Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Thorne challenges timing of election, questions EBC process

    Thorne challenges timing of election, questions EBC process

    Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne has launched a formal challenge against the timing of Barbados’ February 11 general election, alleging procedural violations by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC). Speaking at a party rally on Saturday, Thorne revealed that official correspondence indicates the EBC’s statutory deadline for delivering an updated voter registry extends to January 31—three weeks after the election announcement.

    Thorne characterized the premature election call as having ‘thrown the whole electoral process into disarray,’ noting the commission has failed to convene since the election declaration. A scheduled meeting was subsequently canceled, raising questions about administrative preparedness for an election that wasn’t constitutionally mandated until 2027.

    The opposition leader detailed significant irregularities within the current voter list, including the DLP’s formal protest against 8,291 problematic registrations. Notably, one of the party’s own candidates appeared incorrectly on the list, while numerous citizens reportedly found themselves excluded entirely. Thorne disclosed that even close relatives of former Prime Minister David Thompson (deceased) have been mysteriously removed from voter rolls despite being resident in Barbados.

    Further anomalies include family members appearing in separate constituencies and insufficient rectification timelines. Thorne condemned the one-day window for resolving discrepancies as fundamentally inadequate, though he encouraged supporters to visit DLP offices for assistance with registration issues.

    Thorne raised serious concerns about the commission’s independence, suggesting external manipulation may be influencing its operations. ‘The commission is not being allowed to be,’ he stated, implying deliberate interference with electoral preparations.

    Despite these challenges, Thorne affirmed the DLP’s commitment to full participation in the electoral process, confirming all 30 party candidates are actively campaigning within their respective constituencies.

  • COMMENTARY: Antigua And Barbuda Should Be Friends Of All, But Controlled By None

    COMMENTARY: Antigua And Barbuda Should Be Friends Of All, But Controlled By None

    In a provocative examination of national sovereignty, Antigua and Barbuda confronts fundamental questions about its independence and international relationships. The Caribbean nation, which gained independence from Britain, now grapples with balancing foreign investments against genuine self-determination.

    The discourse draws powerful parallels with Barbados’ historic stance articulated by former Prime Minister Errol Barrow, who famously declared his nation as ‘friends to all, satellites of none’ during his 1967 United Nations address. This philosophy established Barbados as a respected sovereign entity that maintains international friendships without compromising its autonomy.

    Current concerns center on whether Antigua and Barbuda has sacrificed this principle for economic convenience. Critics argue the nation has entered numerous compromising international arrangements that potentially undermine its sovereignty. The analogy of a ‘love triangle’ between China and the United States illustrates the delicate diplomatic balancing act the country must perform.

    The article questions whether the nation’s leadership prioritizes transparency with citizens or maintains excessive confidentiality with foreign entities. Specific concerns include forced acceptance of deportees against national interests and the apparent trade of sovereignty for visa-free travel privileges.

    There is a growing call for leadership that embodies fierce patriotism, prioritizes national interests, and establishes clear boundaries in international negotiations. The current perception of Antigua and Barbuda as economically desperate in international circles raises urgent questions about the nation’s self-respect and long-term strategic direction.

  • Thorne says DLP will not be distracted

    Thorne says DLP will not be distracted

    Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne has emphatically dismissed the emergence of the Friends of Democracy (FOD) political group, asserting his party’s undivided commitment to confronting the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP). Thorne’s remarks came during the DLP’s weekend rally and comprehensive islandwide bus tour, where he addressed media inquiries regarding the new political movement.

    The FOD, led by president Karina Goodridge, recently formalized its political ambitions by submitting election deposits at the National Housing Corporation. Goodridge declared the 12-member group’s intention to establish itself as Barbados’ primary opposition force. Nevertheless, Thorne characterized such developments as peripheral distractions that would not divert the DLP from its central objective.

    “The fundamental struggle for Barbados citizens remains against the Barbados Labour Party,” Thorne stated unequivocally. “We stand united with the people in this confrontation. External political entities will not fragment our concentration.” The opposition leader further emphasized the DLP’s organizational cohesion and strategic focus, suggesting any attempts to fracture or diminish the party would prove unsuccessful.

    Thorne outlined the party’s ground strategy, revealing that all 30 DLP candidates are actively campaigning within their respective constituencies. The political movement included extensive motorcades and community walk-throughs, facilitating direct voter engagement, distribution of campaign materials, and candidate support. Thorne reiterated that the party’s paramount priority remains presenting their platform to the electorate ahead of the impending polling day through persistent constituency-level mobilization.

  • Tsang: Vonnis over loon legt administratieve chaos bij OWRO bloot

    Tsang: Vonnis over loon legt administratieve chaos bij OWRO bloot

    The Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning (OWRO) in Suriname is grappling with the complex implementation of a court judgment mandating back-pay compensation for 52 individuals who performed labor without formal employment contracts. Minister Stephen Tsang has confirmed the ministry’s commitment to executing the December court ruling while emphasizing the necessity of proper administrative and legal procedures.

    Minister Tsang acknowledged the fundamental principle that individuals who have performed work deserve compensation, yet highlighted the constitutional challenge of processing payments without established bureaucratic frameworks. ‘The court ruling creates a payment obligation, but we must determine how to execute this in a fiscally responsible manner,’ Tsang stated through Suriname’s Communication Service.

    The ministry’s internal investigation revealed significant irregularities within OWRO’s previous operations, including the unauthorized hiring of personnel without official appointment letters or decrees. Legal experts within the ministry are currently examining compliant execution methods, with potential further judicial consultation if required.

    Tsang suggested that affected individuals might have been misled into believing they would receive formal employment contracts. The minister indicated that the state may seek to recover compensation costs from those responsible for violating hiring regulations.

    Clarifying the employment status, Tsang emphasized that the 52 individuals were never formally employed and therefore cannot be considered wrongfully terminated. The minister also pointed to more pressing cases within OWRO, including approximately 150 properly documented workers from 2020 who were subsequently dismissed and have ongoing litigation.

    ‘My priority must be resolving those cases first,’ Tsang declared regarding the documented workers. Concerning the court-mandated payments, he affirmed: ‘If they performed the work and there is a court judgment, they will be paid. But this must occur through legally and fiscally appropriate channels.’

  • US officially leaves World Health Organization

    US officially leaves World Health Organization

    The United States has officially terminated its membership with the World Health Organization (WHO), severing ties with one of the UN agency’s most significant financial contributors. This decision, initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump one year ago, culminates a prolonged dispute regarding the organization’s pandemic management and perceived political biases.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services justified the withdrawal by citing the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, insufficient reform progress, and undue influence from member nations. The organization has consistently denied these allegations, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterizing the departure as detrimental to both American global health leadership and worldwide public health initiatives.

    The financial impact has been immediate and substantial. Washington has withheld its 2024-2025 contributions totaling approximately $260 million, triggering significant workforce reductions within the organization. Although WHO legal experts contend the U.S. remains obligated to settle outstanding dues, American officials have explicitly refused payment.

    Operational disengagement is virtually complete. All U.S. personnel and contractors have been recalled from WHO headquarters in Geneva and field offices worldwide. Hundreds of collaborative engagements have been suspended indefinitely. In a joint statement, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the WHO of having ‘abandoned its core mission and acted repeatedly against the interests of the United States,’ notably referencing the organization’s failure to return the American flag displayed at its Geneva headquarters.

    Future U.S. global health participation will prioritize bilateral agreements for disease surveillance and pathogen sharing, though officials could not identify specific partner countries when questioned. Regarding ongoing initiatives against polio and HIV, representatives indicated partnerships would transition to non-governmental and faith-based organizations, though no concrete arrangements have been disclosed.

    The WHO has placed the U.S. withdrawal on the agenda for its February 2-7 governing board meeting. The secretariat confirmed it will execute decisions based on governing body directives.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of critical assessments of pandemic responses in numerous developed nations. Multiple studies have documented how delayed interventions exacerbated viral transmission. Former U.S. public health official Drew Altman attributed America’s elevated mortality rates to inconsistent adherence to WHO guidelines regarding masking and social distancing, exacerbated by politicized COVID-19 policies across partisan lines.

    Research published in the UN National Library of Medicine further criticized the Trump administration’s ‘slow and mismanaged federal response,’ highlighting systemic failures in leadership and coordination during the global health emergency.

  • DLP launches campaign with islandwide motorcade, constituency stops

    DLP launches campaign with islandwide motorcade, constituency stops

    The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) initiated its official general election campaign on Saturday with a comprehensive islandwide motorcade designed to traverse all 30 electoral constituencies across Barbados. The campaign launch commenced from the party’s George Street headquarters in Bridgetown, signaling the formal beginning of their electoral mobilization efforts.

    According to party media representative Sue Harris, the meticulously planned tour incorporates strategic constituency stops, brief candidate addresses, and scheduled breaks throughout the journey. The motorcade features musical elements and public engagement opportunities designed to generate campaign momentum.

    “Our motorcade will originate from the George Street Auditorium and comprehensively cover all 30 constituencies nationwide,” Harris stated. “We have arranged music speakers, and our candidates will deliver introductory remarks in each constituency, outlining their specific commitments and proposed contributions to their respective electoral districts.”

    The predetermined route included designated rest stops at Folkestone and Farley Hill, with an additional planned pause at King George V Memorial Park before the convoy’s return to George Street headquarters later in the evening.

    Following the departure from party headquarters, the motorcade proceeded through central Bridgetown, making a significant stop in the City area where constituents engaged directly with party leader Ralph Thorne, City candidate Dale Rowe, and other senior party officials. Numerous bystanders paused to observe, wave, and record video content as the campaign convoy moved through the urban landscape.

    Harris noted the remarkable energy surge among party members since the election announcement, characterizing George Street headquarters as a “hive of activity” in recent days. She additionally referenced Friday’s successful walk-through along Swan Street following candidate deposit payments, indicating the public response had been overwhelmingly encouraging for party prospects.

  • Venezuela’s acting President highlights Program for Coexistence

    Venezuela’s acting President highlights Program for Coexistence

    Venezuela’s interim President Rodriguez has inaugurated an ambitious national security initiative, establishing a 100-day timeline to develop a comprehensive peace plan addressing the nation’s political, social, and economic dimensions. The launch ceremony brought together government ministers alongside representatives from academic, political, private enterprise, and social sectors, signaling a collaborative approach to national stability.

    President Rodriguez emphasized the program’s inclusive nature, noting that a “diverse and pluralistic group of Venezuelans” had already contributed substantial ideas toward what she described as “a common destiny.” The initiative will be administratively coordinated by Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas, with Professor Ana Maria San Juan appointed as executive secretary to oversee daily operations.

    A significant component of the peace initiative addresses economic stability, with Rodriguez highlighting that “peace also depends on economic peace.” The government has collected numerous proposals from entrepreneurs and business leaders, which will form an ideas bank to inform the developing National Plan.

    In a parallel confidence-building measure, Rodriguez announced the release of 626 individuals currently deprived of liberty, characterizing this action as part of Venezuela’s ongoing political process while acknowledging that some parties are attempting to manipulate the situation.

    The administration simultaneously conducted a dramatic demonstration as part of its “We Want Them Back” campaign. Thousands of drones illuminated the night sky over Fort Tiuna’s Military Academies in Caracas, projecting images of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores in a public appeal for the presidential couple’s release.

  • Cabello: We will never stray from the path of Bolivar and Chavez

    Cabello: We will never stray from the path of Bolivar and Chavez

    Thousands of Venezuelan citizens converged in Caracas under heavy rainfall, staging a massive demonstration to demand the immediate repatriation of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The protestors allege that both figures were abducted by U.S. military forces exactly 21 days prior to the gathering.

    The mobilization, orchestrated by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), coincided with the 68th anniversary commemoration of the January 23, 1958 civic-military rebellion. Participants assembled at strategic eastern and western points throughout the capital before marching toward O’Leary Square, adjacent to the governmental headquarters at Miraflores Palace.

    During the emotionally charged event, PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello delivered a stirring address reframing the historical significance of the date. He characterized the original 1958 rebellion as “the ultimate betrayal of the Venezuelan people,” alleging that business magnates, political opponents, religious leaders, and imperialist forces conspired to undermine national sovereignty.

    Cabello articulated how this historical narrative shifted with the emergence of Commander Hugo Chávez, who exposed what he described as systemic exploitation of popular movements. The political leader affirmed the crowd’s unwavering commitment to the Bolivarian revolution, declaring that contemporary demonstrations symbolize “absolute loyalty to President Maduro and Cilia Flores” rather than remembrance of past betrayals.

    Emphasizing resilience following the January 3rd incident—described as a devastating blow provoking profound sadness, anger, and frustration—Cabello called for national unity and steadfast dedication to the Chavista political project. He concluded with assurances that external forces would never suppress the will of the Venezuelan people.

  • Lula confirms candidacy and highlights historic role of the MST

    Lula confirms candidacy and highlights historic role of the MST

    In a significant address, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva framed the upcoming October elections as a critical juncture for the nation’s political trajectory. The Workers’ Party leader emphasized the electoral process as decisive in both shaping Brazil’s future direction and combating the pervasive spread of disinformation.

    President Lula presented a comprehensive review of his administration’s economic and social achievements, highlighting record-breaking employment levels as a cornerstone of his current term. “We have achieved the lowest unemployment rate in Brazil’s historical records alongside the highest number of active workers and economic engagements,” the president declared with emphasis.

    The address also spotlighted additional economic indicators showing substantial progress, including expanded export volumes, increased foreign and domestic investments, elevated minimum wage standards, and the revitalization of key strategic sectors within the national economy.

    Lula issued a compelling call to action for enhanced political involvement from social movements nationwide, particularly applauding the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) for endorsing and fielding their own candidates in the upcoming elections. He articulated that such movements should take pride in their productive outputs and actively seek positions within decision-making bodies to safeguard and advance working-class rights and interests.

    Preceding the presidential speech, Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, made a significant announcement regarding land reform initiatives. Minister Teixeira confirmed that promised land allocations would be formally delivered in April, a move expected to benefit thousands of families currently without land ownership across Brazil.

  • PNM to honour stalwarts at 70th anniversary celebration

    PNM to honour stalwarts at 70th anniversary celebration

    The People’s National Movement (PNM), Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneering political party, is set to commemorate its 70th anniversary with a prestigious gala event at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain on January 26. The celebration will honor several party stalwarts who have contributed to the organization’s enduring legacy since its official founding by the nation’s first prime minister, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, on January 24, 1956.

    Current PNM Political Leader Pennelope Beckles, who also serves as Opposition Leader and Arima MP, will deliver the feature address at the anniversary program. In a recent Facebook post, Beckles reflected on the party’s historical significance, noting that the PNM emerged as “TT’s first major political party with a continuous organization and a clear national program” committed to building “a stronger, fairer and more united nation.”

    The event promises to blend historical reflection with cultural entertainment, described in party communications as “fantastic presentations and top local entertainment” that will punctuate the historically significant program.

    Beckles, who made history herself by becoming the PNM’s fifth political leader and first woman to hold the position on June 22, 2025, acknowledged the leadership legacy she inherited. She specifically recognized the four leaders who preceded her: founding leader Dr. Eric Williams; George Chambers, who assumed leadership following Williams’ death in 1981; Patrick Manning, who led from 1987 and shaped “a defining era of leadership and national development”; and Dr. Keith Rowley, who served as political leader until April 30, 2025.

    The Opposition Leader emphasized her commitment to steering the party forward with “humility, resolve, and unwavering commitment,” stating she remains “fully committed to the PNM and ready to chart a strong, united and purposeful way forward” for the movement that has significantly shaped the nation’s political landscape for seven decades.