Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • José Horacio Rodríguez calls alleged ITLA salary deductions for politics “deplorable”

    José Horacio Rodríguez calls alleged ITLA salary deductions for politics “deplorable”

    SANTO DOMINGO – A prominent political leader in the Dominican Republic has issued a stern condemnation following explosive allegations of coerced political contributions from public institution employees. José Horacio Rodríguez, who heads the Democratic Option party, characterized as ‘deplorable’ a recent investigative report claiming that staff at the Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA) were pressured to donate up to five percent of their salaries to support a political movement.

    Rodríguez asserted that this incident is not isolated but rather symptomatic of a pervasive and deeply entrenched pattern of illicit political financing plaguing the nation. He emphasized that such practices represent a clear breach of Dominican law and called for an immediate and comprehensive official investigation into the matter. The party president contextualized the allegations within a troubling history of political scandals, noting that the misuse of funds for political gain has previously been linked to more severe criminal activities, including corruption and drug trafficking.

    Highlighting the corrosive effect of money in politics, the former congressman advocated for sweeping systemic reforms. His proposal centers on substantially reducing the overall financial burden of political campaigns by implementing stricter expenditure caps. Furthermore, Rodríguez pushed for enhanced transparency mechanisms and robust oversight to prevent financial misconduct. He pointed to international benchmarks for inspiration, specifically citing Belgium’s framework for regulated political advertising and France’s stringent limits on broadcast campaign time as viable models for the Dominican Republic to emulate. The ultimate goal, he stressed, is to ensure that political financing operates with integrity and truly serves the public interest, rather than undermining democratic institutions.

  • Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    In a significant political development, former opposition leader Bishop Joe Atherley has officially declared he will not stand as a candidate in Barbados’ upcoming general election, despite reaffirming his enduring dedication to the nation’s political landscape. The announcement came during an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY on Monday.

    Atherley, who previously secured the St Michael West constituency for the Barbados Labour Party in 2018 before establishing the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) as the sole opposition voice, emphasized that his withdrawal from candidacy does not signal retirement from public service. ‘I remain deeply engaged in the political process and maintain my commitment to advancing the interests of Barbadian citizens,’ he stated.

    The former parliamentarian articulated a philosophy of principle-driven service over partisan allegiance, noting: ‘My primary allegiance lies with the national colors of Barbados—blue, yellow, and gold—rather than any party label. I operate based on Christian principles and ministerial profession, remaining available to serve the people in whatever capacity circumstances permit.’

    This declaration coincides with the formation of the People’s Coalition for Progress, an alliance comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party. Notably, Atherley clarified that neither he nor the PdP are participating in this coalition effort, distinguishing the current political landscape from the previous Allied Party for Progress arrangement during the January 2022 elections.

    Atherley’s decision creates strategic implications for Barbados’ opposition framework as the nation approaches its electoral process, with his continued involvement expected to take forms beyond conventional candidacy.

  • New coalition pushes for reform, fairer representation, voter re-engagement

    New coalition pushes for reform, fairer representation, voter re-engagement

    A significant political realignment has emerged in Barbados as three emerging parties—the United Progressive Party (UPP), New National Party (NNP), and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party (CBLP)—have consolidated into the People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) just weeks before the nation’s general election. This alliance positions itself as a viable alternative to Barbados’ established political duopoly.

    At the coalition’s inaugural press conference in Bridgetown, UPP leader Lynette Eastmond criticized Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement of a snap election, contending the abbreviated timeline disadvantages voters rather than political organizations. “Calling a snap election with minimal notice undermines democratic participation,” Eastmond asserted. “This approach disadvantages Barbadian citizens who deserve adequate time to evaluate their voting options rather than defaulting to established parties or abstaining entirely.”

    Eastmond highlighted concerning voter apathy patterns, particularly in urban constituencies, attributing this trend to systemic neglect. She advocated for transitioning from Barbados’ current two-party framework toward multiparty parliamentary representation, citing nations with proportional representation systems that achieve superior Human Development Index rankings.

    The coalition leaders presented comprehensive reform proposals including constitutional amendments to implement fixed election dates, proportional representation instead of first-past-the-post voting, and reduction of parliamentary seats from 30 to better reflect Barbados’ population size. “Maintaining 30 parliamentary seats for 300,000 citizens represents excessive bureaucratic burden,” Eastmond contended.

    NNP leader Kemar Stuart raised concerns about electoral list integrity, revealing his own registration challenges despite being a parliamentary candidate. Regarding economic policy, Stuart warned about potential oil supply disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions and suggested another International Monetary Fund arrangement might follow the election.

    CBLP leader Corey Beckles characterized the coalition as injecting renewed energy into Barbadian politics, emphasizing that “fresh parliamentary voices are essential after years of unfulfilled promises.”

    The PCP confirmed its candidates will contest individually like other parties, with elected members determining prime ministerial leadership. While the complete candidate roster remains forthcoming, the coalition pledged imminent publication of its full slate.

  • Budna Case Heats Up as Pou Pushes Back

    Budna Case Heats Up as Pou Pushes Back

    A deepening corruption scandal within the Belize Police Department escalated dramatically on Friday as legal representatives for Police Constable Gabriel Pou issued a vehement rebuttal to Commissioner Richard Rosado. The confrontation centers on the controversial Budna kidnapping investigation, with Pou’s attorneys alleging systematic evidence manipulation and political interference.

    Pou’s legal team contends their client was coerced into providing falsified testimony, directly challenging Commissioner Rosado’s recent appeal for officers to come forward with information. In a scathing statement, they accused the police commissioner of orchestrating a disingenuous campaign that suppresses critical evidence rather than pursuing transparent truth-finding measures.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the mounting controversy during a press briefing, delivering blunt advice to the accused officer: “He needs to go to the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]. That’s his right and legal responsibility. He should stop just hurling these accusations. He either steps up or shuts up.”

    The Prime Minister revealed that while Cabinet discussions regarding an independent investigator for the Budna case began in December, the process remains with the Attorney General’s office. Briceño emphasized the complexity of establishing proper legal safeguards for such investigations, noting concerns about potential future political weaponization of special investigative powers. “We must ensure that when this is implemented, it can only be utilized for serious investigations that genuinely require independent oversight,” Briceño stated, specifically referencing the Budna case as potentially meeting that threshold.

  • Briceño Pulls Plug on 13th Amendment, Gun Court Still in Play

    Briceño Pulls Plug on 13th Amendment, Gun Court Still in Play

    In a significant policy reversal, the Briceño administration has formally terminated its pursuit of the Thirteenth Amendment to Belize’s Constitution as a mechanism to address the nation’s crime epidemic. The decision follows extensive nationwide consultations that revealed insufficient public and parliamentary support for the constitutional overhaul.

    Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre confirmed the administration’s shift in strategy, indicating that while the comprehensive amendment package has been shelved, certain components—notably the establishment of a specialized Gun Court—remain under consideration through alternative legislative pathways.

    “The ministry of Home Affairs and AG’s ministry are consulting and considering this matter,” Sylvestre stated. “A final product has not been determined as yet regarding what will be the next step—whether that will be an amendment to the criminal code or the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act.”

    The Attorney General emphasized that any legislative measures derived from the original amendment proposal would require thorough parliamentary deliberation and additional public consultation. He specifically noted that the potential implementation of a Gun Court, once contemplated as part of the constitutional amendment, could potentially be enacted through regular statutory legislation rather than constitutional reform.

    Sylvestre declined to provide further specifics pending final decisions, but unequivocally stated: “The Thirteenth Amendment or parts of the Thirteenth Amendment will no longer be pursued.” The ultimate determination regarding which elements might be preserved through alternative legislation rests with parliamentary committees and elected representatives.

    This development represents a notable recalibration of the government’s approach to criminal justice reform, shifting from comprehensive constitutional change to targeted legislative measures that can be implemented through established parliamentary processes.

  • Jerry Enriquez Wins Leave to Sue JLSC

    Jerry Enriquez Wins Leave to Sue JLSC

    In a significant legal development, social advocate Jerry Enriquez has secured High Court authorization to challenge the Judicial and Legal Services Commission’s rejection of his formal complaint. The judicial body had previously dismissed Enriquez’s submission in late 2025, a decision the activist contends disregarded substantial and compelling evidence.

    The High Court’s approval enables Enriquez to pursue formal judicial review proceedings against the JLSC, marking a notable escalation in the confrontation between civil society and Jamaica’s judicial oversight mechanism. Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre acknowledged the historical precedent of such challenges, revealing this isn’t the commission’s first courtroom encounter.

    Sylvestre referenced a prior case that progressed to the Caribbean Court of Justice involving allegations against Justice of Appeal Awich. The Jamaican Bar Association had previously sought removal proceedings against Awich for alleged misconduct concerning delayed judgment delivery, though the JLSC initially declined to advance those proceedings. That case established important procedural precedents regarding the commission’s accountability mechanisms.

    The current litigation raises fundamental questions about complaint adjudication transparency within Jamaica’s judicial oversight framework. Legal observers anticipate this case could potentially reshape how the JLSC evaluates future misconduct allegations and complaint dismissals.

  • FGM’s Walton-Desir to boycott National Assembly; questions how Opposition Leader’s office was budgeted for

    FGM’s Walton-Desir to boycott National Assembly; questions how Opposition Leader’s office was budgeted for

    In a dramatic escalation of Guyana’s parliamentary crisis, Opposition Parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir has declared her party’s intention to boycott Monday’s crucial budget reading session. The leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) demands that Speaker Manzoor Nadir first convene opposition legislators to elect a formal Opposition Leader before any fiscal deliberations commence.

    Walton-Desir’s statement directly challenges the legitimacy of the upcoming budget presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, scheduled for January 26, 2026. “We will not sit there and pretend that it is business as usual,” she asserted, emphasizing that her movement “will not lend legitimacy to nonsense” by participating in proceedings while the government “deliberately refuses” to facilitate the constitutional process.

    The political stalemate centers on the election of an Opposition Leader following September’s general elections, which returned the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) to power with 36 seats. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, emerged as the main opposition with 16 seats, but Mohamed faces potential extradition to the United States over alleged financial crimes.

    Walton-Desir, a legal professional, raised substantive questions about budgetary procedures, noting that the Office of the Opposition Leader receives state funding through parliamentary subventions. “Who has been engaged to determine that figure? What figure did they budget for the operation of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition when they have deliberately refused to allow one to be elected?” she questioned.

    The constitutional impasse has drawn international attention, with Western diplomats including US Ambassador Nicole Theriot advocating for the election process to proceed. Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has expressed concerns that electing Mohamed would “tarnish the country’s image” and cause “permanent damage” to Guyana’s international standing.

    President Irfaan Ali recently claimed his administration has “no business” in determining the Opposition Leader selection, despite previously suggesting the position should go to a female legislator. The President has already appointed members to the Teaching Service Commission without opposition consultation, contrary to constitutional requirements.

    Walton-Desir framed the conflict as a fundamental test of Guyana’s democratic integrity: “This is not only disrespect to the Constitution, it is disrespect to the people of Guyana.” She concluded that the PPPC-led administration is “manufacturing normalcy whilst refusing to complete the constitutional architecture, and then using their majority numbers to bulldoze legitimacy.”

  • Prime Minister Browne Receives Farewell Visit from Indian High Commissioner

    Prime Minister Browne Receives Farewell Visit from Indian High Commissioner

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda hosted a farewell meeting with outgoing Indian High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the two nations. The Prime Minister characterized the occasion as “bittersweet,” acknowledging both the satisfaction of Dr. Telang’s new assignment in New Delhi and the regret surrounding his premature departure from the Caribbean nation.

    During the extensive discussions, Prime Minister Browne emphasized India’s role as an inspirational model for small island states seeking resilient prosperity amidst global transformations. He particularly highlighted India’s extraordinary economic trajectory over the past decade, recognizing its emergence as a dominant global economy. The leadership of Antigua and Barbuda expressed strong interest in deepening bilateral cooperation as both countries continue their developmental journeys.

    A central focus of the dialogue involved enhancing people-to-people connections and facilitating improved mobility between the two countries to bolster trade and business development. While existing visa arrangements were acknowledged, both parties identified potential for expanding access mechanisms to accommodate increased travel for entrepreneurs, investors, and academic exchanges. The Prime Minister stressed that enhanced mobility would significantly contribute to trade expansion, cultural exchange, and long-term economic partnership strengthening.

    High Commissioner Telang reciprocated the sentiments, expressing profound appreciation for the hospitality extended by the government and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. He characterized his tenure as remarkably productive, noting substantial intensification of cooperation between the nations during his service. The High Commissioner additionally commended Antigua and Barbuda’s successful organization of the SIDS Summit and extended India’s support for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The discussions yielded concrete developments in bilateral cooperation, particularly regarding renewable energy initiatives. The High Commissioner confirmed advanced negotiations concerning solar energy projects, revealing that Indian companies had already conducted exploratory visits and were finalizing proposals for submission through diplomatic channels. This cooperation aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic priorities in renewable energy infrastructure development and reducing fossil fuel dependency.

    Prime Minister Browne welcomed the prospective solar energy partnership, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to securing financing and technical partnerships through India’s solar development programs. The government’s dedication to achieving energy stability through clean, reliable solutions for national sustainability was reiterated as a core policy objective.

    Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Browne extended best wishes for Dr. Telang’s future endeavors while encouraging his continued advocacy for Antigua and Barbuda within Indian diplomatic circles. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that incoming diplomatic representation would build upon the established foundation of cooperation, fostering deeper friendship and mutually beneficial progress between the nations.

  • City Council declares solid waste emergency, to ask govt for help

    City Council declares solid waste emergency, to ask govt for help

    The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has officially declared a limited state of emergency regarding solid waste management in Guyana’s capital, marking a critical turning point in the city’s ongoing sanitation crisis. The emergency declaration, passed during a statutory council meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026, enables the immediate reassignment of non-essential municipal staff to sanitation duties and initiates the development of a comprehensive strategy seeking financial and operational support from central government.

    Mayor Alfred Mentore outlined an ambitious multi-pronged approach that includes rapid deployment of additional equipment, short-term hiring of garbage collection contractors, and identification of illegal dumping hotspots. The administration plans enhanced enforcement measures against litterbugs and establishment of temporary garbage drop-off sites across commercial districts, markets, hospitals, schools, and densely populated residential areas.

    The emergency declaration emerged against a backdrop of political tensions, with only 13 of 30 councilors attending the critical meeting—10 from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and three from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Earlier that day, APNU councilors had boycotted a separate meeting called by Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, who has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the mayor’s motives since her appointment following September 2025 elections.

    Despite these tensions, Mayor Mentore emphasized willingness to ‘throw politics through the window’ and collaborate with the PPPC-led central government. He envisioned the Georgetown cleanup initiative serving as a pilot model for other locally governed areas in Guyana, requiring ‘hand-in-glove arrangement between the city and the government.’

    Chief Sanitation Officer Walter Narine highlighted alarming statistics showing a 16% increase in garbage production over five years, now reaching 184 tonnes daily. He attributed this surge to growing migrant populations and proliferation of supermarkets, noting garbage trucks now must make three trips per constituency instead of one. Narine warned that ‘the current system can’t continue’ without structural changes.

    The council supported Narine’s proposal to hire small contractors with prompt payment through a petty-cash system, addressing previous contractor unwillingness to work due to payment delays. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about holding larger garbage collection companies accountable for their performance lapses.

    The resolution represents a significant municipal response to what Councilor Clayton Hinds described as a waste disposal crisis affecting specific areas of Georgetown, though he characterized the emergency as affecting only ‘a small area’ of the city.

  • Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has marked the 2024-2025 period as exceptionally significant in its ongoing battle against financial crimes, according to Director McKelson Ferrol. Speaking at a recent Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs press conference, Ferrol detailed substantial operational advancements including the establishment of a specialized subunit and enhanced staffing capabilities.

    The Unit’s analytical department has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in processing suspicious activity reports while developing both operational and strategic analyses to support key authorities including the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Financial Services Unit, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and Customs Division. FIU personnel have additionally strengthened their expertise through participation in regional and international training programs, seminars, and conferences, serving in capacities ranging from assessors to trainers.

    Critical collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecution, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and multiple regional and international agencies has yielded successful investigations and prosecutions across various financial crime categories, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trade.

    In a strategic move toward regulatory compliance, Dominica will present its CFATF 4th Round Mutual Evaluation Third Follow-Up Report at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2026. This follows the October 2024 presentation and November 2025 gazetting of three pivotal legislative measures: the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism Act, Money-Laundering Prevention Act, and Anti-Money-Laundering and Suppression of Terrorism Finance Amendment, Code of Practice 2025.

    The nation will seek re-rating for three previously partially compliant recommendations and one non-compliant recommendation. Director Ferrol expressed confidence in obtaining favorable outcomes during the May 2026 CFATF Plenary session.

    Notably, under the provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore facilitated a substantial disbursement of $2,042,096.42 from the asset recovery fund to support critical institutions including the Roseau District Court, FIU, Supreme Court, Customs Division, and Regional Security System.