During the trial of Danielle Veira, former director of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), her defense attorneys, Derrick Veira and Cedric Meijnaar, repeatedly pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony of the victim, Rodney Cairo, on Tuesday. Cairo claimed that on the evening before his abduction, he had brought three women to his home ‘because of the lockdown and their inability to return home on time.’ He stated that the women served him alcohol, yet in another statement, he mentioned drinking from a single glass with one of the women. Cairo, who asserted he does not drink alcohol, could not adequately explain why he participated in a toast that evening when questioned by the president of the Military Court, Cynthia Valstein-Montnor. He also alleged that after a few sips, he felt drugged, vomited, and remained in his room. Security footage from his home reportedly disappeared shortly after the abduction, though there are allegedly self-recorded videos by the women showing a party with loud music, alcohol, and sexual activity. These videos were not accessible to the media. Notably, despite Valstein-Montnor’s declaration that the case would be handled publicly despite sensitivities, much of Cairo’s interrogation and the viewing of the footage occurred behind closed doors, justified by the need to protect Cairo’s privacy. Journalists were only permitted to view external footage, which showed Cairo picking up the women at the corner of his street and walking them to his home. Around 2 a.m., a van stopped at his house, reversed slightly, and remained parked for half an hour before several men entered the property through an empty lot. It is unclear if the men were armed. The footage also captured the arrival and departure of the police. Cairo provided extensive testimony about his collaboration with Veira, former president Desi Bouterse, and other security officials, suggesting his abduction was linked to his intention to present evidence that day about Veira’s distribution of weapons to civilians. Meijnaar countered by citing a state decree allowing the head of the Security Service to arm civilians in special cases. The Military Court will verify this information. The prosecution’s closing arguments are scheduled for November 18, though further proceedings remain unclear as the press was excluded from the session.
分类： politics
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Abinader guarantees stable supply and prices for the Christmas season
Santo Domingo – In a proactive move to guarantee stable supply chains and pricing during the upcoming Christmas season, President Luis Abinader convened a crucial meeting of the Prices and Supply Committee on Wednesday. The gathering, held at the National Palace, brought together key stakeholders from the industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors. Industry and Commerce Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated the session, which focused on evaluating national production capacities, analyzing international market trends, and devising joint strategies to enhance collaboration between the government and private enterprises. President Abinader emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue with producers and traders, assuring the public that there would be no supply shortages in December or January. Business leaders lauded the government’s meticulous planning and coordination, noting that these efforts have reinforced confidence across the supply chain and enabled swift responses to potential logistical disruptions. Additionally, the government unveiled plans to monitor prices and inventories closely while providing coordinated support to farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Melissa. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, FEDA, and Pro Consumidor, initiatives include restoring crop production and stabilizing prices for essential goods such as bananas, rice, cassava, and chicken, ensuring their widespread availability nationwide.
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Guatemalan government submitted more than 350 corruption complaints
Since its implementation in May of last year, a comprehensive anti-corruption mechanism has been actively addressing numerous complaints across various sectors. Out of the cases reviewed, 242 (approximately 67.6 percent) are currently under investigation, 63 have been dismissed, 18 have been archived, four have been resolved through discretionary prosecution, one has an active arrest warrant, and another is in the sentencing phase. The complaints span multiple areas, including the administrative sector (131), health (59), infrastructure (45), security (43), labor (16), and education and social development (14). In response to allegations of a cover-up attempt by a Member of Parliament and inquiries from the local press, President Bernardo Arevalo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no case goes unaddressed or unpunished. He emphasized that tackling corruption is a collective responsibility, requiring consistent and coordinated efforts from all government agencies. ‘We are confronting a deeply entrenched issue that has persisted for over two decades due to power abuses. It is our duty to dismantle this corrupt structure that has severely harmed our institutions,’ stated the president. Arevalo further explained that each complaint undergoes meticulous scrutiny and is translated into actionable measures to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future irregularities.
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Bolivia’s subnational elections against the clock
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has resubmitted a crucial bill concerning subnational elections to the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (ALP), emphasizing the urgency of its approval. TSE member Gustavo Avila highlighted the tight timeline, noting that the electoral process must be completed by the first or second Sunday of March 2026. ‘We are resubmitting the bill and urging the new authorities to expedite its approval, as elections must be called before November 19,’ Avila stated during a press conference.
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Bolivian minister confirms collaboration with US DEA
Bolivia is intensifying its efforts to tackle transnational and serious crimes through enhanced international cooperation. Minister Oviedo announced at a press conference that the country will collaborate with multiple agencies and nations, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and police units from the European Union. Additionally, Bolivia has established agreements with neighboring countries to bolster its crime-fighting initiatives. This announcement followed the swearing-in ceremony of three deputy ministers, including Ernesto Justiniano, the newly appointed Minister of Social Defense, also known as the Minister of the Fight Against Drug Trafficking. Justiniano, who previously held this role from 2002 to 2003 under the administration of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with international agencies dedicated to combating drug trafficking. He highlighted his intention to strengthen ties with organizations that may have been less active during the previous government, signaling a renewed focus on global collaboration in addressing this pressing issue.
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Xi Jinping and King Felipe VI promote China-Spain trade ties
In a landmark diplomatic event, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia embarked on their first state visit to China in 18 years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. This visit follows three earlier trips by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez since 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening ties between the two nations. The royal couple’s itinerary included a high-profile ceremony in Beijing, where they joined Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign cooperation agreements aimed at fostering strategic alliances in key sectors such as automotive innovation, green energy, and technological advancement. King Felipe VI commenced his visit in Sichuan province, where he inaugurated the Spain-China Business Forum in Chengdu, a platform designed to enhance trade and investment opportunities. During his address, the monarch emphasized Spain’s dedication to a rules-based international system, transparency, and legal respect, while advocating for stronger economic collaboration. Official statistics reveal that approximately 400 Spanish companies operate in China, while nearly 300 Chinese enterprises have established a presence in Spain, with Beijing’s cumulative investments in the European nation surpassing those of Spain in China. This burgeoning partnership, however, has raised concerns in the United States, the European Union’s largest trading partner, as it navigates the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy.
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Suriname ontvangt hoge militaire delegatie; geen informatie gevoeligheden
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (Southcom), paid an official visit to Suriname. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the visit, highlighting discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral defense and security cooperation. While the ministry did not disclose details of any government-level meetings, sources revealed that Admiral Holsey met with Acting President Gregory Rusland, Interim Foreign Minister Adelien Wijnerman, and Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran. The talks reportedly touched upon the United States’ role in actions concerning Venezuela, though specific details remain undisclosed. President Jennifer Simons was notably absent, as she was in Brazil accompanying Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva. Suriname has consistently advocated for regional peace, a stance reiterated by its leadership. The visit underscores the enduring partnership between Suriname and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and trust. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security and fostering collaboration in defense matters.
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Questions over gov’t houses, PM Gonsalves’ wife, children bought in Trinidad
A heated controversy has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago over the allocation of government-subsidized housing to the wife and children of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, while over 200,000 citizens remain on the waiting list. Anil Roberts, a senator and housing minister, raised the issue in a Facebook video, questioning the propriety of the acquisitions by Eloise Gonsalves and her children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves. Roberts highlighted that the properties were secured under the administration of former Prime Minister Keith Rowley, whose party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), was ousted in April. Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP), seeking a sixth consecutive term, is closely aligned with the PNM. Roberts criticized the preferential treatment, noting that Storm Gonsalves allegedly signed a false declaration about his income to qualify for the housing scheme, which is a criminal offense in Trinidad and Tobago. He called for a police investigation into the matter, emphasizing that the allocation of multiple subsidized homes to one family contradicts the principles of fairness and equality enshrined in the Constitution. Roberts also questioned whether Prime Minister Gonsalves disclosed these assets in his integrity filings in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), where such legislation is absent. Meanwhile, Phillip Alexander, another housing minister, echoed the call for an investigation, stressing that the houses are intended for citizens in dire need, not for non-residents or politically connected individuals. Documents obtained by iWitness News reveal detailed banking information and application records, further fueling the scandal. The controversy underscores broader concerns about transparency and accountability in public office across the Caribbean region.
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Five Years In, PM Briceño Shakes Up Cabinet
In a significant political development, Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño has unveiled a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, marking a pivotal moment in his administration’s governance. The changes, announced on November 11, 2025, come exactly five years after Briceño’s People’s United Party (PUP) ended the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) 13-year rule and eight months into the PUP’s second term. This strategic overhaul aims to address pressing national challenges and optimize ministerial efficiency. Among the most notable shifts is the reassignment of Kareem Musa, who has been replaced as Minister of Home Affairs after a five-year tenure. Musa, credited with expanding the police force by over 800 recruits, will now helm a ministry grappling with administrative inefficiencies. Stepping into Musa’s former role is Henry Charles Usher, who faces mounting public pressure to address rising gang tensions and unresolved cases like the Joseph Budna investigation. Another key change sees Francis Fonseca returning to lead the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, a role he previously managed alongside foreign affairs. This move follows the brief tenure of Oscar Requena, who is now reassigned to the Ministry of Rural Transformation amid controversies over teacher salary delays. Florencio Marin, on his third ministry in five years, takes charge of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, a role demanding adept negotiations with unions. The reshuffle also merges Enterprise with Home Affairs and pairs New Growth Industries with Agriculture, signaling a streamlined approach to governance. As Belize navigates its political landscape, these changes underscore Briceño’s commitment to addressing public concerns and enhancing administrative effectiveness.
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PM Highlights Education and Citizen Security as Key Government Concerns
In a significant move to address pressing national issues, Prime Minister John Briceño has announced a series of executive adjustments aimed at strengthening governance and tackling key public concerns. The reshuffle comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny over the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Department, particularly following the controversial Joseph Budna abduction case, where allegations of police involvement sparked calls for an independent investigation. Prime Minister Briceño emphasized that these changes are the result of careful deliberation and are designed to bring a fresh perspective to challenging areas of governance. He highlighted education and citizen security as top priorities, acknowledging that despite substantial investments and innovative strategies, these sectors continue to face significant public criticism. The Prime Minister also revealed the formation of a special cabinet committee to address the rising cost of living, which he will chair alongside key ministers. This committee will focus on evaluating the impact of major government policies and implementing measures to safeguard the purchasing power of the working and middle classes.