Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Diaspora council elections candidate McIntosh focused on strengthening connections

    Diaspora council elections candidate McIntosh focused on strengthening connections

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, Janice McIntosh has launched her campaign for re-election to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council’s southern United States representative position. The Category 5 storm’s devastation has underscored the critical need for organized diaspora engagement, according to McIntosh, who is among six candidates vying to lead the 13-state bloc.

    The Florida-based candidate emphasized that her central mission involves fortifying connections between southern U.S. Jamaicans and decision-makers in their homeland. “The diaspora represents one of Jamaica’s most significant untapped resources,” McIntosh stated in an interview with Observer Online. “My objective centers on creating structured channels for communication, coordination, and collaboration to ensure diaspora voices, skills, and resources contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s sustainable development.”

    McIntosh brings substantial credentials to her candidacy, having resided in South Florida since 2009 while serving eleven years as Jamaica National Bank’s chief representative officer—a role that required consistent liaison with Jamaican institutions. Her extensive community work in Lauderhill, which hosts South Florida’s largest Jamaican population, further strengthens her qualifications.

    The electoral process, administered by Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will conduct online voting from January 28 through February 20. The southern region’s winner will succeed Peter Gracey, elected in 2023, and will join newly elected representatives from the U.S. northeast, west Midwest, and Canadian regions.

    McIntosh characterizes her approach as “people-centered and highly engaged,” rejecting ceremonial representation in favor of active bridge-building and consistent follow-through with diaspora organizations, community leaders, and Jamaican citizens across demographic groups.

  • Leroy Major hints at possible run as indpendent – ‘Nothing is off the table’

    Leroy Major hints at possible run as indpendent – ‘Nothing is off the table’

    Member of Parliament for Southern Shores Leroy Major has publicly suggested the possibility of running as an independent candidate in Bahamas’ upcoming general election, creating uncertainty about his future with the ruling Progressive Liberal Party. When pressed about rumors regarding an independent bid, Major remained deliberately ambiguous, stating only that “nothing is off the table” and that “time will tell,” while repeatedly urging observers to “watch the road.”

    The political speculation intensified following Major’s conspicuous absence from recent PLP candidate interviews for Southern Shores aspirants at the party headquarters. When questioned about whether he had been advised to step aside, the MP again declined to provide clear answers, maintaining his cryptic “watch the road” response.

    Major first garnered national attention last year after publicly criticizing what he characterized as unequal resource distribution and expressing frustration with the treatment of backbenchers in an interview with The Tribune. Although he subsequently attempted to retract these statements in the House of Assembly, claiming his comments had been misrepresented, the newspaper maintained the accuracy of its reporting.

    As the PLP moves closer to selecting its candidate for Southern Shores, interest in the constituency has significantly intensified. Deputy chairman Obie Roberts and ZNS General Manager Clint Watson have both expressed interest in the nomination and were recently interviewed by the party’s Candidates Committee.

    When asked about his preferred candidate for the nomination, Major avoided direct engagement, instead questioning whether he had ever made formal public statements regarding Southern Shores. Regarding growing tensions between supporters of Roberts and Watson, Major dismissed the issue as being “beyond my pay grade,” emphasizing that his focus remains on serving his constituents.

    The MP concluded by stating his intention to meet with constituents to inform them “what time it is,” adding a challenge to any potential candidate: “Whoever they put in Southern Shores, tell them go bring their boss.”

  • ‘How much will Bahamians save from VAT cut on food?’

    ‘How much will Bahamians save from VAT cut on food?’

    The House of Assembly witnessed escalating tensions as opposition lawmakers confronted the Davis administration regarding its recently implemented VAT reduction policy. Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader of the FREE National Movement, spearheaded the challenge by demanding precise clarification on the actual financial benefits Bahamian households should anticipate from the value-added tax removal on unprepared food items.

    During heated parliamentary debates, Cartwright emphasized the government’s apparent failure to communicate concrete details about the policy’s practical implications for citizens experiencing economic pressures. The discourse centered on whether the measure would generate substantial relief for families grappling with persistent financial constraints.

    Cartwright referenced a Nassau Guardian analysis projecting approximate monthly savings of $11 per household, translating to roughly $127 annually. This calculation derived from distributing the government’s estimated $15 million revenue shortfall across the national household count—a methodology subsequently disputed by the Office of the Prime Minister.

    The St. Barnabas representative characterized these projected savings as ‘shameful,’ particularly questioning the significance of such an amount for a typical four-person family unit.

    Government MP Zane Lightbourne countered these assertions, arguing that quantifying savings with a universal figure fundamentally misrepresents the VAT relief mechanism. Lightbourne stressed that individual savings would inherently vary based on income disparities and distinct consumption patterns, making standardized estimates impractical.

    Prime Minister Philip Davis defended the policy’s timing, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and asserting that international financial institutions had previously advised against premature tax reductions. Davis indicated that current economic conditions finally permitted the implementation of this relief measure.

    Opposition members, including East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, maintained that the policy lacked transparency, thorough analysis, and accountability. Thompson noted that despite growing dependence on non-profit assistance organizations, the government’s approach seemed more focused on headline-driven announcements than evidence-based policy-making.

  • Venezuela moves to liberalize oil sector, in boost for Trump

    Venezuela moves to liberalize oil sector, in boost for Trump

    Venezuela’s National Assembly has initiated legislative proceedings to dismantle the state’s monopoly on its oil industry, marking a dramatic reversal from two decades of socialist energy policy. The proposed legislation would permit privately-owned companies registered in Venezuela to conduct independent oil exploration and extraction operations without mandatory partnerships with state-owned PDVSA.

    This transformative shift follows the January 3rd ouster of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, whose government maintained rigid state control over the country’s vast petroleum resources. The legislation is being advanced under the leadership of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president but has rapidly moved to normalize relations with the United States.

    In a significant demonstration of warming diplomatic ties, the United States has appointed Laura F. Dogu, a seasoned diplomat with experience as ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras, as charge d’affaires to Venezuela. This appointment signals the potential restoration of full diplomatic relations, which were severed following Maduro’s disputed 2019 reelection.

    The Rodríguez administration has already taken concrete economic measures, injecting $300 million from a U.S.-brokered oil sale to stabilize the collapsing bolivar currency. While this initial intervention temporarily strengthened the national currency, economists emphasize that sustained economic recovery will require substantial foreign investment and continuous dollar inflows.

    Concurrently, the new government has begun addressing human rights concerns by releasing dozens of political prisoners, including the son-in-law of opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who was serving a 30-year sentence on terrorism charges. These actions appear designed to garner domestic support and international legitimacy following years of economic collapse and political repression under Maduro.

    The geopolitical implications extend beyond Venezuela, with the Trump administration leveraging the situation to increase pressure on Cuba by threatening to cut off the island nation’s access to subsidized Venezuelan oil that has sustained its economy for years.

  • WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward police modernization and accountability, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged complete governmental funding for body-worn cameras across all necessary units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The announcement was delivered during his keynote address at the passing-out ceremony for batches 161 and 167 at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

    Prime Minister Holness confirmed that approximately 1,000 cameras have already been secured, with additional units currently in the procurement pipeline. He unequivocally stated, “The Government will supply the necessary budget to ensure that all formations that require the use of body-worn cameras are so equipped.” This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to foster transparent policing and establish a reliable process for data capture during police operations.

    Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the government’s investment, Holness highlighted that advancements in technology are being pursued alongside rigorous training and administrative overhauls. “We are investing heavily in technology to make sure that we have a 21st-century policing force,” he asserted. While acknowledging the JCF’s proactive efforts in seeking the best technological platforms, the Prime Minister also noted that the force must navigate standard public procurement regulations.

    Alongside the technological pledge, Holness issued a direct charge to the 287 new constables graduating that day, demanding they treat every citizen with utmost dignity and respect for their rights, regardless of socioeconomic status. This call for reform aligns with mounting pressure from human rights advocacy groups, including Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), which has been vocally demanding the implementation of body cameras amid a troubling rise in fatal shootings by security forces.

  • Caribbean Conference Condemns US Attack

    Caribbean Conference Condemns US Attack

    In an unprecedented show of regional solidarity, political leaders, jurists, and civil society representatives from across the Caribbean and Latin America have issued a forceful condemnation of United States military operations against Venezuela. The collective denunciation emerged from the inaugural Regional Conference: The Voices of the Caribbean in Defence of Venezuela and International Law, convened on January 21, 2026.

    The landmark gathering assembled more than 180 delegates from over 20 nations, including Belize, Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The conference centered on reaffirming Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace while opposing external interventions perceived as threats to regional sovereignty.

    Participants attributed responsibility for a January 3, 2026 bombing incident in Venezuela to the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to conference statements, the military operation resulted in approximately 100 casualties and involved the extraordinary capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

    Delegates unanimously endorsed the creation of a regional solidarity network and committed to pursuing coordinated legal and diplomatic initiatives aimed at influencing foreign policy across Caribbean states. The conference declaration emphasized that this gathering represents the commencement of sustained legal action, public advocacy, and international engagement to preserve regional unity and peace principles.

    The joint statement concluded with a powerful affirmation: ‘The Caribbean stands together against external threats and for lasting peace,’ signaling a new chapter in regional cooperation and resistance to foreign intervention.

  • Friends of Democracy aims to fill opposition gap, rejects coalition

    Friends of Democracy aims to fill opposition gap, rejects coalition

    A new political force has entered Barbados’ electoral arena as the Friends of Democracy (FOD) party announced its candidacy for the February 2026 general elections. The party’s central platform challenges what it describes as seven years of diminished democratic oversight under the ruling Barbados Labour Party’s uninterrupted governance.

    FOD President Karina Goodridge, in an exclusive interview following Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement of the February 11 polling date, articulated her party’s mission to restore political equilibrium and institutional accountability. Despite the party’s recent formation, Goodridge emphasized their commitment to delivering a straightforward campaign message centered on governmental transparency and citizen representation.

    The political newcomer firmly rejected any potential coalition arrangements with other opposition groups, including the newly formed People’s Coalition for Progress alliance comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party. Goodridge asserted that FOD’s philosophy is rooted in principle rather than political convenience.

    Goodridge highlighted the concerning democratic deficit resulting from the BLP’s consecutive electoral sweeps in 2018 and 2022, which left Parliament without an official opposition voice. She argued that this political monopoly has led to rushed legislative processes and inadequate public consultation on major bills, ultimately eroding public trust in governance institutions.

    The FOD leader outlined her party’s commitment to rigorous fiscal oversight, promising to ‘question every dollar spent’ and demand full disclosure on all major government projects. She emphasized that their approach would prioritize factual analysis and people-centered policies over political theatrics.

    Goodridge concluded that the upcoming election represents a critical juncture for Barbadian democracy—not merely about selecting a governing party but about reinstating balanced governance, protecting democratic institutions, and restoring citizens’ voices in the political process.

  • Snap election call sparks voter doubt and apathy

    Snap election call sparks voter doubt and apathy

    A palpable sense of voter disillusionment and political detachment is sweeping through Barbados as citizens react to the announcement of an unexpected snap election. At Skymall in Haggatt Hall, shoppers voiced profound concerns about democratic participation, with many questioning whether their ballots would yield any meaningful impact given the compressed timeframe and perceived lack of substantive policy alternatives.

    Steven Tutu articulated constitutional concerns regarding the accelerated electoral timeline, suggesting it undermines informed decision-making. “The results appear predetermined,” he remarked, criticizing opposition parties for focusing on governmental shortcomings rather than presenting distinctive policy visions. “I need to understand what alternative approaches you propose, not merely what the incumbent administration is doing incorrectly.”

    George Lowe exemplified deeper disengagement, declaring complete political neutrality rooted in historical disappointment. Recalling the devastating 1970 floods that destroyed his possessions, he recounted empty promises from visiting politicians. “They offered sympathy but delivered no substantive assistance. Consequently, I remain detached from electoral proceedings—my daily responsibilities persist regardless of political developments.”

    David Walkes characterized the election announcement as simultaneously anticipated and startling. He emphasized the electorate’s insufficient preparation period, analogizing the situation to “being invited to lunch without knowledge of the menu.” His primary concerns involved Barbados’s global economic positioning and domestic business contraction, noting, “Numerous enterprises are disappearing from our commercial landscape. We require comprehensive strategies addressing these economic challenges.”

    Among other shoppers, perspectives ranged from blunt disinterest to cautious optimism. Jason Best dismissed voting’s personal relevance while one anonymous woman maintained hope that participation might catalyze desired changes. A retired respondent prioritized jigsaw puzzles over polling stations, suggesting political engagement diminishes with age. Ronald Best, a long-term U.S. resident, praised Prime Minister Mottley’s leadership despite his ineligibility to vote.

    The collective sentiment reveals a democratic system experiencing significant stress, with voters expressing frustration over procedural transparency, substantive policy debates, and tangible electoral outcomes.

  • St Peter: Jordan cites progress amid water, waste woes

    St Peter: Jordan cites progress amid water, waste woes

    As Barbados enters a period of intense electoral campaigning, incumbent St Peter representative Colin Jordan has declared his candidacy with robust confidence, citing a portfolio of tangible accomplishments both within his constituency and at the national level. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) stalwart articulated his re-election platform during an address at Coleridge and Parry School’s annual speech day, framing his bid as a continuation of proven leadership and measurable progress. Jordan’s campaign narrative is fundamentally anchored in extensive infrastructure enhancements, enumerating a comprehensive list of roadways that have undergone significant upgrades, including Station Hill, Clarke’s Gap, Chapel Street, Garden Alley, Black Bess, and Skeetes Road. While acknowledging that certain projects remain ongoing, the MP emphasized the transformative impact of these developments. Beyond transportation networks, his report to constituents highlighted critical advancements in environmental initiatives and the resolution of protracted land tenure disputes in areas like Maynards. Utility modernization formed another pillar of his report, with the installation of new water pipelines in the Boscobel area cited as a key achievement. Economic revitalization, particularly through tourism, featured prominently in Jordan’s remarks. He pointed to the successful refurbishment and reopening of a local jetty, now in its second full operational season, and heralded the commencement of new construction at Penry and anticipated development work by Sandals at Heywoods as catalysts for local economic activity. Bridging his national ministerial role with local impact, Jordan connected broad policy reforms—including the introduction of paternity leave, extended maternity leave, and the establishment of a national minimum wage—to their direct benefits for St Peter families and workers. He framed the upcoming election as a referendum on this seven-and-a-half-year partnership, asking constituents to judge his performance on this track record. However, the dialogue also surfaced persistent constituent concerns, particularly regarding intermittent water supply and unreliable garbage collection services. In response, Jordan provided detailed explanations for water discoloration issues in Boscobel and Six Men’s, attributing them to ongoing pipe replacement projects in northern St Lucy and St Peter. He outlined broader challenges within the water infrastructure system, including pressures on the Allendale well and reservoirs, but assured residents that work at the Hope site in St Lucy is expected to deliver relief in the near future. On waste management, the MP acknowledged collection delays, citing high demand, vehicle availability constraints, and access difficulties in smaller communities like Mount Brevitor, but expressed confidence that imminent solutions are being finalized. St Peter remains a historically significant BLP stronghold, previously represented by the late Prime Minister Owen Arthur.

  • The continuous American sneeze and the Caribbean cold (Part I)

    The continuous American sneeze and the Caribbean cold (Part I)

    Recent US policy directives have placed Caribbean nations at a critical juncture, compelling regional leaders to navigate complex diplomatic and sovereignty challenges. Key developments include American requests for third-country deportee acceptance, withdrawal from international organizations, and the controversial suspension of visa categories for several Caribbean states.

    This geopolitical dynamic revives the adage that ‘when America sneezes, the Caribbean catches cold,’ highlighting the region’s vulnerability to US policy fluctuations. The current situation reflects not merely policy disagreements but fundamental questions about neocolonial practices and power asymmetry. Historical doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary appear to persist through modern mechanisms that potentially compromise Caribbean sovereignty.

    The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs frequently cited as justification for US actions demonstrate questionable relevance, as data reveals no substantial evidence linking these programs to increased migration threats or security concerns. Countries without CBI programs face similar treatment, suggesting broader geopolitical motivations beyond stated immigration concerns.

    Caribbean leaders face a dilemma between ideological consistency and economic pragmatism. Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister recently signed a memorandum understanding deportee acceptance, illustrating the practical compromises smaller economies must consider. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s energy-based alignment with US interests has spared it from certain restrictions, creating regional divisions that undermine integration efforts.

    The fundamental tension centers on whether Caribbean nations can maintain sovereign decision-making while acknowledging economic dependencies on US tourism, trade relationships under the Caribbean Basin Initiative, and remittance flows. Professor Justin Robinson’s framework emphasizes preserving the region’s ‘deep bonds driven by geography, family, culture, and shared values’ while navigating these complex international relations.