Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • CBI Regulatory Authority, Sperm Whale Reserve on table for next Parliamentary session

    CBI Regulatory Authority, Sperm Whale Reserve on table for next Parliamentary session

    The Parliament of Dominica is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with a packed agenda featuring several pivotal legislative proposals. Among the highlights is the introduction of a bill to implement the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement, which Dominica signed last month. This initiative aims to enhance the credibility, transparency, and sustainability of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across the Caribbean, as emphasized by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

    In a significant step toward environmental conservation, lawmakers will also deliberate on the creation of the Sperm Whale Reserve, a project that builds on the government’s 2023 decision to establish a protected marine zone along Dominica’s western coastline. The proposed legislation will outline detailed management strategies, including navigation protocols and monitoring systems, to promote responsible use and conservation of this globally significant habitat.

    Additionally, Parliament will review amendments to key financial laws, including the Financial Services Unit Act, the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act, and the Money Laundering Act. These updates are designed to strengthen Dominica’s financial regulatory framework and enhance anti-money laundering measures.

    In a tribute to national leaders, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will propose conferring the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.) on the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas and Pierre Charles, recognizing their enduring contributions to the nation’s development.

    The parliamentary session will be broadcast live starting at 10:00 a.m. through the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio), enabling the public to engage with these critical discussions in real time.

  • Living hostages freed in Gaza conflict, sealing conditions of ceasefire

    Living hostages freed in Gaza conflict, sealing conditions of ceasefire

    In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas initiated a tentative ceasefire agreement on Monday by exchanging prisoners and hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza. The U.S.-mediated deal has ignited cautious optimism for a potential resolution to the protracted crisis, according to an AP News report. However, significant challenges persist, including Hamas’s potential disarmament, the governance of Gaza, and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood, underscoring the fragility of the accord. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages brought a sense of relief and closure to many Israelis, though efforts to recover those who perished in Gaza remain ongoing. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Beitunia, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and Khan Younis in Gaza, as 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, alongside 1,700 others detained without charges, were freed. Mahmoud Fayez, a detainee released after being held since last year, expressed gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy.” The release of hostages has alleviated some urgency to end the war, reducing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite subsequent phases of the agreement. As part of the initial ceasefire, four deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with 24 more expected soon. The deal also mandates Israel to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and essentials—into Gaza. Despite the celebrations, Gaza’s residents face a grim reality: the territory remains devastated by Israeli bombardments, with its economy in ruins, essential services disrupted, and countless homes destroyed. Netanyahu, absent from the Egypt meeting due to a Jewish holiday, assured the Israeli parliament of his commitment to the deal, claiming it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting the region to celebrate the progress, urged Israeli lawmakers to seize the opportunity for broader Middle East peace. In Egypt, Trump and other global leaders convened to address the agreement’s complexities and lay the groundwork for future negotiations.

  • LETTER: When Failure Speaks Loudly: A Response to Anthony Smith Jr.

    LETTER: When Failure Speaks Loudly: A Response to Anthony Smith Jr.

    In a scathing letter to the editor, a concerned resident of All Saints West has called out their parliamentary representative, Anthony Smith Jr., for his perceived failure to address critical issues plaguing the constituency. The letter, written in response to Smith’s recent article criticizing Harold Lovell, accuses the representative of hypocrisy and neglect. The resident highlights several pressing concerns, including the closure of the All Saints Clinic for over 900 days, escalating crime rates, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate garbage collection. These issues, they argue, have left the community in a state of despair. The letter also questions Smith’s political integrity, noting his shift from the UPP banner to the government benches without delivering tangible results. The resident concludes by demanding accountability and better leadership, emphasizing that the people of All Saints West deserve a representative who prioritizes their needs over personal ambition.

  • Admiral Holsey to visit Grenada for key leader engagements

    Admiral Holsey to visit Grenada for key leader engagements

    US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to embark on a pivotal two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada on October 14–15. This marks his inaugural trip to both nations since taking the helm of SOUTHCOM in November last year. The visit aims to bolster security cooperation with these key Caribbean partners, reflecting the United States’ enduring commitment to regional stability. During his stay, Adm. Holsey will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell. Additionally, he will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), Randy Connaught. The agenda will focus on reinforcing longstanding security partnerships and addressing shared challenges such as transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security. Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada play a crucial role in collective efforts to enhance security in the Eastern Caribbean. Adm. Holsey’s visit underscores the United States’ dedication to fostering collaboration with regional allies to ensure a safer and more stable Caribbean. The US Embassy in Barbados highlighted the significance of this visit in advancing mutual security objectives.

  • Gaza hostages, prisoners freed after ceasefire deal signed

    Gaza hostages, prisoners freed after ceasefire deal signed

    In a historic moment for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump announced the ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ as he presided over the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement on October 13. The agreement, formalized in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, brought an end to a two-year-long devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The signing ceremony saw Trump joined by leaders and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, symbolizing a united effort towards peace. Earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Trump lauded the deal as a triumph of persistent diplomacy. The agreement’s implementation triggered emotional responses across the region. In Israel, 20 freed hostages were transported to hospitals for reunions with their families after over two years in captivity, while the remains of deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross. Simultaneously, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza as 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 administrative detainees were released from Israeli custody. Buses carrying the freed individuals were greeted by jubilant crowds, with families embracing relatives they had not seen for years. Dr. Daniel Trotzky, medical deputy director of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, emphasized the long road to recovery for the freed hostages, noting their stable condition and the multidisciplinary support they are receiving. In Washington, the Trump administration received widespread, though not unanimous, praise from former top US officials, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris, for its role in brokering the deal. As the region begins to heal from the scars of conflict, a sense of profound relief and cautious optimism prevails.

  • Top United States Military Official To Visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada

    Top United States Military Official To Visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada

    Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to embark on a pivotal two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada on October 14-15. This marks his first official trip to both nations since assuming command of SOUTHCOM in November last year. The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to bolstering security cooperation with key Caribbean partners. During his stay, Admiral Holsey will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada. Additionally, he will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, Randy Connaught. The agenda focuses on addressing shared regional challenges, including transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security. Both Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada play crucial roles in enhancing security in the Eastern Caribbean, and the U.S. remains dedicated to fostering long-standing partnerships with these nations. Admiral Holsey’s visit highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to promote regional stability and security.

  • Lovell Criticizes Governance Failures, Calls for Transparency in Social Security Management

    Lovell Criticizes Governance Failures, Calls for Transparency in Social Security Management

    Harold Lovell, former finance minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has launched a scathing critique of the nation’s governance, highlighting significant lapses in transparency and accountability. During an interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Lovell accused current officials of disregarding the principles of laws designed to promote openness and integrity. He emphasized that the country’s leadership operates with a “small-island mentality,” which he argued perpetuates mediocrity and political favoritism, leaving the majority of citizens struggling while a privileged few thrive. Lovell, who also serves as a visiting professor at the University of Toronto, pointed to legislation introduced during his tenure with the United Progressive Party (UPP) in 2004, including the Freedom of Information Act, Integrity in Public Life Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act. He lamented that these laws, intended to foster transparency, have been undermined by poor implementation. Lovell also raised concerns about the handling of the Social Security Fund, questioning why financial and actuarial reports remain inaccessible to the public. He described the situation as a violation of the Social Security Act of 1972, which aimed to involve civil society in fund management. The interview concluded with Dr. Quinn commending Lovell’s insightful analysis, blending his political experience with academic expertise.

  • PM to file motion to honour late leaders Douglas and Charles with nation’s highest award

    PM to file motion to honour late leaders Douglas and Charles with nation’s highest award

    In a historic move, Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit announced plans to introduce a parliamentary motion on October 14, seeking approval to confer the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.), the country’s most prestigious accolade, upon the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion aims to recognize the exceptional contributions of both leaders, whose visionary leadership and dedication to social justice, education, and community development left an indelible mark on Dominica’s progress. Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the enduring legacy of Douglas and Charles, stating, “Their unwavering commitment to our nation continues to inspire resilience and unity among our people.” The awards will be presented posthumously during the formal commemoration of Dominica’s 47th Independence Anniversary on November 3. Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas served as Prime Minister from February 2000 until his untimely death on October 1 of the same year. Pierre Charles succeeded him, holding office from October 3, 2000, until his passing on January 6, 2004. The Government of Dominica has called upon all citizens to join in celebrating the legacy of these two leaders, whose efforts remain a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and aspirations.

  • PNM hits ‘unrealistic,’ ‘fake,’ ‘fraudulent’ budget

    PNM hits ‘unrealistic,’ ‘fake,’ ‘fraudulent’ budget

    The 2025-2026 national budget, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, has been met with fierce criticism from the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), who labeled it as ‘fake and fraudulent.’ Central to the controversy is the government’s decision to peg the budget to an oil price of US$73.25 per barrel and a natural gas price of US$4.35 per mmbtu, figures that have been deemed unrealistic by critics. Current market prices for WTI crude and Brent crude stand at approximately US$60 and US$63.50 per barrel, respectively, while natural gas is priced at US$3.09 per mmbtu. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert accused the government of deliberately inflating revenue estimates to access funds from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), a claim Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar vehemently denied. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles criticized the budget for ‘giving with one hand and taking away with the other,’ citing increased taxes and insufficient measures to stimulate the economy. Former Energy Minister Stuart Young echoed these concerns, warning that higher electricity rates and taxes would ultimately burden citizens. The opposition also accused the government of neglecting critical issues such as crime and education, with Port of Spain East MP Keith Scotland questioning the logic behind policies aimed at increasing revenue through traffic fines. Despite the backlash, Tancoo defended the budget, asserting that the figures were realistic and based on a ‘basket price’ approach rather than individual crude benchmarks.

  • PSA head eyes 10% settlement by Xmas

    PSA head eyes 10% settlement by Xmas

    Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s goal to finalize public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-awaited payments. Speaking during a live Facebook media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the Opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation. Thomas emphasized the PSA’s commitment to resolving negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about your business. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’

    Thomas criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public call for clarification on the government’s offer, urging him to ‘stay quiet, sit down, and stay out of public servants’ business.’ She accused the Opposition of spreading ‘lies’ to undermine the PSA’s recent achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) employees. Thomas referenced a May 19, 2022, memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), highlighting past wage proposals under the previous government, which she described as ‘disrespectful.’

    She condemned the Opposition’s claims of a nine per cent offer during the same period, calling it an attempt to minimize the PSA’s victories. Thomas also recalled the previous government’s decision to refer the matter to a special tribunal, which she viewed as an effort to impose an inadequate four per cent wage increase. She praised civil servants as ‘the backbone of this nation,’ crediting them for sustaining the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point, restoring dignity to the negotiation process and marking a victory for workers.

    Thomas confirmed that the CPO has acknowledged the PSA’s request to meet, and the union awaits a formal response to begin talks. She urged workers to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information on negotiations, warning against the Opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’ During the budget presentation, Tancoo confirmed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC had instructed the CPO to submit the revised offer covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 for civil servants, statutory authorities, and THA employees.