Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has dramatically intensified her criticism of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), characterizing the regional bloc as an “unreliable partner” and condemning it as a “dysfunctional and self-destructive” organization. This sharp rebuke emerged on Monday following CARICOM’s Bureau of Conference of Heads of Government suggesting diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. government after President Trump’s decision to restrict entry for citizens from Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

    The Prime Minister controversially connected this call for discussion regarding altered U.S. access for Caribbean nationals with an implicit alignment to Nicolas Maduro’s Venezuelan government. This latest denunciation significantly amplifies her previous stance of reproaching CARICOM for its insistence on maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Her accusations were notably more blunt and direct than in prior statements.

    In a remarkable declaration, PM Persad-Bissessar asserted that “the organization is deteriorating rapidly due to poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties, and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states.” This criticism is particularly striking given Trinidad and Tobago’s current role as CARICOM’s lead nation on energy, security, and cricket matters.

    The nation’s historical significance to CARICOM adds further weight to these comments. Trinidad and Tobago was among the original signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, effectively establishing the country as the birthplace of the CARICOM concept, and most recently hosted the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023. This represents a dramatic reversal in position that member states are reportedly struggling to assess and address appropriately.

    Initial responses from regional leaders have been notably cool. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago is a major regional trade partner, with estimated earnings exceeding US$1.1 billion from CARICOM trade in 2024 alone, positioning it second only to the United States. PM Browne pointedly noted that “Trinidad and Tobago faces some of the highest levels of organised crime in the Caribbean, and regional cooperation through CARICOM security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law-enforcement initiatives has been an essential pillar of the response.”

    Barbados’ Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds has called for CARICOM leaders to convene “behind closed doors” to discuss the current diplomatic tension. Referring to the “uncompromising voice” within CARICOM discussions, Minister Symmonds advocated for dialogue amid regional uncertainty, though it appears unlikely he expects Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister to participate.

    This development raises significant questions about regional cooperation dynamics. As the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is ultimately temporary, analysts suggest that Trinidad and Tobago should not predicate its economic future exclusively on increasingly unpredictable U.S. government relations. The current administration’s approach has demonstrated unreliability to its closest regional trade partners, a factor that will inevitably influence future diplomatic and economic negotiations within the Caribbean community.

  • [UPDATED] Beckles: PM squeezing TT with hike in fines, fees

    [UPDATED] Beckles: PM squeezing TT with hike in fines, fees

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has erupted in conflict as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration over sweeping fee increases set to take effect January 1. The controversial measures, published through legal notices on Christmas Day, encompass dramatic escalations in traffic penalties, customs declarations, and civil registry services.

    Beckles characterized the government’s approach as a ‘reckless revenue-raising exercise’ designed to compensate for what she described as a ‘gaping revenue shortfall’ resulting from flawed oil price projections in the 2025/26 national budget. ‘The Government misled the nation on oil price projections, inflating expectations to US$70 per barrel when global prices now stand at US$56 per barrel,’ Beckles stated in her December 28 declaration.

    The opposition leader particularly targeted the administration’s abandonment of its campaign commitments, noting that Persad-Bissessar had explicitly promised to reduce traffic fines while in opposition during a UNC cottage meeting in April 2024. ‘In 2024, while in Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised the people a reduction in traffic fines. Now in government, she has done the exact opposite, betraying that promise and burdening citizens even further,’ Beckles emphasized.

    The revised penalty structure demonstrates substantial increases across multiple categories. Traffic fines have predominantly doubled, with offenses such as seatbelt violations, helmet non-compliance, and mobile phone usage while driving now carrying $2,000 penalties instead of $1,000. Most strikingly, driving without valid insurance skyrockets from $1,000 to $10,000—a tenfold increase. Speeding penalties now feature tiered structures reaching up to $6,000 for exceeding limits by more than 31 km/h.

    Beyond traffic enforcement, customs declaration fees jump from $40 to $80 per import entry, while container examination fees increase from $375 to $750 and $525 to $1,050 respectively. Civil registry services also face revised pricing, with late birth registration fees increasing to $40-$50 for children between 3-12 months and $100-$150 for registrations beyond one year.

    Beckles dismissed the Prime Minister’s public safety justification for the traffic fine increases as ‘flimsy, baseless and misleading,’ arguing that the administration had deliberately abandoned the demerit points system designed to improve driver behavior in favor of purely financial penalties. She maintained that the timing and manner of implementation—during the holiday season and without legislative debate—demonstrated ‘poor governance and a disregard for the people.’

    The opposition leader concluded with an urgent appeal for reversal, stating that ordinary families already struggling with economic pressures would bear the brunt of these measures. She demanded transparency regarding the nation’s financial status and called for the Prime Minister to ‘come clean with the nation about the true state of the country’s finances.’

  • Paraguay hands over fugitive former coup police chief to Brazil

    Paraguay hands over fugitive former coup police chief to Brazil

    In a significant cross-border law enforcement operation, Paraguayan authorities have extradited former Federal Highway Police (PRF) director Erick Vasques to Brazil. The high-profile apprehension occurred at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, where Vasques was intercepted while attempting to board an international flight to El Salvador using counterfeit documentation.

    The operation culminated at the Friendship Bridge border crossing, where masked Paraguayan security personnel formally transferred the detainee to officers of Brazil’s Federal Police (PF). Visual confirmation showed Vasques being transported without facial concealment in an official vehicle, marking his return to Brazilian jurisdiction.

    This international manhunt was triggered when Brazilian judicial monitoring systems detected the unauthorized removal of Vasques’s court-mandated electronic ankle bracelet. Following the alert, a PF tactical unit conducted a search at his registered residence, confirming his absence and triggering immediate pretrial detention orders issued by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

    The coordinated effort between Paraguayan and Brazilian authorities underscores increasing regional cooperation in apprehending individuals attempting to evade justice through international flight. Vasques’s capture represents a significant development in Brazil’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of cross-border judicial collaboration.

  • Spanning loopt op rond Oekraïne voorafgaand aan gesprek Zelensky en Trump

    Spanning loopt op rond Oekraïne voorafgaand aan gesprek Zelensky en Trump

    Tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict have significantly escalated in recent days, coinciding with the anticipated diplomatic conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. Russia has launched renewed large-scale assaults on Ukrainian urban centers, while diplomatic efforts to transition the conflict toward negotiations have visibly intensified.

    Ukrainian authorities report that recent Russian missile and drone attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure, including residential areas and energy facilities. President Zelensky has further accused Russia of utilizing Belarusian territory to circumvent Ukrainian defense lines, a development that potentially internationalizes the conflict. Moscow has not officially confirmed these allegations.

    Against this backdrop of military escalation, Zelensky and Trump are scheduled to discuss potential new diplomatic initiatives. American media sources indicate that Trump has expressed confidence about reaching agreements that could terminate the conflict, though he emphasized that decisive progress would require substantial concessions from all involved parties.

    Zelensky is expected to present a modified peace proposal during the talks, featuring security guarantees, demilitarized zones, and international involvement as central components. Russia has previously stated its willingness to negotiate only if territorial realities are acknowledged—a position that remains highly sensitive for Ukraine and its Western allies.

    Strategic analysts observe that the synchronization of military escalation and diplomatic overtures is deliberate. By increasing battlefield pressure immediately preceding political discussions, Russia aims to strengthen its negotiating position. Concurrently, the United States faces critical strategic decisions regarding its mediation role and future support for Ukraine.

    The outcome of the Zelensky-Trump dialogue could have profound implications for the trajectory of the conflict and international relations. Furthermore, either a breakthrough or failure in negotiations may generate significant economic repercussions, potentially affecting global energy prices, food security, and investment confidence worldwide.

  • IGAD rejects Israeli recognition of Somaliland as a State

    IGAD rejects Israeli recognition of Somaliland as a State

    The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has issued a definitive statement reinforcing Mogadishu’s status as a sovereign member state within the regional bloc. The declaration emphasizes that Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity remain fully protected under established international legal frameworks.

    IGAD’s communiqué explicitly stated that any unilateral recognition attempts directly contravene foundational international agreements, including the United Nations Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and the organization’s own establishment treaty. The regional body called upon all international partners and stakeholders to uphold these legal standards while promoting diplomatic engagement that advances regional peace and stability.

    The Secretariat further expressed unwavering solidarity with both the Somali government and its citizens, reiterating its dedication to inclusive political processes and enhanced regional cooperation. This commitment aims to foster sustainable peace and prosperity throughout Somalia and the broader IGAD region.

    This development follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement on social media platform X regarding a diplomatic agreement signed between Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Somaliland leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah. The arrangement, reportedly facilitated through former US President Donald Trump’s initiative, has sparked renewed attention to regional sovereignty issues.

  • LETTER TO THE EDITOR: CBI accountability cannot be deflected by blaming U.S. systems

    LETTER TO THE EDITOR: CBI accountability cannot be deflected by blaming U.S. systems

    A critical examination of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has challenged recent attempts to deflect responsibility for its shortcomings onto United States information-sharing policies. The analysis identifies fundamental structural flaws within the program itself, arguing that design, incentive structures, and administration practices—not external factors—create systemic vulnerabilities.

    The central critique focuses on Dominica’s profound fiscal dependence on CBI revenue, which accounts for a majority of government income. This economic reality creates an inherent conflict of interest: when passport issuance becomes the state’s primary revenue stream, approval rates and processing speed inevitably receive priority over rigorous vetting. The program’s dominant role in national finances undermines claims that citizenship decisions remain insulated from financial pressures.

    Contrary to arguments presented in defense of the program, the analysis emphasizes that information gaps in applicant backgrounds demand enhanced scrutiny—not complacency. International anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards explicitly require heightened due diligence when dealing with applicants demonstrating identity complexity, legal name changes, or fragmented personal histories. These are global compliance norms, not exclusively American requirements.

    The response further challenges the notion that the United States bears responsibility for ‘fixing its databases’ to accommodate CBI programs. Border security begins with the sovereign act of granting citizenship, wherein the issuing nation vouches for the holder’s identity and trustworthiness. This fundamental responsibility cannot be outsourced or deflected to other nations.

    The analysis concludes that credible defense of Dominica’s CBI program requires confronting uncomfortable truths: excessive reliance on passport revenue, structural conflicts of interest, and the treatment of citizenship as a transactional commodity rather than a sovereign trust. Accountability must begin with domestic reforms rather than attempts to shift blame internationally.

  • Former Jamaican Ambassador slams T&T, Caribbean leaders

    Former Jamaican Ambassador slams T&T, Caribbean leaders

    In a striking geopolitical alert, former Jamaican ambassador Curtis Ward has issued a grave warning that Trinidad and Tobago has become a potential military target due to its unequivocal alignment with United States operations against Venezuela. The seasoned diplomat, who previously served as Jamaica’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, contends that the twin-island nation has dangerously elevated its status from security partner to active collaborator in Washington’s regime change strategy.

    Ward’s analysis, published in a sharply critical December 26 commentary, asserts that the installation of a US military radar system at Piarco International Airport has effectively transformed vital civilian infrastructure into a legitimate military objective. Contrary to official claims of maritime monitoring purposes, Ward maintains the system functions as an integrated component of anti-missile warfare networks that would become a priority target for Venezuelan forces in any escalation.

    The former ambassador particularly criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration for what he characterized as placing “a military target on the backs of the country and the people.” He projected that Trinidad and Tobago could suffer disproportionate casualties compared to American interests in potential conflict scenarios, with the nation’s economy and infrastructure facing existential threats.

    Beyond the immediate national security concerns, Ward delivered a sweeping indictment of Caribbean leadership broadly, accusing regional governments of cowardice in confronting Washington’s policies. He noted a conspicuous absence of diplomatic opposition to US actions, suggesting most CARICOM leaders remain silent due to fears of retaliation from the Trump administration. This climate of apprehension, Ward argued, has compromised regional sovereignty and dignity while pushing the Caribbean basin toward destabilizing military confrontation.

    Despite the alarming assessment, Ward emphasized that armed conflict remains avoidable. He called upon Caribbean citizens, governments, and the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora to advocate vigorously for peaceful dialogue and de-escalation, maintaining that “war is not the answer, war is not the only option, and war is not inevitable.”

    The warning comes amid Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s public endorsement of US naval operations targeting drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela, which she claims have already yielded positive impacts on regional security.

  • END OF YEAR MESSAGE: Outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

    END OF YEAR MESSAGE: Outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

    In his concluding address as outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness delivered a comprehensive assessment of the regional body’s accomplishments and challenges throughout 2025. Speaking from the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana on December 27, Holness emphasized the remarkable solidarity demonstrated during Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, which showcased the Caribbean family’s unwavering support system.

    The political leader highlighted landmark achievements in regional integration, particularly the historic decision by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to implement full free movement of citizens among themselves effective October 2025. This ‘concentric circles’ approach represents a pragmatic evolution of integration models, allowing progressive cooperation while maintaining accessibility for other member states.

    Holness detailed CARICOM’s successful economic advocacy through coordinated efforts with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization and strategic international partners. These collaborations yielded expanded air connectivity, enhanced trade mechanisms, and strengthened food security initiatives across the region.

    On the global stage, CARICOM maintained a unified diplomatic presence through high-level engagements at the UN General Assembly, G20 Summit, and CELAC-EU Summit. The outgoing Chair acknowledged progress at COP30 in Belém but emphasized that climate outcomes remained inadequate for vulnerable Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States. He commended regional agencies including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and CDEMA for their critical work in climate resilience.

    The address noted deepened Africa-CARICOM relations through the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, establishing an ‘Atlantic Bridge’ for development cooperation. Holness also highlighted CARICOM’s sustained advocacy for Haiti, resulting in UN Security Council action against gang violence and optimistic preparations for 2026 elections.

    Emphasizing CARICOM’s commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, Holness articulated principles of sovereignty, international law, and peaceful dispute resolution while acknowledging member states’ occasional differing perspectives as natural within a community of sovereign nations.

    As geopolitical tensions intensify globally, Holness called for strategic discipline and cohesion, affirming that CARICOM’s credibility rests on managing differences through diplomacy rather than division. The outgoing Chair expressed confidence in the community’s future as he prepares to hand leadership to St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia, concluding with wishes for a peaceful and prosperous 2026.

  • Voormalig UNC-lid waarschuwt voor steun aan Amerikaanse militaire aanwezigheid

    Voormalig UNC-lid waarschuwt voor steun aan Amerikaanse militaire aanwezigheid

    Rodney Charles, former United National Congress parliamentarian and Trinidad and Tobago’s ex-ambassador to the United Nations, has issued a stern warning to his government regarding its support for US military operations in the southern Caribbean region. Through a detailed Facebook post on December 20, the seasoned diplomat expressed profound concerns about the implications of this security cooperation and the broader foreign policy direction of Trinidad and Tobago.

    Charles, who served as UN ambassador from May 2010 to September 2015 under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration and subsequently as shadow minister for Foreign Affairs and CARICOM matters until April 2025, emphasized that his critique stems from strategic considerations rather than anti-American sentiment. He referenced his personal connections with the United States, including White House and State Department internships, and family members serving in the US military. “I am not anti-American. I still believe in the spirit and intent of the American Constitution. It’s just that I love Trinidad and Tobago more,” Charles stated.

    The former politician articulated deep concerns about what he perceives as a lack of sophisticated, nuanced foreign policy strategy serving the nation’s long-term interests. He cautioned that Trinidad and Tobago risks embarking on a dangerous path by aligning too closely with unpredictable US military strategies, particularly given potential power shifts following the November 2026 US midterm elections.

    This warning emerges amid recent developments: the Trinidadian government authorized temporary use of Piarco and Tobago airports by US military aircraft for logistical purposes in early December 2025. Additionally, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar confirmed in late November that US Marines are actively working on Tobago, primarily enhancing airport infrastructure. Critics view these measures as steps toward regional militarization.

    Charles warned that this close cooperation with the US, coupled with insufficient regional consultation, could exacerbate tensions within CARICOM. He pointed to public disagreements between Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and other CARICOM leaders regarding the Caribbean as a zone of peace and condemnation of US military presence. According to Charles, this dynamic could undermine trust within the Caribbean community and potentially lead to new forms of economic domination by former colonial powers perceiving the region as divided and vulnerable.

    The diplomat also highlighted the growing isolation of nations like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, alongside negative travel advisories affecting Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia—measures that could damage tourism-dependent economies. Simultaneously, he warned of latent anti-American sentiment spreading across Latin American nations including Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, partly fueled by recent US policies and rhetoric toward Venezuela.

    Charles further referenced the resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine under US President Donald Trump through the 2025 National Security Strategy document, which outlines plans to mobilize global allies in support of US policy objectives. He emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago’s current foreign policy rests on three precarious assumptions: the perpetual dominance of Trumpism in US politics, anticipated regime changes in Venezuela, and the expectation that future Venezuelan leaders would abandon nationalist convictions.

    These developments and Charles’ warnings illustrate the complex geopolitical landscape where national interests, regional cooperation, and international power dynamics intersect. The former ambassador calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of foreign policy approaches, advocating for strategies that better serve the long-term interests of both Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Caribbean region.

  • Parmessar betreurt vrijwel volledige vervanging Deviezencommissie

    Parmessar betreurt vrijwel volledige vervanging Deviezencommissie

    Opposition leader Rabin Parmessar of Suriname’s National Democratic Party (NDP) has expressed serious concerns regarding the government’s decision to appoint an almost entirely new Foreign Exchange Commission. This development comes despite previous parliamentary consensus to align the commission with the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) to strengthen financial oversight.

    The restructuring, initially implemented nearly two years ago, was specifically designed to regulate gold exports, monitor land sales through foundations, and address recommendations from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) regarding money laundering and terrorism financing. Parmessar emphasized that significant progress had been made through collaborative efforts between parliament and the Central Bank, including the appointment of current chairman Arun Sankatsing through established channels.

    While acknowledging the potential competence of proposed new members—including prospective chairman Robert Huiswoud and returning member Ravin Soerdjbalie—Parmessar warned that the overhaul could create opportunities for creative individuals with substantial interests in the gold sector to continue operations without proper oversight.

    The NDP leader had previously urged authorities to maintain continuity by retaining some existing members and avoiding appointments of individuals representing powerful financial interests. He revealed that various measures had been implemented to strengthen financial supervision, particularly in the gold sector, including stricter requirements for notaries regarding money transfers and enhanced administration for gold companies.

    Additional reforms included eliminating administrative backlogs, imposing stricter requirements on gold provenance and sales, and mandating that gold only be sold to certified companies with relevant data provided to the Foreign Exchange Commission. A new draft regulation, already approved by the Central Bank, awaits presentation to the Finance Minister.

    Parmessar expressed surprise at the timing of these appointments, as completed reforms were scheduled for presentation to Finance Minister Adelien Wijnerman and President Chan Santokhi in January. He fears these developments could undermine months of progress and intends to raise these concerns with relevant authorities.