Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Opposition Leader silent on own – Beckles: ‘I beg to move’

    Opposition Leader silent on own – Beckles: ‘I beg to move’

    In an unprecedented parliamentary development, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles sparked procedural confusion in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on November 30 by declining to deliver an opening contribution for her own motion condemning Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration regarding the US-Venezuela tensions.

    The incident occurred during the first private members’ day following the April 28 general election, a session traditionally dedicated to opposition-led debates. Beckles read the text of her motion while complaining about government MPs’ heckling, prompting Speaker Jagdeo Singh to demand order. Despite parliamentary staff providing a glass lectern and document stand suggesting an elaborate presentation, Beckles concluded simply with “I beg to move” and took her seat without further commentary.

    Speaker Singh expressed procedural concerns, suspending the session for ten minutes to consult parliamentary rules. Upon resumption, he ruled that Beckles’ phrase had formally ended her presentation opportunity under standing orders, requiring immediate progression to a seconder. Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales subsequently seconded the motion while reserving his right to speak later.

    Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal expressed astonishment at Beckles’ unusual parliamentary maneuver, noting her decades of experience made the omission particularly remarkable. He then proposed extensive amendments supporting government actions, asserting that US-Venezuela tensions hadn’t harmed Trinidad and Tobago’s economy or security, and that the government’s position reflected commitment to combating transnational crime through international cooperation.

    The amendments faced objections from Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, though Speaker Singh permitted them as not materially altering the motion’s substance. The session concluded without voting on the amendments after parliamentary advice indicated no immediate vote was required, with the House adjourning to an unspecified future date.

  • Trinidad PM defends decision not to inform country about US radar installation

    Trinidad PM defends decision not to inform country about US radar installation

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly justified her administration’s covert installation of United States radar systems in Tobago, framing the decision as a necessary measure for national security. The Prime Minister criticized the previous government for leaving the nation’s borders dangerously exposed while simultaneously defending her choice to withhold information from both the public and Tobago’s local assembly.

    Persad-Bissessar clarified that the US presence is strictly non-military, associated instead with surveillance infrastructure near the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport. She emphasized that the operation was never intended as a provocative measure against neighboring Venezuela. The Prime Minister explained her secrecy by stating that public disclosure would have compromised the strategic advantage against narco-traffickers and other transnational criminals, potentially endangering citizens.

    According to her account, the previous radar system was sporadically functional, inefficient, and provided incomplete territorial coverage. Coast Guard authorities could not access real-time data, and the system’s integrity was compromised. Persad-Bissessar formally requested temporary radar assistance from the US Embassy until a permanent replacement is secured.

    Meanwhile, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed surprise upon learning of the installation, confirming that US personnel had indeed been conducting work at the airport to enhance surveillance capabilities. Augustine reaffirmed Tobago’s neutral stance and emphasized that while foreign policy is managed by the central government, the THA prioritizes the island’s stability and security. He has since engaged the Prime Minister to request comprehensive project details.

    The radar installation was initially planned for Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, but authorities there missed Washington’s deadline amid public protests and pending technical reviews. Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported US-led counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, controversially advocating for violent measures against drug traffickers despite international criticism of US tactics.

    Political analysts suggest the US war on drugs may serve as a pretext for undermining the Venezuelan government, an accusation Venezuela has leveled against Trinidad and Tobago. These developments coincide with recent statements from US President Donald Trump hinting at potential military action against Venezuela.

  • OECS commission congratulates newly-elected PM of St Vincent and the Grenadines

    OECS commission congratulates newly-elected PM of St Vincent and the Grenadines

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has formally extended congratulations to Dr. Godwin Friday on his election as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, following a conclusive victory in the nation’s recent general election. In an official statement released Saturday, the regional body applauded the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their democratic participation in a peaceful and orderly electoral process. Dr. Friday assumes leadership from Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, whose tenure as Prime Minister began in 2001 and who established himself as a influential and respected figure across the Caribbean region and internationally. The OECS Commission articulated its anticipation for a revitalized partnership with the new administration, emphasizing a foundation built on mutual regional principles of solidarity, sustainable development, and transparent governance. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to close cooperation with Prime Minister Friday’s government to advance policies and initiatives aimed at fortifying both St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the broader Eastern Caribbean community. Furthermore, the statement conveyed profound gratitude to the outgoing Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves, acknowledging his decades of dedicated service and substantial contributions to regional integration efforts. The OECS warmly welcomed Prime Minister Friday and his newly appointed Cabinet into its fold, offering full support and best wishes for their success in guiding the nation forward.

  • Defence Minister: Trinidad and Tobago flights not affected by Venezuela’s no-fly zone

    Defence Minister: Trinidad and Tobago flights not affected by Venezuela’s no-fly zone

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Ministry has moved swiftly to dispel public concerns regarding potential airspace disruptions following former US President Donald Trump’s declaration of a no-fly zone over Venezuela. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge issued an official statement on November 29 characterizing social media speculation about flight interruptions as “misinformation” and “fearmongering” orchestrated by politically motivated influencers seeking to create instability.

    The ministerial response came hours after Trump’s social media proclamation that declared “THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY” while addressing “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers” in his characteristic blunt style. This escalation occurs against a backdrop of heightened US-Venezuela tensions, marked by significant US military deployment to the region and 21 missile strikes on vessels since September 21 that resulted in 83 fatalities among alleged drug traffickers.

    Minister Sturge emphasized that commercial aviation operations continue unaffected throughout Trinidadian airspace, with local, regional, and international flights operating without hindrance. The Defence Ministry, which maintains authority over the nation’s airspace and territorial waters, committed to providing official timely communications should any operational changes become necessary, urging citizens to disregard unverified social media speculation.

  • Venezuela Blocks Six Airlines; Trump Says Land Action Coming Soon

    Venezuela Blocks Six Airlines; Trump Says Land Action Coming Soon

    Venezuela has imposed a comprehensive ban on six major international carriers after they declined to resume operations within a government-mandated 48-hour window. The aviation blockade comes in direct response to the airlines’ decision to halt services following a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) security advisory highlighting ‘heightened military activity’ and potential hazards within Venezuelan airspace.

    Caracas officials have condemned the flight suspensions as acts of ‘state terrorism,’ asserting that the FAA possesses no jurisdictional authority over Venezuelan territory. The escalating aviation conflict coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

    In a parallel development, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated forthcoming expansion of anti-narcotics operations targeting alleged drug trafficking networks originating from Venezuela. During a Thanksgiving conference call with military personnel, Trump revealed plans for imminent land-based interventions, stating: ‘We’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.’

    The President issued a direct warning to alleged traffickers: ‘We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country.’ These remarks signal a potential escalation in the administration’s pressure campaign against the Maduro government.

    Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denied any governmental involvement in narcotics trafficking and characterizes U.S. allegations as politically motivated attempts to destabilize his administration. The converging aviation and narcotics disputes reflect deteriorating bilateral relations and suggest increasing regional tensions.

  • Smooth start to polling as essential workers vote in Castries

    Smooth start to polling as essential workers vote in Castries

    Critical infrastructure personnel across six electoral districts in Saint Lucia participated in special advance voting proceedings on Friday morning. The designated polling venue at the Police Training School in La Toc, Castries, accommodated essential workers from Castries East, Castries Central, Castries South, Anse La Raye, Dennery North, and Castries South East constituencies.

    Uniformed services formed a significant portion of the early electorate, with substantial representation from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Saint Lucia Fire Service. Personnel from other government agencies also joined the advanced polling exercise aimed at ensuring continuity of essential services during general elections.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy supervised the proceedings across two operational polling stations at the facility. The electoral process commenced precisely at 6:30 AM according to established schedules. In a mid-morning assessment, Dr. Sealy reported exceptionally smooth operations with efficiently moving queues.

    “The polling stations opened punctually and have maintained seamless operations since commencement,” Dr. Sealy confirmed during an interim review. “Voter throughput has been particularly rapid at one station due to a smaller registered voter allocation per poll.”

    The advanced voting proceedings concluded without significant disruptions, marked by an orderly atmosphere and minimal grievances from both electoral participants and administrative officials. The successful execution demonstrates Saint Lucia’s electoral system capacity to accommodate specialized voting arrangements while maintaining procedural integrity.

  • Skerrit points to lesson in people-centered politics after St. Vincent election upset

    Skerrit points to lesson in people-centered politics after St. Vincent election upset

    In the wake of a seismic political transformation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regional leaders are contemplating the fundamental nature of democratic accountability. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica delivered a profound commentary on state-owned DBS Radio, emphasizing that “politics is about people” while extending congratulations to Dr. Godwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) for their landslide electoral triumph.

    The political landscape experienced a dramatic reversal as Dr. Friday’s NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, conclusively ending the two-decade governance of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party (ULP). This decisive outcome represents not merely a change in administration but a significant recalibration of the nation’s political direction.

    Prime Minister Skerrit articulated the delicate relationship between leadership and constituency, noting, “The power rests with people. People lend us the power… If you try to believe that it’s not being used properly, to their benefit, then they withdraw it.” His remarks served as both commentary on the election results and a cautionary note to sitting politicians throughout the Caribbean region regarding the perils of becoming disconnected from their electorate.

    The Dominican leader further warned against the tendency of officials to become inaccessible once assuming office, stating, “You always have to make time for the people. The people put you there, therefore you have to live in custody. If that is not done, then the people will relieve you of the burden.”

    Simultaneously, Skerrit extended diplomatic courtesy to the outgoing administration, acknowledging Dr. Gonsalves’ “impressive impact on the region and the world” during his lengthy tenure. The prime minister expressed anticipation for continued positive bilateral relations between Dominica and St. Vincent under the new government.

    Prime Minister-designate Friday struck a conciliatory tone in his initial address, declaring an immediate public holiday and calling for national unity. “The election is behind us now and I want to see that this country comes together,” he told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to implementing the NDP’s 60-day action plan without delay.

    This political transition marks a historic moment for the Eastern Caribbean nation, with regional observers noting the demonstration of democratic maturity through peaceful power transfer. The comprehensive nature of the electoral outcome suggests a clear public mandate for the incoming administration’s policy platform and governance approach.

  • PM Mitchell congratulates PM-elect Dr Godwin Friday

    PM Mitchell congratulates PM-elect Dr Godwin Friday

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Government of Grenada has formally extended its congratulations to Dr. Godwin Friday following his electoral victory as Prime Minister-elect of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The landmark triumph by Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) has been characterized as a pivotal moment for the nation’s democratic trajectory.

    Grenadian Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell personally commended both Dr. Friday and the NDP for their demonstrated commitment to democratic principles throughout the electoral process. Mitchell expressed strong confidence in the incoming administration’s capacity to guide St. Vincent and the Grenadines toward a future marked by substantial progress and sustainable development.

    The congratulatory message emphasized Grenada’s anticipation of collaborative engagement with the incoming Vincentian leadership. Both nations are expected to prioritize the strengthening of bilateral relations and the advancement of regional integration initiatives within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This cooperative framework aims to generate tangible benefits for citizens across the region through enhanced economic and political coordination.

    The transition of power signifies a new chapter in Vincentian politics and presents opportunities for refreshed diplomatic dynamics within the Eastern Caribbean. The Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada issued the statement, underscoring the importance of stable democratic transitions in maintaining regional harmony and progressive governance.

  • Girard lays his case for Anse La Raye/Canaries

    Girard lays his case for Anse La Raye/Canaries

    The Anse La Raye/Canaries constituency in Saint Lucia stands at a pivotal historical juncture as voters prepare for the December 1 General Election. Incumbent representative Wayne Girard of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) seeks to achieve what no politician has accomplished since Cyprian Lansiquot’s consecutive victories in 1997 and 2001—secure a second term in this traditionally volatile west coast district.

    The political significance of this election extends beyond individual candidates, potentially marking the first time since Lansiquot that any political party retains this seat for consecutive terms. The constituency has remained with governing parties since 1987, adding substantial weight to Girard’s reelection campaign against United Workers Party challenger Dominic Fedee, who previously held the seat from 2016 to 2021.

    At a crucial pre-election gathering on November 27, Girard presented his governance record to constituents at the Anse La Raye waterfront, emphasizing recently completed infrastructure projects including the West Coast First Station and the National Skills Development Centre Chalét youth facility. These developments, opened just days before the election, formed the cornerstone of his appeal for continued representation.

    The Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Youth Economy received notable political reinforcement during the event. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre and former MP Cyprian Lansiquot appeared alongside him, while erstwhile independent candidate Elwin St Rose unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy to deliver passionate endorsements of Girard’s leadership.

    Girard outlined an ambitious future agenda contingent on reelection, promising delivery of a new police station and completion of a sophisticated two-lane reinforced-concrete girder bridge featuring pedestrian walkways, utility ducts, and enhanced resilience against extreme weather events. He further highlighted recent athletic achievements by the Anse La Raye football team, which won promotion to Tier 1 alongside a $30,000 prize, positioning sports investment as a key community development priority.

    The sitting MP contrasted his collaborative governance approach with what he characterized as Fedee’s differing methodology, emphasizing community consultation in development planning. Girard referenced commissioned flood mitigation studies and actively solicited constituent input regarding community priorities, framing the election as a referendum on participatory development versus alternative political methodologies.

  • NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    In a seismic political realignment, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed a dramatic transfer of power as the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved an overwhelming electoral triumph. Preliminary results from Thursday’s general election reveal the NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, effectively ending the Unity Labour Party’s 24-year governance era.

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, among the world’s longest-serving democratically elected leaders who has governed since 2001, suffered a devastating defeat with his ULP retaining just a single seat. This electoral outcome represents the most significant political transformation in the nation’s recent history and conclusively terminates Gonsalves’ pursuit of an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

    The international community has begun responding to this democratic transition. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness formally congratulated the nation through social media platform X, commending St. Vincent and the Grenadines for conducting a ‘peaceful and democratic process.’

    Diplomatic attention has particularly focused on the election’s implications for Taiwan-China relations, as St. Vincent remains one of Taipei’s few enduring diplomatic partners. Taiwan’s ambassador extended congratulations to the victorious NDP, despite the party’s previous indications about potentially reevaluating foreign allegiances. The NDP’s campaign manifesto, while suggesting consideration of strengthened relations with China, stopped short of advocating complete termination of ties with Taiwan.

    This 14-1 electoral outcome marks the ULP’s poorest performance since initially assuming power more than two decades ago, signaling a profound shift in the Vincentian electorate’s political preferences and potentially heralding a new chapter in the nation’s international relationships.