Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • ABEC Introduces Transparent Ballot Boxes for Upcoming Electoral Processes

    ABEC Introduces Transparent Ballot Boxes for Upcoming Electoral Processes

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a landmark move for electoral transparency, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has officially mandated the use of transparent ballot boxes for all future elections, commencing with the upcoming by-election in St. Philip North on March 16th, 2026. This strategic decision marks a significant departure from the traditional opaque boxes, positioning the nation at the forefront of electoral best practices.

    The initiative is a cornerstone of ABEC’s broader campaign to reinforce the integrity of the democratic process, eliminate concerns over ballot tampering, and cultivate unwavering public trust. Supervisor of Elections, Ian S Hughes, articulated that this transition is a direct response to international standards, serving as a tangible and effective mechanism to ensure visible accountability from the commencement of voting through to the final tally.

    Ambassador Arthur G.B Thomas, Chairman of the Commission, provided unequivocal assurance that the fundamental principle of voter secrecy remains sacrosanct. He clarified that the transparency applies solely to the container, not the contents, enabling officials and observers to verify that ballots are collected legitimately without any compromise to the confidentiality of an individual’s vote.

    To guarantee a seamless implementation, ABEC has committed to deploying comprehensive training programs for all electoral staff and independent observers. This preparatory measure is designed to ensure that every procedure associated with the new transparent boxes is executed with the highest degree of professionalism and respect for the electoral process.

  • Saint Lucia still in the dark on deadly U.S. strike

    Saint Lucia still in the dark on deadly U.S. strike

    Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has revealed that his government remains without critical details regarding a controversial U.S. military operation that resulted in three fatalities near Saint Lucian waters on February 13th. The incident, described by American forces as a “lethal kinetic strike” targeting suspected drug trafficking routes, has generated significant regional unease and diplomatic tensions.

    The operation gained personal significance for Saint Lucia when local fisherman Ricky Joseph was reported missing following the attack, with his family suspecting he might have been aboard the targeted vessel. This development has transformed the incident from a distant security matter into one with direct human consequences for the island nation.

    During recent CARICOM Heads of Government meetings, Prime Minister Pierre engaged in bilateral discussions with U.S. representatives, emphasizing regional security cooperation and specifically raising questions about the February incident amid growing public concern. “I will hasten to tell you that we got no more information on what happened in the waters of St Vincent and Saint Lucia,” Pierre stated during a March 2nd pre-Cabinet press briefing.

    According to the Prime Minister, U.S. officials maintained their firm stance on preventing drug trafficking through Caribbean waters, stating they “work on intelligence” and that such operations are conducted for “a reason.” American authorities have characterized those killed as “narcoterrorists,” though no public evidence linking the vessel or its occupants to drug trafficking has been provided.

    The missing person case has prompted local investigation, with Saint Lucian police recovering what appeared to be fishing vessel remains off the coast of Micoud. While authorities are examining potential connections between the debris and Joseph’s disappearance, no official link to the U.S. military operation has been confirmed.

  • Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Ghana on official visit – Kwakye Ofosu

    Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Ghana on official visit – Kwakye Ofosu

    ACCRA, GHANA – In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, has arrived in Ghana for an official state visit. The high-level meeting between Caribbean and African leadership marks a strengthening of bilateral relations between the two Commonwealth nations.

    While the specific agenda for Prime Minister Drew’s visit remains undisclosed, such diplomatic missions typically encompass discussions on mutual economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and collaborative initiatives within international forums. The visit represents a concerted effort to foster South-South cooperation and enhance diplomatic ties between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states and African nations.

    The timing of this diplomatic mission holds particular significance as both nations navigate evolving global geopolitical landscapes. For Saint Kitts and Nevis, a small island developing state, building strategic international partnerships remains crucial for sustainable development and climate resilience. Ghana, as one of West Africa’s stable democracies and growing economies, continues to expand its diplomatic footprint across the African diaspora.

    This high-level engagement follows a pattern of increased diplomatic activity between Caribbean and African nations, signaling a renewed commitment to pan-African solidarity and shared developmental objectives. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to yield cooperative agreements that may span trade, education, tourism, and technology transfer sectors.

  • Drew denies CARICOM, US discussed regime change in Cuba

    Drew denies CARICOM, US discussed regime change in Cuba

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has firmly refuted allegations of participating in U.S.-backed regime change discussions regarding Cuba, while simultaneously announcing concrete plans to address the island nation’s escalating humanitarian crisis. The clarification came from CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew during the closing press conference of the 50th Heads of Government Conference in Basseterre.

    Prime Minister Drew explicitly denied multiple reports from Miami Herald and Associated Press suggesting CARICOM’s involvement in transition discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. When pressed by journalists about alleged meetings between Rubio and Fidel Castro’s grandson during the conference sidelines, Drew maintained that “CARICOM has not involved itself in any discussion of such nature.”

    Instead, the regional bloc revealed its intention to launch substantial humanitarian assistance to Cuba by late March. Drew emphasized the community’s primary concern regarding Cuba’s deteriorating conditions, describing severe shortages of food, water, and electricity, alongside accumulating street garbage and general infrastructure collapse.

    The CARICOM chairman, who studied medicine in Cuba for seven years, shared personal connections to the crisis: “I have friends there. I have people who are like family to me. They reach out to me and tell me of their difficulties. I can only feel the pain of those who treated me so well when I was a student.”

    Geopolitical context reveals the crisis stems partly from disrupted oil supplies from Russia, Mexico and Venezuela following U.S. military actions against Venezuela and President Trump’s executive order threatening tariffs against countries shipping oil to Cuba. CARICOM’s joint statement acknowledged discussions with Rubio regarding “the growing humanitarian crisis” while emphasizing the community’s unique position to facilitate dialogue given its “very close relationship with both Cuba and the USA.”

    Drew issued a stark warning about regional implications: “A destabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us. Cuba’s population is anywhere from 9 to 12 million people. Excluding Haiti, the rest of CARICOM does not amount to 10 million people. Therefore, if a state within our community is so destabilized, it will affect all of us in the region.”

  • Army Chief tours northern border, says area “under control”

    Army Chief tours northern border, says area “under control”

    In a comprehensive security assessment along the Dominican Republic’s northern frontier, Army Commanding General Major General Jorge Iván Camino Pérez conducted an extensive inspection tour of military installations bordering Haiti. The strategic evaluation commenced at the Manzanillo detachment in Montecristi province, progressing systematically along the critical perimeter fence spanning boundary markers 1 through 79.

    The general’s inspection encompassed multiple security infrastructures including forward operating posts, surveillance towers, and military detachments under Army jurisdiction across the Montecristi to Dajabón corridor. During an assessment at the historic Beller Fortress in Dajabón, General Camino Pérez disclosed significant operational statistics: February witnessed the interception and transfer of over 14,000 undocumented migrants to the Dirección General de Migración (DGM), while 85 individuals faced referral to the Public Ministry for alleged criminal activities.

    Emphasizing the military’s operational effectiveness, the general characterized the border situation as ‘under control and in order.’ The evaluation extended beyond immediate security concerns to include developmental outreach, with General Camino Pérez joining provincial authorities in Río Limpio, Elías Piña province, to survey proposed sites for new Army detachments requested by local communities.

    The strategic review concluded with examinations of the Las Rosas and Guayajayuco outposts, culminating at the Artibonito River bridge crossing in Guayajayuco, demonstrating the Army’s comprehensive approach to border security management and community engagement.

  • FLASH : Cabinet reshuffle, 11 new Ministers, 27% of whom are women

    FLASH : Cabinet reshuffle, 11 new Ministers, 27% of whom are women

    In a significant restructuring of Haiti’s executive leadership, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé presided over a special cabinet meeting on March 2nd, 2026, resulting in substantial governmental changes. The comprehensive reshuffle introduced eleven new ministerial appointments alongside several director-general positions while maintaining six incumbent ministers in their current roles.

    The cabinet reorganization demonstrates a commitment to gender representation, with three women among the eleven new ministerial appointments. This brings the total female representation in the seventeen-member cabinet to approximately 29.4%, reflecting progressive steps toward gender inclusivity in Haitian governance.

    Key ministerial changes include Mario Andrésol assuming the Defense portfolio, replacing Jean Michel Moïse. Sandra Paulemont takes over Planning and External Cooperation from D. A. Ketleen Florestal, while Raina Forbin succeeds Jean Harvel Victor Jean-Baptiste as Foreign Affairs Minister. Other notable appointments encompass Pastor Vijonet Demero for Education, Marcelin Aubourg for Agriculture, and Emmanuel Ménard for Culture.

    Concurrently, the cabinet adopted a decree declaring a state of emergency across the Artibonite, West, and Centre departments, addressing pressing regional security and humanitarian concerns.

    The restructured government lineup awaits official publication and confirmation, pending potential last-minute modifications. This reshuffle represents one of the most substantial governmental reorganizations in recent Haitian political history, potentially signaling new policy directions and administrative approaches to the nation’s ongoing challenges.

  • Diplomatieke oproep China-Rusland: stop militaire acties in Iran

    Diplomatieke oproep China-Rusland: stop militaire acties in Iran

    In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov have jointly condemned recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran during a high-level phone conversation. The two powers expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly following attacks that violated United Nations Security Council protocols.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Mao Ning, emphasized that the unauthorized military operations constitute a breach of international law and threaten regional stability. Beijing has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to prevent further conflict proliferation. The statement highlighted China’s firm stance on respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf states affected by recent counterstrikes.

    China and Russia are coordinating efforts within international frameworks, supporting an emergency UN Security Council session to address the crisis. Both nations warned against a regression to ‘jungle law’ in international relations and advocated for multilateral solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. China specifically endorsed recent declarations by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that emphasize diplomatic engagement as the only path to sustainable peace.

    The escalating tensions have prompted concrete security measures, including the evacuation of approximately 3,000 Chinese citizens from Iran due to deteriorating security conditions. Chinese diplomatic missions have organized multiple evacuations while advising remaining citizens to enhance security precautions and depart promptly.

    Additionally, China raised serious concerns about alleged American cyber activities targeting Chinese critical infrastructure, suggesting AI technology is being deployed to identify vulnerabilities in vital networks. Beijing has reiterated its determination to protect cybersecurity and has formally expressed these concerns to US authorities.

    Regarding future diplomatic engagements, China confirmed ongoing communications about potential high-level meetings but stated it has no knowledge of a planned state visit by former President Trump. Chinese officials declined to comment on possible military support to Iran, directing attention to their official statements advocating for peaceful conflict resolution.

  • Parties and Candidates Trade Jabs as St. Philip’s North By-Election Campaign Heats Up

    Parties and Candidates Trade Jabs as St. Philip’s North By-Election Campaign Heats Up

    The political atmosphere in St. Philip’s North has reached a fever pitch as the March 16 by-election approaches, with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP) engaging in increasingly hostile exchanges. Both parties and their candidates have escalated their rhetoric during the critical final phase of campaigning.

    The ABLP recently circulated images of a derelict building, attempting to associate UPP candidate Alex Browne with the neglected structure. Browne’s campaign team vehemently denied these allegations, clarifying that the property in question is privately owned and located in Seatons. They revealed the building was utilized over twenty years ago by former UPP candidate Francis ‘Frankie’ Nunes Jr., who has since passed away. Browne’s representatives emphasized that their candidate has no connections to the property and that their campaign headquarters is officially established in Willikies.

    George Wehner, a prominent Browne supporter, publicly accused the ABLP of engaging in voter deception tactics. He asserted that the ruling party was deliberately attempting to mislead constituents by creating false associations between Browne and abandoned properties, expressing confidence that voters would not be swayed by such tactics.

    Meanwhile, Browne’s campaign has redirected focus toward their central message of constituency transformation. During a recent rally in Willikies, a keynote speaker declared, ‘The time for change is now,’ while explicitly urging supporters to ‘vote Alex Browne.’ The event concluded with enthusiastic chants of ‘Alex is next’ as attendees committed to ‘reject Baltimore’ – a reference to ABLP candidate Sherfield Bowen.

    The digital campaign landscape reflects the partisan divide, with ABLP supporters utilizing hashtags such as #VoteBaltimore and #SafeAndSecure, while UPP advocates have mobilized around #VoteAlexBrowne and #PeopleFirst. With polling day rapidly approaching, both political organizations appear to be refining their offensive strategies as this tightly contested election enters its decisive stage.

  • OPINION: Why Persad-Bissessar should practice sober regionalism, not mere ramblings!

    OPINION: Why Persad-Bissessar should practice sober regionalism, not mere ramblings!

    The recent CARICOM summit became a stage for Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persaud-Bissessar to demonstrate precisely what ails Caribbean political leadership—a propensity for complaint over constructive action. Her performance revealed a troubling pattern where regional leaders excel at diagnosing problems but fail miserably at implementing solutions.

    Rather than offering substantive proposals for strengthening regional integration, Persaud-Bissessar engaged in diplomatic theater that embarrassed the Caribbean community before international observers. Her public quarrel with colleagues over allegedly unanswered correspondence regarding a kidnapping case represented precisely the type of undiplomatic behavior that undermines regional credibility. When non-state actors, investors, and multilateral donors witness such public fissures, it damages the perception of stable regionalism necessary for meaningful partnerships.

    The Prime Minister’s fixation on marginal issues—particularly her criticism of regional political parties supporting sister organizations across borders—exposed remarkable political immaturity. In a region where parties share common origins, histories, and ideological convictions, such cross-border support represents natural political solidarity rather than the crisis she portrays. Her objections ring particularly hollow given evidence of her own party members campaigning for others in the region.

    More troubling still is Persaud-Bissessar’s selective application of principles regarding foreign relations. While criticizing CARICOM members for engaging with Venezuela, she conveniently ignores how these very relationships have provided hurricane relief, concessionary energy terms through Petrocaribe, and development support that benefited the entire region. Her alignment with Western powers appears so complete that she fails to recognize the contradiction in advocating Caribbean autonomy while simultaneously suggesting citizens shouldn’t ‘badmouth the US’ for fear of visa repercussions.

    The Prime Minister’s approach to crime and security matters proves equally problematic. Her dismissal of CARICOM’s established principle of the Caribbean as a zone of peace—while ignoring how US militarization in the Caribbean Sea undermines this very concept—demonstrates a failure of coherent policy thinking. Similarly, her narrow focus on crime statistics without acknowledging the regional firearms pipeline from the United States shows an inability to address root causes.

    Ultimately, Persaud-Bissessar’s summit performance revealed a leader more committed to short-term political positioning than long-term regional advancement. Rather than contributing to solutions for implementation deficiencies, outmoded governance systems, or geopolitical tensions affecting CARICOM, she offered only complaints and contradictions. This approach serves neither Trinidad’s self-interest nor the broader regional good, highlighting the urgent need for leadership that can translate popular agony into hope through concrete actions rather than empty rhetoric.

  • AG calls Tribunal ruling “monumental win”, pushes back on GBPA statement

    AG calls Tribunal ruling “monumental win”, pushes back on GBPA statement

    The Bahamian government has secured a decisive legal victory in its high-stakes arbitration with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), with Attorney General Ryan Pinder announcing the rejection of the port authority’s billion-dollar damages claim while affirming state regulatory powers over Freeport. The arbitration tribunal delivered what officials termed a “historic” partial award that dismissed seven of GBPA’s eight counterclaims, including its central allegation of governmental interference in Freeport’s administration. The ruling establishes that governance of the Port Area is not exclusively vested in the GBPA but operates alongside and subject to the continuing authority of the Bahamian government. Critical regulatory domains including licensing, immigration, and customs remain under government control according to the determination. The award further establishes the GBPA’s liability to reimburse Bahamian taxpayers for administrative expenses incurred in Freeport, though the specific quantum of payments awaits determination through an agreed review mechanism or subsequent tribunal decision. While the tribunal acknowledged governmental delays in processing environmental bye-law amendments since 2006, it questioned the basis for damages on this singular successful counterclaim. The government has published the complete 139-page ruling online to ensure public transparency as proceedings continue to address recovery for earlier periods.