Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • PM: ‘Fake news’ meant to undermine anti-drug operations

    PM: ‘Fake news’ meant to undermine anti-drug operations

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has issued a stark warning to her nation about the dangers of fake news, which she claims is being used to disrupt ongoing efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Persad-Bissessar shared a video clip featuring US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who vehemently denied a CNN report alleging that the UK had ceased sharing specific intelligence with the US. This intelligence pertains to anti-drug missile strikes that have reportedly killed nearly 70 people since September 2.

    Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of verifying information, stating, ‘Once again, US Secretary of State @SecRubio has refuted a false report published in the international media – a story that was irresponsibly repeated by some local outlets and presented to our citizens as fact.’ She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to collaborating with the US in a coordinated effort to curb the influx of drugs, firearms, and human trafficking into Trinidad and Tobago.

    The Prime Minister also diverged from her Caricom counterparts by asserting that the Caribbean cannot be considered a zone of peace until decisive measures are taken to eradicate the illegal drug trade. ‘The Caribbean cannot be called a zone of peace – and TT will not be one – so long as powerful cartels continue to wreak havoc and destroy lives,’ she declared. Persad-Bissessar vowed to continue strengthening national security systems in partnership with the US to ensure the safety and security of her nation.

    In a press briefing on November 12, Rubio addressed the CNN report, labeling it as ‘false’ and ‘fake.’ He criticized the sources cited in the article, accusing them of having hidden agendas. ‘What’s happening is people with a business card with a government e-mail on it becomes sources – but they’re not even in the know, they have an agenda or want to make themselves important,’ Rubio stated. He also accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a narco-terrorist regime that supplies illegal drugs to the US and Europe, suggesting that Europe should be grateful for US efforts to combat this threat.

  • Vincentian PM’s Trini wife hits Victoria Keyes claims as ‘political malice’

    Vincentian PM’s Trini wife hits Victoria Keyes claims as ‘political malice’

    Eloise Gonsalves, the wife of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has firmly refuted allegations of corruption surrounding her family’s acquisition of properties at the Victoria Keyes housing development in Diego Martin, Trinidad. In a video shared on the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Facebook page on November 13, Eloise, who was born in Trinidad to Dominican parents, emphasized that her family received no preferential treatment in their dealings with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). She dismissed the claims made by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Anil Roberts on November 11 as ‘political malice,’ attributing them to the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) ahead of the November 25 general election. Eloise stated, ‘The political malice has started against my family. But if the NDP gets in, it ends with you and your family. They are attacking Grace Walters (a ULP candidate) viciously and now they’re lying about us.’ She explained that the property investment was a family decision following the destruction of her 90-year-old mother’s home during Hurricane Maria, with the aim of providing housing for her mother’s sons and grandchildren in Trinidad. Prime Minister Gonsalves echoed his wife’s sentiments during a November 12 broadcast on NBC Radio in St Vincent, labeling Roberts’ statements as ‘misrepresentations’ and ‘falsehoods.’ He accused Roberts of violating his family’s rights as Trinidadian citizens and engaging in ‘political mischief’ by disclosing private information. Gonsalves denied any misuse of political influence to secure advantages for his family.

  • UK halts Caribbean intel sharing over US strikes

    UK halts Caribbean intel sharing over US strikes

    The United Kingdom has ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, citing concerns over the legality of US military strikes. According to sources familiar with the matter, the UK believes these strikes violate international law and does not wish to be complicit in what it considers illegal actions. This decision marks a significant departure from the UK’s traditionally close intelligence-sharing relationship with the US and reflects growing skepticism about the US military’s campaign in Latin America. For years, the UK, which controls several Caribbean territories housing intelligence assets, has assisted the US in locating suspected drug vessels for interdiction by the US Coast Guard. However, after the US began launching lethal strikes against these vessels in September, the UK grew concerned that its intelligence might be used to select targets for these attacks. The intelligence pause began over a month ago, coinciding with the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk’s condemnation of the strikes as “extrajudicial killings.” The UK aligns with this assessment, sources told CNN. The British Embassy in Washington and the White House declined to comment, while a Pentagon official stated that the department does not discuss intelligence matters. The Trump administration has defended the strikes, arguing that suspected traffickers pose an imminent threat to Americans and are “enemy combatants” in an “armed conflict” with the US. However, legal experts and senior US defense officials have questioned the legality of the campaign, with some expressing concerns that the strikes violate international law. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the military strikes while continuing its partnership with the US Coast Guard under Operation Caribbean.

  • Cuban ambassador extends warm wishes from President Díaz-Canel to the President of Dominica in celebration of Independence Day.

    Cuban ambassador extends warm wishes from President Díaz-Canel to the President of Dominica in celebration of Independence Day.

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Sylvanie Burton of the Commonwealth of Dominica hosted Cuban Ambassador Miguel Fraga on November 11, 2025, to bolster the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, underscored the shared commitment to mutual respect and solidarity. Ambassador Fraga delivered an official message from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, congratulating Dominica on its 47th anniversary of independence. President Burton expressed her gratitude and lauded the robust bilateral relationship, particularly in healthcare and human resource development. The discussion also touched on Cuba’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, with Ambassador Fraga noting the absence of fatalities due to effective preventative measures, despite significant material damage. Additionally, the Cuban diplomat thanked President Burton for her advocacy at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where she called for an end to the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their dedication to deepening their historic ties.

  • PM’s brother-in-law gets contract for $40,000 monthly

    PM’s brother-in-law gets contract for $40,000 monthly

    A significant controversy has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) over a lucrative government contract awarded to Cecil Harris, the brother-in-law of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Harris, a highly qualified civil engineer with extensive experience in law and project management, is reportedly earning EC$40,000 monthly as the project manager for the Taiwanese-funded US$125 million Strengthening Health Resilience Project. This project includes the construction of a 135-bed hospital in Arnos Vale, comprehensive health system reforms, and the management of consultants.

  • Venezuela announces ‘massive mobilization’ of military forces as America’s largest warship sails into region

    Venezuela announces ‘massive mobilization’ of military forces as America’s largest warship sails into region

    Venezuela has announced a large-scale military mobilization in response to the increasing presence of US warships and troops in the Caribbean Sea. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that land, air, naval, and reserve forces will conduct exercises through Wednesday, framing the deployment as a defensive measure against what he termed the “imperialist threat” posed by the US. The exercises will also involve the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established by the late President Hugo Chávez and named after Simon Bolivar, the revolutionary leader of Latin American independence. Padrino López emphasized that the operation, directly ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, aims to enhance command, control, and communications while safeguarding national sovereignty. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, as the US continues to bolster its military presence in the region. The US Navy recently announced the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, America’s largest aircraft carrier, in the US Southern Command area of operations, which encompasses most of Latin America. The carrier strike group includes nine air squadrons, two guided missile destroyers, an integrated air and missile defense command ship, and over 4,000 sailors. The US has justified its military build-up as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, conducting strikes on alleged drug boats in recent weeks. However, Venezuelan officials suspect the US is pursuing regime change, a strategy some Trump administration officials have privately acknowledged. Last month, President Trump authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential military strikes, though administration officials later clarified that no such actions are currently planned. Padrino López linked the Venezuelan military deployment to Maduro’s “Independence Plan 200,” a civic-military strategy aimed at mobilizing conventional forces alongside militias and police to defend the nation. Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces comprise approximately 123,000 members, with Maduro claiming over 8 million reservists in the volunteer militias, though experts question the accuracy of these figures and the troops’ training quality. The US military presence in the region now includes around 15,000 personnel, with significant naval assets such as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and advanced aircraft like F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones deployed to Puerto Rico. US bombers have also conducted training missions near the Venezuelan coast, including an “attack demonstration” in late October.

  • Police deny UPP permission for Rural East Whistlestop; no reason given

    Police deny UPP permission for Rural East Whistlestop; no reason given

    Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers has rejected the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) application to hold a Whistlestop event in the St. John’s Rural East constituency on November 12. The decision was made without any explanation provided to the Party. The Whistlestop was planned to rally public support for an independent investigation into the ongoing scandal involving the Ministry of Public Works, led by Maria Browne, the parliamentary representative for Rural East. The UPP had initially sought police permission for the event on November 6, following the denial of their request for an islandwide Motorcade on November 9. The police cited insufficient personnel due to the Remembrance Day ceremony at The Cenotaph as the reason for the Motorcade denial. On November 7, the UPP proposed delaying their event by an hour to accommodate the ceremony, but the Commissioner remained firm in his refusal. He did, however, suggest that a later date after November 9 could be considered. The UPP has since announced plans to proceed with a Motorcade on November 16, pending written confirmation from the police. Meanwhile, the Party is urging citizens to join their protest actions against the alleged $15 million fraud scandal, dubbed ‘Bronco-gate/Vehicle-gate/Chain-Gang Scandal,’ and to demand an independent inquiry into the Ministry of Works.

  • Verdediging Danielle Veira wijst op inconsistenties verklaringen Rodney Cairo

    Verdediging Danielle Veira wijst op inconsistenties verklaringen Rodney Cairo

    During the trial of Danielle Veira, former director of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), her defense attorneys, Derrick Veira and Cedric Meijnaar, repeatedly pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony of the victim, Rodney Cairo, on Tuesday. Cairo claimed that on the evening before his abduction, he had brought three women to his home ‘because of the lockdown and their inability to return home on time.’ He stated that the women served him alcohol, yet in another statement, he mentioned drinking from a single glass with one of the women. Cairo, who asserted he does not drink alcohol, could not adequately explain why he participated in a toast that evening when questioned by the president of the Military Court, Cynthia Valstein-Montnor. He also alleged that after a few sips, he felt drugged, vomited, and remained in his room. Security footage from his home reportedly disappeared shortly after the abduction, though there are allegedly self-recorded videos by the women showing a party with loud music, alcohol, and sexual activity. These videos were not accessible to the media. Notably, despite Valstein-Montnor’s declaration that the case would be handled publicly despite sensitivities, much of Cairo’s interrogation and the viewing of the footage occurred behind closed doors, justified by the need to protect Cairo’s privacy. Journalists were only permitted to view external footage, which showed Cairo picking up the women at the corner of his street and walking them to his home. Around 2 a.m., a van stopped at his house, reversed slightly, and remained parked for half an hour before several men entered the property through an empty lot. It is unclear if the men were armed. The footage also captured the arrival and departure of the police. Cairo provided extensive testimony about his collaboration with Veira, former president Desi Bouterse, and other security officials, suggesting his abduction was linked to his intention to present evidence that day about Veira’s distribution of weapons to civilians. Meijnaar countered by citing a state decree allowing the head of the Security Service to arm civilians in special cases. The Military Court will verify this information. The prosecution’s closing arguments are scheduled for November 18, though further proceedings remain unclear as the press was excluded from the session.

  • Abinader guarantees stable supply and prices for the Christmas season

    Abinader guarantees stable supply and prices for the Christmas season

    Santo Domingo – In a proactive move to guarantee stable supply chains and pricing during the upcoming Christmas season, President Luis Abinader convened a crucial meeting of the Prices and Supply Committee on Wednesday. The gathering, held at the National Palace, brought together key stakeholders from the industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors. Industry and Commerce Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated the session, which focused on evaluating national production capacities, analyzing international market trends, and devising joint strategies to enhance collaboration between the government and private enterprises. President Abinader emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue with producers and traders, assuring the public that there would be no supply shortages in December or January. Business leaders lauded the government’s meticulous planning and coordination, noting that these efforts have reinforced confidence across the supply chain and enabled swift responses to potential logistical disruptions. Additionally, the government unveiled plans to monitor prices and inventories closely while providing coordinated support to farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Melissa. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, FEDA, and Pro Consumidor, initiatives include restoring crop production and stabilizing prices for essential goods such as bananas, rice, cassava, and chicken, ensuring their widespread availability nationwide.

  • Guatemalan government submitted more than 350 corruption complaints

    Guatemalan government submitted more than 350 corruption complaints

    Since its implementation in May of last year, a comprehensive anti-corruption mechanism has been actively addressing numerous complaints across various sectors. Out of the cases reviewed, 242 (approximately 67.6 percent) are currently under investigation, 63 have been dismissed, 18 have been archived, four have been resolved through discretionary prosecution, one has an active arrest warrant, and another is in the sentencing phase. The complaints span multiple areas, including the administrative sector (131), health (59), infrastructure (45), security (43), labor (16), and education and social development (14). In response to allegations of a cover-up attempt by a Member of Parliament and inquiries from the local press, President Bernardo Arevalo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no case goes unaddressed or unpunished. He emphasized that tackling corruption is a collective responsibility, requiring consistent and coordinated efforts from all government agencies. ‘We are confronting a deeply entrenched issue that has persisted for over two decades due to power abuses. It is our duty to dismantle this corrupt structure that has severely harmed our institutions,’ stated the president. Arevalo further explained that each complaint undergoes meticulous scrutiny and is translated into actionable measures to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future irregularities.