Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    PORT OF SPAIN – Venezuelan Ambassador Álvaro Enrique Sánchez Cordero stood alongside social activists and political leaders outside his nation’s embassy in Trinidad on January 4, delivering a fiery condemnation of the United States’ military operation that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s detention.

    The demonstration, organized by Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah and activist Abeo Jackson, brought together fewer than 30 protesters who expressed unwavering solidarity with Caracas’ leadership. Their gathering occurred just one day after U.S. forces entered Venezuelan territory to apprehend Maduro on narco-terrorism charges.

    Ambassador Cordero characterized the operation as “a political kidnapping designed to terrorise a nation that refuses to surrender.” In an impassioned address, he asserted that “Nicolas Maduro continues to be the constitutional president of Venezuela” and condemned what he described as years of economic warfare against his country.

    “This attack is the sharpest edge of a years-long war and illegal economic blockade designed to starve a people into submission,” Cordero declared, attributing the aggression to “neo-colonial arrogance” rooted in the Monroe Doctrine.

    The protest took on diplomatic dimensions as Trinidadian police maintained a conspicuous presence, questioning attendees and even requesting identification from the Venezuelan ambassador. Cordero complied with these requests while maintaining that the gathering violated no local laws.

    MSJ leader David Abdulah delivered a scathing critique of both American interventionism and the Trinidadian government’s perceived complicity. He drew parallels between Maduro’s detention and Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating that both represented violations of international law.

    “As a patriot of TT, I am condemning the Prime Minister of TT for continued complicity in this regard with Trump,” Abdulah asserted, dismissing government claims of non-involvement as insufficient.

    Activist Abeo Jackson warned that Trinidad’s stance would have historical consequences, urging citizens to reject what she characterized as silent consent to American hegemony. “Our silence is not neutrality, it is consent,” she cautioned. “The future will be decided right now.”

    Participants dismissed international media coverage showing Venezuelans celebrating Maduro’s arrest as propaganda featuring “paid players.” Shabaka Kambon of the Caribbean Freedom Project reported contacting colleagues in Caracas who claimed to be participating in solidarity vigils, suggesting domestic support for the detained president remains strong.

    Despite the intimate size of the demonstration, the significant police presence highlighted regional tensions following the unprecedented cross-border military operation. Protesters ultimately arranged themselves along the embassy walls to avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic while maintaining their visible protest.

  • Dragon deal in doubt after Maduro’s removal

    Dragon deal in doubt after Maduro’s removal

    Following the dramatic extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US military forces on January 3, Trinidad and Tobago faces significant uncertainty regarding its long-term energy arrangements with Venezuela. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed these developments at a January 4 press conference at the UNC headquarters in Chaguanas, acknowledging that the future of the Dragon gas field exploration agreement remains unclear.

    The previous PNM administration had secured a 30-year license for the Dragon gas project in December 2023, which was subsequently revoked in April 2024 following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. The current UNC government obtained a six-month license extension in September 2025 after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC.

    Minister Sobers characterized the Dragon gas project, along with other cross-border energy initiatives including Cocuina-Manakin and Loran/Manatee, as “continuously developing situations” that require years of negotiation and development. He emphasized that none of these matters would be resolved immediately.

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has unequivocally expressed its support for the US National Security Strategy 2025 document, despite Sobers admitting unfamiliarity with its specific contents. The minister stated that the administration supports any policy ensuring population security against transnational criminal threats. This alignment with US strategy includes support for ongoing US military deployment in the Southern Caribbean, establishment of a US radar system in Tobago, and granting indefinite transit rights for US military flights through Trinidad and Tobago airports.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had previously declared the Dragon gas deal “dead” in May and indicated intentions to seek alternative gas supplies from Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname, though the feasibility of these alternatives remains questionable due to either limited availability or prior commitments.

  • Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain reject outside ‘control’ of Venezuela

    Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain reject outside ‘control’ of Venezuela

    BOGOTA, Colombia — A coalition comprising five Latin American nations and Spain issued a forceful joint declaration on Sunday, expressing profound concern over any external attempts to exert control over Venezuela’s governance or appropriate its strategic resources. This diplomatic move came in direct response to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could “run” the crisis-stricken nation and access its vast oil reserves.

    The statement, jointly released by Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain, articulated a clear rejection of foreign military intervention aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The nations emphasized their commitment to Venezuela’s self-determination and territorial integrity, warning against any administration or control by outside forces that would compromise the country’s sovereignty.

    This collective position highlights growing regional apprehension about potential foreign intervention in Venezuela’s prolonged political and economic crisis. The six nations called for peaceful, diplomatic solutions guided by international law and respect for Venezuela’s institutional framework, distancing themselves from external interference while advocating for democratic resolution mechanisms within the region.

  • US to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision’ — Rubio

    US to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision’ — Rubio

    WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has indicated its willingness to engage with Venezuela’s governing authorities under specific conditions following the dramatic removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated this position during a Sunday appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” program, emphasizing that future relations would be contingent on Caracas’ political decisions.

    Rubio stated that American officials would carefully evaluate actions rather than rhetoric from Venezuela’s remaining leadership, suggesting that Washington maintains substantial influence mechanisms regardless of Caracas’ choices. The Secretary’s comments represent the first explicit framework for potential normalization of relations between the two nations after what he characterized as a “necessary intervention” in the oil-rich South American country.

    The diplomatic overture comes amid regional uncertainty about Venezuela’s political future and the potential restructuring of its energy sector, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Rubio’s conditional approach indicates the Biden administration’s strategy of maintaining pressure while offering cooperation pathways, reflecting the complex geopolitical calculations surrounding Venezuela’s transition period.

    Analysts suggest this represents a calibrated attempt to encourage democratic reforms while protecting American interests in a region where Chinese and Russian influence has grown during Maduro’s controversial presidency. The Secretary’s remarks did not specify which Venezuelan officials might qualify as acceptable partners, leaving open questions about the practical implementation of this new diplomatic position.

  • Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in intense debate as the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) unveils its comprehensive 20-year development strategy, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents just days before the crucial Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election on January 12.

    TPP political leader Farley Augustine presented the ambitious blueprint during a January 1 event at Uptown Fascinators pan tent in Scarborough. The extensive document, scheduled for official publication on January 5, outlines strategic initiatives spanning constitutional authority, tourism enhancement, healthcare delivery, and public sector modernization through 2045, with specific focus on the 2026-2030 implementation period.

    However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris launched a scathing attack on the proposal, characterizing it as “pure desperation” from a party facing imminent electoral defeat. In a WhatsApp interview with Newsday, Morris asserted that the TPP had hastily assembled a document built upon “lies, recycled failures and empty promises” while shamelessly appropriating policies from the PNM’s Big Bold Red initiative launched December 21, 2024, at Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort.

    Morris, who is contesting the Darrel Spring/Whim electoral district, further intensified his criticism by labeling the TPP as essentially a satellite organization of the United National Congress (UNC), accusing its leadership of remaining conspicuously silent while Tobagonians faced job losses and economic hardships. He specifically referenced alleged abuses of contract workers and ignored industrial court rulings by the current administration.

    The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has adopted a more measured stance regarding both development plans. President Curtis Williams acknowledged both blueprints as “ambitious and exciting visions for Tobago’s future” while emphasizing that implementation effectiveness would ultimately determine their success. Williams stressed that transparency, accountability, and meaningful stakeholder engagement must remain central to any development agenda, particularly regarding decision-making authority, procurement processes, and financing mechanisms.

    The Chamber president confirmed their organization’s readiness to collaboratively engage with whichever party assumes governance while maintaining vigilant oversight regarding actionable timelines and measurable outcomes to ensure campaign promises translate into tangible economic progress for Tobago’s business community and general population.

  • Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s conspicuous absence from an official press conference addressing escalating regional security tensions. The January 4 briefing, attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Housing Minister David Lee, occurred amid heightened geopolitical instability following the US military’s interception of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the positioning of American naval assets in the southern Caribbean, including radar installations within Trinidad and Tobago’s territory.

    Beckles questioned the Prime Minister’s leadership through an online statement, asserting that the nation rightfully expected her presence during a period of international crisis. She characterized the government’s communication effort as fundamentally inadequate, noting that attending ministers appeared unprepared to address critical national security concerns. Instead, Beckles alleged, the conference devolved into discussions about Housing Development Corporation (HDC) matters—a diversion she labeled as frivolous political rhetoric.

    The Opposition Leader detailed specific failures during the briefing, highlighting Minister Sobers’ contradictory statements regarding both the venue selection and his participation in the National Security Council. His assertion that the Prime Minister need not address the nation because ‘no one in Trinidad feels unsafe’ drew particular criticism from Beckles, who emphasized the public’s right to transparency regarding airport operations, flight disruptions, and security cordons in Port of Spain.

    Beckles further challenged the government’s position on CARICOM relations, its engagement with the Tobago House of Assembly on security matters, and its adherence to international law under the UN Charter. The conference concluded abruptly when Minister Lee terminated the session without accommodating further media inquiries, leaving multiple questions about governmental coordination and leadership unanswered.

    In her closing remarks, Beckles contrasted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s absence with the public engagements of other world leaders, including Barbados’ Mia Mottley, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, and former US President Donald Trump, questioning why Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership remained unavailable during a definitive moment for national and regional security.

  • VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    In a stunning geopolitical development, President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores amid what he described as “large-scale” offensive operations against Venezuela. The unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles and drawn immediate comparisons to previous US-led captures of foreign leaders.

    The Venezuelan government, through Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has expressed grave concerns about Maduro’s whereabouts. In an audio message broadcast on state television, Rodríguez demanded concrete evidence that both Maduro and Flores remain alive, indicating complete uncertainty within Caracas about their president’s status.

    This dramatic escalation follows sustained military operations by US forces in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Washington has long accused Maduro’s administration of involvement in narcotics smuggling, providing the stated justification for these recent actions.

    The capture evokes historical precedents including the 1989 US invasion of Panama that ousted Manuel Noriega. Like Maduro, Noriega faced US drug trafficking charges before being captured, tried in American courts, and imprisoned. The Panama operation represented the largest US combat mission since Vietnam at the time, justified variously as protecting American citizens, combating dictatorship, and stopping drug trafficking.

    Similarly, the 2003 capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein by US forces following the invasion based on disputed weapons of mass destruction intelligence presents another parallel. Both Noriega and Hussein had previously been US allies before falling out of favor with Washington.

    Adding contemporary complexity, the recent case of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández demonstrates the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy. Despite being convicted on drug and corruption charges and sentenced to 45 years in US prison, Hernández received a presidential pardon from Trump in December 2025, only to subsequently face an international arrest warrant from Honduran authorities.

    The capture of a sitting head of state represents an extraordinary escalation in US-Venezuela relations and raises profound questions about international law, sovereignty, and the future of regime change operations in the 21st century.

  • Venezuelan Vice President Flees to Russia

    Venezuelan Vice President Flees to Russia

    In a dramatic escalation of international tensions, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has reportedly fled to Russia seeking political asylum. This development comes mere hours after a daring early morning operation conducted by United States forces resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    According to exclusive reporting from Reuters News Agency, four separate sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed Rodríguez’s sudden departure to Russian territory. The vice president’s abrupt exit marks a significant turning point in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, which has seen increasing international involvement.

    Prior to her departure, Rodríguez had issued a formal demand for the United States government to provide verifiable proof of life for both President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This request underscores the heightened concerns regarding the treatment and status of the captured Venezuelan leader.

    The geopolitical implications of these events are substantial, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations between Venezuela, Russia, and the United States. Russia’s decision to grant refuge to Venezuela’s second-highest ranking official suggests strengthened alliances that could complicate international efforts to resolve the Venezuelan political standoff.

    This development represents one of the most significant confrontations between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments in recent history, with potential ramifications for regional stability throughout Latin America. The situation continues to evolve rapidly as international observers monitor both Maduro’s status and Rodríguez’s activities in Russia.

  • Venezuela’s attorney general accuses US of endangering President Maduro after Caracas strikes

    Venezuela’s attorney general accuses US of endangering President Maduro after Caracas strikes

    Venezuela’s top prosecutor has launched a fierce diplomatic offensive against the United States, alleging Washington orchestrated military operations in Caracas that potentially endangered President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Attorney General Tarek William Saab issued a dramatic televised statement in the early hours of Saturday, characterizing the situation as an effective ‘kidnapping’ of the nation’s leadership due to their uncertain whereabouts following reported aerial assaults.

    Drawing historical parallels to the 2002 coup that briefly ousted former president Hugo Chávez, Saab framed the current crisis as a defining moment in Venezuela’s political history. The prosecutor emphasized that the United States would bear full responsibility for the safety of Maduro and Flores, while simultaneously calling for intervention from United Nations bodies and international human rights organizations.

    The Venezuelan government reported multiple explosions across strategic locations in Caracas, accompanied by low-flying aircraft operations that targeted both civilian and military infrastructure. Officials branded the incident as an ‘imperialist attack’ originating from the United States, though American authorities have maintained complete silence regarding the allegations.

    Vice President Delcy Rodríguez compounded the uncertainty by stating that the president’s condition remains unverified. Meanwhile, Saab has directed prosecutors to comprehensively document what he termed human rights violations connected to the alleged American operation, simultaneously criticizing international organizations for their perceived inaction during the crisis.

  • CARICOM Heads Meet in Emergency Session Following Military Action in Venezuela

    CARICOM Heads Meet in Emergency Session Following Military Action in Venezuela

    CARICOM Heads of Government assembled for an urgent summit on January 3rd, responding to escalating military developments in Venezuela that have sent shockwaves throughout the Western Hemisphere. The emergency session was prompted by confirmed reports of direct U.S. military intervention targeting Venezuelan leadership.

    Following deliberations, the Caribbean Community issued an official communiqué expressing profound regional apprehension regarding the rapidly unfolding situation. The organization characterized the developments as presenting potentially severe consequences for neighboring nations and the broader Caribbean basin, emphasizing the critical need for stability in the region.

    The crisis erupted when United States forces executed a comprehensive military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. American authorities have formally indicted Maduro on multiple charges including narcotics trafficking and illegal weapons distribution, with plans to prosecute him through the U.S. judicial system.

    Venezuela has confirmed widespread explosions throughout the capital city of Caracas, with government officials accusing the United States of launching attacks against both civilian infrastructure and military installations. The Venezuelan government has formally declared a nationwide emergency while demanding immediate verification regarding the status and whereabouts of their captured leadership. Current governmental authority within Venezuela remains uncertain following these extraordinary events.