Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Condemns Cuban Medical Program as Exploitative

    U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Condemns Cuban Medical Program as Exploitative

    The U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown has launched a sharp critique against Cuba’s international medical mission program operating in Caribbean nations, characterizing the initiative as fundamentally exploitative. Diplomatic officials asserted that the arrangement imposes severe financial and ethical consequences on participating countries while systematically undercompensating medical professionals.

    According to embassy statements, the operational structure directs the majority of compensation—estimated between 80-95% of total doctor salaries—directly to the Cuban government rather than the healthcare workers providing services. This financial model was explicitly labeled a ‘modern-day forced labor scheme’ ultimately subsidized by local taxpayers in host nations.

    The criticism extended beyond financial concerns to encompass human dignity considerations. Embassy representatives emphasized that physicians receive merely a fractional share of what partner nations pay for their expertise, creating what they termed a dual burden of economic strain and moral compromise for participating countries.

    The United States government declared solidarity with affected medical professionals and committed to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at terminating these alleged exploitative practices. This position aligns with broader U.S. policy objectives regarding labor rights and human dignity in international cooperation programs.

  • Police ‘falsely imprisoned’ woman over gov’t building material — Gonsalves

    Police ‘falsely imprisoned’ woman over gov’t building material — Gonsalves

    In a striking allegation of state overreach, Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has declared that Vincentian law enforcement authorities may face legal consequences for what he characterizes as the unlawful detention of a former housing official. The prominent political figure, who also maintains legal credentials, presented his case during a Tuesday broadcast on Star FM, his party’s radio station, condemning the incident as “an egregious matter; terrible matter.”

    The individual at the center of the controversy is Anesia Christopher, described by Gonsalves as a “wonderful lady” from South Central Windward who previously served as a senior housing assessor. According to the opposition leader’s account, Christopher was taken into police custody on Friday and held until 11 PM before being instructed to return to Colonarie Police Station the following morning.

    Gonsalves, who served as prime minister for nearly 25 years, outlined what he presented as established facts indicating “clear, bad governance and, more and more, the denial of the rights of this woman.” The situation emerged amidst Christopher’s transitional employment status—having received instructions to proceed on vacation leave before termination announcements were broadcast publicly.

    Despite her uncertain employment situation, Christopher was reportedly enlisted by the permanent secretary of the Housing Ministry to assist with distributing construction materials to three families in desperate need within the South Central Windward area. The ministry coordinated transportation via a truck incidentally owned and operated by a police officer to collect materials from official warehouses.

    Gonsalves asserted that an unidentified politician from the opposing New Democratic Party (NDP) became aware of Christopher’s involvement and contacted senior police officials, triggering her detention. Crucially, the permanent secretary reportedly contacted Colonarie Police Station during Christopher’s detention to confirm she was acting under official authorization and had committed no wrongdoing.

    Despite this intervention, Christopher remained in custody and was transferred to Georgetown Police Station due to inadequate facilities at Colonarie. Gonsalves emphasized that from the moment police received confirmation of her authorized activities, “she was falsely imprisoned.”

    Her release eventually came after intervention from Police Commissioner Enville Williams, though Gonsalves clarified he wasn’t personally aware of the situation until Saturday. The opposition leader revealed disturbing details about her treatment in custody, including being denied food and experiencing significant distress.

    Gonsalves stopped short of accusing the NDP politician of misconduct, noting the individual might have been merely seeking information. However, he emphasized that the consequences of that communication resulted in unlawful detention after the justification for holding Christopher “completely evaporated” following the permanent secretary’s explanation.

    Adding political context to the incident, Gonsalves noted that one of the primary beneficiary families reportedly doesn’t support his Unity Labour Party, suggesting the assistance crossed political boundaries.

  • U.S. reports revoking over 100,000 visas since Trump’s election

    U.S. reports revoking over 100,000 visas since Trump’s election

    In a sweeping immigration enforcement initiative, the U.S. State Department has canceled more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump’s inauguration last January—representing the highest revocation rate in modern history. This aggressive approach forms a cornerstone of the administration’s tightened border security and immigration control policies implemented following Trump’s return to power.

    The visa cancellations form part of a multi-pronged strategy that includes enhanced vetting procedures for new applicants and widespread deportations of migrants, including some previously holding valid documentation. The administration has implemented rigorous screening protocols featuring expanded social media background checks and intensified security evaluations to identify potential threats.

    Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott revealed that approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas were among those revoked, primarily from individuals who had encountered U.S. law enforcement on criminal charges. Leading causes for revocation included visa overstays, driving under influence offenses, assault charges, and theft-related convictions. The current revocation numbers show a dramatic 150% increase compared to 2024 figures.

    To streamline these enforcement efforts, the State Department established a dedicated Continuous Vetting Center tasked with ensuring foreign nationals comply with legal requirements and promptly revoking visas from those deemed to ‘pose a threat to American citizens.’

    Additionally, diplomatic personnel have received directives to exercise heightened scrutiny toward visa applicants displaying perceived hostility toward U.S. interests or those with histories of political activism. Administration officials have further indicated that student visa holders and lawful permanent residents—including green card holders—may face deportation for expressing support for Palestinians or criticizing Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which some officials equate with supporting Hamas.

    This policy shift has resulted in targeting individuals with minor infractions that previously might not have jeopardized their legal status, signaling a substantial hardening of immigration enforcement standards.

  • Time for constitutionally guaranteed financial independence of judiciary- Chancellor

    Time for constitutionally guaranteed financial independence of judiciary- Chancellor

    Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire has issued a compelling appeal to the government, urging full compliance with constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial independence for the judicial branch. The call came during her address at the ceremonial opening of the 2026 Law Year, attended by government officials including Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

    Chancellor George-Wiltshire emphasized the critical need for implementing Article 122(a) of Guyana’s Constitution, which mandates that all courts shall be administratively autonomous and funded through direct charges upon the Consolidated Fund. This constitutional provision further establishes that judicial entities must operate under sound financial and administrative management principles while maintaining complete independence from political, executive, or any other form of direction and control.

    The judiciary head highlighted Guyana’s pioneering role within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noting that the nation was the first to grant such autonomy to its judicial system. She stressed that full implementation of these fiscal management provisions is essential not only to fulfill constitutional obligations but also to maintain regional leadership in judicial independence.

    George-Wiltshire’s address specifically called for the judiciary’s return to being a fully self-accounting entity that manages its own tender processes while maintaining accountability to Parliament regarding expenditure of its budgetary allocation. This move would reinforce the separation of powers and ensure the judiciary’s ability to function without external influence or financial constraints that might compromise its independence.

  • Augustine: TPP sweep no threat to democracy

    Augustine: TPP sweep no threat to democracy

    In a landmark political shift, Tobago has witnessed an unprecedented electoral outcome as the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) secured all 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly elections held on January 12. This decisive victory marks the second consecutive electoral domination by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s political movement, following their 14-1 triumph in the 2021 elections under the Progressive Democratic Patriots banner.

    The TPP’s formation emerged from significant internal political restructuring after 13 assembly members resigned from the PDP following a public dispute between Augustine and former leader Watson Duke. This strategic reorganization has proven remarkably successful, with the party previously capturing both Tobago parliamentary seats in the April 2025 general election before achieving this complete assembly sweep.

    Addressing euphoric supporters at Scarborough Esplanade, Augustine delivered a conciliatory victory speech emphasizing inclusive governance and institutional accountability. “While we celebrate winning all 15 seats, I want us to be clear that we must be gracious in victory,” Augustine declared. “Our campaign said that Tobago is we. That means that the Tobago we represent includes those that did not vote for us.”

    The Chief Secretary outlined concrete measures for governmental transparency, promising to establish robust oversight mechanisms once formally sworn into office. He highlighted the party’s tolerance for internal dissent as evidence of their democratic commitment, noting how critics during nomination processes remained engaged participants in the movement.

    Augustine extended particular reconciliation to PNM candidate Sterlan ‘Big Dawg’ Timothy after heated campaign exchanges, asserting: “This THA will help to build your capacity and will help you to grow and develop into your truest potential because this assembly is for all of Tobago and not some of Tobago.”

    The leader framed this victory as historic validation, noting this represents the first 15-seat capture in 45 years and a firm rejection of PNM leadership under Pennelope Beckles. “Today the young people have said, ‘Penny, your pennies are powerless in Tobago,’” Augustine stated, interpreting the result as Tobago’s endorsement of indigenous political leadership.

    Grounding his political philosophy in spiritual foundations, Augustine opened his address quoting Psalm 91, emphasizing the party’s commitment to faith-based governance. He characterized the victory as divine validation of their perseverance through “many trials, a lot of our own doing,” concluding that “when you sow in tears, you reap in joy.”

  • Darkness vs data

    Darkness vs data

    Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz presented a robust justification for the Government’s contentious US$150-million loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. Vaz asserted that post-Hurricane Melissa restoration statistics demonstrate the wisdom of this financial decision, revealing that 491,000 of the original 542,000 affected customers have regained electricity—representing approximately 92-93% national restoration.

    Minister Vaz elaborated that the remaining 51,000 disconnected customers include approximately 21,000 households unable to safely receive power due to severe infrastructure damage. He outlined a comprehensive multi-agency strategy involving the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to address these cases through electrical rewiring, housing support, and social assistance programs.

    The Minister projected that 96% restoration would be achieved by January’s end, with February dedicated to addressing the most severely impacted communities. Vaz emphasized that Jamaica’s recovery pace outperforms regional counterparts and approaches ‘best in class’ status.

    Opposition representatives delivered scathing critiques of both the restoration progress and loan transparency. MP Dayton Campbell of Westmoreland Eastern contradicted official statistics, stating unequivocally that ‘not one single, solitary’ JPS customer in his constituency currently has electricity. He described devastating impacts on families and businesses, with over 10,000 of his constituents among the disconnected.

    Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell challenged the loan’s adequacy, noting previous grid restoration estimates of US$350 million and demanding full parliamentary access to the loan agreement terms. Despite heated exchanges, Minister Vaz maintained his commitment to factual accuracy, pledging to correct any verified misinformation while emphasizing results over political point-scoring.

  • JLP pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    JLP pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican political landscape is in mourning following the passing of Christopher David Rhys Bovell, CD, a revered legal luminary and former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, who died Wednesday after falling ill during international travels.

    Robert Montague, Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party, issued an official statement celebrating Bovell’s extraordinary legacy of public service. Montague highlighted Bovell’s multifaceted contributions to Jamaican society, noting his dynamic tenure as a senator from 1983 to 1989 and his steadfast leadership as party treasurer during the same period.

    “Christopher Bovell made profound contributions to our national development through both political and legal channels,” stated Montague. “He was a resolute defender of Jamaica’s best interests, particularly during the politically turbulent 1970s, serving our party with unwavering commitment on the Standing Committee.”

    The JLP chairman extended heartfelt condolences to Bovell’s family, acknowledging their sacrifice in sharing him with the nation. Montague referenced the appropriateness of Bovell receiving Jamaica’s Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander during his lifetime, recognizing his exceptional service to the nation.

    Beyond politics, Bovell established an illustrious legal career beginning in 1964 when he was admitted to practice before Jamaica’s Supreme Court. The Munro College and Cambridge University alumnus became partner at the prestigious law firm Dunn Cox, Orett and Ashenheim in 1965, later serving as consultant and notary public.

    His professional excellence extended to the corporate sector with three decades of directorship at GraceKennedy Limited beginning in 1979. Born October 7, 1938, Bovell married Michelle Nanco in 1965, fathering six children who survive him alongside his enduring legacy in Jamaican public life.

  • Election results unchanged after 2 recounts

    Election results unchanged after 2 recounts

    TOBAGO – The Tobago House of Assembly elections have concluded with definitive results after two electoral recounts failed to alter the outcome of the January 12 vote. The Progressive Democratic Patriots (TPP) achieved a sweeping victory, securing all 15 electoral districts in a historic political shift.

    The People’s National Movement (PNM), the previously dominant political force, formally requested recounts in two critical electoral districts: Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace. These recounts were conducted on January 13 under the supervision of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

    In an official statement released on January 14, the EBC confirmed that the recount process had been completed and the original results remained unchanged. The final tallies revealed:

    In Darrel Spring/Whim, TPP candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy secured 838 votes against PNM’s 826 votes, with 14 votes going to the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) and 3 rejected ballots.

    In Scarborough/Mt Grace, TPP representative successfully obtained 854 votes compared to PNM’s 702 votes, with 14 votes for IDA and 6 ballots rejected.

    The election outcome represents a significant political transformation in Tobago’s governance, marking the first time the TPP has achieved such a comprehensive victory. Political analysts suggest this result indicates shifting voter preferences and potentially signals a new era in Tobago’s political landscape.

    The confirmation of results through the recount process demonstrates the integrity of Tobago’s electoral system and the acceptance of democratic outcomes by all participating parties.

  • AG: US boat strikes consistent with international law

    AG: US boat strikes consistent with international law

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General John Jeremie has publicly affirmed that recent US Navy operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela align with international legal standards. This conclusion was reached following consultation with an independent international legal expert outside his office.

    During a January 14 press briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, Jeremie revealed he had sought external legal counsel before forming his official position. “My initial assessment, supported by expert advice, indicates these military actions were consistent with international law,” Jeremie stated. “This determination was based on guidance from a qualified international legal authority.”

    The Attorney General maintained confidentiality regarding the identity of the legal expert and declined to discuss specific details of the advice received, explaining that such disclosure would require revealing privileged information.

    When questioned about potential Trinidadian casualties resulting from the operations, Jeremie responded that he possessed no substantiated information confirming any citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were killed in the strikes. “As of now, I have no evidence suggesting any TT national perished in these military actions,” he emphasized.

    Regarding whether the operations adhered to international due process standards, Jeremie refrained from detailed commentary, citing the confidential nature of the legal guidance he received. “My responsibility has been fulfilled by ensuring the republic operates in accordance with established legal frameworks,” he noted.

    Jeremie confirmed he had communicated his assessment to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar but offered no additional details regarding these communications.

    The press conference also addressed questions concerning potential US military operations originating from Trinidadian territory, including possible involvement in the reported January 3 capture attempt of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Jeremie provided no commentary on these matters.

    While acknowledging the presence of US military personnel in Trinidad, Jeremie clarified their activities were unrelated to the naval operations. “We hosted marine personnel engaged in school visits and joint training exercises with our Defence Force,” he explained, characterizing these as “intense training exercises” that were publicly acknowledged.

    Jeremie referenced official statements from both the Ministry of Homeland Security and Ministry of Defence issued on the day of the strikes, which explicitly denied Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in the US military operations.

  • ‘It was a private meeting’: State minister clarifies absence of St Thomas MP from hospital visit

    ‘It was a private meeting’: State minister clarifies absence of St Thomas MP from hospital visit

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health and Wellness State Minister Krystal Lee has provided clarification regarding her recent visit to Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas, characterizing it as an introductory team meeting rather than an official ministerial engagement. The minister explained that the purpose of her visit was primarily to acquaint herself with hospital staff and assess ongoing operations, which consequently did not warrant extending an invitation to local parliamentary representatives.

    Lee’s statements come in response to mounting concerns from opposition figures alleging that the Jamaican government is subverting democratic protocols by involving electoral losers in activities traditionally reserved for elected officials. These allegations emerged following sightings of former MP Michelle Charles accompanying the state minister during the hospital tour.

    Emphasizing the informal nature of her visit, Lee distinguished between protocol-required official functions and preliminary operational assessments. ‘The visit focused on evaluating proposed sites for a National Blood Collection Centre and maternity ward development,’ Lee noted, adding that ribbon-cutting ceremonies or formal events would naturally involve proper parliamentary inclusion.

    Meanwhile, St Thomas Eastern MP Rose Shaw expressed satisfaction with the minister’s explanation, suggesting the unauthorized participation of third parties resulted from opportunistic attempts to capitalize on the minister’s presence rather than official sanction. Shaw characterized the incident as unintended ‘shenanigans’ beyond the minister’s awareness or control.