Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • PM urges voter registration, seeks another mandate

    PM urges voter registration, seeks another mandate

    With Barbados’ general election set for February 11, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued an urgent nationwide appeal for voter registration verification and public support for her administration’s continuation. The Prime Minister delivered her impassioned plea during a Barbados Labour Party rally at Checker Hall, St Lucy, held on the significant national holiday of Errol Barrow Day.

    Mottley outlined critical deadlines, emphasizing that citizens have until Monday to confirm their electoral registration status. She detailed a streamlined verification process: “Text ebc.gov.bb with your ID number – if registered, your name will appear immediately.” For those not appearing on the electoral list, she directed them to visit either BLP campaign offices or the Electoral and Boundaries Commission headquarters for resolution.

    The BLP leader presented a stark warning against complacency: “This is not a time for persons to be lagging. When you lag, you end up outside with no control over outcomes.” She specifically addressed supporters who might assume victory without personal participation: “I don’t want to hear that you don’t need to disturb yourself. We need your vote, we need your permission – that’s what a mandate represents.”

    Mottley announced an intensive 21-day national campaign alongside all 29 BLP candidates, signaling the official commencement of election activities. She offered strong endorsement for St Lucy candidate Peter Phillips, praising his resilience despite recent personal tragedies: “When you see Peter Phillips, you see Mia Mottley. He has demonstrated extraordinary commitment through tremendous personal hardship.”

    While acknowledging her party’s imperfections, Mottley positioned the BLP as the optimal choice for Barbados’ future: “We have never professed perfection, but we are good for Barbados and good for you.” She requested public support to maintain governance without arrogance: “Help us remain confident but not arrogant, help us continue this mission in progress. We simply need your permission to continue leading.”

  • PM Defends Plan to Classify Media as Essential Services

    PM Defends Plan to Classify Media as Essential Services

    Prime Minister John Briceño has articulated a robust defense of his administration’s proposal to designate media organizations as essential services within Belize’s telecommunications sector. The policy initiative, currently under cabinet consideration, would establish formal protections preventing service providers from arbitrarily disconnecting media outlets.

    During a recent press engagement, Briceño clarified the government’s position: “Our proposal through regulatory frameworks seeks to categorize media as essential infrastructure. This classification ensures service cannot be terminated without due process, while maintaining reasonable expectations that bills must be settled promptly.”

    The announcement follows mounting concerns from media representatives who reported service disruptions affecting Krem Television and Plus TV, with some speculating these incidents correlated with their editorial content. The Prime Minister directly addressed these allegations, stating: “I must challenge this presumption of content-based discrimination.”

    Briceño drew historical parallels to previous administration actions, notably recalling when the United Democratic Party government withdrew advertising from Channel Five (now Greater Belize Media). He pointedly questioned the media collective’s response: “I observed no collective outcry from media institutions when these punitive measures were enacted against Channel Five. Our administration fundamentally rejects such retaliatory practices.”

    The essential services designation would institute mandatory advance notification periods before any service discontinuation, providing media entities adequate opportunity to address billing disputes while safeguarding against politically motivated disruptions.

    This policy development emerges amid ongoing debates about press freedom and the government’s role in regulating telecommunications infrastructure, positioning Belize at the intersection of media rights and regulatory oversight.

  • Phillips pledges continued infrastructure upgrades in St Lucy

    Phillips pledges continued infrastructure upgrades in St Lucy

    In a compelling address at the Barbados Labour Party’s rally in Checker Hall, incumbent candidate Peter Phillips reaffirmed his commitment to advancing critical infrastructure projects throughout St Lucy constituency. The BLP representative acknowledged persistent water quality issues while highlighting substantial progress achieved under his party’s leadership.

    Phillips revealed that approximately 30 kilometers of water mains have been replaced across multiple communities including Rock Hall, Colleton, Crab Hill, Lowlands, and Chance Hall over the past seven years. While offering apologies for ongoing brown water concerns, the candidate contextualized the historical dimensions of the problem, noting that initial replacement initiatives began under former Prime Minister Owen Arthur in 1996 before being discontinued during the Democratic Labour Party’s administration.

    The candidate presented a comprehensive portfolio of completed infrastructure achievements, emphasizing tangible deliverables over mere promises. Notable accomplishments include the comprehensive road construction connecting Crab Hill Police Station to Archers Bay, alongside the successful completion of Lowlands Road and Chance Hall Road.

    Phillips further enumerated several signature developments under Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s administration, including the innovative agricultural project at Mount Poyer, the imminent opening of Hope Agricultural School, the extensive refurbishment of local post office facilities, and the establishment of a new social care center at Benthams.

    Concluding with the campaign slogan “When Labour leads, St Lucy succeeds,” Phillips urged constituents to maintain confidence in the BLP’s developmental agenda, asserting that while significant work has been accomplished, additional infrastructure enhancements remain priorities for the constituency’s continued advancement.

  • Minister, CEO Dismiss Kickback Claims as ‘Nonsense

    Minister, CEO Dismiss Kickback Claims as ‘Nonsense

    In a firm response to mounting corruption allegations, Belize’s Minister of Rural Transformation Oscar Requena and his Chief Executive Officer Valentino Shal have vehemently denied accusations of financial misconduct within their ministry. The high-ranking officials characterized the claims as baseless attempts to undermine their department’s integrity during recent press inquiries.

    The allegations, which have circulated through unspecified channels, suggested possible kickback schemes and improper payments for unfinished infrastructure projects in northern regions. When confronted with these assertions, Minister Requena dismissed them as ‘total nonsense,’ emphasizing his ministry’s adherence to strict financial protocols and oversight mechanisms.

    ‘We maintain a cadre of highly skilled professional employees operating with complete transparency,’ Requena stated. ‘All our operations undergo rigorous scrutiny from the Ministry of Finance and development partners, ensuring full compliance with national financial regulations.’

    CEO Shal adopted an equally defiant stance, refusing to engage with what he termed ‘speculation and allegations’ without concrete evidence. He suggested the accusations originated from parties seeking to ‘tarnish the hard work’ of the ministry while hinting at awareness of the sources behind the claims.

    Addressing perceptions of financial impropriety, Shal clarified: ‘Some might imagine the ministry controls substantial discretionary funds, but reality proves otherwise. All resources originate from the Ministry of Finance following established procedures and multiple approval stages.’

    Both officials maintained their primary focus remains on executing their ministerial duties despite the distracting allegations. They declined to publicly identify their suspected sources of the accusations while affirming confidence in their operational integrity and financial management practices.

  • Mayors Association Requests Fair Pay and Post-Service Benefits

    Mayors Association Requests Fair Pay and Post-Service Benefits

    In a revealing examination of municipal governance in Belize, a significant disparity in compensation and post-service benefits for mayors and councilors has come to light. The Belize Mayors Association is currently advocating for systemic reforms to address what they describe as inadequate remuneration structures and the complete absence of retirement security for long-serving public officials.

    While public perception often portrays municipal leaders as well-compensated figures, investigative reporting reveals stark contrasts in stipends across municipalities. Belize City councilors receive approximately $2,800 monthly—roughly half the compensation of their counterparts in the smaller San Pedro municipality. This discrepancy occurs despite Belize City’s significantly larger population and more complex budgetary responsibilities.

    Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner exemplifies the financial sacrifice many leaders make. Prior to public service, Wagner earned a six-figure salary as a senior banking executive. His current compensation package totals $6,100 monthly after taxes, including a base salary of $5,500 supplemented by allowances for transportation, communications, and expenses. For professionals qualified to manage multimillion-dollar public budgets, this represents a substantial financial reduction.

    The situation becomes particularly acute regarding post-service benefits. San Ignacio and Santa Elena Mayor Earl Trapp, with twenty-three years of continuous service across various municipal positions, faces the prospect of departing office without pension benefits or any form of financial security. This reality affects all municipal leaders equally, regardless of tenure or performance.

    Minister of Local Government Oscar Requena acknowledges the compensation review requests, emphasizing that any adjustments must prioritize municipal service delivery to residents. “We must ensure that residents’ services are met first and foremost before considering any increase,” Requena stated, noting that compensation varies significantly between municipalities based on available finances.

    The Ministry maintains ultimate authority over salary determinations, requiring thorough discussion and analysis before implementing changes. This ongoing dialogue between municipal leaders and national government officials highlights the complex balance between fair compensation for public service and fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.

  • Government Unveils Ambitious Strategy for Rural Belize

    Government Unveils Ambitious Strategy for Rural Belize

    In a landmark announcement on January 21, 2026, the Belizean government unveiled a comprehensive National Rural Development Strategy designed to address decades of systemic neglect in the nation’s villages and countryside. Prime Minister John Briceño declared that Belize’s true wealth originates not in urban centers but within its rural communities, which drive the nation’s agriculture and tourism sectors—accounting for approximately 42-60% of GDP.

    The strategic framework, developed by the Ministry of Rural Transformation in collaboration with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and Clio Consulting, represents a five-year commitment to transformative change. The initiative targets four critical development challenges: territorial governance and financing leverage, inclusive and competitive rural economics, skilled human capital development, and resilient infrastructure improvements.

    Chief Executive Officer Valentino Shal emphasized that the strategy emerged from extensive research documenting persistent deprivation in rural areas despite their economic contributions. The blueprint outlines 14 specific action areas and 32 concrete initiatives aimed at creating sustainable improvements in living standards.

    Minister of Rural Transformation Oscar Requena highlighted the program’s focus on restoring opportunities for youth, women, farmers, and entrepreneurs—groups he identified as vital to the nation’s future. The government has already secured increased budgetary allocations through the Ministry of Finance and is actively engaging international development partners to supplement funding requirements.

    While officials acknowledge the ambitious scope of the undertaking, they emphasize that success will depend on strengthened administrative structures and sustained financial support from both domestic and international sources.

  • General Customs Administration of the Republic updates legal framework to strengthen border control and facilitate trade

    General Customs Administration of the Republic updates legal framework to strengthen border control and facilitate trade

    In a significant stride toward governmental reform, Cuba has officially enacted Law 168 on Transparency and Access to Public Information, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic. This comprehensive legislation establishes a robust legal framework mandating unprecedented openness in public administration while guaranteeing citizens’ right to access information held by state entities.

    The groundbreaking law redefines transparency as an active state duty rather than merely responsive to individual requests. It requires systematic disclosure of publicly relevant information without requiring formal petitions, covering entities ranging from highest state organs to organizations receiving public funding. The legislation operates on principles of accessibility, free access, speed, quality, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

    A cornerstone of the new system is the creation of the National System of Transparency and Access to Public Information, which will integrate with Cuba’s existing document management infrastructure. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) assumes leadership responsibilities, including regulatory updates, compliance supervision, and annual implementation monitoring.

    The law specifies detailed procedures for information requests, mandating 15-business-day response windows (with possible extensions) and various delivery methods including electronic means. While access is generally free, specialized services may incur costs. Journalists and media executives receive particular recognition under social communication legislation.

    Exceptions to disclosure include matters of national security, personal data, judicial proceedings, and commercial confidentiality. The legislation establishes comprehensive appeal mechanisms through administrative complaints and judicial processes. Implementation will occur gradually over 180 days from January 9 publication, allowing for technical and regulatory preparations.

    This legislative advancement represents Cuba’s commitment to constitutional principles of participatory governance, aiming to foster a culture of transparency through technological integration and institutional accountability.

  • DLP’s Griffith says Barrow’s legacy must be lived, not just remembered

    DLP’s Griffith says Barrow’s legacy must be lived, not just remembered

    In a powerful address during the Errol Barrow Day commemorations, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ian Griffith challenged Barbadians to transform ceremonial remembrance into tangible national action. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony in Checker Hall, St Lucy, the first-time political candidate emphasized that true homage to Barbados’ National Hero requires daily commitment to his foundational principles.

    Griffith, standing alongside DLP political leader Ralph Thorne, articulated that national reflection must evolve beyond tradition into concrete practice, particularly during periods of economic and social difficulty. He framed the ceremony not as routine observance but as a profound ‘commitment, promise, and declaration’ to actively pursue justice, dignity, and inclusion—the cornerstones of Barrow’s leadership philosophy.

    Quoting historical wisdom, Griffith reminded attendees that ‘the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.’ He pledged his solidarity with the people of St Lucy, specifically acknowledging farmers, fishermen, laborers, and church leaders who shoulder the silent burdens of community development.

    The candidate presented a vision of nation-building that originates in households and local communities rather than parliamentary chambers alone. He called for a Barbados where every citizen feels they ‘belong and have a purpose’ in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing that Barrow’s legacy must live through contemporary actions that make justice real, fairness felt, and inclusion genuinely experienced.

  • FLASH : Attempt to revoke the PM defeated by the USA

    FLASH : Attempt to revoke the PM defeated by the USA

    In a dramatic political showdown on January 21, 2026, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé retained his position after a failed dismissal attempt within the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). The resolution for his removal initially garnered support from five council members before Advisor Smith Augustin unexpectedly reversed his position, refusing to provide the crucial final signature needed for passage.

    The four advisors who endorsed the dismissal motion were identified as Fritz Alphonse Jean, Leslie Voltaire, Louis Gérald Gilles, and Edgard Leblanc Fils. Their effort faced strong opposition from Laurent Saint-Cyr, the Council’s President pro tempore and Coordinator, who circulated a formal correspondence condemning the initiative.

    Saint-Cyr’s communication emphasized the critical need for governmental stability ahead of the February 7 institutional deadline, warning against ‘any initiative likely to fuel instability, confusion or a breakdown of trust’ that would carry ‘serious risks for the country.’ He advocated for structured dialogue representing Haiti’s diverse political sectors rather than rushed decisions.

    The decisive factor in quashing the dismissal attempt emerged from explicit diplomatic pressure from the United States Embassy. In unequivocal language, U.S. officials declared that changing Haiti’s government composition at this late stage would be considered ‘an effort to undermine’ American objectives for security and stability. The correspondence contained a direct threat that the U.S. would regard supporters of such measures as ‘acting contrary to the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people’ and would ‘act accordingly.’

    This diplomatic intervention highlights the ongoing influence of international actors in Haiti’s fragile political transition and the continuing challenges facing the Caribbean nation’s governance structures.

  • Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Grenada’s House of Representatives has passed landmark legislation decriminalizing cannabis, triggering urgent warnings about potential repercussions for the nation’s financial system. The Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) (Amendment) Bill, approved on January 20, 2026, legalizes possession of small cannabis quantities and permits regulated medicinal, therapeutic, scientific, and religious use for citizens aged 21 and above.

    The legislative overhaul includes protective measures for youth, establishes new cannabis misuse offenses, and provides for expunging criminal records for minor cannabis-related violations through amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

    Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell sounded alarms during parliamentary debates, highlighting that decriminalization could jeopardize Grenada’s banking relationships with international counterparts. “The issue of derisking from international banks is something that we have to watch,” Mitchell cautioned, noting that cannabis remains federally illegal in major financial hubs like the United States.

    Mitchell explained that local financial institutions risk losing vital correspondent banking relationships if they process funds linked to cannabis operations. “The present danger we face can cripple our financial sector if not handled properly,” he warned, emphasizing that such scenario could create cash-heavy environments complicating tax collection and increasing security risks.

    The former leader revealed his administration had initially proposed similar amendments in 2021, but the initiative stalled due to parliament’s dissolution for 2022 elections.

    Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre expressed concerns about implementation clarity, stating: “I expected to hear more surrounding plans for implementation. If we’re not clear where we’re going and how we’re getting there, we can have problems.” She emphasized the serious consequences of potential cannabis misuse despite supporting the legislation.

    Government member Peter David highlighted the social benefits of record expungement, noting that criminal records have historically hindered opportunities for youth caught with minimal cannabis quantities. All present opposition members supported the bill, which now advances to the Upper House for further debate.