Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Abinader inaugurates La Vigia Canal to counter Haitian works on the Massacre River

    Abinader inaugurates La Vigia Canal to counter Haitian works on the Massacre River

    In a significant move to safeguard its agricultural interests, the Dominican Republic has initiated a major infrastructure project in the border region of Dajabón. President Luis Abinader personally inaugurated the construction of a new water intake structure alongside the comprehensive rehabilitation of the La Vigia canal. This strategic development is specifically engineered to counteract the hydrological impact of a canal constructed by Haiti on the Massacre River, which had previously threatened the stability of Dominican farming operations in the area.

    Olmedo Caba, Director of the National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI), provided technical details regarding the project. The revitalized La Vigia canal now features an advanced intake system equipped with dual electric pumps, each capable of moving 12,000 gallons of water per minute. This infrastructure enhancement ensures reliable water access for agricultural producers and demonstrates INDRHI’s commitment to providing ongoing technical and operational support to the region’s farming community.

    Caba further revealed that the Don Miguel dam project has reached completion readiness, describing it as a critical component for achieving long-term water security for both agricultural and population needs in Dajabón. The newly inaugurated water management system extends its benefits beyond La Vigia to multiple irrigation canals throughout the region, including Veterano 0 and 1, Don Pedro, Finca 28, Caño Frío, and El Coco. The comprehensive plan includes the development of new wells to sustain agricultural activities during periods of drought, ensuring year-round farming capability in this strategically important border zone.

  • President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast for comprehensive talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic domains. The meeting, held at the Presidential House on Saturday, laid the groundwork for enhanced partnership in border security, economic development, tourism expansion, and trade facilitation between the two nations.

    President Abinader welcomed Kast’s symbolic choice of the Dominican Republic as his first official international destination following his electoral victory. The leaders announced plans for a joint inspection tour of border security infrastructure on Sunday, demonstrating mutual commitment to addressing transnational security challenges. Abinader specifically emphasized trade balance enhancement, expressing interest in boosting imports of Chilean wines while seeking preferential market access for Dominican cigars in Chile.

    The Chilean leader-elect praised the Dominican Republic’s advanced border control mechanisms and citizen security protocols as exemplary models worthy of detailed study. Kast expressed particular interest in biometric control systems and comprehensive security strategies, indicating intentions to adapt applicable elements to Chile’s specific context while acknowledging differing national realities.

    Both leaders recognized the Dominican Republic’s notable achievements in tourism development and economic diversification as benchmarks of stability and growth. The high-level meeting included participation from numerous Dominican cabinet members—including ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior, housing, industry, commerce, and migration authorities—alongside Chilean delegation members comprising foreign affairs and security officials.

  • Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    In a significant push for governmental transparency, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell has demanded urgent amendments to Guyana’s Integrity Commission Act. Speaking over the weekend, Campbell advocated for legislative reforms that would mandate the public disclosure of summarized asset declarations from elected officials and other public servants.

    Campbell proposed that Guyana emulate Jamaica’s model, where summaries of asset declarations from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are routinely published in the Official Gazette. This approach would extend scrutiny beyond the Integrity Commission, police, and government ministers to include media outlets and civil society organizations, creating a multi-layered accountability system.

    The APNU leader’s recommendations emerge amidst growing controversy surrounding asset declarations of several government figures. Opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) recently raised questions about properties owned by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, and former Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO Sherwyn Greaves. All three officials have categorically denied any wrongdoing.

    Campbell criticized the current Integrity Commission as ‘toothless,’ contrasting it with what he described as the more proactive Ethnic Relations Commission. He expressed disappointment that the Commission remained silent on whether it would investigate the circulating allegations, suggesting it should have immediately assured the public of its intent to examine the claims thoroughly.

    The existing legislation imposes severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure of declaration information, with violators facing fines of GY$25,000 and up to two months imprisonment. Meanwhile, public officials who fail to submit their declarations risk even stiffer penalties: fines of GY$25,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, plus additional daily fines of GY$10,000 for continued non-compliance.

    This political confrontation occurs against a backdrop of mutual accusations between major parties. The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has frequently accused APNU parliamentarians of neglecting their declaration obligations, while Campbell alleges the PPPC has ‘captured’ constitutional agencies through strategic appointments of top officials.

  • BLP candidates urged to stay grounded in faith ahead of general election

    BLP candidates urged to stay grounded in faith ahead of general election

    With Barbados approaching critical February 11 elections, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called upon her 29 Barbados Labour Party candidates to center their campaign in spiritual foundation. Speaking during a Sunday service at Jackson’s Church of God, Mottley emphasized that maintaining faith anchors became increasingly vital as political activities intensified nationwide.

    The Prime Minister detailed how all BLP candidates simultaneously attended religious services within their respective constituencies, creating island-wide moments of spiritual reflection while fostering deeper connections with local communities. This coordinated initiative underscored the government’s conviction that divine guidance enabled their accomplishments throughout seven and a half years of leadership.

    ‘Our entire tenure has demonstrated that achievements materialized solely through God’s grace,’ Mottley asserted. She reminded congregants of life’s fragility, referencing four recent unexpected deaths within her St Michael North East constituency. These losses highlighted the imperative of gratitude and reflection during turbulent times.

    Mottley cataloged successive crises confronting Barbados—COVID-19, hurricanes, freak storms, volcanic ashfall, and international conflicts—noting that national stability endured because the country’s ‘anchor’ held firm. While acknowledging Barbados’ insulation from worst global tempests, she emphasized the island’s inextricable links to worldwide events requiring vigilance and resilience.

    The Prime Minister further addressed youth development, stressing that grounding young people in faith and values ensures resilience even when pursuing opportunities abroad. ‘Properly rooted individuals may bend under pressure but shall not break,’ she declared, framing this nurturing as fundamental governmental responsibility.

    Complementing Mottley’s message, Church Minister Lisa Dottin elaborated on theological pruning concepts. She portrayed challenges as transformative opportunities, urging parents and leaders to equip youth with spiritual resilience for navigating life’s uncertainties. Dottin explained divine pruning as removing fruitless elements to stimulate healthy growth, advocating embracement of this process for balanced development.

  • PM touts government’s efforts to reduce cost of living

    PM touts government’s efforts to reduce cost of living

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has revealed that her administration will unveil a suite of groundbreaking national policies within the coming fortnight, designed to fortify the Caribbean nation’s socioeconomic foundations against growing global instabilities. The announcement came during a public address following a religious service at Jackson’s Church of God in St. Michael on Sunday.

    Mottley emphasized that these forthcoming measures would transcend political affiliations, targeting holistic societal support from infancy through senior citizenship. “I have some exciting new policies that we will announce over the course of the next two weeks that I hope will allow us as a people, not the [Barbados] Labour Party family, not the Dems, but us as a people to continue to provide the resilience we need,” stated the Prime Minister, who also represents St. Michael North East constituency.

    Defending her government’s track record, Mottley acknowledged the challenges of national recovery while highlighting consistent progress. She cited critical infrastructure stabilization through acquisitions of garbage trucks and buses, though admitting services weren’t yet perfect. “This is a journey and on a journey you see progress, but you’re not yet at your final destination,” she remarked.

    The administration’s economic strategy has centered on alleviating cost-of-living pressures through innovative fiscal reforms. Since 2019, tax system restructuring has effectively eliminated income taxes for citizens earning under $35,000 annually. From April, homeowners with properties valued below $400,000 will be exempt from land taxation.

    Additional consumer protection measures include VAT and import duty removals on essential goods, with recent expansions to cover stewed beef and Horlicks. Electricity VAT has been capped at 10%, while the Ask Dealia price comparison application empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

    Social protection frameworks have been significantly enhanced through pioneering disability grants and supporting legislation. Economic resilience efforts include bolstering food security via the International Food Centre at Newton and a new St. Philip tissue culture laboratory to improve agricultural material access.

    Mottley conceded administrative imperfections, citing ongoing roadwork challenges, but framed Barbados’ development within broader global context of conflict-induced weariness and economic uncertainty. She urged national perseverance, referencing the Mission 2030 agenda as a long-term developmental framework rather than expecting immediate transformations.

    “This is a journey. This is not a single event,” Mottley concluded, expressing confidence that sustained effort and national resilience would propel Barbados toward significant achievements despite global headwinds.

  • LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will convene a special ceremonial session on February 18th to commemorate an extraordinary political milestone—Sir Robin Yearwood’s fifty years of continuous parliamentary service. Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the formal announcement during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, revealing that the event will serve as the centerpiece of nationwide celebrations orchestrated by a specially appointed Cabinet committee.

    Prime Minister Browne expressed profound admiration for Sir Robin’s unprecedented achievement, noting, ‘This remarkable longevity represents an exceptional record not merely within our nation, but across the entire Caribbean region and potentially throughout the Commonwealth nations. To maintain both health and public trust across five decades demonstrates extraordinary dedication.’

    The Cabinet has established a select committee comprising Prime Minister Browne, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph to coordinate multifaceted commemorative activities. These will honor Sir Yearwood’s uninterrupted representation of the St. Philip’s North constituency since first taking office in 1974.

    Sir Robin Yearwood’s distinguished career includes ministerial leadership across critical portfolios including Agriculture, Public Works, and Finance. Despite approaching his octogenarian years, he maintains active political engagement and robust health. The government is collaborating with Sir Robin’s family members to design appropriate tributes that properly reflect his enduring legacy.

    Beyond the parliamentary ceremony, celebrations will include constituency-level events and separate commemorations organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that such prolonged service necessitates both exceptional personal resilience and sustained voter confidence, stating, ‘The public’s enduring trust remains the fundamental requirement for such longevity. In this regard, Sir Robin represents a truly special case in Caribbean political history.’

  • Controversy looms over Diaspora elections

    Controversy looms over Diaspora elections

    NEW YORK, United States — Significant controversy has emerged surrounding the upcoming 2026 elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and its youth counterpart (GJDYC), scheduled to commence on January 28, 2026. Prominent diaspora leader Patrick Beckford, former head of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board for the North-East United States and founding member of the original advisory body, has called for a complete boycott of the electoral process.

    Beckford advocates for establishing an entirely independent diaspora-controlled organization that operates autonomously without government ministerial connections or oversight. He contends that the current GJDC structure has deviated from its original purpose, transforming into what he describes as a ‘ministerial extension’ rather than remaining accountable to the diaspora community itself.

    The election process, running through February 20 with results announced four days later, faces additional scrutiny due to historically low participation rates. The 2023 elections saw merely 3,000 voters casting ballots across the global Jamaican diaspora community.

    Beckford has found support from other influential diaspora figures, including Dr. Rupert Francis, who echoed concerns about Jamaican government involvement in diaspora affairs. Both critics have particularly questioned candidate eligibility requirements that prohibit those with criminal convictions or bankruptcy declarations from seeking representation.

    According to Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, forty-four candidates across the United States and Canada will contest the elections. Notable changes include outgoing southern region representative Peter Gracey not seeking re-election, while Michelle Tulloch-Neil aims for a second term representing the North-East region.

    Following the elections, successful representatives will begin planning for the 11th GJDC Biennial Conference scheduled for June 14-18, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The 2023 conference attracted over 1,000 participants, with organizers anticipating increased attendance this year for discussions on trade, investment, and diaspora engagement matters involving both government and private sector participants.

  • Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    Ghanaian foreign minister visits Bob Marley Museum as he wraps up working visit to Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ghana’s top diplomat Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded his three-day official visit to Jamaica with a symbolic tour of the iconic Bob Marley Museum in St. Andrew on Monday, highlighting the cultural dimension of bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian Foreign Minister was accompanied during the cultural excursion by Jamaican State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, alongside members of the Ghanaian delegation. The museum visit represented a deliberate emphasis on the cultural connections that underpin the diplomatic relationship between the African nation and the Caribbean island.

    Senator Fitz-Henley characterized the diplomatic interactions with Minister Ablakwa as profoundly insightful. In his social media commentary, Fitz-Henley noted the Ghanaian minister’s specific interest in experiencing Jamaica’s musical heritage, particularly through the Bob Marley Museum, recognizing Jamaica’s significant global cultural influence.

    The Jamaican minister elaborated on the historical foundations of the bilateral relationship, pointing to deep-rooted historical and cultural connections that have transformed into a contemporary partnership marked by substantial diplomatic cooperation and mutual international support. Fitz-Henley emphasized that Minister Ablakwa’s visit to Kingston has undoubtedly reinforced these existing bonds.

    Prior to the cultural engagement, Minister Ablakwa participated in high-level bilateral discussions led by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith. These talks focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.

    The Ghanaian delegation departed Jamaica from Norman Manley International Airport on Monday afternoon, concluding a visit that balanced formal diplomatic meetings with cultural appreciation, signaling a comprehensive approach to international relations.

  • PM and Minister of Energy and Transport tour progress at Blue Hills Solar Project

    PM and Minister of Energy and Transport tour progress at Blue Hills Solar Project

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis conducted an inspection tour of the Blue Hills Solar Project, a significant renewable energy initiative developed by Madeleine Solar Power Limited. The high-profile visit underscored the government’s commitment to transitioning from theoretical energy planning to tangible implementation of sustainable power solutions.

    During the site visit, Minister Coleby-Davis emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating: ‘The Blue Hills Solar plant demonstrates how renewable energy concepts are materializing into physical infrastructure—effectively converting abundant sunlight into sustainable electricity generation while creating enduring economic opportunities for Bahamian communities.’

    The Energy and Transport Ministry reaffirmed its strategic approach to advancing The Bahamas’ energy transformation through collaborative partnerships and measured policy implementation. This operational framework prioritizes the development of a more environmentally conscious and structurally robust energy grid capable of meeting the nation’s future power requirements while reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

  • MTS to undergo forensic audit

    MTS to undergo forensic audit

    A comprehensive forensic audit will be conducted at National Maintenance Training & Security Company Ltd (MTS) following concerning revelations during a parliamentary inquiry that exposed significant operational challenges and substantial financial arrears owed by government entities.

    The inquiry before Parliament’s State Enterprises Joint Select Committee on January 26th was temporarily interrupted by a building alarm during discussions about firearm certification delays for MTS security personnel. When proceedings resumed, Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, committee chairman, acknowledged police responsiveness to the incident without elaborating on its nature.

    MTS executives disclosed that government agencies owe the state-owned security company approximately $850 million in outstanding payments. CEO Brian Bachan detailed that the Education Ministry accounts for $450 million of this debt, followed by the Judiciary ($180 million), Sport Company ($30 million), Board of Inland Revenue ($25 million), and police services ($25 million).

    Public Utilities Ministry Permanent Secretary Neela Ram-Atwaroo confirmed inter-ministerial discussions are underway regarding debt collection, noting invoice discrepancies between ministries have complicated repayment processes. The Finance Ministry has committed additional allocations to address these arrears.

    The session revealed multiple operational challenges, including MTS Marketing Manager Sherwin Gosine’s disclosure of spending $250,000 on grass-cutting services—a figure that surprised committee members—and ongoing difficulties obtaining firearm certifications through the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

    MTS Chairman Adrian Barran stated the newly appointed board encountered an organization ‘under considerable strain’ requiring strategic redirection. The forensic audit, expected to commence by early February, will examine advance payments to contractors and work quality concerns over a six-to-eight month period. Barran emphasized any evidence of wrongdoing would be forwarded to appropriate authorities.

    Political tensions surfaced during proceedings when Minister Anil Roberts accused the former PNM administration of waging ‘war on licensed firearm holders,’ while Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales emphasized the committee’s duty to address state matters transparently without political theater. Committee Chairman Vieira ultimately stressed that regardless of political dimensions, the serious operational issues at MTS demand immediate attention.