Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • 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.

  • Gajadien positief over college van bestuur OM, maar kritisch op termijn pg

    Gajadien positief over college van bestuur OM, maar kritisch op termijn pg

    Suriname’s National Assembly is poised to deliberate on significant judicial reforms this afternoon, with VHP parliamentary leader Asis Gajadien expressing measured support for key proposals while raising constitutional concerns about others.

    In an exclusive interview with Starnieuws, Gajadien endorsed the establishment of a supervisory board for the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), characterizing the move as potentially strengthening organizational effectiveness and prosecutorial authority. “A properly functioning Public Prosecutor’s Office is fundamental to our rule of law,” Gajadien stated, emphasizing that the proposed governance college could reinforce structural integrity within the judicial institution.

    The parliamentarian simultaneously voiced strong support for implementing cassation jurisprudence in Suriname’s legal system, noting that such appellate mechanisms would enhance legal certainty, foster judicial development, and provide improved protection for citizens against potential judicial errors.

    However, Gajadien struck a cautionary tone regarding proposed five-year term appointments for the Prosecutor-General. He articulated constitutional concerns that fixed-term mandates could compromise the office’s independence, which he described as “a crucial safeguard within our criminal justice proceedings.” The VHP leader emphasized that “the rule of law is not a laboratory where we experiment with its foundations,” indicating his party’s intention to scrutinize this particular aspect of the reform package.

    Gajadien advocated for methodical implementation of judicial reforms, stating: “We can improve the system, but we must not disrupt it simultaneously. Reform yes, but without shocks.” The parliamentarian is expected to elaborate further on these positions during his scheduled address in the National Assembly later today.

  • Dominican Republic highlights gender equality progress at UN Forum

    Dominican Republic highlights gender equality progress at UN Forum

    NEW YORK – At the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Dominican Republic representative Gloria Reyes presented the nation’s significant advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment. The high-level forum, convened at United Nations headquarters, served as a platform for Reyes to outline the country’s institutional reforms and policy achievements in creating more equitable justice systems.

    Reyes framed her address within the historical context of Minerva Mirabal’s centenary birth anniversary, noting how Mirabal’s legacy inspired the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. While acknowledging these symbolic milestones, the minister confronted the persistent global challenges of gender-based violence and discrimination, urging strengthened institutional protections for women and girls worldwide.

    The Dominican justice system’s innovative approaches received particular emphasis, including the Judiciary’s Gender Equality Policy, the Justice and Gender Observatory, and enhanced legal aid services for violence survivors. These institutional mechanisms represent the government’s comprehensive strategy to embed gender sensitivity throughout the legal framework.

    Preceding the international forum, the Ministry of Women conducted extensive domestic consultations with approximately 3,800 women to assess rights awareness and justice accessibility. Reyes also highlighted protections for older women through Law 352-98 and programs administered by the National Council for the Elderly, revealing that 59,000 solidarity pensions had been distributed between 2020-2024, with an additional 7,925 subsidized pensions—predominantly to women—issued in early 2025.

    Economic empowerment initiatives featured prominently in the delegation’s presentation, particularly the Supérate program benefiting 1.5 million families alongside specialized training and entrepreneurship programs that have supported over 30,000 women. During interactive sessions, the Dominican delegation engaged with international partners including the European Union and Canada on policies regarding care systems, violence prevention, and political participation. Reyes concluded by reaffirming the nation’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and strengthening inclusive justice systems.

  • Trinidad en Tobago verlengt noodtoestand met nog eens drie maanden

    Trinidad en Tobago verlengt noodtoestand met nog eens drie maanden

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has secured parliamentary approval to extend its state of emergency for an additional three months, continuing its controversial approach to combating violent crime. The House of Representatives voted 26-12 on Saturday to prolong the emergency measures that grant security forces expanded powers while suspending key civil liberties.

    This extension marks approximately 10 of the past 14 months that the twin-island nation has operated under emergency provisions. Initially declared in December 2024 following a surge in gang violence, the state of emergency enables authorities to arrest individuals based on “suspicion of criminal activity” and suspends constitutional protections against government searches in both public and private properties.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently informed parliament that 373 individuals have been detained under the emergency framework, while the country has recorded over 60 homicides this year alone. Opposition lawmakers argue that despite these extensive measures, the government has failed to effectively control violent criminal activities.

    The move reflects a broader regional trend where Latin American and Caribbean governments increasingly employ emergency powers to address security challenges. Nations including El Salvador and Honduras have implemented similar measures with varying degrees of success, often extending temporary provisions multiple times despite international concerns.

    Human rights organizations have raised alarms about potential abuses under such frameworks. Last year, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Honduras to terminate its state of emergency after approximately 17 extensions. Recent findings presented by international legal experts at a UN Human Rights Council side event suggest the Salvadoran government under President Nayib Bukele may have committed crimes against humanity during its emergency period.

    Activist groups allege that emergency powers in El Salvador have been weaponized to threaten and imprison dissidents and human rights defenders. The country prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of its emergency declaration on March 27, highlighting the prolonged nature of these security measures across the region.

  • Opposition Behind Fake Disconnection Notice, PM says

    Opposition Behind Fake Disconnection Notice, PM says

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly denounced the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) for allegedly circulating a counterfeit utility disconnection notice during the heated St. Philip’s North by-election campaign. The Antiguan leader characterized this act as part of a deliberate misinformation strategy designed to manipulate voter sentiment.

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) swiftly confirmed the fraudulent nature of the circulating document, clarifying that their authentic communications never target specific communities. While APUA routinely issues monthly reminders for accounts exceeding 30 days overdue, the authority emphasized that the disputed notice contained unauthorized specificity that contradicted their standard procedures.

    During his weekly ‘Browne and Browne’ broadcast, the Prime Minister elaborated on the serious implications of such deceptive practices. He asserted that these easily verifiable falsehoods not only undermine the electoral process but also erode public trust in essential institutions. Browne warned that disseminating provably false information represents a dangerous escalation in political tactics that could have lasting detrimental effects on democratic integrity.

    The incident has sparked broader discussions about the ethical boundaries of political campaigning and the increasing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age, particularly during sensitive electoral periods when public anxiety may be heightened.

  • Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from oil embargo

    Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from oil embargo

    HAVANA, Cuba – In a stark escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially ‘take’ Cuba, capitalizing on the communist nation’s severe economic and energy crisis. The threat was issued as the island of 9.6 million citizens endured a complete national power grid failure, a direct consequence of a stringent U.S. fuel embargo.

    Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump characterized Cuba as a ‘very weakened nation’ and asserted his capability to do ‘anything I want with it.’ This statement represents one of the most unambiguous threats from his administration, which has intensified pressure on Havana following the U.S.-backed ouster of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, a key Cuban ally and oil supplier.

    The total electrical blackout, confirmed by Cuba’s Unión Nacional Eléctrica (UNE), is symptomatic of a deeper collapse. The nation’s antiquated power generation infrastructure, crippled by an acute shortage of fuel, has led to daily outages lasting up to 20 hours in some regions. This energy deficit has forced the rationing of gasoline and compromised hospital services, while also dealing a severe blow to the vital tourism industry by curtailing airline flights.

    In a significant policy shift aimed at mitigating the economic stranglehold, senior Cuban economic official Oscar Perez-Oliva announced that the government is now open to investment and business ownership by Cuban exiles residing in the United States. This move is seen as both an economic relief measure and a concession to long-standing U.S. demands for market liberalization.

    The compounding crises of blackouts and shortages of food and medicine have ignited public unrest. Recent protests have included the vandalism of a provincial Communist Party office and nightly demonstrations where residents bang pots and pans while chanting ‘Libertad’ (freedom).

    While Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the public’s ‘discontent’ over the blackouts, he condemned the associated violence. Concurrently, Trump framed the U.S. fuel blockade as a response to an ‘extraordinary threat’ from Cuba, suggesting a potential deal could be imminent following the resolution of tensions with Iran.

  • Cubans abroad will be able to invest, own businesses on island – minister

    Cubans abroad will be able to invest, own businesses on island – minister

    In a significant policy reversal, Cuban authorities announced Monday that expatriate citizens will now be permitted to invest in and own businesses on the island nation. The landmark decision comes as Cuba’s economy faces severe strain from prolonged US sanctions and recent oil embargoes.

    Oscar Perez-Oliva, Cuba’s Foreign Trade Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed the reform in an interview with NBC News, stating the government seeks “fluid commercial relationships” with both US corporations and Cubans residing abroad. The announcement represents a dramatic shift from decades of restrictive economic policies, particularly toward the exile community in Miami that has historically opposed the communist government.

    The reform initiative aims to revitalize critical economic sectors including tourism and mining, while addressing infrastructure challenges, notably the aging electrical grid responsible for frequent nationwide blackouts. This opening to diaspora investment marks a pragmatic response to Cuba’s deepening economic crisis, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s intensified pressure campaign.

    President Donald Trump acknowledged ongoing negotiations with Cuba, suggesting potential developments “pretty quickly” after addressing US concerns with Iran. The comments follow Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel’s confirmation of bilateral talks regarding “differences” between the two nations.

    The economic liberalization measure coincides with severe fuel shortages resulting from the termination of Venezuelan oil subsidies and Trump’s embargo policies, pushing Cuba’s already fragile economy toward potential collapse. The reform signals Havana’s willingness to engage previously antagonistic diaspora communities as it seeks economic stabilization amid mounting external pressures.

  • Trump’s chief of staff diagnosed with breast cancer

    Trump’s chief of staff diagnosed with breast cancer

    WASHINGTON (AFP) – In a personal announcement via his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump revealed that his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The 68-year-old political operative, who made history as the first woman to hold the White House chief of staff position, intends to maintain her demanding schedule throughout her treatment course.

    Trump characterized Wiles as “an incredible Chief of Staff, a great person, and one of the strongest people I know” in his social media post. He detailed that rather than delaying treatment, Wiles has chosen to confront her diagnosis immediately. The former president expressed confidence in her medical team, stating her prognosis is “excellent.” He further noted that Wiles plans to spend “virtually full time at the White House” during her treatment, a commitment he described as making him “very happy.”

    Wiles’s role has been pivotal in shaping Trump’s political comeback. Widely recognized behind the scenes as the driving force steering the trajectory of his second presidency, she earned monikers from Trump such as “The Ice Maiden” and “the most powerful woman in the world.” Her career with Trump began in Florida during his initial 2016 presidential campaign.

    Despite maintaining an exceptionally low public profile, insiders describe Wiles as a resolute and steely gatekeeper within Trump’s orbit. Her central mission has been to institute order and prevent a recurrence of the internal chaos and factional disputes that plagued Trump’s first term in office. This diagnosis comes as Trump and the Republican party navigate significant challenges, including international tensions with Iran and navigating poor approval ratings ahead of the crucial November midterm elections.

  • Iran, at UN, insists it will not submit to ‘lawless aggression’

    Iran, at UN, insists it will not submit to ‘lawless aggression’

    GENEVA — In a defiant address to the UN Human Rights Council, Iran’s ambassador Ali Bahreini declared his nation would not yield to what he termed ‘lawless aggression’ from the United States and Israel, asserting that 90 million Iranians face ‘immediate and grave danger’ from military strikes.

    The session, intended to examine Iran’s human rights record, transformed into a platform for geopolitical confrontation as Bahreini redirected focus toward external threats. He characterized the US and Israeli offensive launched February 28 as reckless militarism that endangered regional stability and civilian lives.

    UN experts meanwhile warned that Tehran’s domestic repression, particularly its deadly crackdown on protests beginning December 28, would likely intensify amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Special Rapporteur Mai Sato noted reports of over 7,000 protest-related deaths and expressed concern that ‘a very big crackdown’ could follow if the Islamic Republic emerges weakened from the war.

    Bahreini presented counter-allegations, accusing the US and Israel of attacking Iranian cultural heritage and massacring ‘innocent children at their school desks’ in Minab. He claimed 1,300 fatalities and 7,000 injuries in Iran since the strikes began.

    The diplomatic clash revealed deep international divisions. The Gulf Cooperation Council nations plus Jordan condemned Iran’s attacks on their territories as unjustifiable threats to regional security. Russia accused the US and Israel of seeking to ‘destroy this dissenting country,’ while China expressed grave concern and called for immediate ceasefire and dialogue. Western nations including Britain and France urged diplomatic solutions and warned against exploiting conflict to inflict violence on citizens.

    The session highlighted how geopolitical tensions have complicated human rights oversight, with both Iran and its accusers leveraging the platform to advance competing narratives of aggression and victimhood.

  • Audit flags possible fraud at JAS

    Audit flags possible fraud at JAS

    A comprehensive government audit has revealed significant financial irregularities and potential collusion within Jamaica’s agricultural sector, raising serious concerns about public fund management. The Internal Audit Directorate within the Ministry of Finance and Public Service documented these findings in the Government of Jamaica Audit Committees’ Annual Report for fiscal year 2024/25, which was formally presented to the House of Representatives on Thursday.

    The investigation uncovered that a senior manager allegedly diverted approximately $1.45 million in improper payments to third-party entities, suggesting possible coordinated misconduct within organizations under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) was specifically implicated in these transactions that indicate potential collusion among officials.

    Beyond the diverted funds, auditors identified substantial gaps in financial documentation practices. The Fisheries Division and Castleton Botanical Gardens showed accountability lapses exceeding $2.1 million due to missing critical records including lodgement slips and payment vouchers. These documentation failures prevented proper financial tracking and verification.

    The report further detailed systematic misuse of government subventions, with funds repeatedly allocated for purposes inconsistent with their intended objectives. Additionally, multiple breaches of employment guidelines were detected within the ministry’s operational framework.

    These specific incidents form part of a broader pattern of governance deficiencies across Jamaican government entities. The audit revealed that internal control violations and non-compliance with financial protocols have resulted in substantial fiscal losses, including salary overpayments exceeding $200 million and project cost overruns surpassing $136 million nationwide.

    Perhaps most concerning is the declining responsiveness to audit findings. The report noted that management response timeliness dropped significantly to 33% during the reviewed period, down from 52% in the previous fiscal year, indicating reduced accountability measures within governmental departments.