Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • STATEMENT: Electoral Office update on voter confirmation

    STATEMENT: Electoral Office update on voter confirmation

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has initiated a systematic nationwide voter confirmation campaign as part of its broader strategy to modernize and refine the national Register of Electors. This critical democratic exercise enables previously registered voters to visit officially designated confirmation centers to validate and amend their personal information within the electoral database.

    The comprehensive verification process represents a key implementation phase of the landmark Registration of Electors Act enacted in 2025. This legislation introduced robust new protocols specifically designed to enhance the precision, transparency, and overall integrity of the nation’s voter registry. By implementing these strengthened verification measures, the Electoral Office aims to establish an unimpeachable electoral framework that safeguards the democratic process.

    Authorities have commenced providing regular updates regarding the progress of this ongoing voter authentication initiative, demonstrating the government’s commitment to maintaining transparent communication throughout the modernization effort. The exercise underscores Dominica’s dedication to employing methodical approaches to electoral management that prioritize both accessibility and security within the democratic system.

  • Suriname announces social measures to combat economic impact of Middle East war

    Suriname announces social measures to combat economic impact of Middle East war

    PARAMARIBO, Suriname – In a national address, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons announced her administration’s decision to fast-track the implementation of critical social support measures designed to shield vulnerable citizens from the escalating economic repercussions of the Middle East conflict. The President articulated that international geopolitical instability is exerting direct pressure on Suriname’s domestic economy, necessitating immediate governmental intervention.

    Geerlings-Simons underscored the global nature of the economic shockwaves emanating from the prolonged war, warning that a protracted conflict would intensify the adverse effects on the nation. Expressing a dual concern for both the directly affected populations in the conflict zone and her own citizens, the head of state called for a swift resolution to the hostilities.

    Citing the existing economic hardships faced by the population, the government has resolved to expedite the full disbursement of several financial aid packages by the end of March, rather than distributing them in phases as initially planned. This accelerated fiscal response was formulated following consultations with the Ministry of Finance, which also assessed the implications for government revenues.

    The comprehensive relief package includes an increase in universal child benefit to SRD 250. Furthermore, a supplementary allowance of SRD 1,000 will be granted to individuals with disabilities, recipients of disability benefits, and registered low-income households. To bolster purchasing power, all civil servants and government employees will receive a one-time boost of SRD 1,500. In a targeted measure for the education sector, teachers are slated to receive a special support allowance of SRD 2,500.

  • Swaby presses gov’t on One Road Authority talks

    Swaby presses gov’t on One Road Authority talks

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has intensified his appeal for the Jamaican Government to initiate formal discussions concerning two significant regulatory proposals: the reinstatement of a centralized permit system for entertainment events and the creation of a unified One Road Authority to oversee the nation’s road infrastructure management.

    The call to action comes despite Works Minister Robert Morgan’s November 2025 announcement during an Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica seminar that consultation processes with municipal corporations and stakeholders were being organized to establish the framework for the One Road Authority.

    Addressing the monthly gathering of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Tuesday, Mayor Swaby revealed that no official communication from Minister Morgan had materialized since their public disagreement in January, when the minister characterized Swaby’s criticisms of the proposed authority as premature and misguided.

    “Despite extensive public discourse regarding the One Road Authority concept, the KSAMC and fellow local authorities continue to await the promised meeting with Mr. Robert Morgan to examine this proposal,” Swaby stated. “We consider it imperative that the minister provide transparent clarification on this matter, ensuring meaningful consultation with local authorities remains central to these progressing discussions.”

    Additionally, Mayor Swaby expressed his anticipation for dialogue with Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Minister Olivia Grange regarding the proposed “One-stop shop” system. This initiative, reactivated last August, aims to streamline the permitting process for entertainment events through a centralized application platform that would distribute submissions to appropriate regulatory bodies.

    While Minister Grange has promoted the program as a mechanism to boost operational efficiency within Jamaica’s entertainment and creative sectors while simplifying approval procedures for stakeholders, Swaby raised substantive concerns about its practical implementation. He emphasized the critical role municipal corporations play in event planning and public safety enforcement.

    “Local authorities possess the optimal capacity to manage practical and logistical dimensions of these activities,” Swaby explained. “Our trained and experienced personnel conduct thorough inspections of event sites, including structural assessments of stages and temporary installations, to verify compliance with mandatory safety standards before permit issuance.”

    The mayor further cautioned that inadequate planning and communication prior to program launch could potentially jeopardize event planners and attendees. He highlighted the specialized work of the Corporate Disaster Management Department in patron safeguarding and risk mitigation, which encompasses reviewing site layouts, evaluating emergency access routes, and establishing safety protocols for large public gatherings.

    Swaby advocated for a governance model where central government maintains regulatory and policy-setting functions while local authorities retain service implementation responsibilities. “The KSAMC maintains that central government should concentrate on policy development, oversight, and strategic direction, while execution and daily service implementation should remain with local authorities, where work is most immediate to citizens and accountability is most direct,” he argued. “It is therefore vital that the operational role of local government is respected and reinforced, not replaced, particularly where public safety is directly implicated.”

  • Guyana and Venezuela continue squabble over Essequibo region

    Guyana and Venezuela continue squabble over Essequibo region

    The Guyanese government has issued a firm rebuttal to Venezuela’s claims regarding maritime jurisdiction in the Essequibo region, asserting that Caracas possesses no legal authority over these contested waters. This diplomatic response comes following Venezuela’s allegations that Guyana has engaged in unilateral exploration activities within disputed maritime territory and that the maritime boundary remains legally unresolved.

    In an official statement from Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities emphasized that the land boundary between the two nations was definitively established through the 1899 Arbitral Award, which settled the territorial frontier between what was then British Guiana and Venezuela. The ministry stated this historical settlement provides Guyana with unquestionable authority to conduct seismic surveys and authorize economic activities within its maritime zones.

    “The Government of Guyana maintains the absolute right to permit activities within maritime areas adjacent to its coastal territory as defined by the 1899 Arbitral Award,” the foreign ministry declared. It further noted that Venezuela has historically benefited from the stability and legal clarity provided by this century-old settlement, making its current objections particularly inconsistent.

    Guyana’s response specifically rejects Venezuela’s protest against a ongoing 3D seismic survey covering 25,000 square kilometers of offshore territory. The government maintains these activities occur unequivocally within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, where Georgetown exercises full sovereign rights under international law.

    The ministry characterized Venezuela’s position as “unfounded, inaccurate and entirely inconsistent” with established principles of international law, particularly regarding maritime boundaries. Guyana reaffirmed its sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles in the territorial sea and its sovereign rights beyond this limit within its EEZ and continental shelf.

    This exchange represents the latest development in a long-standing territorial dispute between the South American neighbors, with significant implications for offshore resource development and regional diplomacy.

  • Davis confirms general election will be soon

    Davis confirms general election will be soon

    Bahamian Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has officially signaled an approaching general election while maintaining deliberate ambiguity regarding the precise polling date. Responding to journalists on Thursday, Mr. Davis confined his remarks to confirming the election would occur ‘soon,’ offering no further elaboration on the timeline.

    The Prime Minister’s cautious statements followed an unexpected declaration from Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Fred Mitchell, who announced via a voice note that the nation would head to the polls ‘within the next few weeks.’ This revelation has ignited widespread political anticipation, suggesting a potential spring election. While Mr. Mitchell projected confidence about the impending campaign and the public’s decision on national leadership for the next five years, Mr. Davis adopted a more reserved stance, simply advising constituents to ‘stay tuned.’

    Outlining the PLP’s electoral strategy, Mr. Davis emphasized that the campaign would focus on promoting the party’s achievements over its current term and detailing its future governance plans. He expressed pride in what he described as ‘tremendous’ accomplishments over the past four years but acknowledged the necessity of demonstrating greater impact for those yet to benefit from governmental initiatives.

    Political analysts are scrutinizing the PLP’s ability to sustain support in Grand Bahama, where residents have long expressed feelings of governmental neglect. Despite the Davis administration’s efforts to rejuvenate the island’s economy, many locals report perceiving little tangible improvement. Compounding these challenges is the ongoing dispute between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority concerning governance in Freeport under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which recently entered arbitration. Although the tribunal dismissed the government’s $357 million claim for administrative costs, both parties have interpreted the ruling as favorable to their positions.

    When questioned about potential electoral repercussions from the GBPA matter, Mr. Davis affirmed his belief that Grand Bahamians would continue supporting the PLP, suggesting the issue has reinforced perceptions of the party as serious and committed. Meanwhile, Tall Pines MP Dr. Michael Darville has publicly declared his readiness for the upcoming election.

    Constitutional protocols indicate that Parliament must typically be prorogued before a general election is called—a process that formally concludes the current parliamentary session without dissolving the House of Assembly. Election necessity arises upon parliamentary dissolution, either initiated by the Prime Minister or triggered automatically at the conclusion of the five-year constitutional term. Following dissolution, the Governor-General issues writs of election for each constituency, establishing key dates including nomination day and polling day. Bahamian law mandates a minimum interval of seven days between the issuance of writs and nomination day, and another seven days between nomination and polling day, making the earliest feasible election date approximately two weeks post-dissolution. Historically, Bahamian elections occur three to four weeks after parliamentary dissolution.

  • Robinson again knocks Gov’t over low growth

    Robinson again knocks Gov’t over low growth

    Jamaica’s economic trajectory faced scathing criticism in Parliament on Thursday as Opposition Finance Spokesman Julian Robinson launched a forceful assault on the Government’s fiscal policies, characterizing them as condemning the nation to a perpetual cycle of economic stagnation. During his address in the 2026/27 Budget Debate, Robinson articulated profound concerns regarding the nation’s long-term growth prospects, citing official projections that anticipate a mere 1% growth rate beyond 2029 following post-hurricane recovery.

    The central thrust of Robinson’s argument centered on what he termed a ‘pattern of chronically low economic growth’ with devastating real-world consequences. He detailed how this stagnation manifests through inadequate wages, chronically under-resourced public services, widespread youth underemployment, and collective national frustration. The opposition spokesman particularly emphasized the alarming nature of the Government’s own fiscal projections that anticipate economic growth plateauing at 1% after a temporary recovery period from Hurricane Melissa’s October impact.

    Robinson asserted that at such minimal growth levels, living standards cannot experience meaningful improvement, causing Jamaica to consistently fall short of its potential. While acknowledging the immediate priority of restoring pre-hurricane productive capacity, he insisted this should represent merely the baseline rather than the ultimate objective. The opposition finance spokesman reintroduced his Four-E strategy—focusing on energy, efficiency, education, and emerging sectors—as a comprehensive alternative to what he characterized as the Government’s inadequate tinkering around the edges of economic policy.

    He concluded with a stark warning that without addressing these fundamental structural issues predating and outlasting hurricane impacts, Jamaica’s economy would remain trapped in a low-value-added system incapable of delivering improved quality of life for its citizens.

  • Bastian brushes off PLP leadership rumours

    Bastian brushes off PLP leadership rumours

    Sebas Bastian, the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for Fort Charlotte, has skillfully navigated questions regarding his potential aspirations for the party’s leadership during a recent media interaction. Despite being relatively new to politics, the businessman-turned-politician has rapidly gained substantial support within his constituency and the broader political landscape.

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis fueled speculation about Bastian’s political future during the inauguration of the Fort Charlotte Technology, Arts and Culture Centre, praising the candidate’s potential and expressing confidence in his ability to elevate the PLP’s standing. These remarks from the sitting prime minister have reignited discussions among political analysts about Bastian’s possible trajectory toward party leadership.

    When directly questioned about his long-term ambitions, Bastian demonstrated political acumen by emphasizing the importance of remaining focused on immediate electoral objectives rather than what he termed ‘impatient’ aspirations. He articulated that current priorities center on electoral victory and subsequent governance effectiveness, which would ultimately determine the party’s future direction.

    Addressing criticism from Free National Movement candidate Travis Robinson, who questioned Bastian’s motives and asserted that ‘the constituency is not for sale,’ Bastian remained unfazed. He emphasized that his efforts—including extensive community projects, home repairs, road improvements, and business investments—are directed toward demonstrating his commitment to registered voters rather than attempting to purchase influence.

    The political newcomer pointed to his established philanthropic work through the IL Cares Foundation and Own Bahamas initiatives as evidence of his longstanding dedication to community development, suggesting his political engagement represents a continuation rather than a departure from his service-oriented approach.

  • Hoefdraad vraagt DNA besluit over vervolging opnieuw te beoordelen

    Hoefdraad vraagt DNA besluit over vervolging opnieuw te beoordelen

    In a significant legal development, former Surinamese Finance Minister Gillmore Hoefdraad has formally petitioned the National Assembly (DNA) through his attorney Murwin Dubois to review its August 6, 2020 decision regarding impeachment proceedings against him. The petition raises substantial constitutional and procedural concerns about how parliament handled the case against the former official.

    The legal submission contends that the case involves two separate impeachment requests filed by the Prosecutor-General under the Political Office Holders Impeachment Act (WIPA). According to court documents, the first impeachment request was rejected by the National Assembly on May 18, 2020. The subsequent filing, Hoefdraad’s legal team argues, was substantively identical to the initial request and presented to parliament without new evidence or changed circumstances.

    Hoefdraad’s defense maintains that this approach violates established parliamentary decision-making principles. The petition specifically references provisions within the National Assembly’s Rules of Order, which stipulate that previously decided matters cannot be reconsidered unless new circumstances or compelling reasons emerge.

    Additionally, the former minister’s legal team highlights another procedural irregularity: Hoefdraad was not granted a hearing before parliament’s decision-making process, despite legal requirements mandating that involved (former) political office holders must be given opportunity to be heard.

    The formal request seeks to have the August 2020 decision reintroduced to the parliamentary agenda and requests a definitive judgment on the procedural and constitutional aspects of the case’s treatment. This development represents a crucial test of parliamentary procedures and constitutional protections for political figures in Suriname’s democratic system.

  • Foreign Minister Greene Meets with India’s External Affairs Minister to Advance CHOGM 2026 Cooperation

    Foreign Minister Greene Meets with India’s External Affairs Minister to Advance CHOGM 2026 Cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting in London, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene held substantive talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The high-level meeting centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two Commonwealth nations, with particular emphasis on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 2026 in St. John’s.

    Minister Greene acknowledged India’s consistent partnership with Small Island Developing States and outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s specific requirements for hosting CHOGM 2026. The priority areas identified encompass maritime security collaboration, procurement of security motorcycles to improve mobility and motorcade operations, and technical assistance for audiovisual infrastructure at the primary conference facility to ensure state-of-the-art meeting accommodations for attending leaders.

    Both ministers emphasized their mutual dedication to expanding cooperation across security domains, technological exchange, and capacity development initiatives. They reached consensus on maintaining intensive technical coordination to progress the specified collaborative areas effectively.

    Minister Greene positively noted India’s ongoing active participation within the Commonwealth framework and conveyed assurance that India’s support would substantially contribute to the successful execution of CHOGM 2026. The Antiguan delegation included High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and Minister Counsellor Chantal Phillip, underscoring the importance placed on these bilateral discussions.

  • Venezuela rejects Guyana’s “unilateral” offshore seismic survey

    Venezuela rejects Guyana’s “unilateral” offshore seismic survey

    In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Venezuelan government issued a formal condemnation on Thursday against Guyana’s authorization of a large-scale 3D seismic survey in offshore territories claimed by both nations. The controversial exploration initiative encompasses approximately 25,000 square kilometers within Guyana’s designated Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), targeting potential hydrocarbon reserves.

    The Caracas administration asserted that Guyana’s unilateral actions violate fundamental principles of international law, particularly concerning undelimited maritime boundaries. While notably omitting direct reference to Venezuela’s historical claim over the Essequibo Region and adjacent Atlantic waters, the statement emphasized that no legal agreement exists between the nations regarding maritime jurisdiction.

    Venezuela’s foreign ministry demanded immediate cessation of exploration activities, warning that such measures could aggravate diplomatic relations and contravene customary international law governing coastal states. The declaration specifically cautioned that Caracas would not recognize any licenses, concessions, or resource exploitation rights derived from what it termed ‘unilateral and illegal acts’ by Guyana.

    The seismic operation would encompass eleven blocks auctioned during Guyana’s 2022 Licensing Round, situated south of the prolific Stabroek Block and extending to the maritime border with Suriname. According to technical specifications, the project includes reprocessing and integration of existing seismic datasets across three survey lots, representing a comprehensive geological assessment of the region’s hydrocarbon potential.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of longstanding territorial disputes dating to the 19th century, with recent tensions escalating since ExxonMobil’s major discoveries in Guyana’s offshore basins beginning in 2015.