Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    In a stunning electoral triumph, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) under the leadership of Farley Augustine has secured a comprehensive victory in the Tobago House of Assembly elections held on January 12. The party captured all 15 available seats, demonstrating overwhelming voter support with 60.8% of the total valid votes cast across the island.

    The TPP’s decisive win included a narrow but significant victory in the Darrel Spring/Whim constituency, where they unseated the sole PNM representative Kelvon Morris by a mere 17-vote margin. According to official figures released by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), the TPP accumulated 16,240 votes compared to the PNM’s 10,456 votes.

    This electoral performance marks a substantial improvement from the party’s 55% showing in the 2025 general election and even surpasses the 58% achieved by the Progressive Democratic Patriots in the December 2021 THA elections. Augustine, who previously served as THA chief secretary under the PDP government, formed the TPP after departing from the PDP.

    Despite the overwhelming victory, the EBC report revealed concerning voter participation trends. The voter turnout reached a concerning low of 50.69% from an electorate of 53,239 registered voters—the poorest participation rate since 2017 and significantly below the record 56.97% turnout recorded in the December 2021 elections.

    Minor parties including the Innovative Democratic Alliance led by Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus garnered 181 votes, while the Unity of the People party, which fielded only leader Nickocy Phillips as a candidate, received just eight votes.

    The PNM has formally requested recounts in two constituencies—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace—with the EBC scheduling these recounts to commence at 3 pm on January 13. The commission emphasized that all results remain preliminary pending the completion of these recounts.

  • Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States would enact severe measures should Iranian authorities proceed with executions of individuals detained during widespread anti-government demonstrations. Speaking with CBS News during a visit to a manufacturing facility in Michigan, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing.

    The President’s comments came in response to growing international concerns that Tehran might initiate hangings as early as Wednesday. “When they start killing thousands of people — and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them,” Trump added in a video excerpt from the interview.

    During his economic address in Michigan, Trump reiterated his social media message that “help is on the way” for Iranian protesters, though he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the actual casualty figures. “I hear numbers — look, one death is too much — but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers,” he remarked.

    Upon returning to Washington, Trump told reporters he would soon receive a comprehensive briefing on the Iranian situation. “The killing looks like it’s significant, but we don’t know yet for certain. I’ll know within 20 minutes — and we’ll act accordingly,” the President stated.

    The warning follows previous administration vows to intervene if protesters faced lethal violence—a threshold reportedly crossed days earlier. According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 734 fatalities have been confirmed, though actual numbers are believed to be substantially higher.

    International human rights organizations have expressed alarm over Tehran’s potential use of capital punishment to suppress dissent. Iranian prosecutors have indicated they will pursue charges of “moharebeh” (waging war against God)—a capital offense—against some detainees. Amnesty International warned that “concerns are mounting that authorities will once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.”

    IHR specifically cited the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested last week in Karaj and reportedly sentenced to death with execution potentially imminent.

  • Epstein probe summons Clintons as US Congress warns of contempt

    Epstein probe summons Clintons as US Congress warns of contempt

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. Congressional investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal enters a critical phase this week as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton face court-ordered depositions before the House Oversight Committee. The high-profile testimonies, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, mark a significant escalation in the Republican-led probe examining connections between powerful figures and the convicted sex offender.

    The committee’s chairman, Representative James Comer, has issued stern warnings about potential contempt charges should the Clintons fail to comply with the subpoenas. In an official statement, Comer emphasized that ‘the former president and former secretary of state have delayed, obstructed and largely ignored the committee staff’s efforts to schedule their testimony’ over the past four months.

    This development coincides with mounting pressure on the Trump administration regarding transparency in the Epstein case. The Justice Department recently faced criticism for releasing merely one percent of relevant case documents nearly a month past the legal deadline, angering many supporters of former President Trump who believe Epstein was murdered to conceal involvement of powerful elites.

    The bipartisan investigation, unanimously approved last year, seeks testimony from current and former officials regarding Epstein’s network and how information about his crimes was handled. While the Clintons were initially scheduled to testify in October, dates were postponed during negotiations with their legal representatives.

    Bill Clinton’s spokesman contends that proposed terms mirror those accepted for other witnesses, accusing Comer of unexplained targeting. Hillary Clinton’s office questions the relevance of her testimony, noting the committee has yet to establish why her deposition is necessary.

    Epstein, who associated with numerous high-profile figures including Trump before his conviction for sex crimes and subsequent death in custody, has become the subject of extensive conspiracy theories. His jailhouse death—officially ruled suicide—has fueled suspicions among Trump supporters about an international pedophile ring and alleged cover-up.

    Notably, no evidence has emerged implicating either Clinton in criminal conduct related to Epstein. The former president maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes and severed ties over a decade before his arrest. Clinton’s office has advocated for full disclosure of all remaining case files.

    The potential consequences for defying Congressional subpoenas have gained renewed significance following recent prosecutions. Two allies of former President Trump received jail sentences for refusing subpoenas in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation, demonstrating that Congressional defiance can carry substantial legal repercussions. Criminal contempt of Congress constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and $100,000 fines, though prosecutions depend on Justice Department cooperation.

  • Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    In a powerful address during the nation’s 59th Majority Rule anniversary ecumenical service at Bahamas Harvest Church, two prominent religious figures issued stern critiques of The Bahamas’ political landscape, condemning the partisan appropriation of the national holiday and demanding greater youth inclusion in governance.

    Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd delivered a pointed message to parliamentarians and congregants, asserting that both major political parties—the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement—have improperly politicized what should be a unifying national observance. ‘It’s unfortunate that both major political parties have managed to politicise this event,’ Bishop Boyd stated, ‘either by certain behaviours when they are in power or by catching feelings and keeping away when they’re not in power.’

    The religious leader reframed Majority Rule as an ongoing national project rather than a completed achievement, employing grammatical metaphors to illustrate his point: ‘Majority Rule Day is not a full stop. It’s not a pinnacle at which we have arrived. Majority rule day is a comma. It is a semicolon.’

    Bishop Boyd further cautioned against replacing the historical white oligarchy with an equally exclusionary black oligarchy, emphasizing that true freedom carries inherent responsibilities that Bahamians must collectively embrace.

    Pastor Mario Moxey, delivering the sermon, shifted focus to generational leadership disparities, noting the concerning absence of young Bahamians from meaningful political roles. He highlighted the historical contrast that many architects of Majority Rule were under 40 years old, while contemporary Members of Parliament average 50 years of age.

    ‘A nation that delays its youth leaders eventually delays its destiny,’ Pastor Moxey declared, questioning why young citizens are now relegated to campaign logistics and photo opportunities rather than substantive leadership positions.

    The pastor issued specific challenges to political parties, urging them to nominate at least 30 candidates under 30 in the next election cycle and establish robust mentorship programs across generations. He criticized modern political campaigns for emphasizing personal attacks over substantive ideas, interpreting low voter turnout as evidence of disillusionment rather than apathy.

    Pastor Moxey concluded with a warning to political parties approaching election season: ‘The Bahamian electorate has matured over the years. We are thinking voters. We are discerning voters. Bahamians will attend your rallies, accept your gifts, smile politely and still vote based on vision, not favours.’

    PLP chairman Fred Mitchell later responded to these critiques at party headquarters, acknowledging generational transition with the statement: ‘Time runs out on everybody,’ while reaffirming the PLP’s historical connection to the Majority Rule legacy.

  • ‘We choose Denmark,’ says Greenland ahead of White House talks

    ‘We choose Denmark,’ says Greenland ahead of White House talks

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Greenland’s leadership has unequivocally rejected potential US acquisition or annexation of the autonomous territory, declaring its preference to maintain its current relationship with Denmark. The statement from Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen comes ahead of critical White House discussions regarding the strategic Arctic island’s future.

    “We are currently navigating a geopolitical crisis,” Nielsen stated during a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. “If compelled to choose between the United States and Denmark at this moment, we unequivocally choose Denmark. Greenland has no desire to be owned, governed, or incorporated by the United States.”

    The diplomatic tension follows years of expressed interest from former President Donald Trump regarding US acquisition of Greenland, with recent comments suggesting the territory might be taken “one way or the other.” Danish leader Frederiksen characterized the American pressure as “completely unacceptable,” particularly coming from one of Denmark’s closest allies.

    High-level negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, US Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting, hosted at the White House at Vance’s invitation, aims to address what both Nordic governments describe as “misunderstandings” regarding Greenland’s status and Arctic security.

    The tensions were exacerbated by Vance’s uninvited visit to Greenland in March, during which he criticized Denmark’s commitment to Arctic security and labeled the country a “bad ally” – comments that provoked outrage in Copenhagen given Denmark’s longstanding trans-Atlantic partnership and military cooperation.

    Geopolitical analysts note that Greenland’s strategic significance stems from its position along the shortest missile trajectory between Russia and the United States, making it crucial to US missile defense systems. Washington has expressed concerns about growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, though experts suggest Beijing’s presence remains limited.

    Denmark has countered US criticisms by highlighting its substantial investment of nearly 90 billion kroner ($14 billion) to strengthen military capabilities in the Arctic region. Prime Minister Frederiksen has called for enhanced cooperation with both the US and NATO to improve regional security, including potential NATO protection for Greenland.

    The ongoing discussions about Greenland’s future relationship with Denmark have sometimes been misinterpreted, according to Greenland specialist Mikaela Engell. “To uninformed American listeners, independence talks might be construed as imminent secession,” Engell noted, emphasizing that these discussions have been ongoing for years without indicating immediate separation.

    Further high-level meetings are planned, with Greenland’s foreign minister and Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on January 19th to discuss increased military presence in Greenland involving both Danish forces and international partners.

  • Morris congratulates TPP, requests recount

    Morris congratulates TPP, requests recount

    In an unprecedented political development, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has achieved a monumental victory by capturing all 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election held on January 12. The landslide win represents a dramatic shift in the island’s political dynamics and marks a historic moment in Tobago’s governance history.

    Former THA minority leader Kelvon Morris, who previously secured the Darrel Spring/Whim constituency in the December 2021 election, extended his congratulations to TPP political leader Farley Augustine despite losing his seat in the electoral sweep. Morris specifically acknowledged his successful TPP opponent Ricky Joefield while indicating his intention to request a recount due to the narrow margin of defeat in his electoral district.

    Emphasizing the normalcy of such procedures in closely contested races, Morris stated that this step would ensure clarity and confidence in the electoral process. He simultaneously recognized the unequivocal nature of the preliminary results across Tobago, applauding all 15 TPP candidates for their decisive victory.

    The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) confirmed on January 13 that the Progressive National Movement (PNM) had formally requested recounts in both the Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace districts, with proceedings scheduled to commence at 3 pm that same day.

    In a reflective statement, Morris expressed gratitude toward his campaign team, volunteers, family, and supporters for their dedication throughout the election period. He specifically thanked constituents for the opportunity to serve and emphasized the importance of continued civic engagement in strengthening democratic institutions.

    Looking toward Tobago’s future under TPP leadership, Morris articulated hopes that campaign commitments would be honored and that the new administration would govern with humility and integrity. He stressed the importance of delivering meaningful progress and opportunities for all Tobagonians while affirming his ongoing commitment to public service regardless of electoral outcomes.

  • Dossier houtexport 6: OM en LVV oneens over aangifte houtzaak: alleen tegen Jeva geregistreerd

    Dossier houtexport 6: OM en LVV oneens over aangifte houtzaak: alleen tegen Jeva geregistreerd

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between Suriname’s Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) regarding the handling of criminal complaints related to fraudulent phytosanitary certificates in the timber export sector.

    The OM issued a statement confirming it had instructed police to accept a complaint filed by LVV employees on January 9th regarding irregularities in export documentation. According to prosecutors, one formal complaint was registered against timber exporter Jeva Trading NV, accused of deliberately misrepresenting wood species in export applications, resulting in false information appearing on official phytosanitary documents.

    However, LVV officials contend that a more critical complaint targeting ministry personnel allegedly involved in knowingly signing fraudulent international documents was effectively rejected. Attorney Diepak Jairam, representing LVV, revealed that while Jeva Trading faced criminal proceedings, no action was taken against government officials who allegedly certified shipments despite being aware of discrepancies between actual cargo contents and declared wood species.

    The ministry reports receiving only one official acknowledgment of their complaint, despite attempting to file two separate reports. LVV’s legal counsel emphasized that had both complaints been properly registered, the ministry should have received two distinct acknowledgment receipts.

    This case forms part of a broader criminal investigation into timber exports labeled as ‘Mora roundlogs’ that allegedly contained other wood species—some prohibited for import by India. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between judicial authorities and government ministries in addressing corruption allegations within Suriname’s export certification processes.

    LVV has announced plans to formally approach the Attorney General seeking clarification on why the complaint against internal officials wasn’t processed and whether their actions will eventually face criminal investigation.

  • India and Cuba mark 66 years of respect and collaboration

    India and Cuba mark 66 years of respect and collaboration

    Cuban diplomatic officials have highlighted the significant advancements in bilateral relations with India throughout 2025, marking a period of substantial progress in economic and commercial cooperation between the two nations. The assessment came during the United Diplomatic Council (UDC) meeting in New Delhi, where representatives reflected on the momentum achieved as the countries approached the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

    The year’s most notable development occurred in July during the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a landmark meeting. This high-level engagement established a crucial foundation for strengthening diplomatic relations and exploring new collaborative opportunities.

    A cornerstone of the bilateral engagement was the India-Cuba Business Conference, which brought together prominent business leaders, government officials, and diplomats to identify partnership potential across multiple sectors. The conference specifically targeted biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, education, and trade as key areas for mutual development and investment.

    Further reinforcing these ties, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, undertook an official visit to Cuba in November. During his stay, Margherita engaged in comprehensive discussions with Cuban President Diaz-Canel, Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martinez, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva, and Acting Foreign Minister Gerardo Penalver. These meetings facilitated substantive exchanges on current cooperation frameworks and identified new avenues for collaborative ventures.

    Adding a cultural dimension to the bilateral relationship, the countries celebrated the Indian Film Festival in Cuba, fostering people-to-people connections and cultural appreciation between the two nations.

  • Cuban President Diaz-Canel responds to recent statements by Trump, affirming right to defend homeland

    Cuban President Diaz-Canel responds to recent statements by Trump, affirming right to defend homeland

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a forceful condemnation of what he characterizes as \”immoral statements\” from the United States government, reaffirming Cuba’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. The remarks came in response to recent social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to halt all oil and financial resources to Cuba.\n\nThe diplomatic confrontation escalated following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, which disrupted Venezuela’s status as Cuba’s primary oil supplier. On January 11, 2026, President Trump declared via social media: \”THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.\”\n\nIn his response, President Díaz-Canel questioned the moral authority of U.S. leadership, stating that those who \”turn everything into a business, even human lives\” lack standing to criticize Cuba. He attributed current economic challenges to six decades of U.S. economic sanctions rather than Cuba’s political system, suggesting critics should \”feel ashamed and choose silence instead.\”\n\nThe Cuban leader framed the tension as an issue of national sovereignty, emphasizing that Cuba \”does not attack; it has been attacked by the US for 66 years.\” He declared the nation’s preparedness to \”defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood\” under the hashtag #CubaIsCourage.\n\nCuban state media extensively covered Díaz-Canel’s statements, positioning them within broader concerns about U.S. actions in Venezuela and perceived escalating threats from the White House toward multiple nations.

  • China underscores support for Cuba after new US threats

    China underscores support for Cuba after new US threats

    In a firm diplomatic stance, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has articulated Beijing’s position against external intervention in Caribbean and Latin American affairs. The statements emerged during a press briefing where Mao responded to inquiries from Prensa Latina regarding regional geopolitical tensions.

    Mao Ning explicitly called upon the United States to terminate its long-standing economic embargo and comprehensive sanctions against Cuba, emphasizing that such measures detrimentally affect regional peace and stability. ‘We once again urge the United States to end the blockade, sanctions, and all forms of coercive measures against Cuba,’ the spokesperson declared, framing the issue as a matter of international justice and regional harmony.

    The diplomatic exchange further addressed concerns about U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s economic matters following military posturing toward Caracas. Mao underscored the fundamental principle of national sovereignty, asserting that Latin American nations possess the unequivocal right to independently select their international partners and determine their political trajectories without external pressure.

    Reaffirming China’s commitment to the region, Mao Ning stated, ‘Regardless of how the situation develops, China will continue to deepen practical cooperation with Latin American countries, including Venezuela, to promote mutual benefit.’ This pledge highlights Beijing’s strategic intention to strengthen ties with Latin American partners through collaborative economic and diplomatic engagement.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry has consistently advocated for the removal of Cuba from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, considering the designation an unjust impediment to the island nation’s development. This diplomatic position coincides with the 65th anniversary of Sino-Cuban relations, commemorated in 2025, which symbolizes the enduring partnership between Beijing and Havana amidst evolving global dynamics.