Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • PNP congratulates Dr Godwin Friday and NDP on St Vincent election victory

    PNP congratulates Dr Godwin Friday and NDP on St Vincent election victory

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has formally recognized the electoral success of Dr. Godwin Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, characterizing the outcome as a pivotal democratic moment for the neighboring nation.

    In an official communiqué released Thursday evening, the PNP underscored the significance of the political transition, interpreting the results as a clear mandate from the Vincentian electorate for transformative national leadership. The statement emphasized Jamaica’s enduring dedication to fostering collaborative relationships within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

    PNP President Mark Golding articulated his party’s perspective, stating: “We convey our sincere congratulations to Prime Minister-designate Friday and the NDP as they prepare to undertake the solemn duties of governance. Jamaica maintains an unwavering commitment to constructive engagement with all Caricom member states to promote our mutual objectives of regional stability, sustainable economic development, and the collective advancement of Caribbean citizens.”

    The PNP’s message additionally paid tribute to departing Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, recognizing his extensive tenure and substantial contributions to regional integration. The statement highlighted Gonsalves’ instrumental role in enhancing Caricom’s diplomatic cohesion and amplifying the organization’s international presence on critical global matters.

  • US National Guard shooting suspect to be charged with murder

    US National Guard shooting suspect to be charged with murder

    WASHINGTON, United States – Federal prosecutors have elevated charges against an Afghan national to first-degree murder following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and critical injury to another near the White House precincts.

    US Attorney for Washington DC, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed the upgraded charges against 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, identified by US media as a former member of the CIA-supported ‘Zero Units’ counterterrorism force. The initial assault charges have been superseded by first-degree murder counts, with prosecutors indicating additional charges will follow.

    ‘This constitutes premeditated murder through ambush tactics against unsuspecting personnel,’ Pirro stated during an appearance on Fox News, characterizing the Wednesday attack as a calculated assault.

    The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from the West Virginia National Guard, who succumbed to her injuries, and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition. Both were deployed in the capital as part of heightened security operations.

    According to investigative findings, Lakanwal utilized a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver to open fire on guardsmen during patrol duties. The assailant, previously residing in Washington state, had undertaken a cross-country journey to reach the capital.

    The incident has ignited intense political discourse surrounding multiple contentious issues: the domestic deployment of military personnel, immigration policy, and the enduring consequences of US engagement in Afghanistan.

    In response to the shooting, former President Donald Trump announced intentions to suspend migration from what he termed ‘third world countries’ and reconsider admissions processed during the Biden administration. This stance has been reinforced by current FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security leadership, who attribute the suspect’s entry to perceived inadequacies in asylum protocols following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    Contrasting this perspective, AfghanEvac—an organization facilitating Afghan resettlement—maintains that evacuated individuals underwent exceptionally rigorous security vetting procedures. The organization emphasizes the comprehensive screening protocols applied to Afghan migrants following the military withdrawal.

  • Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration from Third World nations

    Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration from Third World nations

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a radical immigration policy agenda, vowing to permanently suspend migration from all Third World nations which he identified as the fundamental source of America’s ‘social dysfunction.’ The declaration came through a post-Thanksgiving message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

    Trump outlined a comprehensive five-point plan that includes terminating millions of immigration admissions processed under the Biden administration, removing individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the US,’ eliminating federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens, revoking citizenship from migrants who ‘undermine domestic tranquility,’ and deporting foreign nationals classified as public charges, security risks, or ‘non-compatible with Western civilization.’

    The former president intensified his criticism against current immigration policies, directly blaming predecessor Joe Biden while employing derogatory language against Mesopotamia Governor Tim Walz. Trump specifically criticized Walz’s refugee policies, referencing the admission of ‘hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia’ into the state.

    Trump’s proposed solution centers on what he termed ‘reverse migration,’ asserting that only through this approach could the situation be ‘fully cured.’ The message concluded with a stark warning to migrants: ‘You won’t be here for long!’ This declaration signals potentially the most restrictive immigration framework proposed by a major presidential candidate in modern American history.

  • Dominican Republic Opens Military Base to U.S. Amid Tensions with Venezuela

    Dominican Republic Opens Military Base to U.S. Amid Tensions with Venezuela

    In a significant strategic development, the Dominican Republic has authorized United States military forces to utilize key aviation facilities within its territory. This decision, formalized during U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s official visit to Santo Domingo, permits American aircraft and personnel temporary operational access to designated sections of the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport.

    The arrangement, announced at a joint press conference with Dominican President Luis Abinader, is framed as a cooperative measure to enhance counter-narcotics operations throughout the Caribbean region. Secretary Hegseth characterized the U.S. commitment as ‘deadly serious,’ emphasizing a readiness to undertake decisive actions against international traffickers. Operational reports since September indicate that U.S. forces have already neutralized over 20 vessels suspected of illicit drug transportation.

    This military cooperation occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The U.S. government has formally designated the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a terrorist organization, alleging its deep involvement in a sprawling narcotics network—a claim vehemently denied by Caracas. The U.S. naval presence in the region has been substantially augmented, now including the world’s largest aircraft carrier and a fleet of over ten supporting warships, signaling a pronounced intensification of its regional security agenda.

  • Government Announces Christmas Relief Package With ABST Cut, Duty-Free Meats and Return of Barrel Initiative

    Government Announces Christmas Relief Package With ABST Cut, Duty-Free Meats and Return of Barrel Initiative

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a substantial economic relief initiative designed to alleviate financial burdens on citizens during the Christmas season. This comprehensive package features multiple fiscal measures including tax reductions, duty exemptions on seasonal foods, and the revival of a popular import program.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, confirmed that Cabinet approved these interventions to assist households in managing budgetary constraints exacerbated by increasing global import expenses and traditional holiday expenditures. The centerpiece of the relief strategy involves a temporary reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from 17 percent to 7 percent during December 19-21. Merchant characterized this three-day tax reduction as a dual-purpose stimulus that benefits both consumers and retail enterprises.

    A significant component of the package is the reinstatement of the Christmas Barrel Initiative, enabling families to import personal goods at substantially reduced costs. Effective from December 1 through January 15, participants will pay merely a $10 processing fee along with a 10 percent Revenue Recovery Charge for eligible items.

    Additionally, the government has implemented complete duty and tax exemptions on imported hams, turkeys, and whole chickens between November 25 and December 25. This waiver encompasses customs duties, import duties, and ABST, specifically targeting the reduction of prices for traditional holiday foods to support low and middle-income families.

    Merchant emphasized during the post-Cabinet briefing that these measures are strategically designed to help households extend their financial resources during the holiday period. The relief package represents part of a broader governmental approach to combat inflation and reduce food costs, building upon recent zero-rating of essential food imports under the Common External Tariff.

    Notably, Treasury officials have coordinated December salary disbursements to precede the ABST reduction days, ensuring alignment with anticipated shopping patterns. Cabinet projections indicate that these combined measures will stimulate consumer spending, bolster local businesses, and mitigate financial pressures during one of the year’s most economically active seasons.

  • Chinese Embassy urges citizens to avoid traveling to Japan

    Chinese Embassy urges citizens to avoid traveling to Japan

    Diplomatic relations between China and Japan have deteriorated significantly following controversial statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The Chinese diplomatic mission in Tokyo issued a formal protest after Takaichi suggested during a parliamentary session in early November that Japan might consider military intervention should China initiate offensive operations against Taiwan.

    In retaliation, China’s Foreign Ministry has implemented travel advisories, urging its citizens to avoid visiting Japan since November 14. The Chinese Embassy in Japan reinforced this warning on Thursday, citing a concerning increase in discriminatory incidents targeting Chinese nationals within Japanese territory. According to a consular report, there has been a notable surge in verbal harassment and physical assaults against Chinese citizens this month.

    Simultaneously, Japan announced on Wednesday its decision to deploy advanced missile defense systems across islands in close proximity to Taiwan, a strategic move that has further inflamed tensions. China’s Defense Ministry condemned both Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks and the military deployment as severe violations of Chinese sovereignty and unacceptable interference in internal affairs. The situation represents one of the most significant diplomatic confrontations between the two Asian powers in recent years.

  • Suriname en VS markeren 50 jaar partnerschap met jubileumpublicatie

    Suriname en VS markeren 50 jaar partnerschap met jubileumpublicatie

    Suriname and the United States commemorated five decades of diplomatic relations during a formal ceremony at the U.S. Embassy on November 26, 2025. The event featured addresses by Surinamese President Jennifer Simons and U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher, who reflected on the historical evolution and future prospects of bilateral ties between the two nations.

    The gathering included distinguished guests from the private sector and members of the American Chamber of Commerce of Suriname (AmCham). The diplomatic relationship was formally established on November 26, 1975, exactly one day after Suriname gained independence, when the United States under President Gerald Ford officially recognized the newly sovereign nation.

    President Simons recalled the historical significance of this partnership: “This relationship was born the day after our independence. From the very beginning, Suriname could count on American support through educational programs, medical missions, and security cooperation.” She further emphasized the economic importance of the collaboration, noting that “American companies have invested in Suriname for fifty years—not just with capital, but through knowledge transfer and job creation. During various periods, they have served as pillars of our national economy.”

    Ambassador Faucher reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening bilateral relations and presented President Simons with a special anniversary publication titled ‘Common Past, Shared Future: United States and Suriname — 50 Connections.’ The ambassador described the compilation as “fifty stories demonstrating how Americans and Surinamese have influenced each other for centuries,” characterizing the publication as both a tribute to the past and an inspiration for future cooperation.

    President Simons concluded with a message to citizens of both nations: “Let us move forward with wisdom and unity to write the next chapter together—a chapter of cooperation, respect, and shared ambitions.”

  • An open letter to the Hon. Prime Minister

    An open letter to the Hon. Prime Minister

    In a significant development in Caribbean healthcare policy, Grenadian advocacy organizations have issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell regarding the stalled Age of Civil Legal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill. The open letter, co-signed by GPPA President Dr. Tonia Frame and ASPIRE consultant Dr. Fred Nunes, references the Prime Minister’s own compelling arguments from July 2025 advocating for the legislation’s passage.

    The proposed legislation addresses critical gaps in adolescent healthcare access, particularly regarding sexual health education and services. Proponents argue that the bill would empower medical professionals to provide necessary care to minors when parental consent is unattainable due to various circumstances, including unapproachable parents or abusive family situations.

    Notably, the letter highlights that five Caribbean nations—Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, and St. Lucia—have already implemented similar legislation over the past four decades, with two additional territories employing alternative legal frameworks for minor healthcare access.

    To break the current legislative impasse, the advocacy groups propose establishing a Joint Select Committee (JSC) as a formal mechanism for comprehensive consultation. This parliamentary tool would enable technical experts, political parties, NGOs, religious organizations, and citizens to provide structured input on the controversial legislation.

    The authors acknowledge the potential for procedural delay tactics but express confidence that with proper leadership and clear terms of reference, a JSC could facilitate genuine progress on addressing adolescent healthcare needs while maintaining parliamentary transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

  • Media Relations Specialist Jamilla Kirwan Appointed New Independent Senator

    Media Relations Specialist Jamilla Kirwan Appointed New Independent Senator

    Jamilla Kirwan, a seasoned media relations specialist, is poised to take on a new role as Antigua and Barbuda’s independent senator. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, will be held at Government House this morning. This appointment marks a significant moment as Kirwan steps into the Upper House, restoring the Senate to its full capacity of 17 members. Her selection follows the resignation of Kiz Johnson, who stepped down to pursue the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s nomination for the St Phillip’s South constituency. Kirwan’s extensive background in communications and public engagement is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to legislative proceedings. Government officials have emphasized that her appointment ensures stability and continuity as the Senate prepares for its upcoming parliamentary agenda.

  • Premier Brantley Assures Citizens There Will Be No New Taxes in 2026

    Premier Brantley Assures Citizens There Will Be No New Taxes in 2026

    In a significant fiscal announcement, Nevis Premier Honourable Mark Brantley has unequivocally guaranteed that citizens will face no new tax impositions in the upcoming 2026 budget. The Finance Minister made this declaration during his monthly press conference on November 25, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to shielding residents from additional financial burdens during the upcoming fiscal year.

    The Premier elaborated on his government’s established revenue strategy, emphasizing their systematic approach to generating increased government income without resorting to domestic taxation. “No, there won’t be any new taxes,” Brantley stated definitively, outlining the administration’s preference for targeting revenue enhancement through external sources.

    Brantley detailed the methodology behind this approach, citing previous increases to the Tourism Development Levy that primarily affects visitors rather than local citizens. Additionally, the government has implemented adjusted charges at the Financial Services Registry, characterizing these as fees rather than direct taxes on the population.

    “Our posture has consistently been to seek revenue increases from goods, services, or individuals outside the local population,” Brantley explained. “This strategy has successfully expanded government revenue without placing additional pressure on Nevis residents.”

    The 2026 budget, scheduled for presentation on December 2, will prioritize several key development areas. Healthcare infrastructure stands as a central focus, with plans to complete the Alexandra Hospital expansion, establish a permanent facility for the Charlestown Health Centre, and introduce dialysis treatment services on the island.

    Educational infrastructure will receive significant attention through upgrades to aging school buildings, while continued enhancements to airport facilities and general public infrastructure remain ongoing commitments. The administration also plans to advance economic development initiatives designed to stimulate job creation, promote social welfare, and ensure long-term sustainability.

    These strategic investments reflect the government’s balanced approach to maintaining fiscal responsibility while advancing quality of life improvements for citizens. The December budget address will comprehensively outline projected revenues, expenditures, and policy agendas for the 2026 fiscal year.