分类: politics

  • Antigua joins More than 40 United Nations calling to lift the blockade against Cuba

    Antigua joins More than 40 United Nations calling to lift the blockade against Cuba

    The 80th session of the UN General Assembly concluded with resounding calls to lift the US blockade against Cuba, a topic that was raised over 40 times during the High-Level Segment. Ambassador Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares of Timor-Leste, in his closing remarks, condemned the longstanding unilateral sanctions imposed on the Caribbean nation. Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada echoed this sentiment, denouncing the ‘horrific, odious, and execrable policies of criminal economic blockade’ and reaffirming solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela. A coalition of nations, including Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Russia, and Mexico, voiced their support for Cuba, highlighting the global consensus against the blockade. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez emphasized the blockade’s devastating impact, describing it as a ‘comprehensive and prolonged economic war’ aimed at undermining Cuba’s sovereignty and livelihood. He also criticized the US for labeling Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a claim he called ‘cynical’ and unsupported by the international community. The session underscored the growing international pressure on the US to reconsider its policies toward Cuba.

  • Abinader appeals to Russia and China for support in Haiti crisis response

    Abinader appeals to Russia and China for support in Haiti crisis response

    Santo Domingo – Dominican President Luis Abinader has reached out to global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to garner support for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. The mission, recently sanctioned by the UN Security Council, aims to address the escalating crisis in Haiti, which Abinader warns is increasingly threatening regional stability and Dominican national security. In his correspondence with Putin, Abinader highlighted the necessity of Russia’s involvement to bolster the mission’s capabilities and mandates in dismantling criminal networks. Similarly, in his letter to Xi, he underscored the critical role of China’s support in advancing the initiative. The MSS, introduced by the United States and Panama, was approved on Tuesday with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions. The mission seeks to empower Haitian authorities to confront armed gangs, restore public order, and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and democratic governance. Abinader emphasized that the resolution is vital to mitigating the cross-border spillover of Haiti’s crisis, which poses a direct threat to the Dominican Republic and the broader region.

  • U.S. Embassy in Haiti responds to UN resolution approval

    U.S. Embassy in Haiti responds to UN resolution approval

    The United Nations Security Council has taken a significant step toward addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis with the adoption of Resolution 2793, which establishes a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The U.S. Embassy in Haiti lauded the resolution as a ‘positive step toward restoring basic security’ and pledged to collaborate with international partners to deploy the force. The embassy also emphasized the urgent need to establish the UN Support Office in Haiti to ensure the provision of essential resources. France echoed this sentiment, describing the resolution as crucial for dismantling criminal gangs and reinstating the rule of law, while reaffirming its support for Haiti’s National Police and Armed Forces. U.S. UN representative Mike Waltz highlighted the expanded scope of the mission, noting it is five times larger than its predecessor and equipped with a stronger mandate to combat gang activity. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), praised the resolution as a pivotal move toward achieving security, credible elections, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development in Haiti. The resolution passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia, and Pakistan), authorizing a 12-month mandate for a force of 5,500 troops and police officers, supported by civilian personnel. This initiative marks a decisive effort to end impunity and bolster stability in the Caribbean nation.

  • Govt says Private Sector Commission can help pick civil society reps for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

    Govt says Private Sector Commission can help pick civil society reps for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

    The Guyana government has proposed involving the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in selecting civil society representatives for the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This move contrasts with the Norway-based EITI parent body’s guidelines, which mandate clear separation between government, industry, and civil society stakeholders. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced that an advertisement would be published to invite expressions of interest for the civil society convenor role, with applications open for two weeks. The PSC, Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), or other eligible groups are encouraged to apply. This decision follows a previous fallout between the PFG and the government over Guyana’s suspension from EITI due to disagreements on the Terms of Reference for the Independent Administrator. Critics argue that the PSC’s involvement could compromise civil society’s independence, as the PSC is perceived to have close ties with the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). EITI rules emphasize that civil society representatives must remain independent of government and industry influence. Ardene Sirjoo of the Trinidad and Tobago-based Cropper Foundation highlighted the importance of maintaining civil society’s autonomy to ensure accountability in the EITI process. The government maintains that the PSC is a legitimate civil society organization, distinct from private businesses, and is well-positioned to represent grassroots stakeholders. The EITI requires governments to create an enabling environment for civil society participation, ensuring freedom of expression and engagement in transparency and natural resource governance issues.

  • Frente Amplio condemns exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from Summit of the Americas

    Frente Amplio condemns exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from Summit of the Americas

    The Executive Committee of the Frente Amplio has issued a strong rebuke against the Dominican government’s decision to exclude Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from the upcoming 10th Summit of the Americas. The event, set to take place in December in Punta Cana, has sparked controversy as the organization accuses the government of capitulating to U.S. interests and abandoning the Dominican Republic’s long-standing principles of solidarity, sovereignty, and regional integration. María Teresa Cabrera, president of the Frente Amplio, criticized the exclusion as a violation of the nation’s tradition of mutual respect and self-determination. She highlighted historical moments, such as the 1965 invasion, where Latin American unity played a pivotal role in safeguarding Dominican independence. The party has urged democratic and progressive forces to oppose what it deems an exclusionary and divisive policy, emphasizing that the Dominican Republic should champion sovereignty and solidarity rather than succumb to external pressures.

  • U.S. Embassy suspends social media updates amid budget halt

    U.S. Embassy suspends social media updates amid budget halt

    The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced a temporary suspension of regular updates to its social media platforms, citing a pause in budget allocations as the primary reason. Despite this interruption, the embassy has assured the public that critical security-related communications will continue to be disseminated without delay.

  • Dominican ambassador presents credentials to Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh

    Dominican ambassador presents credentials to Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh

    In a significant diplomatic event at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Andy Rodríguez Durán, the Dominican Republic’s inaugural resident ambassador to Saudi Arabia, formally presented his credentials to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Accredited to Oman, Bahrain, and Djibouti as well, Rodríguez Durán conveyed warm greetings from President Luis Abinader and reiterated the Dominican Republic’s dedication to fostering stronger cooperation and friendship with the Kingdom. The Crown Prince reciprocated by extending King Salman’s greetings and expressed his wishes for the ambassador’s success in enhancing bilateral relations. Since his arrival in Riyadh in March 2024, Ambassador Rodríguez Durán has actively engaged in high-level discussions with Saudi officials, focusing on advancing tourism, foreign investment, and cultural and commercial exchanges. His efforts are in line with President Abinader’s foreign policy and the directives of Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, aiming to establish the Dominican Republic as a key partner in the Middle East and to deepen both diplomatic and economic connections.

  • Abinader welcomes UN approval of new Haiti Gang Suppression Force

    Abinader welcomes UN approval of new Haiti Gang Suppression Force

    Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has hailed the United Nations’ approval of a new Gang Suppression Force, set to replace the previously ineffective Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. This 5,500-strong force is tasked with restoring order and combating gang violence in the crisis-stricken neighboring nation. Abinader emphasized the Dominican Republic’s pivotal role in this diplomatic breakthrough, spearheading efforts alongside allied countries to advocate for a more robust international response.

  • PM says free movement not a threat to local jobs and services

    PM says free movement not a threat to local jobs and services

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has reassured Barbadians that the upcoming implementation of free movement among Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize is a carefully managed initiative designed to benefit the nation. Speaking to the public on Tuesday evening, just hours before the policy’s official launch on October 1, Mottley emphasized that the arrangement will enable citizens of these four “pioneering states” to live, work, and study indefinitely in Barbados without requiring permits. However, she underscored that stringent border controls, vetting mechanisms, and legal frameworks remain in place to ensure the system’s integrity. “We welcome our Caribbean family. We do not welcome criminality. We welcome contribution. We do not welcome abuse of our systems,” Mottley declared. Under the new policy, eligible nationals will present their passports upon arrival, and their entitlement to indefinite stay will be recorded in the immigration system and shared with relevant agencies. Those planning to reside and work in Barbados must register with the Ministry of Labour, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), and obtain national identification. Children of relocating families will be integrated into the education system through the Ministry of Educational Transformation, while access to emergency and primary healthcare will mirror that of Barbadian citizens. Mottley highlighted that the policy allows individuals to function as residents, enabling them to work legally, open bank accounts, pay statutory contributions, and engage in daily activities with clarity and ease.

  • Nigeria Grants Visa-Free Access to St. Kitts Citizens

    Nigeria Grants Visa-Free Access to St. Kitts Citizens

    In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria has extended visa-free access to citizens of St. Kitts & Nevis (SKN), effective immediately. This marks the first time Nigeria has granted such a privilege to a country outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and beyond the African continent. The policy represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s foreign relations, establishing a direct trade and mobility corridor between Africa and the Caribbean. Previously, Nigeria’s visa-free regime was largely limited to ECOWAS member states, with only Cameroon and Chad as exceptions. The new waiver, covering ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, aims to enhance trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections between the two regions. This historic development follows the successful Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 25) held earlier this year in Abuja, organized by Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL). The summit highlighted SKN as a strategic partner, paving the way for the visa waiver. Aisha Maina, Managing Director of ACL, emphasized the policy’s broader implications, stating, ‘This visa waiver is more than diplomacy; it is about opening doors for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.’ The announcement follows several diplomatic milestones, including a March 2025 meeting between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and SKN’s Prime Minister Terrance Drew, and the launch of a historic non-stop Abuja–Basseterre charter flight that same month. The flight, carrying 120 Nigerian delegates, established the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean. Relations between Nigeria and SKN have expanded rapidly, with recent events such as the Afri-Caribbean Business Expo in Basseterre showcasing collaboration opportunities in agribusiness, technology, and the creative economy. In August, bilateral talks between Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and SKN’s Samal Duggins further advanced cooperation on food security and trade facilitation. Observers view the visa waiver as emblematic of Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy, which now embraces targeted bilateral partnerships beyond Africa to diversify trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagements. Analysts also credit ACL and Aisha Maina’s leadership for positioning the firm as a key driver of Afri-Caribbean relations. Looking ahead, the upcoming AACIS ’26, scheduled for March in Abuja, is expected to build on this breakthrough, potentially expanding visa-free arrangements and cooperation to other Caribbean nations. This bold step underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering deeper ties across the Atlantic, signaling a promising new chapter in intercontinental partnership.