Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • WIN’s Primus roasts govt on lack of policy at Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

    WIN’s Primus roasts govt on lack of policy at Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

    In a dramatic parliamentary session examining Guyana’s $1.558 trillion budget, opposition leader Odessa Primus delivered a scathing critique of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s fundamental policy deficiencies. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) General Secretary condemned the ministry’s absence of coherent policies across all three sectors under its purview during Thursday’s National Assembly proceedings.

    Primus, herself an accomplished stage performer, highlighted the critical lack of modern copyright legislation protecting artists’ intellectual property. “How could you have a ministry and have not one single policy?” she questioned, emphasizing that this void prevents proper evaluation of ministerial accountability. She cited the tragic cases of late cultural icons Henry Rodney and Habeeb Khan who died in poverty despite their significant contributions to Guyanese culture.

    The criticism extended to sports development, where Primus noted that coaches remain inadequately compensated and high-performing athletes receive insufficient incentives. She particularly lamented the government’s failure to utilize the National Museum to honor cultural legends, mentioning numerous living treasures including Desiree Edghill, Vivienne Daniels, and Eddy Grant who deserve formal recognition.

    Culture Minister Charles Ramson defended his administration’s record, highlighting several accomplishments including the completion of a draft sports policy awaiting Cabinet approval, passage of the Horse Racing Act, and planned National Trust Act legislation before 2030. He detailed infrastructure developments including 145 illuminated sports grounds, a national sports academy, and modernization of the National Sports Hall.

    Ramson pointed to cultural achievements including nine acclaimed plays funded through the revived Guyana Prize for Literature program, accreditation of the Institute of Creative Arts, and successful international participations in CARIFESTA and World Expos. “Persons involved in our programs are doing better now than they have ever done before,” he asserted, noting participants are purchasing homes and vehicles through improved earnings.

    The debate revealed bipartisan agreement on copyright reform, with APNU parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess having already tabled a motion for a bipartisan committee to review existing legislation. Both major parties had campaigned on replacing the outdated 1956 British Copyright Act during last year’s elections.

    Primus offered constructive recommendations including integrating cultural development with tourism initiatives, specialized swimming training for Indigenous communities, establishing youth rehabilitation centers instead of expanding prisons, and implementing educational programs on Guyanese history and folklore. She also proposed grants for creative projects and tax incentives for artists to foster sustainable cultural development.

  • Betterson waarschuwt: geen emotionele wetgeving rechterlijke macht en meerdere pg’s

    Betterson waarschuwt: geen emotionele wetgeving rechterlijke macht en meerdere pg’s

    ABOP Assembly Member Stanley Betterson has issued a compelling appeal for restraint in Suriname’s judicial reform process, cautioning against legislation driven by emotional reactions rather than factual analysis. During Thursday’s session of the National Assembly, Betterson emphasized that legal amendments must be grounded in thorough research and demonstrable necessity rather than temporary outrage or political anger.

    The seasoned parliamentarian pointed to Suriname’s historical pattern of enacting legislation prompted by indignation, citing the Recall Law, Amnesty Law, and establishment of the Constitutional Court as examples of reactive laws that failed to achieve their intended purposes. “When emotions take precedence, we often miss the fundamental objective of legislation,” Betterson asserted.

    Addressing specific proposals to reform the Public Prosecutor’s Office and expand the number of attorneys general, Betterson expressed skepticism. He challenged the assumption that appointing multiple prosecutors-general would automatically improve the institution’s performance. Instead, he called for objective and systematic investigation into complaints about prosecution policies and conduct before considering structural changes.

    Betterson highlighted that the Public Prosecutor’s Office already possesses extensive powers, including through the opportunity principle, but noted these authorities carry inherent risks. This reality makes it essential, in his view, to first identify whether potential problems lie in existing laws, organizational structure, management practices, or implementation processes.

    While acknowledging potential needs for strengthening the rule of law, Betterson underscored that any reform must be evidence-based rather than politically pressured. He committed to supporting legislative proposals if research demonstrates changes would genuinely contribute to improved administration of justice.

    The ABOP representative urged government officials and initiative proponents to set aside emotional responses and adopt a rational, mature approach to judicial reform. Only through this methodical process, he concluded, can Suriname avoid creating laws that merely shift problems rather than resolve them.

  • Crime Reduction Central to Tourism Competitiveness, Browne Tells Global Summit

    Crime Reduction Central to Tourism Competitiveness, Browne Tells Global Summit

    In a strategic address at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda articulated a groundbreaking national policy framework that inextricably links national security with tourism competitiveness. The Prime Minister asserted that crime reduction constitutes a fundamental pillar of the nation’s tourism development strategy, establishing public safety as an absolute prerequisite for cultivating and sustaining high-value tourism markets.

    Browne elaborated that destinations aspiring to compete within the global luxury tourism sector must guarantee a comprehensively secure environment for both international visitors and local residents. “These efforts are being supported by strident investments in containing crime and violence, thereby providing a safe and secured environment for our guests and locals alike,” he stated during his summit presentation.

    The Prime Minister’s discourse reframed conventional approaches to law enforcement by integrating crime containment directly into tourism policy and broader national development objectives. He contended that a premium tourism product cannot flourish in climates characterized by social disorder, public fear, or political instability. According to this paradigm, public safety serves as the critical foundation underpinning visitor confidence, investment decisions, and the overall credibility of a destination brand.

    Browne further detailed that the government’s comprehensive tourism reform initiative encompasses parallel investments in urban development, environmental management, and public order enhancement. This holistic approach ensures that Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offerings align with evolving global expectations, particularly as modern travelers increasingly prioritize destinations that deliver not only luxury and authenticity but also demonstrable safety and stability.

    “Tourism is a national development strategy,” Browne emphasized, noting that the visitor experience is equally shaped by safety and social order as by physical amenities such as hotels, beaches, and attractions. The administration remains committed to fostering an environment where both residents and visitors can live, work, and travel without restrictions, thereby reinforcing the nation’s positioning as a competitive, high-value tourism destination on the world stage.

  • “We have lived through difficult times, these in particular are very difficult, but we will overcome them together”

    “We have lived through difficult times, these in particular are very difficult, but we will overcome them together”

    In a comprehensive press conference at Havana’s Palace of the Revolution, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez addressed the nation’s escalating tensions with the United States and detailed Cuba’s strategic response to what he termed an “energy blockade” against the island nation. The February 5th appearance came amid growing concerns about fuel shortages and increased U.S. pressure following recent events in Venezuela.

    President Díaz-Canel characterized U.S. policy toward Cuba as operating through “two fundamental directions: economic suffocation dating to the 1960s Mallory Memorandum, and military aggression.” He referenced recent Executive Orders from the Trump administration that threaten third-party countries with tariffs for supplying oil to Cuba, effectively creating a naval blockade that has prevented Venezuelan fuel shipments from reaching Cuban ports since December.

    The Cuban leader presented a multi-faceted response strategy centered on energy sovereignty and national defense preparedness. “We must learn to live using our energy sources,” Díaz-Canel stated, outlining an updated energy transition plan that aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports through accelerated development of renewable resources.

    Significant progress has already been achieved in renewable energy infrastructure, with the installation of 49 photovoltaic parks adding approximately 1,000 megawatts of capacity in 2025 alone. This represents a remarkable leap from 3% to 10% renewable contribution to Cuba’s electricity grid. The government plans to continue this expansion throughout 2026, with 98 additional megawatts scheduled for February and 58 more in March.

    The energy strategy includes innovative approaches such as renewable energy with storage capacity, allowing solar power generated during daylight hours to supply electricity at night. Additionally, the government is deploying 5,000 domestic photovoltaic systems to homes without grid access, potentially achieving 100% electrification nationwide. Another 10,000 systems are being allocated to healthcare and education workers through subsidized payment plans.

    Díaz-Canel also addressed Cuba’s defense preparations, confirming that the country has activated its “War of the Whole People” doctrine in response to heightened U.S. threats. This includes declaring Saturdays as national defense days and updating transition plans for a potential state of war. “We revolutionaries know what it means to defend a revolution,” he stated, emphasizing that these measures are purely defensive in nature.

    The President vigorously denied U.S. allegations of Cuba sponsoring terrorism, turning the accusation back against Washington: “How can a country that has been a victim of terrorism by the very person who is accusing us talk about terrorism in Cuba?” He cited historical examples of U.S.-backed terrorist attacks against Cuba, including the 1976 bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 that killed 73 people.

    Regarding international relations, Díaz-Canel rejected characterization of Cuba’s relationship with Venezuela as “dependency,” instead framing it as cooperation based on “principles of solidarity, integration and complementarity.” He highlighted achievements through ALBA-TCP, including the Miracle Mission that restored vision to 3.5 million Latin Americans and literacy programs that eliminated illiteracy in four nations.

    The Cuban leader expressed openness to dialogue with the United States, but only under conditions of “equal footing, respect for our sovereignty, our independence, our self-determination, without addressing issues that we may understand as interference in our internal affairs.”

    Despite current challenges, Díaz-Canel projected confidence in Cuba’s resilience: “We are going to overcome them together, with creative resistance, with the effort and talent of all Cubans.” He pointed to international support from countries including Russia, China, Mexico, and South Africa, as well as statements from the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter.

    The government is implementing emergency measures based on lessons from the 1990s Special Period, focusing on fuel conservation and allocation to priority sectors. Detailed directives will be announced in coming days through appropriate ministerial channels.

    President Díaz-Canel concluded by emphasizing Cuba’s commitment to its socialist development path while implementing necessary economic transformations, including greater autonomy for state enterprises and municipalities, and enhanced engagement with both state and non-state economic sectors.

  • Column: De toon maakt de muziek; geschaad vertrouwen in de pg

    Column: De toon maakt de muziek; geschaad vertrouwen in de pg

    A profound crisis of confidence has engulfed Suriname’s judicial institutions following revelations about former President Chan Santokhi’s alleged interference with the Office of the Prosecutor General. The controversy centers on Santokhi’s repeated public statements suggesting he directed prosecutorial decisions, despite his recent parliamentary denials labeling such claims as “gross lies.

    Multiple recorded instances show Santokhi employing language that implied direct control over prosecutorial matters. During press conferences and public appearances, he consistently used phrases such as “I have asked the Prosecutor General to investigate this case” and “I have given instructions to the Prosecutor General,” creating a perception of executive override of judicial independence.

    The damage to institutional credibility was starkly demonstrated by Prosecutor General Garcia Paragsingh’s response when questioned by journalists. Rather than defending the former president, Paragsingh explicitly stated that no instructions should be given to the Prosecutor’s Office and emphasized that Santokhi should have been more careful with his wording, acknowledging that such statements undermine the prosecution apparatus’s image and credibility.

    Two emblematic cases illustrate the concerning overlap between presidential and prosecutorial functions. The detention of NDP parliamentarian Ashwin Adhin occurred after Santokhi publicly announced the arrest before formal procedures were complete. Similarly, the case involving Xaviera Jessurun saw the Prosecutor General writing a letter to the president designating her as a suspect without subsequent legal action.

    The resulting erosion of trust has spurred legislative initiatives to reform the judicial system, including a proposal to replace the single Prosecutor General with a college of prosecutors. This initiative represents an institutional cry for help rather than mere academic exercise, signaling deeply damaged public confidence.

    Despite the seriousness of these allegations, Thursday’s parliamentary proceedings saw coalition parties, particularly the NDP, adopt an unexpectedly mild approach toward Santokhi. The former president departed the public meeting immediately after his speech, anticipating harsh criticism from subsequent speaker Bronto Somohardjo that never materialized.

    Constitutional Article 148 provides the government with authority to establish general prosecution policy and issue commands to the Prosecutor General in matters of state security. However, legal experts emphasize this was never intended as carte blanche for political posturing about individual criminal cases.

    The fundamental question remains unanswered: why did Santokhi persistently speak as if the Prosecutor’s Office operated under his direct authority throughout his presidency? Until this receives honest addressing, public distrust represents not a malady but a logical consequence—one justifying profound political and institutional reform.

  • Santokhi: Grove leugen dat ik pg ooit opdracht heb gegeven

    Santokhi: Grove leugen dat ik pg ooit opdracht heb gegeven

    In a tense session of Suriname’s National Assembly on Thursday, Assembly Member and former President Chan Santokhi (VHP) vehemently denied allegations that he had issued directives to the Prosecutor General during his presidential term. The confrontation emerged during debates on judicial reform, with opposition members maintaining their accusations despite Santokhi’s forceful rebuttal.

    Santokhi characterized claims of his interference as a “gross falsehood,” explicitly stating he never exercised constitutional provisions allowing presidential instructions to the Prosecutor General in matters of national security. “I can produce documents demonstrating that other presidents did issue commands. I did not,” Santokhi asserted, drawing a clear distinction between his approach and that of previous administrations.

    The former president addressed specific references to his past statements about “giving orders” to the Prosecutor General, clarifying that during critical security situations—such as the February 17, 2023 disturbances—he had merely requested investigations rather than issuing commands. “That is not an order. That is a request any citizen can make,” Santokhi explained, emphasizing the procedural difference.

    The debate referenced November 2024 remarks by Prosecutor General Garcia Paragsingh, who had previously emphasized that the president cannot direct the Public Prosecutor’s Office in individual criminal cases. Paragsingh had noted that while political discussions might include claims of instructions, these do not reflect the official stance of the judicial system. She highlighted how repeated uncorrected statements about “giving orders” could potentially damage the perception and independence of the prosecution apparatus.

    Regarding judicial reform, Santokhi reiterated his opposition to appointing multiple prosecutors-general, advocating instead for comprehensive systemic overhaul rather than piecemeal legislative changes. He warned that current proposed laws fail to address structural challenges including workload pressure, capacity constraints, specialization needs, decentralization requirements, administrative justice, and preparation for oil and gas sector developments.

    Santokhi emphasized that meaningful judicial strengthening requires eliminating political influence and genuinely enhancing independence. “Discussions about three or four prosecutors-general do not solve the fundamental problems of the rule of law,” he concluded.

    The session concluded with procedural controversies as VHP members applauded Santokhi’s speech—against assembly rules—and most of the VHP faction demonstratively walked out when PL faction leader Bronto Somohardjo began speaking. Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin closed Thursday evening’s session, with deliberations scheduled to resume Friday morning.

  • US’ removal of Maduro hasn’t reduced Venezuela’s territorial threat – Ali

    US’ removal of Maduro hasn’t reduced Venezuela’s territorial threat – Ali

    President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has declared that the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States forces has not diminished the territorial threat posed to Guyana’s mineral-rich Essequibo Region. Addressing the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) annual officers conference at Base Camp Ayanganna, Commander-in-Chief Ali emphasized that despite significant political changes in Venezuela, Guyana must remain prepared, vigilant, and ready to defend its sovereignty.

    The American military operation that captured Maduro and extradited him to face trial in the U.S. over drug and weapons charges has led to unexpected diplomatic developments. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, previously known for aggressive rhetoric against Guyana and strong anti-American sentiment, has surprisingly established warm relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. This shift has resulted in freed political prisoners, amended laws to attract American oil investments, and the release of $500 million from seized Venezuelan oil assets.

    President Ali cautioned against interpreting Venezuela’s internal changes as reduced external threats. ‘The present situation in Venezuela does not remove or diminish the threat to Guyana’s territory,’ he stated, highlighting that preparedness should not be mistaken for provocation. The Guyanese leader reinforced that maintaining military readiness across land, sea, and air domains is essential national policy, not aggression.

    The address referenced recent tensions, including a March 2025 incident when the Venezuelan Navy entered Guyana’s Stabroek Block, informing exploration vessels they were in ‘undemarcated Venezuelan waters’ before withdrawing after several hours. Ali emphasized that Guyana’s expansive military cooperation agreements with the United States, Britain, and France would not come at the expense of political independence or territorial sovereignty.

    ‘We cannot outsource sovereignty,’ President Ali asserted. ‘We cannot subcontract our defense and we cannot assume that any fairy godmother or godfather will always appear at a decisive moment.’ The president committed to maintaining friendly relations with all nations while insisting that cooperation must be grounded in respect for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently indicated that reduced naval patrols could create a ‘more friendly environment’ for potential hydrocarbon exploration in the northwestern Stabroek Block nearer to Venezuela, highlighting the continuing economic implications of the territorial dispute.

  • Govt rules out releasing GDF helicopter crash report

    Govt rules out releasing GDF helicopter crash report

    In a definitive stance announced Thursday evening, the Guyana government has officially declined to publicize the investigative report concerning the December 2023 helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of five military personnel. Aviation Minister Deodat Indar addressed the National Assembly, clarifying that the Bell 412Epi helicopter was engaged in an active military mission when it catastrophically crashed in a remote, densely forested region of the country’s interior. Minister Indar emphasized the operation’s classified nature, stating, ‘The flight operation at the time when it happened was a military operation. I repeat. It was a military operation. It was not a civilian flight.’ This declaration came directly in response to calls from opposition leader Amanza Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement, who accused the government of violating Article 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Minister Indar countered this allegation by invoking the Chicago Convention, which categorizes aircraft utilized in military, customs, and police services as ‘State aircraft.’ He challenged critics to identify any nation that routinely discloses sensitive information pertaining to military operational incidents, framing the decision as a standard matter of national security protocol. This announcement marks the first explicit government position on the long-debated report, which had previously been under review by the Cabinet. The crash claimed the lives of highly decorated servicemen, including Lt. Col. Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. Two personnel, Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson, survived the incident. Despite international aviation conventions urging transparency, the government maintains that its obligation to protect state and military secrets supersedes public disclosure demands in this specific context.

  • Politic : The Council of the State University of Haiti denounces and contests

    Politic : The Council of the State University of Haiti denounces and contests

    PORT-AU-PRINCE – The Council of the State University of Haiti (CUEH) has issued a formal condemnation of the Executive Branch’s recent establishment of a regulatory body for higher education, declaring it an unconstitutional violation of institutional autonomy. In an official statement, the council characterized the move as a fundamental breach of legal hierarchy that undermines Haiti’s constitutional framework.

    The controversy centers on the Decree of March 11, 2020, concerning the organization and modernization of higher education, which the CUEH maintains contradicts constitutional principles enshrined in Articles 32, 208, and 209 of Haiti’s 1987 Constitution. According to the council, these provisions guarantee the autonomy and independence of the State University of Haiti (UEH), making the executive’s unilateral actions legally invalid.

    Documented opposition to the decree dates back to November 2020 when the CUEH adopted a resolution warning public authorities against implementation and demanding suspension. Subsequent communications from the Rectorate of UEH to executive authorities in August and November 2025 requested institutional dialogue, decree suspension, and commitment to national consultation on higher education reforms.

    The situation escalated dramatically when the Council of Ministers adopted the decree on December 18, 2025, followed by its official publication in ‘Le Moniteur’ on December 30, 2025, and the subsequent establishment of the regulatory body. While acknowledging the legitimate need for higher education regulation, the CUEH asserts that these actions severely compromise constitutional guarantees and exacerbate existing institutional, social, and security crises.

    The council warns that these practices undermine institutional stability, jeopardize non-profit higher education’s public service mission, and potentially damage both public and private higher education sectors along with national socio-economic development. Historically, the UEH has positioned itself as a defender of democratic principles against authoritarian ambitions throughout Haiti’s political history.

    The CUEH demands immediate withdrawal of the March 11, 2020 decree and all related administrative measures while issuing a solemn appeal to the executive branch, political actors, and civil society – particularly academic sectors – to commit to profound higher education reforms based on dialogue, consultation, and national interest.

    Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the council pledged to continue protecting UEH as an autonomous institution it describes as ‘a true national treasure.’ The statement was formally endorsed by Rector Dieuseul Prédélus in his capacity as President of the University Council.

  • Final PCC Report Under Government Review

    Final PCC Report Under Government Review

    Belize has entered a decisive stage in its constitutional reform process as the government initiates formal review procedures for the comprehensive final report compiled by the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC). The document, containing 167 distinct recommendations for modernizing the nation’s supreme legal framework, represents the culmination of a 30-month collaborative effort involving 46 commissioners representing 23 diverse organizations.

    Although the report has not yet been officially delivered to Prime Minister John Briceño, preliminary discussions are already advancing. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Constitution and Religious Affairs, recently convened with former PCC leadership, including ex-Chair Anthony Chanona, to receive detailed briefings on the commission’s methodology and findings. This orientation session aimed to equip the ministerial team with essential background knowledge as they prepare to navigate the complex recommendations.

    The extensive consultation process faced significant challenges regarding inclusivity and transparency concerns raised by certain former members. Despite these internal debates and occasional heated discussions, the commission maintained remarkable cohesion throughout its operational period. Former Chair Chanona emphasized the body’s resilience, noting that while dissenting opinions were properly recorded and presented to leadership, the commission never fractured organizationally.

    Looking forward, stakeholders advocate for making the complete report publicly accessible following established legislative protocols. There are growing calls for subsequent nationwide consultations to ensure citizen engagement throughout the implementation phase. This transparent approach would allow Belizeans to provide input on proposed constitutional amendments before potential parliamentary consideration.