Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • 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.

  • US ‘totally stupid’ to attack Iran during talks — UN ambassador

    US ‘totally stupid’ to attack Iran during talks — UN ambassador

    GENEVA — Iran’s top United Nations diplomat has launched a scathing condemnation of American foreign policy, characterizing recent U.S. military actions as a catastrophic failure of judgment that undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ambassador Ali Bahreini, addressing international correspondents in Geneva, asserted that Washington made a “profoundly misguided decision” by initiating hostilities against Iran while delicate nuclear negotiations were underway.

    The diplomatic confrontation erupted despite what Bahreini described as promising indirect talks held on February 26 regarding Iran’s nuclear program. According to the ambassador, all parties involved had expressed optimism about the discussions, with both American and Iranian representatives agreeing to continue negotiations in Vienna this week.

    Bahreini attributed the sudden escalation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence on U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that the Israeli leader persuaded the American administration to abandon diplomatic channels in favor of military confrontation. The ambassador warned that both leaders would eventually recognize the grave consequences of this decision as Iran determines the course and outcome of the conflict.

    The Iranian diplomat emphasized that Tehran maintains no hostility toward neighboring Gulf states, characterizing them as friends engaged in daily dialogue. However, he stated unequivocally that Iran cannot tolerate American military bases in the region being used as operational platforms for attacks against Iranian territory.

    Bahreini clarified that Iran’s military responses constitute acts of self-defense rather than retaliation, targeting exclusively U.S. military assets while taking precautions to avoid civilian casualties. He stressed that Tehran has issued strict orders to its armed forces to prevent harm to non-combatants throughout the conflict.

    Despite claims from U.S. leadership suggesting Iranian interest in dialogue, Bahreini confirmed that no diplomatic contact has occurred between the nations since hostilities began, characterizing the situation as a war imposed upon Iran that will continue until aggression ceases.

  • No pressure on NEPA

    No pressure on NEPA

    The Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Leonard Francis, has issued a firm rebuttal against suggestions that his agency faces political interference from its parent ministry. During a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange forum, Francis categorically denied ever receiving instructions from government officials regarding agency decisions.

    Francis emphasized his commitment to regulatory integrity, stating, “I have never been instructed or directed by a prime minister or a minister of government. I am guided by the various policies and the process. I believe in abiding by the law and abiding by best practices.” This declaration came in response to questions prompted by Opposition environment spokesman Orville Newell’s recent call to transfer NEPA from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to the Ministry of Environment.

    Newell had raised concerns about potential structural conflicts, noting that the same ministry responsible for promoting major infrastructure projects also oversees Jamaica’s primary environmental regulator. “Environmental regulation must not only be independent, it must be seen to be independent,” Newell argued in a statement last month, characterizing the issue as structural rather than partisan.

    Francis described NEPA’s internal environment as “sometimes noisy” due to the diverse professional backgrounds of its staff, including environmentalists, planners, engineers, and architects. He highlighted that decision-making follows established frameworks including Jamaica’s Vision 2030 development plan and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    Water, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda supported Francis’s position, noting that all agencies must operate within legislative boundaries regardless of their ministerial placement. Samuda welcomed debate about regulatory structures but maintained that organizational location doesn’t determine operational integrity, as no agency head or minister can legally operate outside established regulatory frameworks.

  • Trinidad and Tobago placed under state of emergency

    Trinidad and Tobago placed under state of emergency

    The government of Trinidad and Tobago has implemented a nationwide state of emergency effective Tuesday, March 3rd, following intelligence reports indicating heightened criminal activity linked to organized gangs and recently released detainees. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the decisive measure after emergency consultations with the National Security Council, subsequently requesting President Christine Kangaloo to formally declare the security emergency.

    The declaration comes as a direct response to escalating violence across the nation, with security officials reporting multiple fatalities from coordinated shootings and growing threats against law enforcement personnel. Intelligence assessments presented to the NSC revealed credible plans to target police officers, prison staff, and members of the legal services, prompting the government’s severe response.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward criminal enterprises, referencing previous successful security operations conducted over the past ten months. The government had previously extended a state of emergency initiated in December 2024 by the former Rowley administration, which remained active until January 31st of this year.

    The administration’s efforts to establish permanent security legislation suffered a setback in January when the proposed Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) bill failed to secure Senate approval. The failed legislation would have granted security forces enhanced powers including warrantless search and seizure capabilities within designated high-crime areas.

    Persad-Bissessar issued a stern warning to criminal elements, stating that violent gang members would be immediately returned to prison, potentially accompanied by family members found complicit in criminal activities. The government maintains that all available resources will be deployed to prevent reversal of recent security gains and protect citizens from organized criminal networks.

  • G2K slams PNP for failure to condemn & expel confessed wife-killer, Jolyan Silvera

    G2K slams PNP for failure to condemn & expel confessed wife-killer, Jolyan Silvera

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s political landscape has been shaken by escalating criticism from Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional arm of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), directed at the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) regarding its response to former West St Mary MP Jolyan Silvera’s murder confession.

    G2K issued a strongly-worded statement Tuesday condemning the PNP’s perceived silence and inaction following Silvera’s courtroom admission that he fatally shot his wife. While expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to the victim’s family, the organization articulated deep concerns about political accountability in cases involving severe criminal conduct by public officials.

    “When members of a political organization are implicated in serious wrongdoing,” G2K asserted, “both society and their affiliated party have a moral obligation to respond in a manner that communicates appropriate public messaging.”

    The critique centers on the PNP’s failure to formally expel Silvera despite his guilty plea to murdering his wife, with G2K characterizing the violence as “a most wicked and evil act.” The organization expressed particular disappointment that the PNP’s Women’s Movement has not taken stronger disciplinary measures, suggesting the party only addresses domestic violence when politically convenient.

    G2K highlighted Silvera’s visible role in PNP President Mark Golding’s road team prior to his arrest, noting he was frequently seen holding Golding’s umbrella during public appearances. The organization also questioned Golding’s initial social media post describing the victim as having “passed away,” which they claim contributed to misleading narratives about natural causes rather than violent homicide.

    Furthermore, G2K has challenged senior PNP figures and a controversial party blogger to clarify their actions when visiting Silvera’s residence following the shooting, implying potential attempts to manage the situation rather than condemn the crime.

    The developing controversy raises significant questions about political accountability, ethical leadership, and genuine commitment to addressing gender-based violence within Jamaica’s political institutions.