分类: politics

  • Costa Rica’s CBYLO challenges reduction of ties with Cuba

    Costa Rica’s CBYLO challenges reduction of ties with Cuba

    A leading Costa Rican civil society organization has issued a sharp rebuke of the Costa Rican government’s recent decision targeting Cuba, labeling the move a diplomatically unjustified action that directly violates long-held international principles of cooperative engagement, sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. The organization’s formal statement, first published by local Costa Rican publication Surcos magazine, makes clear that the group stands unwavering in solidarity with both the Cuban government and the Cuban people.

    The statement stresses that the Costa Rican government’s policy choice has dealt a significant blow to decades of friendly bilateral ties between the two Latin American nations, eroding deep historical connections that have bound their populations together for generations. Members of the organization, identified as CBYLO, frame this latest decision as part of a growing pattern of actions that run counter to both the principle of national self-determination and core democratic standards that the region has long championed.

    Surcos’ publication of the statement highlights the deep shared history between Costa Rica and Cuba, pointing to iconic 19th-century Cuban independence leaders Antonio Maceo and Jose Marti, both of whom spent time in Costa Rica during their struggles for Cuban sovereignty. These shared historical moments, the statement notes, are foundational to the cross-border bonds that unite the two peoples.

    Beyond rejecting the government’s decision, the organization categorizes the measure as a deliberate hostile act directed at the ordinary Cuban people. The statement extends explicit solidarity to the diplomatic team stationed at the Cuban Embassy in San José, reaffirming the organization’s long-standing support for the Caribbean island nation.

    To conclude, the statement calls for renewed unity across all Latin American peoples, joining the global call for an immediate end to the decades-long United States trade and economic blockade against Cuba, as well as all other unilateral coercive measures that inflict widespread harm on the Cuban population.

  • Russia renews solidarity with Cuba amid US threats

    Russia renews solidarity with Cuba amid US threats

    During a public diplomacy event hosted by the Alexander Gorchakov Fund on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a clear statement of unity with Cuba, emphasizing Moscow’s unwavering recognition of the Caribbean nation’s right to pursue a sovereign development path independent of external interference.

    Beyond articulating solidarity, Lavrov openly voiced deep concern over the sharp intensification of coercive pressure that the United States has brought to bear against Cuba in recent weeks. He stressed that Russia would not step back from its long-standing partnership with Havana, confirming that Moscow would maintain its support through multiple channels, with a particular focus on delivering critical humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people. “We will continue to provide assistance and support, including material and humanitarian aid,” Lavrov reiterated in his remarks.

    The escalating standoff traces back to January 29, when former US President Donald Trump announced a full oil blockade against Cuba. The action was justified by the Trump administration on unsubstantiated claims that Cuba posed an alleged threat to US national security in the domain of nuclear affairs. In a further escalation of the campaign against Havana, Trump has issued global threats to impose punitive tariffs on any country that moves forward with oil shipments to the island nation, extending the reach of Washington’s pressure campaign beyond its own borders.

  • CCJ Reopens Belize Redistricting Case

    CCJ Reopens Belize Redistricting Case

    In a significant judicial development, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has reinstated a pivotal constitutional challenge regarding Belize’s electoral constituency boundaries. The region’s highest court determined that the Belize Court of Appeal had erroneously dismissed the case on procedural technicalities, emphasizing that such matters should not obstruct the path to justice.

    The court’s ruling specifically addressed the appeal filed by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, simultaneously overturning a previous costs order that had mandated him to personally cover the state’s legal expenses. The CCJ characterized this financial penalty as fundamentally unjustified.

    This litigation originates from a February 2025 claim submitted by citizen Jeremy Enriquez, who contends that Belize’s current electoral map relies on obsolete demographic data, thereby violating constitutional guarantees of equal representation. While the CCJ revived the main appeal, it declined Enriquez’s separate request for special leave to appeal another aspect of the case.

    The judicial journey began when High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora rejected an injunction application to postpone Belize’s 2025 general election while simultaneously issuing the controversial costs order against Ramlogan. With the CCJ’s decision, the constitutional challenge now returns to the Belize Court of Appeal for substantive consideration of the representation rights issues at the heart of this dispute.

  • Dominica’s Chinese Ambassador reports on China’s trajectory following Two Sessions wrap up

    Dominica’s Chinese Ambassador reports on China’s trajectory following Two Sessions wrap up

    The Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, H.E. Chu Maoming, has formally announced the successful conclusion of China’s pivotal annual political gatherings—the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Addressing international media at a briefing held at the Chinese Embassy over the weekend, Ambassador Chu framed the ‘Two Sessions’ as both a cornerstone of China’s domestic political calendar and a critical window for global observation of the nation’s strategic direction.

    The Ambassador provided a comprehensive overview of the sessions’ key resolutions, with particular emphasis on economic resilience and technological advancement. He reported that China’s GDP expanded by 5% in 2025, reaching a total of 140.19 trillion yuan ($19.63 trillion USD), amidst a complex global landscape. This growth was bolstered by robust foreign trade, a fundamental equilibrium in the balance of payments, and a 19.1% surge in newly established foreign-funded enterprises.

    A significant portion of the address highlighted China’s breakthroughs in cultivating ‘new quality productive forces.’ Ambassador Chu cited world-leading advancements in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, robotics, and quantum technology. He specifically noted milestones including breakthroughs in domestic chip R&D, the expansive sector-wide application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the official commissioning of the domestically built Fujian aircraft carrier, and the production of over 16 million new-energy vehicles.

    On foreign policy and ecological fronts, the Ambassador outlined progress in unilateral visa-free entry policies and Belt and Road cooperation. He detailed achievements in green development, revealing that non-fossil energy’s share in total consumption hit 21.7% and that installed capacity for new-type energy storage surpassed 130 gigawatts. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to global climate goals through its newly announced 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions.

    With the 14th Five-Year Plan concluded, Ambassador Chu looked ahead to the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026. He disclosed China’s main development targets for the year, which include GDP growth between 4.5% to 5%, the creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, and a targeted reduction of approximately 3.8% in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, signaling a continued focus on high-quality and sustainable development.

  • Preliminary results for Roseau City Council Elections reported by Chief Elections Officer

    Preliminary results for Roseau City Council Elections reported by Chief Elections Officer

    Roseau, Dominica – Preliminary results from Monday’s Roseau City Council Elections reveal a clear frontrunner, with Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph announcing Lucy Belle-Matthew of Fond Cole as the election’s top vote-getter. Representing Ward 4, Belle-Matthew secured a commanding 408 ballots, significantly outpacing her competitors and setting a high bar across all constituencies.

    The electoral breakdown, presented by Joseph, detailed fiercely contested races across the city’s wards. In Ward 4, Belle-Matthew’s decisive victory saw her opponent, Sherman Boston, garner 267 votes, followed by Karleen Beaupierre with 196.

    Ward 1 witnessed an exceptionally tight race. Ermin Royer narrowly clinched the lead with 203 votes, a mere three-vote margin over Moesha Joseph’s 200. The remaining candidates trailed behind: Lenny Jno-Baptiste (185 votes), Samantha Robinson (129), and Kashma Richards (121).

    The Ward 2 contest delivered a more definitive outcome. Paloma Mark emerged victorious with a strong tally of 306 votes. Kenny Jno Baptiste secured second place with 235 votes, followed by Rhoda St. John (149), Kelvin Rolle (127), Jason Jno Baptiste (125), and Dunstan Peters (62).

    In Ward 3, a lower voter turnout was recorded. Quincy Angol led the field with 98 votes, followed by Michael Moreau with 80, and Christina Sobers with 31.

    The announcement of these preliminary figures marks a critical step in the democratic process, setting the stage for the formal certification of new council members. The results indicate diverse voter engagement levels across the different wards of the capital.

  • MP Williams threatens to sue Councillor Hamilton over ‘defamatory’ comments

    MP Williams threatens to sue Councillor Hamilton over ‘defamatory’ comments

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant political dispute has erupted within Jamaica’s ruling party as government minister Donovan Williams initiated legal proceedings against fellow Jamaica Labour Party representative Rosalie Hamilton over allegedly defamatory social media content. Williams’ legal representatives from Richardson Law Chambers dispatched a formal cease-and-desist notice on March 24, 2026, demanding immediate retraction of what they characterize as “false, malicious and highly defamatory statements” circulated through digital platforms including WhatsApp and TikTok.

    The legal correspondence asserts that Councillor Hamilton’s online publications have generated substantial reputational damage and public embarrassment for Williams, who serves as Member of Parliament for Kingston Central and holds ministerial responsibilities. The attorneys maintain these allegations are “wholly untrue” and designed to diminish Williams’ standing within Jamaican society while undermining his credibility as a public official.

    Legal counsel emphasized the apparent failure to verify claims before publication, describing the behavior as demonstrating “reckless disregard for the truth” that violates Jamaica’s Defamation Act of 2013. The formal demand requires complete removal of the contentious material from all digital platforms alongside publication of a comprehensive apology. Non-compliance threatens Supreme Court litigation seeking injunctive relief and additional legal remedies.

    The confrontation carries political significance as both figures represent overlapping constituencies within the Jamaica Labour Party framework. Hamilton’s Rae Town division operates within Williams’ Kingston Central constituency, intensifying the jurisdictional complexities. At time of reporting, Councillor Hamilton had not issued any public response to the legal demands.

  • US expands visa bond requirement to 12 more countries

    US expands visa bond requirement to 12 more countries

    The United States has significantly expanded its controversial visa bond requirement program, adding 12 additional countries to a policy that mandates non-immigrant visa applicants to pay refundable bonds reaching up to $15,000. This expansion brings the total number of affected countries to 50, with the majority located in Africa, raising concerns about disproportionate targeting of lower-income applicants.

    The State Department initiative, implemented as part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration restrictions since his return to office in January 2025, now includes Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia. The expanded regulations take effect April 2, with officials indicating potential further additions to the list.

    Under the program, applicants for short-term business and tourist visas may be required to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 based on determinations made during consular interviews. Notably, payment does not guarantee visa approval, though funds are refunded if applications are denied or if travelers comply with all visa conditions and depart promptly.

    Administration officials defend the bond system as an effective mechanism to reduce visa overstays, citing data showing 97% of approximately 1,000 bond-paying visitors have departed according to their visa terms. However, critics argue the substantial financial requirements create unfair barriers for applicants from developing nations and represent part of a broader pattern of immigration restrictions.

    The bond program operates alongside other stringent measures including suspended visa processing for multiple countries, increased deportations, tightened asylum regulations, and historically reduced refugee admissions. These collective policies have generated international criticism and may impact global mobility, including participation in upcoming major events such as the World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.

  • PNP Patriots demand full investigation into allegations against JLP’s Donovan Williams

    PNP Patriots demand full investigation into allegations against JLP’s Donovan Williams

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s political landscape has been jolted by serious corruption allegations as the People’s National Party Patriots (PNP Patriots) has formally requested two independent agencies to investigate claims against Central Kingston Member of Parliament Donovan Williams of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

    The controversy emerged after Rosalee Hamilton, a JLP Councillor for the Rae Town Division, publicly accused Williams of financial misconduct and alleged abuse of political authority through various social media platforms. The allegations have sparked intense political debate and raised concerns about governance standards.

    In an official statement released Wednesday, the PNP Patriots emphasized the critical need for transparent investigation by both the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Integrity Commission. Davalle Grant, General Secretary of the PNP Patriots, asserted that these claims transcend typical political rivalry and touch upon fundamental principles of democratic accountability.

    “The Jamaican public, particularly constituents of Central Kingston, are entitled to unequivocal clarity and accountability from those elected to serve them,” Grant stated. “These disturbing allegations threaten to undermine institutional credibility if not addressed through proper investigative channels with utmost urgency.”

    Grant further emphasized that the seriousness of these accusations warrants objective examination regardless of their eventual veracity. “This matter cannot be dismissed as mere political theater. Authenticated claims would indicate severe breach of public trust, while false allegations would equally require definitive exposure through transparent processes.”

    The PNP Patriots reiterated that no public official should be exempt from scrutiny and emphasized the implications for Jamaica’s governance framework, accountability mechanisms, and rule of law principles.

    In a developing countermove, legal representatives for MP Williams have issued a cease and desist notice to Councillor Hamilton, demanding full retraction of the allegations and a public apology. This legal response sets the stage for a potentially protracted political and legal confrontation that could significantly impact Jamaica’s political dynamics.

  • ‘No negotiations’ says Iran foreign minister as US touts peace plan

    ‘No negotiations’ says Iran foreign minister as US touts peace plan

    The White House issued a stark warning to Iran on Wednesday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declaring President Donald Trump prepared to ‘unleash hell’ if Tehran refuses to accept a proposed peace agreement to end the escalating Middle East conflict. The ultimatum came amid reports that Iran had already rebuffed a comprehensive 15-point US peace plan conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries.

    Leavitt emphasized the administration’s seriousness, stating, ‘President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,’ while noting that diplomatic channels remained open. The proposed American plan, according to sources cited by The New York Times, addresses Iran’s nuclear and missile programs alongside maritime security concerns.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a defiant response, asserting that Tehran ‘does not intend to negotiate’ and interpreting US diplomatic overtures as ‘an admission of defeat.’ Araghchi confirmed Iran’s commitment to continued resistance, outlining five non-negotiable conditions for ending hostilities. These include ironclad guarantees against future US-Israeli attacks, war reparations, cessation of hostilities across all regional fronts, recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and cessation of operations against Tehran-backed resistance groups.

    The diplomatic stalemate unfolded against continued military escalation. Iran’s military claimed its cruise missiles had forced the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to reposition, while Israel conducted strikes on targets in Tehran and a submarine facility in Isfahan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as ‘out of control,’ with fighting reported across multiple countries including Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

    Iran raised the stakes further by threatening to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical Red Sea shipping lane—in response to any potential US ground invasion. This followed Iran’s existing restrictions on enemy vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which have already driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel and disrupted approximately 20% of the world’s oil transit.

    Regional mediators indicated behind-the-scenes efforts continued despite public posturing, though prospects for immediate de-escalation appeared dim as both sides hardened their positions and military preparations intensified.

  • Works Minister Morgan in Peru for key infrastructure discussions and technical exchange

    Works Minister Morgan in Peru for key infrastructure discussions and technical exchange

    Jamaican Minister Robert Nesta Morgan is spearheading a high-level governmental delegation at the inaugural LATAC-UK Infrastructure Forum in Lima, Peru, from March 23-26, 2026. This strategic gathering unites senior officials from Latin American and Caribbean nations with key representatives from the United Kingdom, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the World Bank. The central focus revolves around dissecting optimal methodologies in infrastructure strategy, governance frameworks, financial models, and project implementation.

    The Jamaican delegation’s agenda is meticulously crafted to align with the nation’s pressing infrastructure priorities. It features high-level consultations with Peru’s National Infrastructure Authority (ANIN) and former leaders of the country’s reconstruction authority. The itinerary also incorporates specialized technical sessions dedicated to governance structures, strategic planning, and enhancing systemic resilience against natural disasters.

    Minister Morgan emphasized the practical objectives behind this diplomatic mission, stating the purpose extends beyond theoretical discussion to actionable learning. Jamaica is actively evaluating methods to fortify its infrastructure delivery mechanisms, enhance inter-governmental coordination, and develop systems that are simultaneously efficient, resilient, and tailored to national requirements. Peru’s documented expertise in post-disaster recovery and resilient reconstruction offers a particularly valuable case study for Jamaica as it contemplates strengthening its own institutional response capabilities.

    The delegation’s schedule includes an on-site inspection of resilient infrastructure projects, such as flood protection engineering works, culminating in a conclusive workshop to synthesize reconstruction insights and formulate actionable next steps for Jamaica. This engagement underscores Jamaica’s dedicated approach to adapting credible international models to forge context-specific solutions for its infrastructure challenges.