Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Staatsolie valt onder nieuw ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu

    Staatsolie valt onder nieuw ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu

    The government has officially enacted a sweeping reorganization of its ministerial structure through a State Decree, marking a significant shift in administrative priorities. Central to this overhaul is the establishment of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, which consolidates policy, oversight, and regulation of the burgeoning oil sector. Notably, Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, will now report directly to this new ministry instead of the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH).

    The Ministry of Natural Resources will refocus its mandate on water management, energy supply, and natural resources, excluding oil and gas. Entities such as NV Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) and the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij remain under NH, with David Abiamofo overseeing the latter.

    This restructuring is part of a broader administrative reform aimed at streamlining governance and eliminating overlapping responsibilities. Several departments have been renamed, merged, or reorganized to align policies more effectively with strategic pillars such as energy, economy, digital transformation, and social inclusion.

    The newly formed Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, led by Patrick Brunings, will also oversee the National Oil Spill Response Plan, local content regulations, and policies addressing environmental and climate obligations. This dual focus aims to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability.

    The changes are retroactively effective from July 16, 2025, as per State Decree S.B. 2025 no. 124.

  • Politic : Intervention of the new Head of BINUH at the UN Security Council

    Politic : Intervention of the new Head of BINUH at the UN Security Council

    Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), delivered his inaugural address to the UN Security Council on October 22, 2025. In his comprehensive statement, Massieu painted a stark picture of Haiti’s current realities, emphasizing the country’s escalating security crisis, political instability, and humanitarian challenges.

  • Cuba and China for strengthening cooperation in the study of the history of their revolutions and communist parties

    Cuba and China for strengthening cooperation in the study of the history of their revolutions and communist parties

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee and President of Cuba, welcomed Li Zongyuan, Director General of the History Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana. The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of historical and political collaboration. Li Zongyuan emphasized that the primary goal of his visit was to enhance cooperation between Cuban and Chinese institutions in studying the revolutionary histories and the roles of their respective Communist Parties. This visit follows Díaz-Canel’s earlier tour of the CPC Museum in Beijing, where he gained insights into China’s reform process and the CPC’s leadership under President Xi Jinping. Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of interparty relations as the foundation of Cuba-China ties, describing both nations as building a ‘community with a shared future.’ He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received during his visit to China last September, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Li Zongyuan noted that 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone celebrated through the exchange of congratulatory letters between Presidents Xi Jinping and Díaz-Canel. The CPC Museum, Li explained, plays a crucial role in preserving China’s revolutionary history and fostering bilateral relations. This visit marks the first international delegation of the CPC Museum, with Cuba chosen as the inaugural destination. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including Hua Xin, China’s Ambassador to Cuba, and Emilio Lozada García, head of Cuba’s Department of International Relations.

  • Hilaire responds to assault charge with journalist Eldrise Charles

    Hilaire responds to assault charge with journalist Eldrise Charles

    Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has publicly addressed the assault charges filed against him, labeling the case as a politically driven maneuver. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with journalist Eldrise Charles inside the Parliament building in August. During a press conference on October 22, Hilaire accused certain factions within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) of orchestrating what he termed a “baseless and politically motivated” accusation.

    The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, during a UWP-led protest outside Parliament, where Charles, wearing a protest-themed t-shirt, attempted to interview government ministers. A video later surfaced showing Hilaire allegedly interacting with Charles, who claimed he “placed his hand on her back and pushed her out of Parliament.” Hilaire vehemently denied the allegations, stating that video evidence disproves the claims.

    Hilaire criticized Inspector George Clarke, who led the investigation, accusing him of political bias and alleging that Clarke is a known UWP operative. He questioned the expedited handling of the case, noting that it was completed in less than two months, a timeline he deemed suspicious. Hilaire expressed disappointment that the police were focusing on what he called a frivolous case instead of addressing serious issues affecting Saint Lucians.

    The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that he had previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with Charles and was surprised by her complaint. He stated that he would have apologized if she had expressed any offense. Hilaire also questioned Charles’ motives, pointing to her public commentary on the case before it reached court.

    Despite the controversy, Hilaire reaffirmed his commitment to his duties as a government minister and vowed to fight the charges with all legal resources available. He emphasized that the government remains focused on serving the people and will not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics. Hilaire is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, for case management.

  • PM Skerrit, PM Pierre in St Vincent and Grenadines for one-day visit

    PM Skerrit, PM Pierre in St Vincent and Grenadines for one-day visit

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia are set to conduct a one-day official visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on October 22, 2025. The visit, as reported by The St Vincent Times, will focus on key infrastructure developments and bilateral discussions. The leaders are scheduled to tour two major projects: the Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale and the newly upgraded Port of Kingstown. These sites represent significant advancements in healthcare and maritime infrastructure for the region. Following the tours, Prime Ministers Skerrit and Pierre will engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Cabinet members. The visit will culminate in a press briefing at the conference room within the Modern Port facility, where the leaders are expected to address the media and share insights from their discussions. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration and diplomatic ties among the Caribbean nations, highlighting their commitment to regional development and cooperation.

  • In nobody’s backyard: Open letter opposing US military incursions and reaffirming the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace

    In nobody’s backyard: Open letter opposing US military incursions and reaffirming the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace

    In a bold move to protect regional sovereignty and peace, a coalition of Caribbean women and organizations has issued an open letter condemning recent U.S. military incursions in the Caribbean Sea. Addressed to CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the letter highlights the grave consequences of these actions, including the extrajudicial killing of at least 32 individuals, two of whom were Trinidad and Tobago nationals. The letter, signed by 112 organizations, underscores the threat posed to the Caribbean tourism industry, local livelihoods, and the region’s commitment to peace. The coalition also criticizes a recent U.S. request to install radar equipment in Grenada, viewing it as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine and a violation of Caribbean sovereignty. The letter calls on CARICOM leaders to uphold the 2014 declaration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to resist U.S. militarization efforts. It emphasizes the region’s history of overcoming violence and exploitation, asserting that the Caribbean is “in nobody’s backyard.” The coalition urges Grenada to reject the U.S. request and for CARICOM to support this stance, even if it incurs economic or political costs. The letter concludes with a powerful reminder of the region’s resilience and determination to safeguard its independence and peace.

  • PM Pierre sidesteps Felix’s ‘betrayal’ remarks

    PM Pierre sidesteps Felix’s ‘betrayal’ remarks

    Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia has opted to remain detached from recent accusations leveled by his former Saint Lucia Labour Party colleague, Stanley Felix, who claimed the nation’s leader had betrayed him. Speaking at a pre-Cabinet press briefing on October 20, Pierre emphasized his commitment to his duties as Prime Minister, refusing to engage in what he termed as “roro” or political squabbles. Felix, who announced his independent candidacy for the Castries Central seat on October 13, had earlier expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “People I trusted hurt me. Doors that should have opened were slammed shut in my face.” The rift between the two politicians traces back to 2022, when Felix was removed as President of the Senate following charges of perverting the course of justice, which were later dismissed in March 2024. During an appearance on Newsmaker Live on October 15, Felix lamented the lack of communication surrounding his removal, describing the professional and personal repercussions as “significant.” While Pierre acknowledged he had not fully reviewed Felix’s remarks, he stated he would not contest them, affirming, “I will never dispute anything Mr Felix says — never.” The Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing acquaintance with Felix and his refusal to engage in political conflicts, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation. Pierre concluded by stating his focus remains on national progress rather than personal or political disputes, declaring, “This election for me will never be an election of conflict. That election for me is an election of my achievements.”

  • Brazil’s Lula says he will seek a fourth term in 2026 elections

    Brazil’s Lula says he will seek a fourth term in 2026 elections

    JAKARTA, Indonesia — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will celebrate his 80th birthday next week, has officially announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the 2026 presidential elections. The declaration came during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, where Lula is on a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

    ‘I’m about to turn 80, but I assure you, I have the same vigor I had at 30. I will run for a fourth term in Brazil,’ Lula stated confidently. He emphasized the importance of Indonesia as a strategic partner, describing it as a fellow emerging economic power with shared global perspectives. ‘We’ll see each other many times in the future,’ he told Subianto, hinting at continued collaboration.

    Lula’s announcement follows months of speculation about his political ambitions. Despite undergoing emergency surgery in December 2023 to address a brain hemorrhage caused by a fall, the veteran leader appears undeterred. His political journey has been marked by dramatic highs and lows: after serving two terms from 2003 to 2010, he was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges, which were later overturned. In 2022, he staged a remarkable comeback, narrowly defeating right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in a deeply polarizing election.

    Bolsonaro’s subsequent political downfall has left Brazil’s conservative electorate without a clear leader for the 2026 race. Recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for a failed coup attempt following his election loss, Bolsonaro remains under house arrest, with his legal team racing to appeal the verdict. As Brazil navigates this turbulent political landscape, Lula’s candidacy signals a continuation of his enduring influence on the nation’s politics.

  • 10 former Caricom heads urge end to military action in region

    10 former Caricom heads urge end to military action in region

    A coalition of ten former Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders has voiced deep concerns over the escalating military presence, including nuclear vessels and aircraft, in the Caribbean. They argue that this buildup threatens the safety, stability, and livelihoods of the region’s inhabitants. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the leaders called for a de-escalation to prevent the Caribbean from being drawn into external conflicts and to uphold its longstanding status as a ‘zone of peace,’ a principle established over 50 years ago.

  • Colombia calls for US to stop deadly boat attacks

    Colombia calls for US to stop deadly boat attacks

    BOGOTA, Colombia—The Colombian government has formally requested the United States to cease its maritime strikes in the Pacific and Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of an anti-drug smuggling operation. The appeal follows a recent announcement by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding attacks on two alleged drug-running vessels in the Pacific, resulting in five fatalities. According to US figures, these strikes bring the total number of such operations to at least nine, with 37 casualties reported. Colombia’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday evening, urging the US to halt these actions and adhere to international law. The statement emphasized the government’s rejection of the destruction of a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean. The diplomatic tension escalated further as Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump exchanged heated remarks. Trump labeled Petro a ‘thug’ and accused him of leading Colombia to ruin, while Petro vowed to defend himself legally with American lawyers. The US also announced the suspension of military aid to Colombia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Petro a ‘lunatic.’ Colombia reiterated its call for diplomatic dialogue to continue the joint fight against drug trafficking in the region, a collaboration that has spanned decades.