Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Camillo says he regretted pledging not to sue while in politics

    Camillo says he regretted pledging not to sue while in politics

    Camillo Gonsalves, former Member of Parliament for East St. George and ex-Finance Minister, has publicly expressed regret over his self-imposed prohibition against filing defamation lawsuits during his political career. The revelation came during his guest appearance on “Morning Comrade,” a program broadcast by the Unity Labour Party’s Star Radio, where he substituted for his father, Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves.

    Gonsalves disclosed that before entering politics, he had committed in writing to never pursue legal action against individuals for defamatory statements, a principle rooted in his journalistic training and belief in press freedom. Having earned his first degree in journalism in the United States, he explained how educators “hammer into your head the freedom of the press and that you mustn’t have a chilling effect on people, on the freedom of expression.”

    Despite maintaining this commitment throughout his tenure, Gonsalves acknowledged numerous instances of being defamed, stating: “Many times, I wish I hadn’t made that promise to myself, because I was defamed many, many, many times, and continue to be defamed.” He notably added, “Watch me, I ain’t in office now ah nuh. I go sue yo,” indicating a potential shift in his legal approach post-office.

    The context for these remarks emerged from his criticism of the ruling New Democratic Party’s decision to withdraw state advertising from Star Radio, which has been operational since 2008. While expressing confidence in the station’s resilience, Gonsalves condemned the move as “grounded in spite” rather than fiscal responsibility, emphasizing that “you’re not going to balance the budget on the little $2 that you used to send to Star Radio.”

    Gonsalves further articulated his philosophical stance on media ecosystems, advocating for diverse viewpoints to compete freely unless actors demonstrate malicious intent. During his broadcast, he reinforced his position by reading statements from hemispheric organizations that condemn using state advertising as punishment against government-critical media outlets.

  • Dominican Republic signs Charter of Doral at Shield of the Americas Summit

    Dominican Republic signs Charter of Doral at Shield of the Americas Summit

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant diplomatic development, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic formally endorsed the Charter of Doral during the inaugural Shield of the Americas Summit. The signing ceremony, hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Trump National Doral resort, marked the creation of a new regional framework known as the Donroe Doctrine.

    This foundational agreement establishes a strategic alliance focused on enhancing regional security collaboration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and developing secure supply chain corridors. The Dominican Republic’s participation is particularly notable as it was one of only three Caribbean nations extended an invitation to the summit. In recognition of its strategic importance, the country was designated a Tier 1 partner, a status that potentially unlocks preferential trade arrangements and significant infrastructure investments.

    Executive Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, William Malamud, emphasized the agreement’s broader economic implications. He noted that the charter solidifies the nation’s standing as a reliable U.S. ally and actively supports its national strategy to emerge as a premier regional hub for nearshoring and advanced manufacturing operations.

    A key operational outcome of the summit is the establishment of the “Safe Port of the Americas” certification initiative. The Dominican Republic is set to pioneer this program, with the Port of Caucedo being the first facility to undergo certification. This designation is designed to expedite the export process for Dominican goods—most notably biomedical and textile products—to the United States. By implementing a streamlined “Green Lane” system, the initiative aims to significantly reduce transit durations and minimize customs-related obstacles, providing a substantial competitive advantage for Dominican exports.

  • Abinader says Haiti situation discussed with Trump at Shield of the Americas Summit

    Abinader says Haiti situation discussed with Trump at Shield of the Americas Summit

    SANTO DOMINGO – President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has identified the escalating security crisis in neighboring Haiti as a pivotal topic in his diplomatic discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. This high-level dialogue occurred during the recent Shield of the Americas Summit, a key forum dedicated to formulating a unified regional strategy against organized crime.

    In a subsequent interview, President Abinader elaborated that the dire situation in Haiti was not addressed in isolation but was integrated into wider hemispheric security cooperation initiatives. These initiatives are specifically designed to counter pervasive threats, including rampant drug trafficking and sophisticated international criminal networks that destabilize the region. The Dominican leader confirmed that this critical issue was a recurring theme in his conversations with multiple Latin American heads of state attending the summit.

    Demonstrating a firm commitment to collective action, President Abinader joined fellow regional leaders in formally endorsing a proclamation to establish a multinational military coalition. This coalition’s primary objective is to launch a coordinated offensive against powerful drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations. The groundbreaking initiative is structured to significantly enhance tactical and strategic coordination between Latin American nations and the United States, creating a more robust front to combat organized crime and its associated violence.

    During the summit’s proceedings, former President Trump underscored the indispensable need for joint action and reiterated Washington’s commitment to deepening its cooperative ties with partner nations. He characterized the newly formed coalition as a vital collective endeavor essential for safeguarding regional security, preserving national sovereignty, and upholding shared democratic principles. Trump further emphasized the United States’ intention to broaden and strengthen collaborative efforts throughout the Western Hemisphere.

  • New chair notes directors’ role in safeguarding Lotto

    New chair notes directors’ role in safeguarding Lotto

    In a landmark moment for institutional governance, the newly constituted board of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) held its inaugural meeting on Thursday under the historic chairmanship of Luann Hadaway. This appointment marks the first time a woman has led the board since the authority’s establishment four decades ago in 1984.

    Chairperson Hadaway, leveraging nearly forty years of expertise in banking and finance, articulated a powerful vision centered on restoring public trust and institutional integrity. She emphasized the profound responsibility bestowed upon the board to safeguard what she described as a vital public trust belonging collectively to the nation’s citizens, rather than any individual or political entity.

    The composition of the new board reflects a deliberate emphasis on diverse professional competencies. Deputy Chair Bryan Alexander brings multifaceted experience as an entrepreneur, accountant, and musician. They are joined by Olson James (ACCA Certified Accountant specializing in financial reporting and auditing), Teressia Bruce (human resources and general management), Delisia Charles-Defreitas (business and project management), Sheena Child (administrative professional specializing in project coordination), and Esteban Hernandez (accounting and finance).

    In her address, Hadaway acknowledged the contributions of former manager McGregory Sealey and the outgoing board while drawing a clear line under past practices. Without explicit accusation, she implicitly addressed historical concerns by stating the board would ensure management operates within “a strong framework of controls and ethical standards.” This appears responsive to previous allegations that the NLA had been utilized as a discretionary fund by the former Unity Labour Party government, which left office in November 2025.

    The chairperson outlined a comprehensive governance framework built on four pillars: stringent financial oversight, responsible gaming practices, transparent communication, and absolute confidentiality regarding board deliberations. She notably framed the NLA’s mission as extending beyond mere revenue generation, defining success through “how responsibly those revenues are managed and how meaningfully they benefit national development.

    The authority, operating under the Ministry of Finance, will continue its mandated support for sports and culture (approximately 80% of allocations) while maintaining its expanded role in education, healthcare, and community development (approximately 20%). Hadaway concluded by emphasizing that robust foundations in governance would ensure the institution’s longevity and public confidence, noting that “public confidence is fragile—earned slowly and lost quickly.”

  • China waarschuwt tegen regimewissel in Iran

    China waarschuwt tegen regimewissel in Iran

    Amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, China has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for diplomatic resolution in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking during a press conference at the sidelines of a major annual political gathering in Beijing, issued a stark warning against attempts to orchestrate regime change in Iran, emphasizing the critical importance of respecting national sovereignty.

    Wang characterized the ongoing conflict as ‘a war that should never have occurred’ and one that ‘benefits no party involved.’ He articulated China’s firm position that military solutions inevitably breed hatred and spawn new crises rather than delivering sustainable resolutions. The Foreign Minister underscored that Middle Eastern nations must independently determine their own affairs without external interference, stating that ‘the people of the Middle East are the true masters of their region.’

    The Chinese diplomat employed vivid metaphorical language, asserting that ‘a strong fist doesn’t equate to a strong argument’ and cautioning against reverting to the ‘law of the jungle’ in international relations. He called upon all involved parties to promptly return to negotiation tables, advocating for dialogue as the primary mechanism for resolving differences and establishing collective security frameworks.

    China has offered to collaborate with regional partners to restore order, provide stability for affected populations, and promote global peace. Simultaneously, Wang reaffirmed the resilience of China-Russia relations, describing them as ‘steadfast and indestructible’ despite Western criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

    The geopolitical context remains volatile, with the United States and Israel conducting strikes on Iranian targets—including Tehran’s oil storage facilities and refineries—triggering significant fires. Iran has responded with attacks on American bases throughout the Gulf region, with collateral damage affecting neighboring nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia through missile and drone assaults.

    Notably, despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official apology for these attacks, Tehran has continued its military operations, drawing criticism from hardline factions within the country. A leaked assessment from the U.S. National Intelligence Council suggests that even large-scale American military operations would unlikely succeed in overthrowing Iran’s established military and religious power structures—directly contradicting claims that external forces could install preferred leadership.

    The conflict’s economic ramifications continue to intensify, with rising oil prices and disruptions to critical trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Regional leaders and international observers increasingly emphasize the dangers of further escalation and the urgent necessity for diplomatic solutions.

  • Browne Predicts Strong Victory for ABLP in St. Philip’s North By-Election in Antigua and Barbuda

    Browne Predicts Strong Victory for ABLP in St. Philip’s North By-Election in Antigua and Barbuda

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has projected an overwhelming triumph for his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in the upcoming St. Philip’s North by-election scheduled for March 16. During his weekly radio address on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne show, the leader revealed compelling early indicators from intensive grassroots campaigning throughout the constituency.

    Browne disclosed that internal assessments suggest ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore could capture approximately 70 percent of the electoral vote. “From all indications what we have seen on the ground is going to be an extremely big win,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing his confidence in the projected outcome. He added that any result below this threshold would surprise him given current momentum.

    The Prime Minister credited Baltimore and his dedicated campaign team for their months-long door-to-door outreach effort, noting they had successfully secured voter commitments across the entire district. This electoral contest follows the retirement of veteran parliamentarian Sir Robin Yearwood, who represented St. Philip’s North for multiple decades.

    Browne paid tribute to Yearwood’s enduring legacy, highlighting his transformative work in land distribution that enabled numerous families to acquire property, construct homes, and enhance their economic stability. The Prime Minister characterized the constituency as a thriving community where residents have demonstrated strong investment in property development and maintenance.

    Concurrently, the administration is advancing infrastructure enhancements in the region, including the installation of a new water main designed to improve service delivery for both St. Philip’s North and South constituencies. This development initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to regional advancement amid the electoral process.

  • Iran Says It ‘Will Not Bow’ to U.S. and Israel

    Iran Says It ‘Will Not Bow’ to U.S. and Israel

    Tehran has issued a firm declaration of resistance against Western powers as military confrontations intensify across the Middle East. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that his nation “will not bow easily to bullying, oppression or aggression” in response to mounting pressure from the United States and Israel.

    The geopolitical crisis reached new heights as Israeli strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Iran’s capital for the first time, striking an oil storage facility in Tehran. CNN footage documented multiple storage tanks engulfed in flames at the depot, marking a significant escalation in targeting strategy beyond military installations.

    Simultaneously, Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks against several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Bahraini authorities confirmed damage to a critical desalination plant that provides drinking water to millions of residents in the arid region.

    The human cost continues to mount with over 1,200 fatalities reported in Iran, more than 300 in Lebanon, and additional casualties in Israel. Global markets are reacting to the instability, with oil prices surging amid growing concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime corridor through which approximately 20-30% of global oil consumption passes daily.

    U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the military campaign would persist “for a little while” as the conflict shows no signs of immediate de-escalation. The widening hostilities threaten to destabilize energy markets and regional security frameworks beyond the immediate conflict zones.

  • Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    The Jamaican political landscape paused to commemorate the enduring legacy of former Prime Minister Michael Manley on the anniversary of his passing, March 6, 2026. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) spearheaded reflections highlighting one of Manley’s most transformative achievements—the National Housing Trust (NHT)—which simultaneously celebrates its golden jubilee this year.

    Hailed as one of Jamaica’s most visionary statesmen, Manley’s governance philosophy centered on elevating ordinary citizens through progressive social policies. The PNP, in an official statement, characterized the NHT as a revolutionary institution founded on the radical principle that adequate housing constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privileged commodity. “Conceived as a bold and people-centered intervention,” the party noted, “the NHT operationalized Manley’s conviction that national development must be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

    Opposition housing spokesperson Professor Senator Floyd Morris and Michael Manley Foundation Chairperson Senator Donna Scott Mottley jointly celebrated Manley’s multifaceted contributions to Jamaican society. They documented his administration’s sweeping reforms initiated upon taking office in 1972, including groundbreaking labor legislation, the creation of the National Youth Service, the Jamaica Movement for Advancement of Literacy, the abolition of the ‘Bastardy Act,’ and the implementation of universal free education.

    The senators emphasized that the NHT transcends its physical infrastructure achievements, catalyzing profound social mobility, strengthening family stability, and fostering inclusive economic participation. By enabling generational wealth transfer through homeownership, the institution has systematically reduced inequality and fortified the nation’s social fabric. “Entire towns and housing schemes across Jamaica stand as living testaments to this initiative,” they observed.

    Morris and Scott Mottley articulated Manley’s governing philosophy that true independence necessitates economic empowerment, with the state bearing responsibility for innovative public interventions. The NHT embodies this ideology through its practical, sustainable, and human-centered approach to national development.

    As Jamaica celebrates both Manley’s legacy and the NHT’s five decades of service, the senators urged the current government to officially recognize the institution’s anniversary and honor its visionary founder. They concluded with a powerful testament: “Brilliant ideas will last for a while but legendary actions last for generations.”

  • Guyana says it did not withdraw from the Cuban health programme

    Guyana says it did not withdraw from the Cuban health programme

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Cuban government has unilaterally terminated its long-standing medical brigade program with Guyana, ending a 48-year healthcare partnership between the two nations. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed the development, stating that Havana’s decision came in February 2026 despite ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two governments.

    In response to Cuba’s withdrawal, the Guyanese government has implemented a new recruitment strategy, offering direct employment contracts to qualified Cuban medical professionals. ‘Cuban doctors, nurses, and technicians can still work in Guyana if they meet our medical councils’ certification requirements,’ Anthony explained in an interview with News Source. ‘Many have already joined our public healthcare system through this arrangement.’

    The termination follows increased pressure from the United States, which has criticized Cuba’s medical missions as exploitative labor practices. Washington alleges that Cuban medical workers face ‘coercion and abuse, withheld wages, confiscated passports, and forced family separation.’ The U.S. has previously threatened visa restrictions for officials in countries participating in the program.

    Minister Anthony emphasized that the transition has not impacted healthcare delivery in Guyana. The country has accelerated its domestic medical training programs, with approximately 800 nursing graduates expected by mid-year. This expansion complements the direct hiring of international medical staff, ensuring continued service delivery despite the diplomatic shift.

    The program’s termination has sparked some public concern, with citizen groups petitioning President Irfaan Ali to reverse the decision. However, the government maintains that its new approach ensures both regulatory compliance and healthcare continuity while respecting medical professionals’ autonomy.

  • US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    A multistate coalition spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump’s administration over controversial tariffs targeting Caribbean nations and other countries. The lawsuit, joined by 21 attorneys general alongside the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, contends that these sweeping trade measures exceed presidential authority and violate constitutional principles.

    The legal challenge emerges shortly after the US Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s previous tariff imposition under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response to that defeat, the former president invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enact new tariffs affecting Caribbean economies.

    The coalition’s central argument maintains that the presidential administration lacks legal standing to implement such comprehensive tariffs under this legislation. They assert that the measures fail to meet Section 122’s specific requirements while simultaneously infringing upon constitutional separation of powers protections.

    Attorney General James characterized the move as another example of Trump disregarding legal boundaries to effectively tax consumers and small businesses. ‘These tariffs will only drive up the cost of living,’ James stated in comments to Caribbean Media Corporation, ‘and I will continue to uphold the rule of law to protect New Yorkers.’

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported the legal action, noting that ‘illegal and reckless tariff policies continue to weigh on businesses, farmers and consumers across New York State.’ Hochul emphasized the state’s pursuit of recovering $13.5 billion in tariff costs from federal collections.

    The legal filing highlights that no previous administration has attempted to utilize Section 122 for broad tariff implementation. The statute was specifically designed to address monetary crises within fixed-rate exchange systems like the gold standard—a financial framework abandoned by the United States fifty years ago.

    Furthermore, the coalition challenges the administration’s justification based on trade deficits, arguing that such economic conditions are conceptually distinct from the balance of payments deficits that Section 122 was intended to address. The lawsuit also notes discriminatory application, as the tariffs exempt numerous goods from Canada, Mexico, and several Central American nations while including 84 pages of specific product exceptions.

    The legal action seeks judicial intervention from the United States Court of International Trade to declare the tariffs unlawful, prevent their implementation, and secure refunds for states that have already incurred costs under the proclamation.