分类： politics

In a compelling address during the ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ Albert Ramdin, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasized the critical need for Venezuela and the United States to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation. Ramdin, who assumed his role on May 26, 2023, stressed that the Americas must remain a ‘zone of peace’ and warned against the devastating consequences of war.

Ramdin’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, where the US has significantly increased its military presence. President Donald Trump has deployed an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to the region, ostensibly to combat Latin American drug cartels. However, Venezuela perceives this buildup as a threat to its sovereignty, accusing the US of attempting to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

The US military has conducted airstrikes on vessels in international waters, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence has been provided. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and called for their immediate cessation.

Ramdin acknowledged the global consensus on combating transnational organized crime but cautioned that the methods employed must align with international law and human rights standards. He highlighted the inherent imbalance in the fight against crime, where governments are bound by legal constraints while criminal organizations operate with impunity. Ramdin advocated for a new legal framework that empowers governments to tackle crime more effectively while respecting human rights.

The Secretary General also addressed the divided stance within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) regarding the US military buildup. While Caricom leaders have discussed the issue, no unified position has been reached. Ramdin expressed optimism that Caricom would eventually find common ground, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation and maintain regional peace.

In conclusion, Ramdin reiterated his commitment to fostering a safer hemisphere, urging all nations to prioritize diplomacy and unity. ‘We must keep the hemisphere as a zone of peace,’ he declared, warning that failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mark Golding, President of the People’s National Party (PNP), has publicly criticized the Jamaican Government for allegedly sidelining the parliamentary Opposition in critical decision-making processes related to national recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Golding emphasized that the exclusion of the Opposition threatens transparency and public confidence in the recovery measures. He clarified that the Opposition’s concerns are not politically motivated but aimed at improving the management and distribution of relief resources. Golding highlighted reports that government-funded and donor-funded relief supplies are being distributed through political representatives of the ruling party rather than through established legal channels. He argued that this practice lacks constitutional legitimacy and risks undermining equity in the response. Golding stressed the importance of including elected representatives in constituency-level decisions and called for collaboration across political lines to achieve effective solutions. He also revealed that repeated attempts to communicate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness regarding these issues have gone unanswered. Golding further commented on the Government’s introduction of legislation to establish the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), cautioning that bypassing normal procedures makes transparency even more critical. He expressed concern over the absence of the Opposition from all Cabinet-established committees, including those involving the private sector, and reiterated the Opposition’s willingness to contribute to the recovery process.

The United States State Department has announced visa sanctions against a Haitian government official accused of aiding criminal gangs and obstructing efforts to combat organized crime in Haiti. While the department did not disclose the official’s name or the specific gangs involved, it confirmed that any existing visas held by the individual would be revoked. A source close to the matter identified the sanctioned official as Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council. Jean, during a press conference, dismissed the allegations as a ‘masquerade’ but did not directly confirm he was the target of the sanctions. He vowed to continue advocating for good governance and opposing systemic chaos in Haiti. The US had previously designated two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as terrorist organizations in May 2024. The State Department reiterated its commitment to supporting Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for progress toward free and fair elections. This development follows the arrest and deportation of prominent Haitian businessman Dmitri Vorbe in September 2023, who was accused of backing gangs. Another businessman, Pierre Reginald Boulos, was arrested in July 2023 for allegedly contributing to Haiti’s destabilization. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has long grappled with rampant gang violence, including murders, rapes, looting, and kidnappings, exacerbated by chronic political instability. The crisis deepened in early 2024 when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic move in the Caribbean region. The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to bolstering defense ties with its Caribbean ally, particularly in the context of escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Pentagon confirmed the trip, which coincides with heightened pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a drug cartel.

Hegseth’s itinerary includes meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader, the country’s defense minister, and other key cabinet members. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, reaffirming U.S. support for regional security, and addressing the growing threat of drug trafficking in the Americas. This visit follows the recent designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, a move that grants legal authority for further actions against Venezuelan authorities.

In response to the designation, the Venezuelan government organized an anti-U.S. protest in Caracas, with participants accusing Washington of fabricating scenarios to justify intervention. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, deploying its largest aircraft carrier and a fleet of warships to the region. The Dominican Republic has been a key partner in U.S.-led anti-drug operations, with recent joint efforts resulting in the seizure of 500 kilograms of cocaine. President Abinader emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, citing the rising production of cocaine in South America as a critical challenge.