling for authentic defense of national independence.

    This development marks an escalation of U.S. military engagement in Panama that began in December 2025, initially justified through anti-drug trafficking initiatives. The increased presence followed concerning statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military intervention to secure the Panama Canal, citing unsubstantiated claims of Chinese influence—allegations consistently denied by officials from both nations.

  • Venezuela denies security alert promoted by the US

    Venezuela denies security alert promoted by the US

    Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent statements from the U.S. State Department, denouncing them as constructed falsehoods designed to project an inaccurate image of instability within the South American nation. The comprehensive communiqué presents a counter-narrative of a nation operating in a state of complete normalcy and peace.

    The ministry’s statement categorically asserts that all population centers, transportation networks, communication routes, and security checkpoints are functioning without disruption. Emphasizing sovereign control, the communication clarifies that all weaponry remains exclusively under the command of the Bolivarian Government, which it identifies as the sole entity holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force.

    Furthermore, the Venezuelan government has used this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering dedication to safeguarding national peace, ensuring institutional stability, and fostering peaceful coexistence among its citizens. This firm response highlights the ongoing diplomatic friction between Caracas and Washington, underscoring a significant divergence in perceived realities regarding Venezuela’s internal security situation.

  • Italy: Growing rejection of US sttack and threats on Venezuela

    Italy: Growing rejection of US sttack and threats on Venezuela

    In an unprecedented display of international solidarity, hundreds of thousands of Italian citizens flooded the streets across thirty major cities in coordinated demonstrations against United States foreign policy toward Latin American nations. The widespread protests, organized through a coalition of political parties, labor unions, student associations, and social advocacy groups, represented one of Europe’s most significant expressions of dissent against American interventionism.

    The mobilization spanned the entire Italian peninsula, with substantial gatherings documented in Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Genoa, Florence, Naples, Palermo, and numerous other urban centers. Participants voiced strong opposition to what they characterized as US imperialist ambitions, state-sponsored terrorism, and the continued application of the nineteenth-century Monroe Doctrine, which they view as an anachronistic tool of hemispheric domination.

    Rome witnessed one of the largest concentrations of protesters, where columns of demonstrators advanced along central thoroughfares from Esquiline Square toward the US Embassy. The atmosphere remained charged with political fervor as speakers addressed the crowds, warning of escalating tensions and potential military confrontations. ‘We gather today knowing the threat of further aggression remains imminent,’ declared one organizer, capturing the movement’s apprehensive mood.

    The protests specifically highlighted solidarity with Venezuela’s Bolivarian government and Cuba’s socialist administration, both facing increased US economic and diplomatic pressure. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans advocating for alternative global governance models free from American hegemony, with many participants emphasizing their commitment to continued mobilization for ‘a different world order based on mutual respect and sovereignty.’

  • Defamation claim against Energy Minister thrown out

    Defamation claim against Energy Minister thrown out

    A High Court judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, citing the claimants’ persistent failure to advance their case through proper legal channels. Justice Frank Seepersad ruled against investment entities Trillions Systems Ltd, Rose Capital Investments Ltd, and businessman James Kerron Rose, while simultaneously granting permission for their legal representatives to formally withdraw from the matter.

    The court expressed significant concern over the claimants’ disregard for judicial directives issued since July 2025, which mandated specific procedural actions including the filing of formal replies and document disclosures. Justice Seepersad noted that six months had elapsed without meaningful progress, stating: “The court must jealously guard its process. Delay will not be tolerated by this court.”

    Legal representatives for the claimants detailed extensive but unsuccessful efforts to contact their clients between July and September 2025, utilizing multiple communication channels including email, telephone calls, and WhatsApp messaging. The attorneys revealed that despite attending case management conferences in May 2023 and June 2025, they had received no instructions from Rose or the companies to comply with court requirements.

    Minister Moonilal’s defense team, led by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan and attorney Jared Jagroo, highlighted the unusual circumstance of supposedly substantial corporate entities being unreachable by their own legal counsel. Ramlogan emphasized the significant public interest dimensions of the case, noting that the minister’s controversial statements addressed allegations of illegal quarrying and financial improprieties affecting public investors.

    The defamation claim originated from Minister Moonilal’s September 2024 press briefing, streamed on the United National Congress’s Facebook platform and shared through his personal social media accounts. The claimants alleged the minister had falsely associated them with illicit quarry operations, questionable government contracts, and financial misconduct, resulting in substantial reputational damage and business losses.

    Following the dismissal, Minister Moonilal issued a statement characterizing the ruling as a complete vindication of his public interest advocacy. He referenced ongoing investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission into the claimants’ operations and expressed concern for citizens who allegedly suffered financial losses through their dealings with Rose’s companies. The minister pledged to continue addressing matters of public concern regardless of potential legal challenges, while acknowledging his legal team for their steadfast representation throughout the proceedings.

  • US diplomat calls for appointment of Guyana’s Opposition leader

    US diplomat calls for appointment of Guyana’s Opposition leader

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot has emphasized the critical need for Guyana to formally appoint an Opposition Leader following the September 1 general elections, highlighting concerns over parliamentary functionality and democratic processes. The electoral outcome returned the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to power, while the newly established We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, secured the second-largest parliamentary presence, displacing the former coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

    President Irfaan Ali dismissed allegations that his administration has delayed National Assembly sessions to avoid Mohamed’s appointment as ‘absolutely ridiculous,’ asserting that the opposition holds sole authority to elect their leader. Despite this, the Assembly has convened only once since the elections—on November 3, 2025—with Speaker Manzoor Nadir yet to initiate the constitutionally mandated meeting of the 29 opposition parliamentarians to formalize the leadership role, expected to be filled by Mohamed.

    Ambassador Theriot, speaking after an event at Banks DIH on Sunday, stressed that a functioning democracy requires an operational Parliament facilitated by an official Opposition Leader. However, complications arise as Mohamed and his father, billionaire businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, face extradition to the United States over serious charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy tied to an alleged $50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme. Their committal hearing is scheduled to resume in February 2026.

    Theriot acknowledged that while the U.S. can navigate around Mohamed’s potential leadership in governmental matters, his involvement in financial or contractual issues would necessitate alternative arrangements to ensure unimpeded bilateral engagements. She also noted that international partners, including the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have jointly called for the expedient election of an Opposition Leader to uphold democratic integrity in Guyana.

  • Top cop: No reported incidents in Tobago for THA polls

    Top cop: No reported incidents in Tobago for THA polls

    Tobago’s House of Assembly elections concluded without incident on January 12, thanks to comprehensive security oversight led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin. The top brass of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) personally supervised electoral operations across the island, implementing strategic measures to ensure public safety and electoral integrity.

    Commissioner Guevarro conducted inspections at multiple key stations including Scarborough, Charlotteville, and Roxborough, engaging directly with station commanders and frontline officers. His visits focused on assessing policing requirements specific to the electoral context and providing operational guidance. He was accompanied by Assistant Commissioners of Police Earl Elie and Collis Hazel during these critical assessments.

    The TTPS executed widespread officer deployments throughout Tobago with the dual objective of maintaining orderly electoral proceedings and safeguarding all citizens, stakeholders, and institutions involved. In a post-election statement via social media, the police service highlighted its commitment to facilitating a smooth and incident-free democratic process.

    Commissioner Guevarro publicly commended Tobagonians for their exemplary conduct throughout the voting exercise, noting the absence of any significant disturbances or security breaches. The successful security operation demonstrates the TTPS’s capacity to manage large-scale democratic events while maintaining public order.

  • TPP trounces PNM 15-0 in THA elections

    TPP trounces PNM 15-0 in THA elections

    In an unprecedented electoral triumph, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) led by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine secured a comprehensive victory in the Tobago House Assembly elections on January 12, capturing all 15 contested seats. The decisive win marks a significant political shift in the island’s governance, completely eliminating opposition representation from the People’s National Movement (PNM).

    The TPP declared victory shortly after 9 pm, surpassing their previous 14-1 seat achievement in the 2021 elections. The outcome was particularly devastating for PNM’s Kelvon Morris, who lost his Darrel Spring/Whim constituency by a narrow margin of 17 votes after previously winning by just three votes in 2021.

    PNM Tobago leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine announced her resignation following the crushing defeat, stating her support for “transition to new leadership” while confirming the party would seek recounts in several marginal constituencies. The resignation came amidst a atmosphere of stunned disbelief within PNM ranks, which had maintained hope until late evening that Morris might retain his seat.

    This victory continues the TPP’s remarkable electoral trajectory. In the 2021 THA polls, the party’s predecessor organization (PDP) secured 58% of votes (16,932 votes) compared to PNM’s 41% (11,942 votes). The trend continued in the 2025 general election where TPP captured two parliamentary seats with 55% of votes cast (13,857 votes versus PNM’s 11,000 votes).

    The campaign featured intense debate around both local and national issues. Critical discussion points included the controversial placement of a US military radar at ANR Robinson Airport, substantial increases in traffic fines, and rising late fees for driver’s permits. The THA’s procurement of ambulances also emerged as a significant campaign topic, with the PNM criticizing the $18 million expenditure for 12 vehicles.

    Augustine had previously made headlines by vowing to personally “mash up” the US radar installation if evidence emerged it had assisted American operations against Venezuelan leadership. The PNM campaign attempted to raise concerns about potential Trinidad-style closures of Cepep and URP programs, allegations that Augustine dismissed as fearmongering tactics.

    Despite the overwhelming defeat, Davidson-Celestine praised PNM’s “excellent candidates” and acknowledged democratic processes while urging supporters not to “lose hope in the PNM and do not lose hope in Tobago.” She noted the party had detected significant voter dissatisfaction during campaigning that ultimately failed to translate into electoral support.

    The electoral process involved 42 candidates competing across 15 constituencies, with TPP and PNM contesting all seats while the Innovative Democratic Alliance fielded 11 candidates and Unity of the People presented one candidate. The Elections and Boundaries Commission reported no voting irregularities despite minor confusion among some voters regarding polling station locations.

    This electoral restructuring followed the EBC’s creation of three new seats in 2021 (Lambeau/Lowlands, Darrel Spring/Whim and Mt St George/Goodwood) to prevent recurrence of the previous 6-6 deadlock that had paralyzed the assembly. Boundary adjustments in Mason Hall North/Moriah and Mason Hall South/Bagatelle further refined the electoral landscape ahead of the January 12 poll.