Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Panamanians reject joint military drills with the USA

    Panamanians reject joint military drills with the USA

    Approximately 50 U.S. Marines have commenced joint training operations with Panamanian forces, initiating a controversial military program that runs from today through February 26th. The exercises will take place at two strategic locations: the Jungle Warfare School in Colón province and Captain Noel Rodríguez Naval Base near the capital city.

    This military collaboration has sparked significant opposition from civil society organizations, particularly the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso). The group contends that these maneuvers stem from a memorandum of understanding secretly signed between Panama and Washington in April 2025, which they characterize as detrimental to national sovereignty.

    In an official statement obtained by Prensa Latina and endorsed by Frenadeso coordinator Jorge Guzmán, the organization vehemently rejected the notion that these activities represent international cooperation. Instead, they framed the training as outright foreign interference and an act of aggression against Panama’s autonomous governance.

    The memorandum, according to Frenadeso’s analysis, effectively normalizes foreign military presence within Panamanian territory and transforms the nation into a strategic platform for geopolitical operations targeting neighboring countries, particularly Venezuela. These actions are allegedly justified under the pretext of addressing security concerns, migration flows, and narcotics trafficking.

    Frenadeso’s declaration emphatically states: ‘Panama is a sovereign and neutral country, not a ramp for imperial aggression,’ while demanding the immediate termination of all joint military exercises and calling for authentic defense of national independence.

    This development marks an escalation of U.S. military engagement in Panama that began in December 2025, initially justified through anti-drug trafficking initiatives. The increased presence followed concerning statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military intervention to secure the Panama Canal, citing unsubstantiated claims of Chinese influence—allegations consistently denied by officials from both nations.

  • Venezuela denies security alert promoted by the US

    Venezuela denies security alert promoted by the US

    Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent statements from the U.S. State Department, denouncing them as constructed falsehoods designed to project an inaccurate image of instability within the South American nation. The comprehensive communiqué presents a counter-narrative of a nation operating in a state of complete normalcy and peace.

    The ministry’s statement categorically asserts that all population centers, transportation networks, communication routes, and security checkpoints are functioning without disruption. Emphasizing sovereign control, the communication clarifies that all weaponry remains exclusively under the command of the Bolivarian Government, which it identifies as the sole entity holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force.

    Furthermore, the Venezuelan government has used this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering dedication to safeguarding national peace, ensuring institutional stability, and fostering peaceful coexistence among its citizens. This firm response highlights the ongoing diplomatic friction between Caracas and Washington, underscoring a significant divergence in perceived realities regarding Venezuela’s internal security situation.

  • Italy: Growing rejection of US sttack and threats on Venezuela

    Italy: Growing rejection of US sttack and threats on Venezuela

    In an unprecedented display of international solidarity, hundreds of thousands of Italian citizens flooded the streets across thirty major cities in coordinated demonstrations against United States foreign policy toward Latin American nations. The widespread protests, organized through a coalition of political parties, labor unions, student associations, and social advocacy groups, represented one of Europe’s most significant expressions of dissent against American interventionism.

    The mobilization spanned the entire Italian peninsula, with substantial gatherings documented in Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Genoa, Florence, Naples, Palermo, and numerous other urban centers. Participants voiced strong opposition to what they characterized as US imperialist ambitions, state-sponsored terrorism, and the continued application of the nineteenth-century Monroe Doctrine, which they view as an anachronistic tool of hemispheric domination.

    Rome witnessed one of the largest concentrations of protesters, where columns of demonstrators advanced along central thoroughfares from Esquiline Square toward the US Embassy. The atmosphere remained charged with political fervor as speakers addressed the crowds, warning of escalating tensions and potential military confrontations. ‘We gather today knowing the threat of further aggression remains imminent,’ declared one organizer, capturing the movement’s apprehensive mood.

    The protests specifically highlighted solidarity with Venezuela’s Bolivarian government and Cuba’s socialist administration, both facing increased US economic and diplomatic pressure. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans advocating for alternative global governance models free from American hegemony, with many participants emphasizing their commitment to continued mobilization for ‘a different world order based on mutual respect and sovereignty.’

  • US diplomat calls for appointment of Guyana’s Opposition leader

    US diplomat calls for appointment of Guyana’s Opposition leader

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot has emphasized the critical need for Guyana to formally appoint an Opposition Leader following the September 1 general elections, highlighting concerns over parliamentary functionality and democratic processes. The electoral outcome returned the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to power, while the newly established We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, secured the second-largest parliamentary presence, displacing the former coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

    President Irfaan Ali dismissed allegations that his administration has delayed National Assembly sessions to avoid Mohamed’s appointment as ‘absolutely ridiculous,’ asserting that the opposition holds sole authority to elect their leader. Despite this, the Assembly has convened only once since the elections—on November 3, 2025—with Speaker Manzoor Nadir yet to initiate the constitutionally mandated meeting of the 29 opposition parliamentarians to formalize the leadership role, expected to be filled by Mohamed.

    Ambassador Theriot, speaking after an event at Banks DIH on Sunday, stressed that a functioning democracy requires an operational Parliament facilitated by an official Opposition Leader. However, complications arise as Mohamed and his father, billionaire businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, face extradition to the United States over serious charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy tied to an alleged $50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme. Their committal hearing is scheduled to resume in February 2026.

    Theriot acknowledged that while the U.S. can navigate around Mohamed’s potential leadership in governmental matters, his involvement in financial or contractual issues would necessitate alternative arrangements to ensure unimpeded bilateral engagements. She also noted that international partners, including the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have jointly called for the expedient election of an Opposition Leader to uphold democratic integrity in Guyana.

  • Top cop: No reported incidents in Tobago for THA polls

    Top cop: No reported incidents in Tobago for THA polls

    Tobago’s House of Assembly elections concluded without incident on January 12, thanks to comprehensive security oversight led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin. The top brass of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) personally supervised electoral operations across the island, implementing strategic measures to ensure public safety and electoral integrity.

    Commissioner Guevarro conducted inspections at multiple key stations including Scarborough, Charlotteville, and Roxborough, engaging directly with station commanders and frontline officers. His visits focused on assessing policing requirements specific to the electoral context and providing operational guidance. He was accompanied by Assistant Commissioners of Police Earl Elie and Collis Hazel during these critical assessments.

    The TTPS executed widespread officer deployments throughout Tobago with the dual objective of maintaining orderly electoral proceedings and safeguarding all citizens, stakeholders, and institutions involved. In a post-election statement via social media, the police service highlighted its commitment to facilitating a smooth and incident-free democratic process.

    Commissioner Guevarro publicly commended Tobagonians for their exemplary conduct throughout the voting exercise, noting the absence of any significant disturbances or security breaches. The successful security operation demonstrates the TTPS’s capacity to manage large-scale democratic events while maintaining public order.

  • TPP trounces PNM 15-0 in THA elections

    TPP trounces PNM 15-0 in THA elections

    In an unprecedented electoral triumph, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) led by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine secured a comprehensive victory in the Tobago House Assembly elections on January 12, capturing all 15 contested seats. The decisive win marks a significant political shift in the island’s governance, completely eliminating opposition representation from the People’s National Movement (PNM).

    The TPP declared victory shortly after 9 pm, surpassing their previous 14-1 seat achievement in the 2021 elections. The outcome was particularly devastating for PNM’s Kelvon Morris, who lost his Darrel Spring/Whim constituency by a narrow margin of 17 votes after previously winning by just three votes in 2021.

    PNM Tobago leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine announced her resignation following the crushing defeat, stating her support for “transition to new leadership” while confirming the party would seek recounts in several marginal constituencies. The resignation came amidst a atmosphere of stunned disbelief within PNM ranks, which had maintained hope until late evening that Morris might retain his seat.

    This victory continues the TPP’s remarkable electoral trajectory. In the 2021 THA polls, the party’s predecessor organization (PDP) secured 58% of votes (16,932 votes) compared to PNM’s 41% (11,942 votes). The trend continued in the 2025 general election where TPP captured two parliamentary seats with 55% of votes cast (13,857 votes versus PNM’s 11,000 votes).

    The campaign featured intense debate around both local and national issues. Critical discussion points included the controversial placement of a US military radar at ANR Robinson Airport, substantial increases in traffic fines, and rising late fees for driver’s permits. The THA’s procurement of ambulances also emerged as a significant campaign topic, with the PNM criticizing the $18 million expenditure for 12 vehicles.

    Augustine had previously made headlines by vowing to personally “mash up” the US radar installation if evidence emerged it had assisted American operations against Venezuelan leadership. The PNM campaign attempted to raise concerns about potential Trinidad-style closures of Cepep and URP programs, allegations that Augustine dismissed as fearmongering tactics.

    Despite the overwhelming defeat, Davidson-Celestine praised PNM’s “excellent candidates” and acknowledged democratic processes while urging supporters not to “lose hope in the PNM and do not lose hope in Tobago.” She noted the party had detected significant voter dissatisfaction during campaigning that ultimately failed to translate into electoral support.

    The electoral process involved 42 candidates competing across 15 constituencies, with TPP and PNM contesting all seats while the Innovative Democratic Alliance fielded 11 candidates and Unity of the People presented one candidate. The Elections and Boundaries Commission reported no voting irregularities despite minor confusion among some voters regarding polling station locations.

    This electoral restructuring followed the EBC’s creation of three new seats in 2021 (Lambeau/Lowlands, Darrel Spring/Whim and Mt St George/Goodwood) to prevent recurrence of the previous 6-6 deadlock that had paralyzed the assembly. Boundary adjustments in Mason Hall North/Moriah and Mason Hall South/Bagatelle further refined the electoral landscape ahead of the January 12 poll.

  • PNP mourns death of Ambassador Curtis Ward

    PNP mourns death of Ambassador Curtis Ward

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political and diplomatic communities are mourning the passing of Ambassador Curtis Ward, who died Sunday night at his residence in Maryland, United States. The prominent intellectual and diplomat was celebrated for his exceptional contributions to Jamaica’s foreign policy discourse and international engagement.

    The People’s National Party (PNP) issued an official statement expressing profound grief over the loss, characterizing Ward as both a distinguished patriot and an influential voice within Jamaica’s diplomatic circles. Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, led the tributes, emphasizing Ward’s unique ability to contextualize complex global developments within appropriate historical and geopolitical frameworks.

    According to Senator Scott-Mottley, Ambassador Ward possessed remarkable analytical capabilities that made intricate international matters accessible to broader audiences. His expertise proved particularly valuable during periods of heightened global instability and uncertainty, where his insights consistently enriched public debate and informed high-level policymaking processes.

    “He represented a reliable source of thoughtful analysis on virtually any international subject,” Senator Scott-Mottley noted. “One could always reach out to him for clear explanations and profound understanding of global dynamics that strengthened Jamaica’s position in international affairs.”

    The late ambassador was remembered as a committed patriot who dedicated his life to serving Jamaica with exceptional distinction both domestically and internationally. His career exemplified meaningful public service, with his scholarly approach and principled engagement leaving an indelible mark on Jamaica’s diplomatic landscape.

    Senator Scott-Mottley concluded that while Ambassador Ward’s passing creates a significant void within Jamaica’s intellectual and diplomatic community, his legacy of service, scholarship, and principled engagement will continue to guide and inspire future generations. The People’s National Party extended heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Ward’s wife Sonia, along with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those touched by his work and wisdom.

  • Mohit: Social Development was stagnant under Cox

    Mohit: Social Development was stagnant under Cox

    In a sharp rebuttal to her predecessor’s assertions, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit has publicly denounced claims that the ministry operated flawlessly under previous leadership. The January 12th statement directly addresses what Mohit characterizes as “misleading and factually unfounded” comments from former minister Donna Cox regarding the ministry’s operational status during her tenure.

    Mohit accused Cox of engaging in historical revisionism, stating that such remarks are “politically motivated and dangerously disconnected from reality.” The minister presented counter-evidence highlighting that social services grants for January 2026 were successfully processed and disbursed by January 1st, contradicting narratives suggesting otherwise.

    The current administration inherited significant systemic challenges including entrenched backlogs, obsolete operational systems, fragmented processes, and inadequate inter-agency coordination, according to Mohit. She emphasized that the previous government’s portrayal of perfect functionality ignores documented evidence of delayed grant payments, operational inefficiencies, and administrative strain that were subsequently acknowledged by that same administration.

    Mohit suggested that Cox’s comments reflect “a troubling indulgence in revisionist nostalgia rather than an honest engagement with facts” and indicated that the former minister appears “hypnotized by the sustained momentum of reform work” currently underway. The ministry has reportedly achieved measurable progress in key service areas, moving from stagnation to demonstrable improvement within months.

    Notable accomplishments include dramatically reducing the backlog of senior citizens’ pension payments through strategic interventions involving direct engagement with the National Insurance Board and the Ministry of Finance. These efforts resolved emergency issues that potentially threatened timely disbursement systems.

    The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s most vulnerable citizens while ensuring social support services are delivered with fairness, transparency, and punctuality.

  • TPP leaders denounce election violence

    TPP leaders denounce election violence

    A disturbing outbreak of violence has marred the final hours of campaigning for Tobago’s House of Assembly (THA) elections, exposing heightened political tensions on the island. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, depicts a physical altercation between supporters of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) and the People’s National Movement (PNM) along Milford Road in Bon Accord on January 11th.

    The confrontation reportedly began as a verbal argument outside the campaign office of PNM candidate Dominque Kerr around 1 pm. Video evidence shows an elderly woman adorned in TPP regalia engaged in a heated exchange with another individual wearing PNM colors and holding a party flag. The situation rapidly deteriorated into a physical brawl, with the TPP supporter allegedly brandishing a knife while PNM supporters retaliated by striking her with their flags and delivering kicks.

    TPP leader and THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine characterized the event as ‘unfortunate’ and acknowledged its deviation from Tobago’s traditional political culture, where ‘heavy picong and verbal jabs’ are customary. He confirmed the injured supporter received medical attention and that the matter was reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for investigation. While condemning violence unequivocally, Augustine contextualized the incident within what he described as an increasingly ‘testy’ and ‘ferocious’ political landscape that has evolved over the past five years.

    TPP Deputy Leader Dr. Faith Brebnor, who spoke with the injured supporter, echoed the sentiment of regret while appealing for greater discipline among the electorate. ‘I want to call for us to be a little more disciplined, for us to remember that all of we is Tobagonians and that after today, we need to live here peacefully,’ she stated following her vote at the Belle Garden Multipurpose Facility. Regarding potential legal recourse, Dr. Brebnor indicated that party lawyers are reviewing the incident and will support whatever course of action the victim chooses to pursue.

  • Augustine misplaces ID card, but says voting smooth

    Augustine misplaces ID card, but says voting smooth

    In Tobago’s recent House of Assembly elections, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s performance despite an initial voting hurdle. Augustine, who leads the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), misplaced his national identification card but successfully voted using an affirmation process at the Speyside Anglican School polling station on January 12.

    Augustine described the voting procedure as remarkably smooth despite his missing ID. Election officials verified his identity through photographic records in their binders, effectively distinguishing between him and his father who shares the same name. The chief secretary commended the efficiency of the electoral system during this incident.

    Addressing media representatives after casting his ballot, Augustine projected a decisive victory for his party, anticipating a complete 15-0 sweep against opposition candidates. He attributed this confidence to the TPP’s comprehensive development blueprint aligned with United Nations sustainable development goals. This strategic plan aims to position Tobago as a competitive small island development state while addressing unique challenges including climate change impacts and global economic pressures.

    Augustine dismissed the recently installed US military radar at ANR Robinson International Airport as a significant electoral issue. Despite previous controversies surrounding the AN/TPS-80 ground/air task-oriented radar system, the chief secretary asserted that Tobagonians were more concerned with practical matters including youth unemployment, representative accountability, and environmental considerations rather than geopolitical installations.

    The leader emphasized that Tobago residents typically engage more actively in local assembly elections than national general elections, believing the assembly’s operations more directly impact their daily lives. Augustine concluded that democratic processes necessarily involve competing ideologies but remained optimistic about his party’s vision for transforming Tobago into ‘the greatest little island on the planet.’