分类： politics

In a surprising turn of events, Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025. This decision comes just one year into his tenure as commander, raising questions about the timing and underlying reasons for his departure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the news in a social media post on X, praising Holsey for his 37 years of dedicated service to the US Navy. Holsey, who assumed command in November 2024, previously served as the deputy commander of SOUTHCOM. His retirement follows a series of high-profile military actions in the Caribbean, including multiple strikes against alleged drug cartels and recent operations off the coast of Venezuela. These actions, authorized by President Donald Trump, have drawn scrutiny for their legal ambiguity and strategic implications. Holsey’s departure also coincides with broader leadership changes within the US military, as Hegseth has replaced several senior officers since taking office. In a statement on X, Holsey expressed gratitude for his role, emphasizing the SOUTHCOM team’s contributions to national defense. The US Navy and SOUTHCOM have yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding his retirement.

In a historic display of bipartisan cooperation, opposition and government Members of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda came together on Thursday to ratify the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement and pass the ECCIRA Bill 2025. This landmark legislation formalizes a regional framework designed to harmonize and strengthen oversight of citizenship by investment (CBI) programs across the Eastern Caribbean. The agreement, initially signed in September by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, establishes ECCIRA as a centralized authority to regulate and monitor CBI initiatives. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who introduced the measures, hailed the move as a “historic turning point” for the region’s investment migration sector. He emphasized that the framework would set a “global gold standard” for transparency, accountability, and security. The new authority will monitor promoters, agents, and due-diligence providers, maintain a regional register of licensed service providers, enforce sanctions of up to US$250,000 for regulatory breaches, and coordinate with CARICOM IMPACS and other international bodies. Additionally, ECCIRA will promote risk-based auditing, publish annual transparency reports, and spearhead regional training to enhance compliance and investigative capabilities. The governance structure includes a Council of Ministers from each member state and a nine-member board with representatives from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, OECS Commission, and CARICOM IMPACS. Opposition MPs supported the initiative, praising it as essential for protecting the region’s reputation and investor confidence. The unanimous approval of both the treaty and the bill underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional cooperation and self-regulation. Prime Minister Browne concluded, “This is about sustainability and protecting our people’s interests. It shows that, as a region, we are capable of integrity, accountability, and collective leadership.”

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has raised significant concerns in Parliament regarding procedural gaps affecting the operations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). During the House of Representatives session on October 16, 2025, Pringle emphasized the urgent need for clarity on the committee’s legal standing and the rules governing its oversight functions. He pointed out that the rules of procedure for the PAC, which he presented to Parliament in July, remain unratified. Additionally, the Standing Orders—the official guide to parliamentary operations—do not mention the PAC, creating uncertainty about its proper functioning. Pringle stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines to ensure the committee’s effectiveness. In response, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged the oversight and committed to initiating a formal review. He assured that the government is dedicated to strengthening the PAC’s framework to enhance transparency and accountability. The PAC, chaired by Pringle, is Parliament’s primary financial oversight body, tasked with scrutinizing government spending to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayers’ money. Pringle has been advocating for public meetings of the PAC to further promote transparency. Benjamin stated that the review process would involve consultations with parliamentary staff and an examination of Hansard records to ensure adherence to proper parliamentary procedures.