A diplomatic clarification has emerged following the circulation of an online statement attributed to the ‘Solidarity Group of Belize and Venezuela’ that condemned alleged actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan Embassy in Belize disseminated the declaration, which characterized recent developments as “an attack and capture” constituting “a flagrant violation of international law and fundamental human rights.” The group further described reported casualties as “crimes against humanity.” The statement highlighted decades of bilateral cooperation, specifically referencing the Petrocaribe energy initiative, Operación Milagro healthcare program, and various educational and housing projects that have benefited Belize. It notably referenced Prime Minister John Briceño’s 2022 visit to Caracas as evidence of continuing cooperation across trade, tourism, and energy sectors. However, Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, when contacted by News 5, stated he had not seen the statement and was unfamiliar with the group. In a separate interview on January 7th, Fonseca articulated Belize’s official stance, emphasizing concern over democratic principles in Venezuela. “We’re very concerned whenever there’s any erosion of fundamental principles,” Fonseca stated, adding that Belize is engaging international partners to support a peaceful, people-led resolution in Venezuela that respects constitutional order and self-determination.
分类： politics
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Trump Wants Greenland
In a significant geopolitical development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his administration’s controversial campaign to acquire Greenland, asserting American control over the autonomous Danish territory as essential to national security. Through his Truth Social platform on January 14th, Trump declared the island “vital” to his proposed “Golden Dome” air and missile defense system, stating that “anything less” than U.S. control would be “unacceptable.”
The push comes amid high-level diplomatic engagements, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with officials from both Denmark and Greenland. Both governments have firmly rejected Trump’s overtures, with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt unequivocally stating: “Greenland does not want to be owned by, governed by or part of the United States.”
Internal estimates from U.S. officials familiar with planning suggest the acquisition could cost between $500 billion and $700 billion—exceeding half of the Pentagon’s annual budget. Despite the staggering price tag, a senior White House official confirmed that Rubio has been directed to develop a purchase proposal as a “high priority” initiative.
The situation has triggered diplomatic repercussions beyond U.S.-Danish relations. China responded through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, cautioning against using other countries “as a pretext” to pursue interests in Greenland. Mao emphasized that “China’s activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development” and that all countries’ rights to conduct lawful Arctic activities “should be fully respected.”
Meanwhile, Denmark has strengthened its military presence in Greenland in coordination with NATO allies, while protests have erupted in Copenhagen with demonstrators chanting “Greenland is for Greenlanders” outside the U.S. embassy. The territory already hosts a small U.S. military base under a 1951 agreement, but Trump maintains that without American control, Russia or China would eventually dominate the region, vowing “one way or another, we’re going to have Greenland.”
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Dominicans blame CBI for US travel woes
A controversial United States immigration policy requiring citizens from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to post bonds reaching $15,000 for entry has triggered substantial backlash across the Eastern Caribbean. The measure, implemented last week, has been met with widespread criticism from residents who view it as both economically prohibitive and diplomatically contentious.
Multiple sources speaking with St. Lucia Times indicated the development aligned with anticipated international trends. Many cited the United Kingdom’s 2023 revocation of visa-free access for Dominican travelers as a precursor to heightened examination of the region’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. This perspective suggests that increased scrutiny from Western nations was inevitable given growing concerns about due diligence and security protocols within these economic citizenship schemes.
A Roseau resident and mother of two expressed vehement criticism, stating: ‘The consequences of unchecked greed are now evident. The UK’s visa restrictions should have served as an urgent warning for our government to implement reforms. While the CBI program generated revenue, it has ultimately damaged our international standing and created these travel barriers.’
Beyond diplomatic concerns, the practical implications of the bond requirement have drawn sharp focus. The substantial financial demand effectively prevents many Dominican families from visiting relatives in the United States, severing important cultural and familial connections. A local business owner emphasized: ‘This policy disproportionately targets Dominicans with legitimate family ties. Many have parents, children, or extended family in the U.S., making integration natural should they choose to migrate. The bond amount is completely unaffordable for most citizens.’
Additional criticism emerged from a Dominican national residing in Antigua, who characterized the U.S. as acting like a ‘bully’ while simultaneously condemning mismanagement of the CBI program. The individual warned: ‘The very program that provided economic benefits may now cause severe repercussions, particularly if the European Union follows with Schengen visa restrictions. What value does citizenship hold if the passport becomes ineffective for travel?’
There are growing calls for the Dominican government to immediately strengthen oversight mechanisms and due diligence processes within its CBI program to restore international confidence and potentially reverse these damaging travel restrictions.
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Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states affected by U.S. immigrant visa pause from Jan. 21
In a significant immigration policy shift, the U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 designated countries effective January 21. This administrative pause, first revealed through internal documents obtained by Fox News Digital, enables consular officers to deny visas under existing public charge provisions while the department comprehensively reassesses screening and vetting protocols.
The affected nations span multiple continents and include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen among others. This action follows heightened scrutiny of immigration practices, particularly concerning Somalia after federal investigators uncovered extensive fraud within taxpayer-funded benefit programs in Minnesota.
According to the State Department directive, consular officers must now implement rigorous screening measures that evaluate applicants’ potential likelihood of becoming public charges. Assessment criteria encompass health status, age, English language proficiency, financial stability, and possible requirements for long-term medical care. The guidelines notably specify that older applicants, those with overweight conditions, or individuals with previous utilization of government cash assistance programs may face visa denials.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated: ‘The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while we reassess processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would utilize welfare and public benefits.’
Exceptions to this suspension will be exceptionally limited and permitted only after applicants successfully clear public charge considerations. The public charge provision, while existing for decades in immigration law, has experienced fluctuating enforcement across presidential administrations. The Trump administration notably expanded the definition of public charge in 2019 to include broader benefit categories, though portions were subsequently blocked in courts before being rescinded by the Biden administration.
The complete list of affected countries comprises Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
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US to Suspend Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Including Belize
In a significant shift in immigration policy, the United States Department of State has announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This sweeping measure comes as federal authorities initiate a comprehensive reassessment of visa approval procedures nationwide.
The policy change, formally communicated through the Department’s official social media channels, cites concerns over disproportionate welfare utilization by migrants from the affected nations. “The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” the statement declared. “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
Among the impacted nations are Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea—countries whose immigrants, according to the statement, “often become public charges on the United States upon arrival.” The Department emphasized its commitment to preventing exploitation of American public assistance systems, asserting that “the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
This development follows stricter enforcement guidelines distributed to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide in November 2025. The diplomatic cable mandated intensified screening protocols under existing “public charge” provisions within immigration law. Consular officers received instructions to deny visas to applicants demonstrating potential dependence on public benefits based on multiple criteria including health status, age, financial stability, English language proficiency, and potential requirements for long-term medical care. Previous utilization of government assistance programs or institutionalization may also result in application denial.
The comprehensive list of affected countries spans multiple continents and includes nations from Afghanistan to Yemen, with significant representation from African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American regions. Other notable countries subject to the suspension include Brazil, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Iraq, Jamaica, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and Uzbekistan.
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Antiguan and Barbudan Solange Baptiste Appointed CROSQ Chair
The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) has ushered in new leadership with Antigua and Barbuda assuming the chairmanship of its Council of Directors. Mrs. Solange Baptiste, Acting Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards (ABBS), commenced her term as chair on January 1, 2026, succeeding Mr. Ezra Ledger of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards.
Concurrently, The Bahamas has been appointed to the vice-chair position, represented by Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, Director of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality. Both nations will maintain these regional leadership roles for a one-year term before the chairmanship transitions to another member state.
In her inaugural statement, Mrs. Baptiste expressed profound honor at her appointment, emphasizing her commitment to advancing regional quality infrastructure through collaborative efforts with the CROSQ Secretariat and national standards bodies across CARICOM. “I’m truly excited about serving as chair of the CROSQ Council for 2026,” she stated. “This represents an invaluable opportunity to engage more purposefully with fellow directors and facilitate Antigua and Barbuda’s contribution to coordinating the CARICOM quality infrastructure development agenda.”
Dr. Sharonmae Smith Walker, CEO of the CROSQ Secretariat, extended warm welcomes to the new leadership team, acknowledging the ambitious nature of the regional quality infrastructure agenda. She noted that member state contributions remain vital to CROSQ’s strategic direction and vision development, expressing confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s eagerness to advance the organization’s trajectory as a key CARICOM institution.
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Upkeep pilot scores high marks from corporations
All fourteen municipal corporations participating in Trinidad and Tobago’s government-initiated Public Spaces Maintenance Program have reported exceptionally positive outcomes, with many requesting additional workforce allocations. Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen confirmed the widespread approval following a January 14 stakeholder meeting, indicating strong productivity metrics across all regions.
The innovative pilot scheme, approved by the Cabinet, employs workers directly through the Ministry of Local Government rather than traditional contractors. These workers have been deployed to regional corporations to execute maintenance operations encompassing recreation facilities, educational institutions, roadside verges, and cemetery grounds. Although school maintenance typically falls outside the ministry’s jurisdiction, corporations strategically utilized these resources to address pressing infrastructural needs.
Minister Ameen revealed that municipal authorities provided detailed progress reports quantifying cleared acreage and square meters, demonstrating measurable achievements. Beyond workforce expansion requests, corporations submitted minor requisitions for tools and protective equipment, while proposing administrative process refinements.
A significant recommendation emerged regarding flood mitigation strategies. Corporations proposed deploying manual labor during dry seasons to clear watercourses and drainage systems, potentially reducing seasonal flooding impacts. This proactive approach would complement existing flood-mitigation equipment programs.
The ministry maintains continuous communication with participating corporations and will compile a comprehensive report for Cabinet review. With approximately 200 workers currently engaged, the program represents a governmental shift from transient “make-work” initiatives toward sustainable employment models that provide decent wages while eliminating intermediary contractors.
Minister Ameen emphasized the dual benefit of cost efficiency and direct worker compensation achieved by removing political intermediaries and contractor layers. Program expansion remains contingent upon Cabinet approval and funding availability following the successful pilot evaluation.
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Vaz pays tribute to Chris Bovell
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent Jamaican legislator Daryl Vaz has publicly commemorated the life and legacy of former Senator Chris Bovell, the late Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, in an official statement released Thursday. Vaz, who represents Portland Western in Parliament, characterized Bovell as an exceptional patriot, distinguished legislator, and consummate gentleman whose contributions to Jamaican politics left an indelible mark.
Reflecting on their professional collaboration during their tenure as senior JLP officials, Vaz revealed their close working relationship when he served as deputy treasurer alongside Bovell as treasurer. The MP emphasized Bovell’s unwavering principles in public service, noting his unique combination of reliability, decency, and efficiency in all governmental matters. These qualities, Vaz asserted, would form the foundational elements of Bovell’s enduring political legacy.
Beyond his professional attributes, Vaz highlighted Bovell’s profound dedication to both nation and family, placing these interests above all else. The late senator demonstrated particular aversion to injustice and emerged as a resilient voice during Jamaica’s politically turbulent eras decades ago. Vaz credited Bovell’s steadfast leadership with helping guide the nation toward its most viable and righteous developmental path.
In his emotional tribute, Vaz extended heartfelt condolences to Bovell’s family, friends, and political associates, portraying the departed statesman as an individual of extraordinary character and humility. He memorialized Bovell as a ‘gentle giant’ consistently inclined toward assisting others while maintaining an exceptionally positive perspective toward all individuals—a quality Vaz described as remarkably rare in political circles.
The MP concluded with spiritual consolation, expressing confidence that Bovell’s legacy of exemplary service would endure for generations. He offered prayers for the bereaved family and affirmed his belief that the late senator rests eternally in divine embrace, leaving behind a nation grateful for his distinguished service.
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Criticisms of One Road Authority premature, says Morgan
Jamaica’s Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan, has dismissed mounting criticisms from Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby and other local government representatives regarding the proposed One Road Authority initiative, characterizing their objections as fundamentally misguided and premature.
In an exclusive Wednesday interview with the Jamaica Observer, Minister Morgan emphasized that while dissent remains welcome, it should be grounded in the practical realities confronting a significant segment of the Jamaican populace. He firmly rejected assertions that the initiative seeks to undermine local governance or strip municipal bodies of their road networks, clarifying instead that its primary objectives revolve around standardization, coordination, and regulatory oversight.
Morgan elaborated that the proposed authority will not transfer all road management responsibilities to the central government. Rather, it aims to establish definitive criteria for road categorization—a project currently being developed in collaboration with the World Bank. This reclassification is deemed essential, given that Jamaica’s Main Roads Act of 1932, last amended in 1985, no longer adequately reflects the nation’s evolved infrastructure landscape.
A cornerstone of the initiative involves publishing detailed information for every road island-wide—specifying the responsible agency, current condition, and scheduled maintenance timelines—regardless of whether the road is managed by private developers, municipal corporations, or the National Works Agency (NWA). This transparency, Morgan argued, will resolve public confusion over accountability while ensuring uniform construction and maintenance standards.
Furthermore, Morgan contended that the One Road Authority would empower, rather than weaken, municipal bodies by providing them enhanced mechanisms to hold parties accountable for road damage, including cement trucks and illegal dumping. He announced planned discussions with Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie and Mayor Swaby to align perspectives, expressing confidence that upon reviewing the proposal’s details, critics would recognize its potential to improve citizen services.
The Minister also addressed concerns about resource allocation, noting that the reclassification process would alleviate burdens on local authorities currently managing roads that have outgrown their original community-based purpose and now function as national thoroughfares. He framed the choice facing stakeholders as one between perpetual jurisdictional disputes and tangible infrastructure solutions.
These statements come in response to renewed criticisms from local officials, including Mayor Swaby’s address to the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation on Tuesday. Swaby maintained that local authorities should not be penalized for centrally underfunded road repairs and warned that full nationalization could distance residents from accountable representatives.
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US says it has seized another oil tanker in Caribbean
WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant escalation of its sanctions enforcement strategy, United States military forces have conducted another successful maritime interception targeting Venezuelan oil exports. According to a statement released Thursday by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Tanker Veronica was apprehended in Caribbean waters during a pre-dawn operation.
The mission, executed by US Marines and sailors, culminated without incident as evidenced by accompanying footage distributed by the military command. The video documentation depicted special operations soldiers employing rappelling techniques to descend onto the vessel’s deck from aircraft, demonstrating tactical precision.
This seizure represents the sixth such enforcement action undertaken in recent weeks as part of Washington’s comprehensive campaign to restrict the flow of Venezuelan petroleum products to international markets. SOUTHCOM’s social media announcement explicitly reaffirmed the operational objective, stating: ‘The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.’
The ongoing operations reflect the continued implementation of US economic sanctions against the government of Nicolás Maduro, aiming to curtail the South American nation’s primary revenue source through systematic maritime interdictions in strategic Caribbean shipping lanes.