Carib Scope

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  • Beckles: Decision pending

    Beckles: Decision pending

    A deepening parliamentary controversy in Trinidad and Tobago has placed two opposition senators under formal investigation, with one already stepping forward to offer her resignation amid allegations of conspiracy to deceive a key legislative committee. The controversy traces back to an ongoing Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) inquiry into the government’s pharmaceutical acquisition processes, which centers on claims that former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh pressured the National Insurance Property Development Company Ltd (NIPDEC) to grant preferential payment terms to a major pharmaceutical importer.

    The issue first came to light two weeks ago, on April 13, during a closed-door PAAC meeting. When Deyalsingh submitted a formal witness statement to the committee on April 8, committee investigators discovered tracked edits in the document that could be traced directly to Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates. The PAAC subsequently finalized a Special Report highlighting John-Bates’ conduct, and alleged that she and fellow Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi participated in a conspiracy to commit contempt of Parliament by failing to disclose their roles in preparing Deyalsingh’s evidence.

    During yesterday’s sitting of the Senate, the upper house of Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, John-Bates opened her remarks by issuing a public apology and formally submitting her resignation to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. While she apologized for the public controversy her involvement sparked, John-Bates firmly denied any allegations of conspiracy or intent to obstruct parliamentary work. “I recognise that my involvement in this matter has given rise to public concern and has contributed to a level of controversy that risks distracting from the important work of this honourable Parliament and from the issues affecting the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” she stated in her address. “For that, I apologise unequivocally to the citizens of our country and to the members of this Senate. It was not my intention to obstruct or impede the work of the Committee or the Parliament, and I deny that I conspired to commit a contempt of Parliament.”

    For his part, Al-Rawi has defended his actions, noting that he served as Deyalsingh’s personal attorney for the committee proceedings, and has not issued an apology or resignation to date.

    Speaking to reporters outside the Red House before yesterday’s sitting, Beckles confirmed that she is actively reviewing John-Bates’ resignation offer, but declined to share a timeline for a final decision. “Well, I am happy that she apologised so it’s under active consideration at this time,” Beckles told reporters. When asked whether Al-Rawi should also step down and issue a public apology, the opposition leader added that she had already requested a full written report from Al-Rawi and planned to hold a one-on-one meeting with him to discuss the matter before making any decision on his future in the Senate.

    Shortly after John-Bates’ resignation announcement, Senate President Wade Mark ruled that a prima facie case of breach of parliamentary privilege had been established against both senators, following a motion raised by Government Senator and PAAC member David Nakhid. Mark formally referred both cases to the Senate’s Privileges Committee for full investigation. If the committee finds the two senators liable for contempt or breach of privilege, both could face suspension from the legislature.

    “In this instance, my role is limited to determining whether a prima facie case of breach of privilege exists,” Mark explained in his ruling. “The decision on whether any matter referred to is indeed a breach of the privilege of this Senate or contempt of Parliament falls to the Committee of Privileges. I have carefully considered both matters and having regard to the facts presented and well-established parliamentary practice and procedure, I am satisfied that a prima facie case has been made in each instance, accordingly, I now refer both matters to the Committee of Privileges for investigation and report.”

    Notably, Al-Rawi is currently a sitting member of the Privileges Committee, which means he will need to be replaced by an alternate opposition senator for the duration of the investigation into his conduct. The committee is chaired by Mark, and also includes Attorney General John Jeremie, Government Senator Darrell Allahar, and Independent Senator Michael Simon de la Bastide.

    Pressure on John-Bates had already intensified earlier this week, when the Joint Select Committee on National Security – of which she is a member – was forced to suspend business after Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal tabled a motion calling for her removal from the committee, citing concerns over perceived conflict of interest and impaired impartiality.

    Yesterday also saw the Senate debate and vote on a motion to formally adopt the PAAC’s Special Report on the pharmaceutical inquiry. The motion passed with a clear majority, earning 18 votes in favor, 7 votes against, and 4 abstentions. Al-Rawi and John-Bates voted alongside other opposition lawmakers against adoption, while independent senators were split on the decision: one voted against the motion, three supported it, and four abstained. John-Bates will retain her senate seat until Opposition Leader Beckles makes a final decision on whether to accept her resignation.

  • Faris under fire

    Faris under fire

    A major parliamentary controversy unfolded during a recent sitting of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago, where sitting government ministers launched sharp criticism against opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi, SC, over his alleged role in a coordinated plan to compromise the integrity of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC). The fallout has led the Senate President to order both Al-Rawi and fellow opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates, a sitting PAAC member, to face investigation by the parliamentary Privileges Committee over allegations of contempt of Parliament.

    The confrontation was opened by Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste, who tabled a motion to adopt the PAAC’s Special Report detailing John-Bates’s misconduct. Baptiste argued that Al-Rawi was fully aware of John-Bates’s status as a PAAC member, and documentary evidence attached to the special report directly and irreversibly implicates the opposition senator in the misconduct.

    The evidence in question centers on a witness statement submitted to the PAAC by former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh. In-depth metadata and tracked change analysis of the document reveals that both John-Bates and Al-Rawi contributed extensively to drafting the statement, with Al-Rawi personally carrying out revisions, edits, and in multiple cases overwriting changes previously made by other contributors.
    Baptiste emphasized that Al-Rawi’s participation in the drafting process cannot be written off as an innocent oversight. Instead, he framed the actions as part of a prearranged sequence of coordinated activities that resulted in fabricated and improperly shaped evidence being presented to the parliamentary committee, directly undermining the body’s institutional integrity.

    During the subsequent parliamentary debate, Senate President Wade Mark approved two separate privilege motions put forward by Government Senator and sitting PAAC member David Nakhid. Nakhid’s first motion addressed John-Bates’s conduct, noting that the PAAC’s own special report had concluded she deliberately compromised the committee’s impartiality and took part in what amounts to a conspiracy to commit contempt of Parliament. Nakhid explained that John-Bates violated core parliamentary standards by failing to recuse herself from the committee’s review of Deyalsingh’s evidence, despite having secretly assisted in drafting and advising on the memorandum, and failing to disclose her involvement to the committee. He added that if the PAAC chair had not intervened to stop her, John-Bates would have continued to take part in the committee’s deliberations, raising severe red flags about commitment to impartiality and adherence to parliamentary ethics.

    Nakhid’s second privilege motion targeted Al-Rawi, a senior barrister with decades of legal experience. He pointed out that Al-Rawi’s edits appear repeatedly across the tracked version of Deyalsingh’s statement, and argued that as a Senior Counsel, Al-Rawi should have recognized immediately that John-Bates’s involvement in the drafting process was improper. Citing Erskine May’s seminal Treatise on the Law, Privileges, Proceedings and Usage of Parliament, Nakhid noted that any conspiracy to deceive either chamber of Parliament or its committees is legally defined as contempt of Parliament. He further argued that legal professional privilege cannot be invoked to shield deceptive conduct, alleging that Al-Rawi conspired with Deyalsingh and John-Bates to mislead the PAAC, thereby committing contempt and abusing the parliamentary privilege afforded to his position.

    Following the debate, Senate President Wade Mark formally ruled that both Al-Rawi and John-Bates must be referred to the Privileges Committee for full investigation into the allegations.

    Minister of Housing Anil Roberts joined the growing chorus of government criticism against Al-Rawi, noting that the opposition senator’s actions are particularly troubling given his prior service as Attorney General of the country. Roberts argued that the full weight of the PAAC special report and supporting evidence shows Al-Rawi witnessed a young parliamentary colleague making a serious, admitted error, and chose to do nothing to stop it. He dismissed the entire affair as an undisputed political horror story for the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), noting that both Al-Rawi and John-Bates are trained attorneys, making their conduct all the more disappointing.

    Roberts further called out Al-Rawi, a third-generation parliamentarian, by referencing public criticism from former PNM General Secretary Ashton Ford, who previously labeled Al-Rawi a non-performer. He stressed that Al-Rawi, a 30-year veteran of legal practice who previously led a high-profile prosecution that secured a witness tampering charge, should have recognized immediately that John-Bates’s actions were improper. Roberts alleged that Al-Rawi not only failed to warn John-Bates that her conduct amounted to witness tampering and urge her to resign and apologize to the PAAC, but actually joined the scandalous conspiracy alongside John-Bates and Deyalsingh to corrupt and undermine the PAAC’s core work.

    Roberts closed by calling on the full Parliament to defend its institutional integrity by demanding both senators resign from office. He directed his call specifically at Al-Rawi, claiming the senior senator refuses to apologize or step down despite the weight of evidence against him. To prevent a repeat of the prior high-profile “Emailgate” parliamentary scandal, Roberts called for an immediate full investigation, including retaining United States legal counsel to compel Google via subpoena to preserve all email correspondence between Al-Rawi, John-Bates, and Deyalsingh stored on the company’s servers. He also urged the Parliament to seek formal legal opinion on whether the conduct amounts to criminal offenses including witness tampering, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, misconduct in public office, corruption, and fraud.

  • REFINERY SOON

    REFINERY SOON

    On this year’s May Day commemorative march, which started from the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) headquarters in San Fernando’s Circular Road and ended at Harris Promenade, Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) president Ancel Roget delivered a series of key updates for Trinidad and Tobago’s labor movement, sharing promising news on the long-shuttered Pointe-a-Pierre refinery and ongoing wage negotiations.

    Roget, who also leads the OWTU, told assembled workers that the years-long campaign to restart the 2018-closed refinery is in its final stages, with a reopening now within close reach. Once operational again, he emphasized, the facility will bring critical employment opportunities to more than 4,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers, delivering broad economic benefits to working people across the entire nation.

    The labor leader credited progress on the refinery restart to the union movement’s strategic engagement with national governance, pointing to the collaborative work with La Brea MP Clyde Elder, Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar, and Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste. Roget stressed that he maintains full confidence in his allies within the current government and parliament, calling on all union members to stand firm in solidarity with representatives pushing for worker interests at the national level.

    His comments align with recent remarks from Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, who told attendees at the United National Congress’ national congress Saturday that multiple entities have formally expressed interest in the refinery restart program, with new inquiries emerging as recently as April 24.

    Roget used the May Day platform to push back against former prime minister and former energy minister Stuart Young, accusing him of seeking to undermine the current government’s work. He issued a clear warning: if any actor attempts to derail the government’s work to advance national prosperity and progress, the country’s trade unions are prepared to launch public, on-the-ground campaign actions in response. “Leave the Government alone to conduct the business in the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Roget said, pushing back against criticism of the administration’s efforts.

    Addressing speculation around the union movement’s strategic approach, Roget responded to critics who had questioned his public silence on key issues in recent months. He explained that the movement often pursues private, behind-the-scenes advocacy to deliver results, noting that a lack of public comment does not equal inaction. “Sometimes not because you’re not hearing us saying something publicly, it does not mean we are not representing privately. We are but we have to be strategic…we are very focused and our eyes remain on the prize,” he explained.

    On the topic of wage negotiations, Roget outlined significant progress for public sector workers, noting that a 10% wage adjustment has already been secured for members of the Public Services Association (PSA) and the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), delivered through the persistent advocacy of the union-aligned representatives. For outstanding negotiations with other unions, Roget confirmed that JTUM has scheduled a May 13 meeting with Labour Minister Baptiste, where union representatives will present their proposals and enter formal discussions. While he declined to share a fixed timeline for concluding all remaining talks, Roget gave a firm assurance to workers that every outstanding negotiation will be settled in favor of labor.

    This year’s May Day march carried the official theme of “advancing the workers’ agenda,” designed to center the needs of all working people across Trinidad and Tobago regardless of sector or affiliation. Roget emphasized that the most important element of the day is participation to protect worker rights and working conditions, rather than the size of the crowd. Still, turnout for the 2024 march was notably lower than 2023’s event, including a complete absence from the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association (TTNNA). TTNNA’s absence came in protest of the fact that regional health authority workers, who remain on 2013 salary scales, did not receive the 10% wage increase granted to PSA workers, a point confirmed by Stuart.

    Roget closed his remarks with a political appeal to members, urging them to retain their religious values and to never support a return of the People’s National Movement (PNM) to government. Representatives from a range of major national employers including T&TEC, PowerGen, NP, The University of the West Indies, the University of Trinidad and Tobago, NTA, YTEPP, TTPWU, TIWU and MTS did participate in the event.

  • Gov’t to boost financial security for lowest-paid public workers

    Gov’t to boost financial security for lowest-paid public workers

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national parliament has advanced two pieces of pro-worker legislation designed to strengthen financial protections for the country’s lowest-paid public service employees, sending both bills to a cross-party select committee for in-depth analysis and public consultation before a full parliamentary vote. Spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock, who oversees the Public Service portfolio, the two bills—the Daily Paid and Minor Salaried Officers (Compassionate Gratuity) Bill 2026 and the Pensions Amendment Bill 2026—target longstanding financial gaps for low-wage public sector workers. The Compassionate Gratuity Bill specifically creates a framework to provide one-time compassionate gratuity payments to eligible daily-wage and low-salaried public officers when they retire, or to their families if the worker dies while still in active service. Leacock told parliament that the bill stands to deliver critical financial relief to roughly 2,831 workers across the lowest public service pay grades, including grades L, M, and entry-level grades 1 and 2. The deputy prime minister shared that he would have pushed for an immediate parliamentary debate and vote to deliver the promised benefits to eligible workers as quickly as possible. However, he confirmed that the government, led by Prime Minister Godwin Friday, opted to prioritize broader public engagement by sending the legislation to a select committee, to ensure all stakeholders have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposals. “But it is the considered opinion of the Honourable Prime Minister and our colleagues that to the extent that this important bill that will grant relief to nearly 3,000 of our public servants, we allow for more public listening and interest in the subject matter,” Leacock told parliament. The cross-party select committee will include senior government members: Prime Minister Friday, Attorney General Louise Mitchell, Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce, Family, Gender Affairs and Labour Minister Laverne Gibson-Velox, Housing Minister Andrew John, and government senators Jemalie John and Chieftan Neptune. Three opposition members will also serve on the committee: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves, and opposition senators Carlos James and Keisal Peters, marking a collaborative approach to reviewing the worker-focused legislation. The second piece of legislation, the Pensions Amendment Bill 2026, will also be reviewed by the same cross-party committee. This bill adjusts retirement rules for public officers holding non-pensionable positions, raising the compulsory retirement age from 60 to 65, while giving workers the voluntary option to retire as early as age 60 if they choose. Leacock explained that the reform responds to repeated requests from public servants approaching the traditional 60-year retirement age, many of whom face significant financial gaps after leaving work at 60 before they can access alternative support. “Simply put, every week we have coming before the Cabinet of this country public servants who attain the age of 60 and can’t take care of themselves between that and the retirement age, asking for extension of service,” Leacock said. He added that the policy change could encourage private sector employers to adopt similar reforms, addressing the urgent question many low-income non-pensionable workers face when they are forced to retire at 60: “How do I live for the next five years?” The bill creates a formal, structured avenue for workers to extend their service if they wish, closing a critical financial gap for this group. Leacock framed both pieces of legislation as core components of the administration’s bottom-up development agenda focused on lifting up vulnerable public sector workers. “We are providing them an avenue, another wonderful piece of legislation that builds a government, a country, the people from the ground up, from the bottom up, a new vision for the development of [the country],” he said. The deputy prime minister confirmed that the select committee will conduct its review and public outreach before returning the bills to parliament for full debate and a final vote, and teased that additional pro-worker reforms may be introduced in the future as part of the government’s commitment to supporting low-income public servants.

  • Trump breidt sancties tegen Cubaanse regering uit in nieuwe drukcampagne

    Trump breidt sancties tegen Cubaanse regering uit in nieuwe drukcampagne

    In a significant escalation of Washington’s campaign against Havana, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday dramatically expanding existing sanctions targeting the Cuban government and its international allies, the White House confirmed to news agency Reuters. The move comes hot on the heels of Trump’s removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, marking a sharp acceleration of pressure on left-aligned governments across the Latin American region.

    The newly expanded sanctions regime targets individuals, entities, and associates linked to Cuban security services, those involved in alleged corruption or severe human rights violations, as well as sitting Cuban government officials and their supporters. While the full list of sanctioned actors has not yet been released, the executive order explicitly states that any foreign individual operating in key sectors of Cuba’s economy — including energy, defense, mining, financial services and security — can now be placed under sanctions.

    Notably, the new framework also allows for secondary sanctions to be imposed on third-party companies and individuals that facilitate transactions with sanctioned Cuban entities. Jeremy Page, a former sanctions researcher at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, described the provision as the harshest measure targeting non-U.S. businesses since the decades-long U.S. trade embargo on Cuba was first imposed. “Oil and gas firms, mining companies and global banks that previously managed to separate their Cuban operations from their U.S. activities now face major vulnerability to American enforcement,” Page explained.

    Cuba has issued a fierce condemnation of the new measures. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, who recently met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, denounced the sanctions as illegal unilateral coercive measures that violate the United Nations Charter. Rodríguez stressed the measures amount to collective punishment targeting the entire Cuban people, emphasized that Washington has no legal authority to impose such restrictions on the island nation, and made clear that Cuba would not be intimidated into abandoning its sovereign policies.

    The expanded sanctions fit into a broader, increasingly aggressive U.S. campaign against Cuba, which Trump has repeatedly claimed is on the brink of collapse. The move also aligns with recent shifts in U.S. engagement across the region: just days before the order was signed, the first commercial flight from Miami to Venezuela in seven years was completed, a visible signal of growing American intervention in Latin American and Caribbean affairs.

    During Trump’s term, U.S. forces have also carried out military operations targeting suspected drug trafficking originating from Venezuela, leading to the detention of Maduro. At the time, Trump openly warned that “Cuba is next,” accusing Havana of maintaining close ties to Iran and militant groups including Hezbollah. A senior U.S. official further framed the Trump administration’s position, arguing that Cuba provides “an accessible hub for hostile foreign intelligence, military and terrorist activities less than 100 miles from the U.S. coast.”

    Washington has long maintained three core demands of Havana: opening Cuba’s state-led economy to foreign and private investment, providing compensation for properties seized by Fidel Castro’s revolutionary government, and holding what the U.S. describes as free and fair elections. Cuba has consistently rejected external interference, reiterating that its socialist political and economic system is non-negotiable for the Cuban people.

    Friday’s executive order builds on a series of escalating U.S. measures against Cuba implemented earlier this year. After Maduro was removed from power, the U.S. halted Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, one of the island’s primary energy sources. Trump subsequently threatened steep tariffs on any country that continued shipping oil to Cuba, prompting major suppliers including Mexico to suspend their oil deliveries to Havana. Those earlier restrictions have already triggered severe fuel shortages across the island, leading to nationwide power outages and the cancellation of most international commercial flights.

  • PM Browne sworn into office for 4th consecutive term

    PM Browne sworn into office for 4th consecutive term

    In a historic milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was officially sworn in for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as head of government on Friday, mere hours after his ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured a landslide win in the snap May 30 general election.

    Browne and Attorney General Steadroy “Cuttie” Benjamin took their oaths of office before Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, alongside all other newly elected ABLP candidates. The election, called by Browne nearly two years ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline, delivered a lopsided result that underscored the ABLP’s overwhelming popular support. Official figures released by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) show the ruling party claimed 15 of the 17 available parliamentary seats. The remaining two seats were split between the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), with just over 62.5 percent of registered voters turning out to cast their ballots.

    Addressing attendees shortly after his inauguration, Browne framed the outcome as a clear, resounding mandate from the electorate. “That was a resounding victory. People spoke, and they spoke with clarity. They spoke resoundingly, and we’re very happy with the mandate that was given to us,” Browne said, noting that the strong victory comes with amplified responsibility he and his party are fully prepared to uphold.

    The Prime Minister described his fourth consecutive term as a humbling honor that has only deepened his commitment to advancing the interests of Antigua and Barbuda’s people. He pledged accelerated national development across key sectors, promising to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects targeting two longstanding public concerns: road access and water access. “We’ll make sure that we continue to deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, in terms of my own commitment, the fact that I was given a fourth term as prime minister, that in itself is a humbling experience, and that has served now to even strengthen my commitment to fight even harder for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to deliver more for them,” Browne said. “So the people of Antigua and Barbuda will be seeing accelerated growth and development, accelerated infrastructural development, so the roadworks, the waterworks that we have started will be accelerated until we substantially resolve the water and road problems.”

    He thanked voters for their patience during ongoing project implementation, noting that the election result confirmed residents trust the ABLP to solve critical national issues and recognize his personal dedication to driving sustained development that lifts living standards for all.

    Looking ahead to cabinet formation, Browne announced that the full ministerial team will be named on Tuesday, with most senior roles retained by incumbent officials to ensure policy continuity amid major ongoing projects. “There will be familiar faces because a number of them are handling significant projects, and we want to ensure there’s continuity,” he explained. Highlighting key appointments, he confirmed that Daryll S. Matthew will remain in the education portfolio to continue ongoing sector expansion, while Chet Green will retain his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Browne noted that replacing Green ahead of the upcoming November Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference, which requires extensive advance planning, would be unwise. He also confirmed that his wife, Maria Browne, will continue to serve as Minister of Public Works, crediting her with proven ability to manage multiple cross-constituency projects effectively.

    Newly elected ABLP representatives will first serve as junior ministers for a training period, Browne confirmed, a structure designed to avoid an overly large, bloated government while preparing emerging leaders for future senior roles. “Again, we don’t want to have a bloated government by having all senior ministers. We will have some junior ministers, again, as a form of training and development so that they, too, can blossom into senior ministers eventually and to better serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

    Prior to the inauguration, Browne — who has already received congratulatory messages from regional leaders across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international partners — thanked God for the victory and expressed gratitude to voters for their overwhelming support. “To God be the glory. Great things he has done,” he said. “You have spoken with clarity, you have spoken resoundingly, and you would have certainly spoken with truth, and in essence would have put to shame all of the lies that have been peddled, all of the disinformation, all of the misinformation, all of the vitriolic rhetoric.”

    The Prime Minister used his inaugural address to call for a new era of more civil, responsible politics across Antigua and Barbuda, warning that toxic misinformation erodes social fabric and damages the country’s international reputation. As a small island nation in an interconnected global world, falsehoods spread locally travel far beyond the country’s borders, shaping unfair negative perceptions among international observers who lack on-the-ground context, he explained. “I’m hoping that with such a resounding victory that there will be a new dispensation going forward. I’m hoping that our politics will become more civil. I’m hoping that politicians on both sides of the aisle will stand on the truth, because at the end of the day, the misinformation, disinformation, the falsities, they are literally eroding the fabric of our society, and they are destroying our country,” Browne said. “So, I’m hoping going forward that we will see greater loyalty to our state and its people, and that politicians should understand that misinformation, disinformation, and falsities, they only thrive for a short period of time. Ultimately, the truth will prevail.”

    Browne argued that his opposition’s poor electoral performance stemmed directly from its embrace of harmful, misleading campaigning during the electoral cycle. He called on the UPP to learn from the defeat and pursue internal reform, noting that a strong, accountable opposition is healthy for Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy. “I would say that, having served in opposition, that I practise responsible politics, and I believe as a consequence that my own credibility within the domestic society would have grown. And I think that UPP should take note and to use this opportunity to reform, because at the end of the day, we want to have a strong opposition. We do not necessarily want to have a weak opposition. We want individuals who have the competence to continue to hold us accountable,” he said.

    Repeating that his fourth consecutive term is a humbling honor, Browne reaffirmed his commitment to centering public welfare in all governance, stating that the landslide mandate presents a critical opportunity to unify the nation and advance inclusive development. “It’s about your empowerment, and I give you a commitment that I will work harder, that I will do all in my power to continue to work unrelentingly to advance the living standards of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “the results provide a great opportunity for us to unite our nation, and to work towards improving all aspects of our development going into the future.”

    Browne closed by taking personal responsibility for ensuring all cabinet members honor the public trust, warning that betrayal of that trust will not be tolerated. He reminded incoming ministers that their roles exist exclusively to serve all Antigua and Barbuda residents, require responsible stewardship of public funds, and demand zero discrimination, division, or corruption. “I can assure you that if it is betrayed, certainly will not be tolerated… it is important for those who will be appointed within the cabinet to understand that they will be appointed exclusively to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Not to discriminate against anyone, not to undermine anyone, not to divide a country, not to steal public resources, but to be good stewards of public resources and to make sure that every cent of public resources is utilised for the development of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”

  • NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – May 1, 2026 – The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has crossed a major milestone in its years-long pursuit of energy self-sufficiency and renewable energy transition, with a finalized contract for geothermal production well drilling now in place, Premier Mark Brantley has announced.

    Brantly, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Energy, told reporters at his April 28 monthly press briefing that Iceland Drilling has been selected as the project contractor, with the formal contract signed between the firm and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (Nevlec), the island’s public utility provider. While the government plans to host a public ceremonial signing event to mark the occasion, Brantley confirmed all binding contractual terms have been finalized, and preparatory work is already underway ahead of drilling at the project’s Hamilton site.

    Several pre-drilling milestones remain to be completed before operations can kick off, including the acquisition of surrounding land parcels and logistics coordination. To streamline project delivery, the NIA is also establishing a dedicated full-time geothermal project unit – a shift from the current structure where Nevlec staff have split their time between regular utility duties and geothermal development, Brantley explained.

    In a move to retain critical institutional expertise, the administration has tapped former Nevlec General Manager Albert Gordon to serve exclusively on the geothermal initiative. Brantley praised Gordon’s foundational work in advancing the project to its current phase, noting his deep technical knowledge and consistent dedication have been invaluable to overcoming early barriers. Gordon’s continued involvement will be key to navigating the next stages of development, the premier added.

    Parallel to drilling operations, the NIA plans to launch a request for proposals for the subsequent phase of the project: construction of the geothermal power plant. Brantley noted that drilling represents the highest-risk segment of the initiative, a stage that previously presented major hurdles to securing funding. Once drilling is completed and the geothermal resource is confirmed, he explained, attracting private sector investment for plant construction will become far simpler.

    Under current project plans, the team will drill up to two production wells and one injection well to support a 30-megawatt geothermal power plant. Once operational, the facility will generate more than enough clean electricity to meet all of Nevis’ domestic energy demand, eliminating reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation.

    The nearly $71.6 million project is supported by a mixed financing package of international development funding. Iceland Drilling has independently confirmed it has signed the final turnkey contract for drilling services, with work on site scheduled to commence by September 2026 and conclude in the second half of 2027.

    Brantly emphasized that the geothermal project carries transformative potential not only for Nevis but for the entire Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He framed the initiative as a core demonstration of the NIA’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable energy future and long-term energy independence, describing it as more than an infrastructure project – it is a lasting legacy for future generations of Nevisians.

  • Adhin: Ik heb geen afspraak met DIN over organisatie bijeenkomst

    Adhin: Ik heb geen afspraak met DIN over organisatie bijeenkomst

    A major dispute has broken out over conflicting event announcements tied to Suriname’s National Assembly Speaker Ashwin Adhin’s private trip to the Netherlands, leaving attendees and stakeholders in confusion ahead of two competing gatherings scheduled for Sunday, May 3. Both the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN) and the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague have advertised separate networking events headlined by Adhin, but the speaker himself has explicitly disavowed any connection to the DIN-organized meeting, confirming only the embassy-backed event has his official approval.

    DIN leadership has claimed strong public interest in their May 3 event, with DIN chair John Brewster reporting that more than 100 paid participants have already registered for the gathering. According to Brewster, the venue secured for the DIN event is already struggling to accommodate the unexpectedly high number of attendees. The organization frames the gathering as a targeted networking opportunity for diaspora community members, including Surinamese entrepreneurs, investors, elite professional football players, and other industry professionals. The event is billed as focused on advancing cross-community collaboration, unlocking new economic opportunities for Suriname, and coordinating collective action to support the South American nation.

    However, when contacted by Suriname-based outlet Starnieuws, Adhin pushed back sharply against DIN’s claims, accusing the organization of creating unnecessary confusion by moving forward with the event without any prior coordination or official approval from him or his team. Adhin confirmed that only one networking event has his explicit consent: the gathering scheduled for Sunday in Amsterdam, organized in coordination with Surinamese Ambassador Panka. “I have no agreement whatsoever with DIN to host an event. My team knows nothing about this gathering. No permission was granted to Mr. Brewster to organize an event using my name,” Adhin emphasized in his statement.

    Ambassador Panka subsequently backed Adhin’s account, confirming that the speaker had informed his office that no formal arrangements had been made with DIN. “We are proceeding with our planned event as normal,” Panka noted in a brief response to inquiries.

    Despite the denial from Adhin and the embassy, Brewster has stood by DIN’s version of events, claiming the organization agreed to organize the gathering at the request of one of Adhin’s own advisors. To date, however, DIN has not publicly identified the unnamed advisor, leaving the claim unconfirmed. Adhin has held firm to his position, stating he had no prior knowledge of the DIN event, did not initiate any such gathering, and will not be in attendance at the DIN-organized meeting.

  • FITUG pledges loyalty to Irfaan Ali

    FITUG pledges loyalty to Irfaan Ali

    On May 1, 2026 — International Labour Day — Guyana’s long-running, politically charged split in the national labour movement moved into the open once again, as the country’s two largest trade union federations publicly declared opposing allegiances less than a full election cycle away from a general vote.

    The Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which organizes the largest bloc of unionized workers in the country, used its Labour Day gathering hosted on the lawns of State House to reaffirm its unwavering support for incumbent President Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

    Addressing attendees at the event, FITUG President Carville Duncan lauded Ali for his consistent pro-labor agenda and open working relationship with the country’s independent trade unions. Duncan emphasized that the collective size of the organized labour movement in Guyana exceeds the membership base of any single political party in the nation’s history, framing FITUG’s endorsement as a critical marker of political credibility.

    “If we, like the doctor, say you dead; you dead and once we say you good, you good,” Duncan told the crowd, stressing the federation’s outsize influence on national electoral outcomes. He went on to note that Ali has worked directly with FITUG to help rank-and-file union members transition from traditional labor roles to small business entrepreneurship, a policy priority Duncan praised as forward-thinking. “Comrade Ali you’ve done well, Sir, and may you live longer to do better than you’re doing now because you have the workers who are with you,” Duncan said, adding that the federation would back Ali for another term should he choose to run for re-election.

    FITUG’s member unions include several historically pro-PPP organizations: the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees, the Guyana Labour Union, and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union.

    In his remarks to the gathering, President Ali did not directly address the ongoing divisions within Guyana’s labour movement, instead focusing his speech on calls for broad national unity, echoing the pre-1955 cohesion that once defined the PPP before the party’s historic internal split. He urged attendees to reject divisive political tactics, including petty infighting on social media, and focus on the country’s ambitious long-term development.

    “This not the moment where we play divisive games. This is not the moment when we run around to find spectacles of humour. This is not the moment when we are childish on social media and social media posts,” Ali said. “This is the moment when we embrace a much larger picture. This is a moment where we confront a future that is grand.” The President added that the PPP remains open to engagement with all Guyanese, and that the government is expanding individual empowerment through expanding home ownership, inclusive social programs, and broadened economic opportunity for all segments of society.

    While FITUG has a well-documented history of open support for the PPP, the country’s other major union federation, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), used its own separate Labour Day rally to call openly for the removal of the PPP from national office. GTUC President Norris Witter and Jinnah Rahman, an associate of the opposition-aligned We Invest in Nationhood movement, explicitly urged voters and union members to oust the incumbent government.

    Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who also leads We Invest in Nationhood, and the parliamentary leader of the A Partnership for National Unity coalition, joined the GTUC event to urge the federation’s member unions to build organizational strength to oust the PPP-Civic coalition from power. Major GTUC affiliates include the Guyana Public Service Union, Guyana Teachers Union, Guyana Workers Union, the Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers, and a competing branch of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union.

  • Gaston Browne sworn in as Antigua PM for fourth term after election win

    Gaston Browne sworn in as Antigua PM for fourth term after election win

    In a landmark political moment for the twin-island Caribbean nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne took the oath of office for his fourth consecutive term as head of government on Friday. The inauguration came just hours after Browne led his long-ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to a decisive landslide victory in the April 30 general election, a contest he called nearly two years ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline.

    Browne was joined in taking the oath by Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin during the ceremony, which was officiated by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and attended by all other ABLP candidates who won seats in the election. Official results released by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) confirm that the ABLP secured 15 out of the 17 available seats in the country’s parliament. The remaining two seats were split between the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM). Voter turnout across the nation reached just over 62.5 percent of eligible electorate.

    Addressing supporters and reporters shortly after his swearing-in, Browne emphasized the scale of his party’s mandate, noting, “That was a resounding victory. People spoke, and they spoke with clarity. They spoke resoundingly, and we’re very happy with the mandate that was given to us.” The Prime Minister acknowledged that the strong electoral victory came with heightened responsibility, which his administration is fully prepared to uphold. “But with that mandate comes increased responsibility, and it’s a responsibility that we will certainly honour. We’ll make sure that we continue to deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, the fact that I was given a fourth term as Prime Minister is in itself a humbling experience, and it has strengthened my commitment to fight even harder for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to deliver more for them.”

    Looking ahead to his new term, Browne outlined an ambitious agenda focused on accelerating national progress. “So the people of Antigua and Barbuda will be seeing accelerated growth and development, accelerated infrastructural development, and the roadworks and waterworks we have started will be accelerated until we substantially resolve the water and road problems,” he added, extending gratitude to the public for its patience during ongoing infrastructure projects.

    The Prime Minister announced that the full composition of his new Cabinet will be revealed this coming Tuesday, noting that most senior roles will be retained by sitting ministers to ensure policy continuity amid major ongoing initiatives. “there will be “familiar faces” because several ministers are handling significant projects and continuity is important. So, for example, I’d want to ensure that we have Minister Daryll S Matthew in Education to continue the expansion…. We certainly want to maintain Minister Chet Greene as Minister of Foreign Affairs because, as you know, a significant amount of planning has gone into the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference scheduled for November, and to put in a new minister at this time would not be advisable.”

    Browne also confirmed that his wife, Maria Browne, will keep her position as Minister of Public Works, praising her proven ability to manage multiple concurrent infrastructure projects across different constituencies. To build a pipeline of future leadership and avoid unnecessary government expansion, newly elected ABLP members will first serve in junior ministerial roles to receive on-the-job training before moving into senior positions. “Again, we don’t want to have a bloated government by having all senior ministers. We will have some junior ministers as a form of training and development so that they, too, can blossom into senior ministers eventually and better serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he explained.

    In a call for more constructive political discourse across the nation, Browne urged a shift toward more responsible politics to build a stronger future for Antigua and Barbuda. “I’m hoping that with such a resounding victory there will be a new dispensation going forward. I’m hoping that our politics will become more civil. I’m hoping that politicians on both sides of the aisle will stand on the truth because, at the end of the day, misinformation, disinformation and falsities are literally eroding the fabric of our society and destroying our country.”

    The Prime Minister stressed that he welcomes a strong, reformed opposition to maintain government accountability, rejecting calls for a weakened opposition bloc. “He also said he believes in responsible politics and that the opposition should use the moment to reform, adding that a strong opposition remains necessary for accountability. We do not necessarily want a weak opposition. We want individuals with the competence to continue to hold us accountable,” Browne said.

    Internationally, the United States has extended its congratulations to Browne and his administration. In an official congratulatory message, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington looks forward to deepening ongoing collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda on a range of shared regional priorities. These priorities include strengthening collective regional security, improving coordination to counter illegal immigration, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and crack down on illicit trafficking networks operating in the Caribbean.