Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • IMA announces enhanced compliance measures for CBI applicants

    IMA announces enhanced compliance measures for CBI applicants

    The Investment Migration Agency (IMA), formerly known as the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBI) in Grenada’s Ministry of Home Affairs, has announced the implementation of enhanced compliance measures for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Effective November 10, 2025, these measures aim to bolster the integrity and transparency of the programme, which grants foreign nationals Grenadian citizenship through investments in real estate or contributions to the National Transformation Fund (NTF).

    The new compliance framework includes stringent verification procedures aligned with international anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Applicants must now submit a completed Attestation Form, confirming that their investment funds originate from verifiable personal or sponsor resources. Additionally, Bank Credit Advice must be provided to demonstrate that funds were directly deposited by the applicant into the developer’s account, ultimately transferring to an Escrow or government-approved account.

    These measures underscore the IMA’s commitment to ensuring that all investments are legitimate, traceable, and transparent. In a circular published on its website, the IMA emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the programme’s credibility and protecting the interests of genuine applicants. Since its inception in 2014, the CBI Programme has generated over EC$1 billion in revenue and granted citizenship to more than 20,000 individuals from countries such as the USA, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, Russia, and Turkey.

    The IMA’s latest updates reflect its ongoing efforts to align with global best practices, reinforcing Grenada’s reputation as a trusted destination for investment migration. By prioritizing compliance and transparency, the agency aims to maintain the programme’s integrity while fostering economic growth and international partnerships.

  • UPP leader Joshua Francis urges voter confirmation amidst criticism of stipulations

    UPP leader Joshua Francis urges voter confirmation amidst criticism of stipulations

    Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has urged Dominicans to actively participate in the ongoing voter confirmation process, despite perceived challenges. Speaking at a recent press conference, Francis emphasized the importance of civic duty in ensuring a robust democratic system. The voter confirmation process, initiated on October 15, 2025, is a cornerstone of Dominica’s electoral reform agenda, aimed at modernizing the voting system and enhancing democratic participation. Francis highlighted the difficulties faced by many citizens who lack essential identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or social security cards. He called on the Electoral Commission to prioritize the interests of all Dominicans, ensuring inclusivity in the process. Francis also shared his personal experience, describing the confirmation process as straightforward and encouraging others to follow suit. He advised those encountering issues to seek assistance from legal professionals or the Chief Elections Officer. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision to exclude birth certificates as a valid form of identification for voter confirmation. Fontaine argued that this exclusion would disenfranchise thousands of Dominicans, particularly those without the means to obtain alternative IDs. He condemned the move as a violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that it undermines the democratic principle of universal suffrage. The voter confirmation process involves multiple steps, including name verification, document validation, and electronic data entry, culminating in the issuance of a confirmation receipt. The debate over the process underscores the broader challenges of balancing electoral integrity with accessibility in Dominica’s evolving democratic landscape.

  • Vice Presidents of Cuba and Colombia discuss issues of mutual interes

    Vice Presidents of Cuba and Colombia discuss issues of mutual interes

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa met with Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez in Bogota, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two nations. The discussions, which included Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodriguez and Cuban Ambassador to Colombia Javier Caamaño, focused on the upcoming Summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union (AU). Valdes expressed gratitude for Colombia’s solidarity following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. Additionally, Valdes, who was in Bogota for the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of CELAC and the European Union (EU), held talks with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support and solidarity, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

  • Six Killed in U.S. Airstrikes on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Boats

    Six Killed in U.S. Airstrikes on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Boats

    In a decisive move against international drug trafficking, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed on Monday that two additional airstrikes were executed against vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics in international waters. The operation, authorized by President Trump, targeted two ships linked to Designated Terrorist Organizations, both of which were reportedly transporting illegal drugs along a known trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. According to Hegseth, the strikes resulted in the deaths of six individuals—three male narco-terrorists aboard each vessel. No U.S. personnel were harmed during the operation. Hegseth emphasized that these actions are part of the administration’s broader strategy to safeguard the homeland and eliminate cartel terrorists who pose a threat to national security and public safety. The strikes underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to combating transnational crime and protecting its citizens from the dangers of drug trafficking.

  • PM Skerrit in Colombia to attend CELAC–EU Summit

    PM Skerrit in Colombia to attend CELAC–EU Summit

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica is poised to join the CELAC-EU Summit, a pivotal gathering of Caribbean, Latin American, and European Union leaders, taking place on November 10, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia. The summit, hosted by Colombia’s President, aims to foster enhanced dialogue and collaboration among the participating regions. Key figures from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including its Secretary-General, alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, will be in attendance. The European Union will be represented by prominent leaders such as the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the rotating EU Presidency. The agenda for the summit is expected to focus on critical global issues, including sustainable development, climate adaptation, trade relations, and international cooperation. In the interim, Honourable Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, will serve as Acting Prime Minister during Prime Minister Skerrit’s absence.

  • Prime Minister Announces December 1 General Election in Saint Lucia

    Prime Minister Announces December 1 General Election in Saint Lucia

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has officially announced that the citizens of Saint Lucia will cast their votes on Monday, December 1, 2025, to elect a new government. In a nationwide broadcast on November 9, Pierre also designated Monday, November 21, 2025, as Nomination Day, marking the formal submission of candidacy papers for the upcoming election. Additionally, the Prime Minister disclosed that he has recommended the Governor General to dissolve Parliament starting Monday, November 10, 2025, initiating the official election period. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), led by Pierre, currently enjoys a robust 13–4 majority in Parliament, a result of its significant triumph in the July 2021 general election. This announcement sets the stage for a pivotal political event in the Caribbean nation, with the SLP aiming to maintain its stronghold in the legislative body.

  • Grace plays race, gender card amidst contract scrutiny

    Grace plays race, gender card amidst contract scrutiny

    In a heated political climate in St. Vincent, Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward and a hospital administrator, has defended her EC$144,000 one-year consultancy contract for the Arnos Vale hospital project. Walters, speaking at a ULP rally in Biabou, suggested that the scrutiny of her contract stems from her identity as a woman and a member of the Carib community.

  • Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown

    Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown

    In a pivotal move to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 on Sunday to advance a compromise funding bill, marking the first step toward reopening federal operations. The agreement, brokered by a group of moderate Democrats, has sparked internal discord within the party as it does not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a key demand from progressive lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his colleagues opposed the procedural vote, underscoring the deep divisions over health care policy. The deal, which includes bipartisan spending bills and a temporary funding extension until late January, also reverses mass firings of federal workers and ensures back pay for those affected. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged swift action, emphasizing the shutdown’s widespread disruptions, including flight cancellations and delayed food assistance. While President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the shutdown, he stopped short of endorsing the deal. The agreement, which required the support of five Democrats to pass, has drawn criticism from House Democrats, who argue it fails to address health care affordability. The Senate’s decision sets the stage for a contentious December vote on ACA subsidies, with Republicans divided over extending COVID-19-era tax credits. Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact continues to worsen, affecting millions of Americans ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

  • ‘Labour warriors’ can’t prevent victorious NDP from taking office — Leacock

    ‘Labour warriors’ can’t prevent victorious NDP from taking office — Leacock

    As the November 27 general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines approaches, St. Clair Leacock, the opposition spokesperson on National Security for the New Democratic Party (NDP), has issued a firm declaration. Leacock emphasized that the NDP will not tolerate any political unrest akin to the turmoil that prematurely ended their government in 2001. Speaking at an NDP rally in North Union on Saturday, Leacock addressed Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ call for “Labour warriors” to take to the streets on election night, dismissing such actions as unnecessary and counterproductive. Leacock assured supporters that once the NDP secures victory, the country will experience stable governance focused on the welfare of its citizens. He highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing crime and violence, warning against seditious activities. Leacock also underscored the significance of this election, describing it as pivotal for the nation’s constitutional integrity and democratic future. He pledged that the NDP would deliver equal opportunities, peace, and prosperity for all Vincentians, aiming to transform the country into a beacon of unity and progress. The Unity Labour Party, currently in power, seeks an unprecedented sixth term, while the NDP aims to reclaim governance after 25 years in opposition.

  • What was Gonsalves doing with booklet of NDP’s plans?

    What was Gonsalves doing with booklet of NDP’s plans?

    During the ongoing election campaign, the United Labour Party (ULP) and its supporters have repeatedly claimed that the New Democratic Party (NDP) lacks concrete plans and that its leadership is inactive. However, a recent video posted on the Facebook page of Ralph Gonsalves, the ULP leader, has raised eyebrows and contradicted these assertions. The video shows someone placing a booklet titled ‘The New Democratic Party’s Plan for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ on a table where Gonsalves and other ULP members were seated. The booklet, which appeared well-used and resembled a student’s textbook, was placed alongside other documents, suggesting it was being actively referenced. This discovery has sparked questions about the ULP’s motives. If the NDP truly has no plans, why would the ULP possess and study such a booklet? The presence of the document implies that the NDP’s strategies are being scrutinized, if not replicated, by the ULP. Critics have long accused the ULP of copying the NDP’s plans, and this incident seems to lend credence to those allegations. The situation also challenges the narrative of the NDP’s leadership being lazy, as the creation of a detailed plan would require significant effort and dedication. The incident has added a layer of intrigue to the election campaign, with observers questioning the ULP’s reliance on the NDP’s strategies and what this might reveal about their own preparedness.