Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Grassalco juridisch geen eigenaar, maar investeerde wel US$ 9 miljoen in GuySure

    Grassalco juridisch geen eigenaar, maar investeerde wel US$ 9 miljoen in GuySure

    An independent investigation has uncovered serious irregularities in Grassalco’s Guyana operations, revealing that the Surinamese state-owned company holds no legal ownership of its purported subsidiary GuySure. The findings expose a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement and questionable corporate governance within the state enterprise.

    The investigation, commissioned by Grassalco’s supervisory board, determined that despite being publicly promoted as the company’s first international expansion in May 2025—with former President Chan Santokhi personally attending the Georgetown opening ceremony—GuySure was actually established in 2021 as an independent entity under private ownership. Official registration documents from Guyana show the shareholders as Faye Hunte, Moria Kastiel, Abby-Gale Chona Jeanella Mers, Wanisha Priya Bharie, and Grassalco director Wesley Rozenhout, each holding 20% of the company’s 50 shares.

    Financial records examined during the investigation reveal alarming expenditure patterns: GuySure spent approximately US$9 million against only US$2 million in revenue, with costs attributed to logistics, transportation, port services, and land rental in Guyana. Crucially, investigators found no documentation proving share transfer to Grassalco, formal business plans, investment decisions, or return-on-investment analyses justifying the venture.

    The report further highlights systemic issues within Grassalco itself, noting that the company failed to produce audited financial statements from 2020 to 2025. These findings have created political sensitivity within the coalition government, particularly affecting the ABOP party which controls the Ministry of Natural Resources. Rozenhout, who was suspended on January 12 to ensure investigation integrity, faces separate charges regarding the disappearance of nearly 4 kilograms of gold from the company.

    In response to the crisis, Natascha Kalo (nominated by ABOP) has been appointed as delegated commissioner with enhanced powers to exercise tightened supervision over the state company. The National Assembly is concurrently addressing related interpellation proposals concerning other state entities, underscoring broader governance concerns within Suriname’s public sector.

  • Holness Reminds Region CARICOM Isn’t a Political Union

    Holness Reminds Region CARICOM Isn’t a Political Union

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – As Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders convened for their pivotal regional summit on February 25, 2026, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a foundational clarification regarding the bloc’s fundamental nature. Before high-stakes diplomatic engagements with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commenced, Holness emphatically articulated that CARICOM constitutes an economic collaborative framework rather than a supranational political entity.

    The Prime Minister’s preemptive remarks served to delineate clear boundaries for upcoming negotiations, underscoring that the treaty binding the fifteen member states explicitly preserves national sovereignty in foreign policy formulation. This constitutional characteristic prevents any centralized authority from overriding individual nations’ autonomous decision-making processes.

    Holness’s strategic positioning arrives amid intensifying geopolitical interest in the Caribbean region, particularly from major global powers seeking coordinated policy alignment. His statement effectively establishes that while CARICOM fosters economic integration and collaborative governance, member states maintain complete discretion over their international affiliations and diplomatic stances.

    The timing of this sovereignty declaration proves particularly significant as Caribbean leaders prepare for discussions with the United States’ top diplomat. This articulation of CARICOM’s structural limitations provides crucial context for understanding the bloc’s negotiation capacity and collective decision-making processes during these consequential bilateral talks.

    Analysts suggest Holness’s intervention reflects broader regional efforts to balance cooperative advantages with national autonomy, especially when engaging with major international partners. This positioning ensures CARICOM’s diverse membership can pursue mutually beneficial agreements without compromising individual nations’ sovereign prerogatives.

  • iciHaïti – CARICOM : La sécurité du continent américain est menacée

    iciHaïti – CARICOM : La sécurité du continent américain est menacée

    In a pivotal address at the 50th Annual Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stark warning about the escalating security crisis threatening the Americas. The senior diplomat identified transnational criminal networks as the most immediate security challenge facing the region, emphasizing their rapidly expanding capabilities and resources.

    Rubio revealed that these sophisticated organizations now wield financial power and operational capacity that rivals—and in some cases exceeds—that of sovereign nations they operate against. This alarming development represents a fundamental shift in the regional security landscape that demands unprecedented cooperation between nations.

    According to the Secretary’s assessment, these criminal enterprises are primarily financed through narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities. While the United States remains the primary destination for these substances and the profits they generate, the destabilizing effects ripple throughout transit nations, creating a continent-wide vulnerability.

    Of particular concern is the advanced weaponization of these groups, with many acquiring firearms directly from United States sources. Rubio pledged enhanced collaboration with law enforcement agencies to disrupt these arms trafficking networks, building on existing efforts that have already designated several groups as terrorist organizations.

    The address highlighted ongoing cooperative efforts, including actions in Haiti, where joint operations have targeted organizations and their supporters. Rubio concluded that as these criminal networks continue to gain power and sophistication, regional cooperation must intensify through closer collaboration and stronger commitments from all nations involved.

  • Politic : PM Alix Didier Fils-Aimé met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio

    Politic : PM Alix Didier Fils-Aimé met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio

    In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the 50th CARICOM Heads of State Summit in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (February 24-27, 2026), Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinforce strategic bilateral cooperation between their nations.

    The high-level meeting, characterized by open dialogue and results-oriented diplomacy, focused on sustainable institutional stabilization, enhanced public security measures, and establishing frameworks for credible electoral processes in Haiti. Central to discussions was the recently established ‘Pact to Rebuild National Stability and Guarantee Credible Elections,’ which Secretary Rubio endorsed as a critical political breakthrough demonstrating unity among Haiti’s political factions and civil society.

    Security concerns dominated the agenda, with Prime Minister Fils-Aimé detailing governmental efforts to reestablish state authority and dismantle criminal networks undermining public safety. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of strengthened bilateral cooperation to boost operational capabilities of Haitian security forces through enhanced training, equipment, and intelligence sharing.

    Particular attention was given to mobilizing international support for the Gang Repression Force (FRG), addressing needs for specialized personnel, strategic equipment, logistical infrastructure, and financial backing. The officials committed to collaborative efforts ensuring effective implementation of this security initiative, recognizing its fundamental importance in restoring republican order and creating conditions for democratic transition.

    The meeting concluded with mutual commitment to ongoing strategic dialogue, reflecting shared responsibility in addressing Haiti’s governance and security challenges while fostering international confidence in the country’s stabilization efforts.

  • Security : High-level strategic meeting on strengthening national security

    Security : High-level strategic meeting on strengthening national security

    In a significant move to address Haiti’s pressing security challenges, Acting Prime Minister Patrick Pélissier convened a high-level strategic meeting on February 25, 2026, focusing on national security reinforcement and institutional stability. The Justice Minister, serving as interim leader during Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s attendance at the 50th CARICOM Conference in Saint Kitts and Nevis, orchestrated this crucial gathering that united top governmental and law enforcement officials.

    The high-stakes session assembled the Haitian National Police (PNH) High Command, central government representatives, and Delmas Mayor Wilson Jeudy. Following Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s directives, key PNH operational divisions participated extensively, including the General Directorate, Central Directorate of Judicial Police, Central Directorate of Administration and Police, alongside West 1 and 2 Departmental Directorates.

    Deliberations yielded comprehensive security enhancement mechanisms designed to:

    • Optimize mobile patrol deployments and stationary checkpoint operations
    • Intensify preventive measures and law enforcement activities across all ten geographic departments
    • Expand police presence through additional outposts and forward operating bases
    • Strengthen internal troop supervision while ensuring clear officer identification protocols
    • Enhance intelligence-driven traffic interventions and targeted search operations

    These measures demonstrate the government’s dedication to reestablishing state authority, safeguarding citizens and property, and dismantling criminal networks while maintaining strict adherence to legal frameworks and fundamental rights.

    The administration highlighted the critical importance of structured community collaboration, identifying citizen participation—particularly through alert systems for kidnapping incidents and suspicious activities—as fundamental to national security strategy.

    This coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities across eighteen jurisdictions, and municipal governments aims to foster an environment of confidence, stability, and optimism for all Haitian citizens.

  • Abinader inaugurates Bayaguana–El Puerto highway, linking East and Northeast

    Abinader inaugurates Bayaguana–El Puerto highway, linking East and Northeast

    BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader has officially opened the Bayaguana–El Puerto highway, a transformative infrastructure project that resolves a longstanding transportation deficit for historically marginalized communities. This critical artery forms an integral segment of a broader 103-kilometer corridor, establishing unprecedented connectivity between the Eastern Region and the Northeast without requiring transit through Santo Domingo.

    Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella emphasized the highway’s multifaceted benefits, highlighting drastic reductions in travel duration, enhanced road safety protocols, and the facilitation of robust economic activity between agricultural, commercial, and tourism hubs. This initiative is part of an extensive regional development push, with 27 concurrent infrastructure ventures in Monte Plata province alone, collectively adding over 100 kilometers of new roadways to better integrate Central Cibao with the Northeast.

    The infrastructure directly serves numerous communities—including El Mamón, Libonao, Los Manantiales, and Copey—by drastically improving accessibility to essential services like healthcare and education while simultaneously reducing transportation overheads. Economically, it is poised to boost output for key local products such as citrus, cocoa, livestock, ginger, and honey, in addition to improving travel to cultural and ecological sites like the National Sanctuary of Santo Cristo de los Milagros.

    Hailed by local authorities as a landmark achievement after a 30-year wait, the project also encompassed the paving of 2.3 kilometers of urban streets in Bayaguana and Copey, where residents celebrated their first-ever paved roads. The main thoroughfare extends 20.3 kilometers, designed with dual 3.65-meter lanes, pedestrian walkways, advanced drainage systems, comprehensive signage, and an 80 km/h speed rating.

    In conjunction with the recently inaugurated Villa Riva highway, the Bayaguana–El Puerto roadway signifies a pivotal shift in the nation’s interprovincial connectivity, effectively dismantling historical barriers and redrawing the Dominican Republic’s logistical and economic map.

  • Pundits warn of democratic risks in anti-defection bill

    Pundits warn of democratic risks in anti-defection bill

    A proposed constitutional amendment in Barbados aimed at preventing parliamentary defections has drawn sharp criticism from prominent political scientists who warn it could fundamentally undermine democratic accountability. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday, would automatically trigger by-elections for any Member of Parliament who changes political allegiance—whether through resignation, expulsion, or joining another faction.

    Dr. Kristina Hinds, a former independent senator, characterized the legislation as a ‘double-edged sword’ that risks concentrating excessive power in party leadership while weakening the independence of elected representatives. ‘It opens the door to persons being arbitrarily treated within a political party and then placed in a vulnerable position by having to face the electorate once again,’ Hinds cautioned, noting the provision could enable party leaders to suppress internal dissent through the threat of expulsion.

    Political analyst Devaron Bruce echoed these concerns, describing the expulsion mechanism as a ‘noose’ over legislators’ heads that would particularly stifle backbench critics. Bruce emphasized that parliamentarians’ primary duty remains representing their 12,000-plus constituents rather than party apparatus. The amendment would effectively eliminate the safety valve of independent representation, a role that has historically allowed critical national issues to surface outside major party agendas.

    Notably, the amendment would mark the first constitutional recognition of political parties in Barbados—a significant shift from the document’s traditional focus on individual election. Critics argue this creates a ‘constitutional mismatch’ by elevating parties to unprecedented legal authority.

    The timing and scope of the amendment have raised additional concerns, with Bruce noting it appears reactive to just two recent defections—those of Bishop Joseph Atherley in 2018 and current MP Ralph Thorne. Bruce cautioned that constitutional changes should address broader systemic issues rather than specific instances, suggesting the current approach ‘doubles down’ on executive power concentration without comprehensive Westminster system reforms.

  • Electoral Commission Extends St. Philip’s North Registration Hours as Card Activity Surges

    Electoral Commission Extends St. Philip’s North Registration Hours as Card Activity Surges

    In response to unprecedented voter registration activity, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has implemented extended operating hours at the St. Philip’s North Registration Unit. This strategic decision comes as the nation prepares for a crucial March 16 by-election that will determine the successor to retired parliamentary veteran Sir Robin Yearwood.

    The Commission’s February 25 public notice revealed that effective immediately, the Glanvilles Community Centre registration facility will maintain expanded operations from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with additional weekend hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. These exceptional measures will remain in effect through March 15, the eve of the electoral contest.

    Official statistics validate the necessity of these extended services. During the critical February 23-27 monitoring period, St. Philip’s North demonstrated remarkable electoral engagement, recording 42 replacement applications on February 25 alone—the highest single-day figure nationwide. The constituency’s weekly total of 106 replacement applications significantly outpaced all other regions, representing the majority of the Commission’s 144 total replacement requests across all constituencies.

    The data further revealed 38 new voter registrations nationwide, indicating robust democratic participation. ABEC officials have formally advised residents to ‘be guided accordingly’ regarding the amended schedule, emphasizing the importance of electoral preparedness.

    This administrative response highlights the competitive nature of the upcoming by-election and reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring accessible voter services during this period of intensified civic engagement.

  • PHOTO: Secretary Rubio meet CARICOM Heads In St. Kitts

    PHOTO: Secretary Rubio meet CARICOM Heads In St. Kitts

    In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio convened with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leadership to solidify America’s position as the region’s premier strategic ally. The high-level discussions focused on enhancing multilateral cooperation across security, economic development, and climate resilience initiatives.

    The meeting represented a strategic recalibration of U.S.-Caribbean relations, emphasizing sustainable partnership frameworks rather than transactional engagements. Secretary Rubio outlined comprehensive support mechanisms including disaster preparedness coordination, counter-narcotics operations, and renewable energy infrastructure development.

    CARICOM representatives welcomed the renewed commitment, highlighting the importance of predictable collaboration in addressing regional challenges. The dialogue established working groups for implementing joint programs on maritime security, digital transformation, and trade facilitation.

    This diplomatic initiative signals a concerted effort to counterbalance growing external influence in the Caribbean basin while addressing shared concerns about economic stability and environmental vulnerabilities. The partnership framework includes regular ministerial consultations and technical assistance programs designed to foster long-term regional prosperity.

  • Persad-Bissessar Says Opposition Voices Marginalized Within CARICOM

    Persad-Bissessar Says Opposition Voices Marginalized Within CARICOM

    Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Leader of the Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago and head of the United National Congress (UNC), has launched a significant critique against the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), asserting that the regional body systematically sidelines opposition voices across member states. Her statements, delivered during a recent political address, highlight a growing tension between regional governance and domestic political dynamics.

    Persad-Bissessar articulated that CARICOM’s engagement model predominantly favors incumbent governments, effectively excluding elected opposition representatives from critical dialogues and decision-making processes. This approach, she contends, undermines democratic principles and creates an information deficit for alternative governments, who are consequently ill-prepared to assume national leadership roles. She emphasized that this practice not only disenfranchises a substantial segment of the Caribbean electorate but also potentially weakens regional cohesion and policy continuity.

    The veteran politician framed this alleged exclusion as a deliberate strategy that consolidates power for sitting administrations while stifling robust, multi-partisan debate on pressing regional issues. Her critique extends beyond Trinidad and Tobago, suggesting a pan-Caribbean pattern where the voices of parliamentary opposition parties are conspicuously absent from high-level CARICOM summits, working groups, and diplomatic negotiations.

    This accusation raises profound questions about transparency, inclusivity, and the very nature of governance within the 15-member bloc. It implies that CARICOM’s effectiveness and legitimacy could be compromised if it fails to incorporate diverse political perspectives from its member nations. The challenge presented by Persad-Bissessar calls for a potential restructuring of how the community interfaces with all elected officials, not just those currently in executive power, to foster a more resilient and representative regional partnership.