Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Israel says it killed Iran national security chief Larijani

    Israel says it killed Iran national security chief Larijani

    JERUSALEM — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Iran’s influential National Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani had been successfully eliminated in targeted operations. The announcement marks what would constitute the most significant assassination within Iranian leadership circles since the wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes initiated the conflict on February 28, which previously claimed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials.

    In a televised address, Katz revealed he had received confirmation from Israel’s military chief regarding the operations. “Larijani and Soleimani have joined Khamenei, the architect of annihilation programs, along with all eliminated members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” Katz stated, employing stark rhetoric to characterize the outcomes.

    Concurrent with these developments, Israeli military officials confirmed targeting Akram al-Ajouri, a senior military commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and head of its al-Quds Brigades, in a separate strike within Iran. Al-Ajouri, operational in both the West Bank and Gaza, participated in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel. Israeli authorities described Larijani as Tehran’s de facto decision-maker, asserting he had been “calling the shots and moving the pieces around” both recently and historically.

    The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office disseminated an image of Benjamin Netanyahu on a telephone call with the caption: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the elimination of senior figures in the Iranian regime.” Earlier military communications detailed that Soleimani’s elimination occurred through “a precise strike in Tehran” based on IDF intelligence. The Basij force, operating under Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was identified as having led repression operations during recent mass protests against the clerical establishment.

    According to Israeli military assessments, Soleimani was killed alongside other Basij commanders at a makeshift headquarters. Recent Israeli operations have focused on Basij checkpoints around Tehran aiming to disrupt governmental control mechanisms. Following Katz’s statement, AFP correspondents in Jerusalem reported distant explosions and activated sirens in northern Israel, signaling warnings of incoming Iranian missiles.

  • Cuba political system not up for talks with US, envoy says

    Cuba political system not up for talks with US, envoy says

    WASHINGTON — Cuban diplomatic officials have expressed willingness to engage in comprehensive discussions with the United States while simultaneously making clear that their political system remains non-negotiable. The declaration comes amid escalating tensions and complex economic challenges facing the Caribbean nation.

    Tanieris Dieguez, Cuba’s deputy chief of mission in Washington, emphasized in an exclusive interview that while both nations have substantial matters to discuss, neither should demand governmental changes from the other. “Nothing related with our political system, nothing with our political model—our constitutional model—is part of negotiations, and never will it be,” Dieguez stated unequivocally.

    The diplomatic overture occurs against the backdrop of significant economic strain in Cuba, including a recent nationwide blackout and severe energy shortages following U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. These developments have exacerbated existing challenges in Cuba’s socialist economy.

    In a potentially significant economic policy shift, Havana announced this week that it would permit overseas Cubans to invest in and own businesses on the island—a notable departure from decades of strict economic controls. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a prominent Cuban-American critic of the government, dismissed these reforms as insufficient.

    The Cuban envoy identified the longstanding U.S. trade embargo as the primary obstacle to normalized economic relations, noting that international investors remain wary of American sanctions. “We are open to receive any American interests, businessmen or whatever,” Dieguez affirmed. “The main obstacle to that is the big conglomerate of rules that is the blockade today.”

    The humanitarian impact of recent sanctions has been severe, with Dieguez reporting that over 3,000 children have missed vaccinations due to temperature-sensitive medical supply disruptions—a particularly damaging development for a nation that has historically prioritized universal healthcare. The envoy characterized these measures as “collective punishment” affecting the most vulnerable Cuban citizens.

  • Government affirms fair process regarding South Friar’s Bay bars and announces new public beach access imminent

    Government affirms fair process regarding South Friar’s Bay bars and announces new public beach access imminent

    The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to equitable processes regarding the ongoing relocation of bar operators from South Friar’s Bay, while simultaneously announcing the imminent construction of enhanced public beach access infrastructure. This development follows extensive government efforts to facilitate a smooth transition for businesses occupying Crown land designated for a major tourism development project.

    Official notifications were initially delivered to bar operators on November 10, 2025, indicating their current locations formed part of lands required for significant tourism infrastructure development. Despite operating without proper authorization on both Crown land and private property, the government engaged in four months of good-faith negotiations, identifying alternative legal business locations at Frigate Bay Strip and Cockleshell Bay. Authorities arranged site visits and meetings to assist operators in transitioning their enterprises with minimal disruption.

    The government notably permitted continued operations throughout the entire 2025/2026 tourism season peak to mitigate economic impact on business owners. However, with property owners preparing to commence development earthworks, a firm deadline of April 07, 2026 has been established for complete relocation. Operators remaining beyond this date will face removal to enable lawful construction activities.

    A significant component of the initial development phase includes constructing a permanent public access road to South Friar’s Bay Beach, substantially improving accessibility for both residents and visitors. Commencement of road construction is scheduled for coming days, with closure of the existing dirt access path effective Wednesday, April 08, 2026.

    The Ministry of Tourism continues to offer relocation assistance to operators seeking alternative sites, encouraging immediate contact to arrange location visits. Government officials emphasize their balanced approach throughout the process, demonstrating patience and respect for local enterprise while ensuring compliance with land ownership laws and supporting structured tourism sector development.

    This initiative reflects the administration’s broader commitment to harmonizing local business interests with major investment projects, preserving public beach access, and fostering sustainable tourism growth that benefits Saint Kitts and Nevis citizens.

  • OPINIONS: How to lie with statistics: The British Government version with respect to visas

    OPINIONS: How to lie with statistics: The British Government version with respect to visas

    The United Kingdom’s recent decision to impose visa requirements on Saint Lucian citizens has ignited a complex debate extending far beyond immigration policy. This move, ostensibly justified by asylum claim statistics, reveals deeper patterns of post-colonial power dynamics and raises questions about the true motivations behind Britain’s border control decisions.

    According to the UK government’s explanatory memorandum, the policy change responds to 360 asylum claims from Saint Lucian nationals in 2022, with 128 made at ports of entry and 213 individuals receiving government support. However, contextual analysis shows these numbers represent a minuscule fraction of overall UK immigration—approximately 0.9% of Caribbean claims and an insignificant portion of global asylum applications between 2001-2025.

    The data presented fails to substantiate the alleged connection between Citizenship by Investment programs and increased asylum seeking. While Saint Lucia’s asylum claims increased from 5 in 2010 to 123 in 2025, similar patterns emerged across Eastern Caribbean nations without CBI programs, suggesting broader regional migration trends rather than passport-specific issues.

    Historical context reveals this as part of a longstanding pattern: since the Commonwealth Immigrants Acts of the 1960s, Britain has progressively restricted mobility from former colonies. The current policy emerges amid heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in UK politics, with the rise of Reform UK pressuring mainstream parties to demonstrate border toughness through measures like the Rwanda deportation scheme.

    The irony remains stark: citizens from nations that historically contributed to Britain’s development now face barriers to entering the very institutions that once claimed to protect their rights. This situation echoes the Windrush scandal, where technical immigration rules masked deeply political and racialized debates about belonging and citizenship.

    Ultimately, the visa requirement appears disproportionate to the actual risk demonstrated by the data, raising questions about whether revenue generation from visa fees or political posturing rather than genuine security concerns drives this policy shift.

  • ABEC: Polling Stations Opened on Time for St. Philip North By-Election

    ABEC: Polling Stations Opened on Time for St. Philip North By-Election

    Voters in the St. Philip North constituency commenced casting their ballots promptly at 6 a.m. Monday, marking the beginning of a pivotal by-election to determine a new parliamentary representative. All seven designated polling stations opened without delay, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, ensuring unimpeded access for eligible voters from the early morning hours.

    This electoral event was triggered by the resignation of veteran parliamentarian Sir Robin Yearwood, concluding his remarkable five-decade tenure in office. The political contest features two prominent candidates: Randy Baltimore, representing the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and Alex Browne of the United Progressive Party, who relinquished his Senate position to pursue this constituency seat.

    A significant development in this election is the inaugural implementation of transparent ballot boxes throughout Antigua and Barbuda’s electoral process. Election authorities have introduced this innovative measure to enhance procedural transparency and reinforce public confidence in the democratic system. The voting process will continue until evening hours, after which ballot counting will commence to determine the constituency’s new parliamentary representative.

  • Grenada participates in 12th UK–Caribbean Forum

    Grenada participates in 12th UK–Caribbean Forum

    Grenada played a pivotal role in the 12th UK-Caribbean Forum, convened on March 10th at London’s historic Lancaster House. The high-level gathering assembled Foreign Ministers, High Commissioners, and senior officials, including representatives from the CARICOM Secretariat and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, for strategic dialogue on mutual priorities.

    Grenada’s delegation was led by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Export Development, Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson, alongside High Commissioner to the UK H.E. Rachér Croney and First Secretary Lornie Bartholomew. The proceedings commenced with a royal reception hosted by King Charles III, fostering preliminary diplomatic engagement, followed by formal opening remarks from Foreign Secretary Cooper and St. Kitts and Nevis’ Foreign Minister, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas.

    Central to the forum were intensive discussions across four critical themes: geopolitics and partnerships, trade and investment, climate change and disaster risk management, and security and justice. Grenada provided decisive interventions on climate change, drawing from its direct experience as a small island developing state (SIDS). Permanent Secretary Hutchinson articulated the transformative impact of climate change on disaster profiles, emphasizing its extensive repercussions across multiple sectors, including public health. She issued a compelling appeal for fortified UK-Caribbean collaboration to establish essential institutions and mechanisms aimed at bolstering climate resilience, adaptation, financial accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

    Hutchinson further urged the UK to amplify its advocacy in international forums where Grenada lacks representation, citing the successful precedent of the 2011 Durban Agreement as evidence that strengthened cooperation yields tangible outcomes. Dialogue also advanced on renewable energy initiatives and practical measures necessary to propel regional energy integration throughout the Caribbean.

    Parallel trade and investment deliberations addressed the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement, market accessibility, and the reduction of trading barriers. Security concerns, particularly organized crime, arms and narcotics trafficking, and gender-based violence, were examined with contributions from Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Haiti, and Jamaica. UK Foreign Secretary Cooper addressed the enduring colonial legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, pledging to continue these crucial conversations beyond the forum.

    Grenada anticipates the formal commitments and detailed action plan emerging from this forum, advocating for their swift and practical execution ahead of the next UK-Caribbean Forum scheduled for 2028. As a committed Commonwealth partner, the Grenadian government aims to deepen its diplomatic and developmental engagement with the UK, enhancing collaboration in areas of shared interest for the socio-economic advancement of both nations.

  • There are many lessons to be learned in this country during these difficult times

    There are many lessons to be learned in this country during these difficult times

    In a major address to the national press from the Palace of the Revolution, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel provided a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s ongoing fuel crisis, confirmed preliminary diplomatic contacts with the United States, and detailed the government’s multifaceted response to severe economic challenges.

    The President confirmed that Cuba has not received fuel shipments for over three months due to what he termed an “energy blockade,” creating devastating effects across all sectors of society. The national power grid operates under extreme instability, with prolonged blackouts lasting over 30 hours in some municipalities affecting water supply, healthcare, education, transportation, and communications.

    Despite these challenges, Díaz-Canel highlighted several adaptive measures: solar farms now provide 49-51% of daytime energy, over 1,000 photovoltaic systems have been installed in remote communities, and 10,034 solar modules have been provided to essential workers. The energy transition includes converting bakeries to alternative fuels, expanding electric transportation, and developing battery storage systems for grid stability.

    Regarding international relations, the President confirmed that Cuban officials have held preliminary talks with U.S. representatives through international facilitators. He emphasized that any dialogue must proceed on principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, and reciprocity. The process remains in early stages with no concrete agreements yet reached.

    The address also covered labor adjustments necessitated by the crisis, with the government encouraging job relocations to community projects rather than layoffs. Educational institutions have shifted to blended learning models utilizing community settings, while maintaining academic continuity despite power limitations.

    President Díaz-Canel strongly defended Cuba’s handling of international donations, particularly from Mexico, emphasizing transparent distribution systems and audit mechanisms. He also provided updates on security matters, including an ongoing investigation into a recent armed infiltration attempt and cooperation with U.S. authorities through FBI involvement.

    The government announced the sovereign decision to release 51 prisoners based on good behavior, characterizing it as a humanitarian gesture consistent with Cuban legal practices.

    Throughout the address, Díaz-Canel emphasized national resilience, praising electricity workers maintaining systems despite personal hardships and highlighting continued functioning of essential services despite unprecedented challenges.

  • An eternal symbol of the revolutionary resolve that guides Cuba

    An eternal symbol of the revolutionary resolve that guides Cuba

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has declared the nation’s perpetual indebtedness to its “legacy of dignity” during commemorations marking the 148th anniversary of the Baraguá Protest. The historic event, regarded as one of Cuba’s most principled acts, continues to shape the country’s political ethos and resistance against external pressures.

    In a series of official statements and social media posts, Cuba’s highest leadership collectively emphasized the enduring significance of General Antonio Maceo Grajales’ 1878 defiance against peace agreements that would compromise Cuban independence. President Díaz-Canel characterized the Baraguá Protest as embodying the “spirit of resistance” that remains the nation’s “non-negotiable compass” in contemporary geopolitics.

    The President invoked Maceo’s legendary declaration—”We do not understand each other”—describing it as a perpetual mandate to “break the circle” in defense of national sovereignty. This historical reference was echoed throughout the government, with National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernández labeling the event an “emblem of Cuban steadfastness” and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz asserting that Maceo’s stance “raised the nation’s flags to their highest point.”

    Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, drew direct parallels between historical and contemporary challenges, stating that any modern attempts to undermine Cuban sovereignty would “clash with the same wall of principles as at Baraguá.” The leadership collectively contrasted Maceo’s revolutionary integrity with what they termed “zanjoneros”—a reference to those who advocated compromise in the past and present.

    The commemorations, centered around Santiago de Cuba’s Revolution Square where a monument to Maceo stands, reinforced the government’s position that the Baraguá Protest remains a living force mobilizing national consciousness. The leadership explicitly connected this historical legacy to Fidel Castro’s political philosophy, framing Cuba’s future as “an eternal Baraguá” in its unwavering defense of independence and revolutionary principles.

  • “The Cuban press is not standing still; it is fighting and innovating”

    “The Cuban press is not standing still; it is fighting and innovating”

    In a landmark address commemorating Cuban Press Day, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez outlined an ambitious vision for the nation’s media landscape, emphasizing digital transformation and revolutionary continuity. The gathering brought together over 80 media professionals, including veteran journalists and emerging digital specialists, to discuss the evolving role of press in contemporary Cuba.

    Addressing representatives from print, digital, television, and radio outlets, the President highlighted the dual challenge and opportunity presented by new technologies. “We now possess digital platforms, social media channels, and artificial intelligence tools that transcend traditional limitations of space and time,” Díaz-Canel stated, positioning these developments as crucial assets in modern information warfare.

    The dialogue revealed significant structural shifts within Cuban media organizations. Granma newspaper, the official Communist Party publication, has fundamentally reorganized its operations to function as “a digital newspaper with weekly print editions,” according to editor-in-chief Yoerky Sánchez Cuellar. This transformation required overcoming print-centric mentalities and implementing 24/7 digital news cycles.

    President Díaz-Canel emphasized the strategic importance of digitizing Cuba’s extensive historical archives, containing priceless photographic records and original writings by revolutionary leaders including Fidel Castro. These materials, he noted, represent both cultural treasures and ideological resources for current geopolitical struggles.

    The discussion addressed practical adaptations to Cuba’s economic challenges, including fuel shortages that have necessitated community-based reporting and increased reliance on social media platforms. Media organizations like Ideas Multimedios and Cubadebate have developed self-funded models that maintain financial stability while expanding renewable energy infrastructure and employee compensation.

    Díaz-Canel framed the media’s role within the context of “sixth-generation warfare,” describing Cuban journalists as frontline defenders in ideological and cultural conflicts. “The press serves as both communication tool and sovereign agent,” he asserted, emphasizing its educational function in developing public media literacy and resistance to manipulation.

    The President concluded by celebrating the press’s active role in promoting popular participation, documenting positive national experiences, and maintaining constructive criticism—all while preserving the revolutionary merit that has historically characterized Cuban journalism.

  • Minister: Board must resign

    Minister: Board must resign

    In a dramatic political development, Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit has issued a forceful demand for the immediate resignation of the entire board of management overseeing Trinidad and Tobago’s Children’s Authority (CATT). The call comes amid revelations of a staggering $77 million financial liability that has compromised the institution’s operational stability.

    During a press conference at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, Minister Mohit presented a comprehensive indictment of the Authority’s financial management practices, describing the situation as a ‘serious financial debacle’ with liabilities accumulating since 2020. The minister asserted that these financial troubles represent not isolated incidents but a systemic pattern of governance failure that threatens the institution’s ability to protect vulnerable children.

    Detailed documentation revealed multiple areas of financial concern, including outstanding security service payments exceeding $23 million collectively owed to two firms, unpaid staff health insurance contributions surpassing $1.5 million, and the startling acquisition of an ice-maker costing $343,000—an expenditure characterized as frivolous given the Authority’s financial constraints.

    Perhaps most seriously, Minister Mohit disclosed that the Authority had failed to remit statutory deductions to national insurance and revenue authorities despite deducting these amounts from employee salaries. As of September 2025, these unremitted payments totaled over $10 million, creating what the minister described as ‘serious legal and ethical implications’ that expose the state to potential litigation.

    The minister further questioned the timing of disciplinary actions against the Authority’s former chief executive officer, suggesting these measures appeared reactive rather than responsible, implemented only after ministry auditors began examining the institution’s finances.

    In response, Children’s Authority Chair Marsha Bailey expressed astonishment at the minister’s statements, asserting that the presidentially-appointed board had ‘made every effort to work with the minister’ and remained committed to fulfilling their responsibilities under the governing legislation. Bailey noted the board stands by its record of doing ‘what is right’ for the nation’s children.

    The developing crisis has drawn commentary from former government officials, including Ayanna Webster-Roy, who emphasized the traditional separation between ministerial policy direction and operational management of the Authority. The Children’s Authority has indicated it will issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.