Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Prime Minister Gaston Browne Calls for Delivery on Development Finance at UN High-Level Summit

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne Calls for Delivery on Development Finance at UN High-Level Summit

    At the First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Global Economy held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 25, 2025, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address. He urged the international community to transition from rhetoric to tangible action in delivering scaled, fair, and timely financial support, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    Prime Minister Browne highlighted the stark realities faced by SIDS, emphasizing that global economic growth of 2.5–3% and a staggering public debt of US$97 trillion are insufficient to meet development and climate goals. He pointed out that trade fragmentation, financial volatility, and escalating climate disasters are undermining global confidence. For SIDS, the situation is dire: in 2024 alone, climate-related disasters caused an estimated US$7 billion in damages across small islands. With the IPCC predicting sea levels could rise up to one meter this century, and tourism accounting for over 40% of GDP in some islands, SIDS are three times more vulnerable to economic shocks than the global average. Many of these nations carry public debt equivalent to 80–100% of their GDP due to recovery costs and limited access to concessional finance.

    Prime Minister Browne stressed, ‘We cannot keep mortgaging our children’s future merely to survive today. The vision is not missing; the problem is implementation.’ He outlined concrete steps under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), including the establishment of a Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) to restructure debt and channel finance into resilience. The first DSSS transaction is expected to close by March 2026, and beginning in 2026, all new sovereign issuances by Antigua and Barbuda will include climate-resilient debt clauses.

    To unlock finance at the necessary speed and scale, Prime Minister Browne called on international partners to expand concessional and grant finance through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) using vulnerability-based access criteria, adopt automatic disaster clauses to pause debt service immediately after catastrophes, standardize state-contingent instruments such as climate-resilient clauses and debt-for-nature swaps, blend finance at scale using guarantees and first-loss capital, and fund pipelines of ready country-owned programs in resilient infrastructure, clean energy, and adaptation.

    Prime Minister Browne concluded by stating, ‘Let us measure success not by communiqués, but by classrooms rebuilt, clinics powered, homes protected, and by debt trajectories bent toward sustainability.’ Antigua and Barbuda has invited MDBs, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), philanthropy, and private capital to partner through blended-finance structures and guarantees, confirming that its pipeline of resilience, clean energy, and adaptation projects is ready for co-financing and rapid execution.

  • Antigua and Barbuda formalise visa waiver agreements with three African countries

    Antigua and Barbuda formalise visa waiver agreements with three African countries

    Antigua and Barbuda has marked a significant milestone in its diplomatic engagements during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The Caribbean nation has taken proactive steps to deepen its international relationships, particularly with African countries, by formalizing visa waiver agreements with Ghana, Kenya, and Benin. These agreements, signed by Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, aim to enhance mobility, foster collaboration, and strengthen ties between the Caribbean and Africa.

  • Is the UN still beneficial to small countries?

    Is the UN still beneficial to small countries?

    During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump openly questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations, echoing sentiments shared by leaders worldwide. While acknowledging the UN’s potential, Trump criticized its inability to address critical global issues, particularly in resolving conflicts like the ongoing crisis in Gaza. His remarks highlighted a growing frustration with the organization’s perceived inefficacy, driven by the dominance of a few powerful states in the Security Council. This imbalance has led to the sidelining of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, raising concerns about fairness and equity in global governance. The intensification of Israel’s operations in Gaza, coupled with a deepening humanitarian crisis, underscored these criticisms. Meanwhile, global diplomatic responses have broadened, with several nations, including the UK, Canada, and France, recognizing the State of Palestine. Trump argued that such recognition would reward Hamas, while most countries condemned Hamas but affirmed Palestinians’ right to statehood. The divergence extended to climate change, with Trump dismissing it as a ‘con job,’ contrasting sharply with small states’ urgent calls for action. China’s commitment to reducing emissions by 2035 was noted, but the U.S.’s retreat from climate leadership has left a void, allowing other nations to shape global norms. Despite these challenges, small Caribbean states continue to value the UN as a platform for advocacy, though its credibility is strained by uneven rule application and volatile financing. The UN remains indispensable for small states, but its limitations are increasingly apparent.

  • President of Dominica pushes for global accord in a dualistic reality at 80th UNGA

    President of Dominica pushes for global accord in a dualistic reality at 80th UNGA

    In a compelling address at the 80th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, championed the cause of global solidarity and the rights of small nations to self-determination. Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York City, President Burton drew a stark comparison between the developed and developing worlds, likening the current global power dynamics to Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” She emphasized the need for a fairer international system where all countries, irrespective of their size, have an equitable voice in shaping global policies, particularly on pressing issues like climate change and security. President Burton questioned the existing system, asking whether resources and decision-making are truly shared equitably or if power merely perpetuates itself. She also expressed Dominica’s steadfast support for Haiti, advocating for a Haitian-led solution to the country’s crisis and highlighting Haiti’s historical contributions to justice and freedom. Furthermore, President Burton condemned sanctions and interventions, calling for the immediate lifting of unjust embargoes on nations like Cuba and Venezuela. She stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of these countries and urged global powers to seek diplomatic solutions to international disputes. President Burton warned against military conflicts in the Caribbean, reaffirming the region as a zone of peace. She concluded her speech by appealing for reforms to ensure small nations have a meaningful role in global decision-making processes, particularly on climate and security issues, and underscored the importance of unity, stating, “We are always stronger, wiser, and better together.”

  • President of the Gabonese Republic arrives in Cuba today

    President of the Gabonese Republic arrives in Cuba today

    His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, has commenced an official visit to Cuba, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, which began on Friday, September 26, 2025, and will conclude on September 29, underscores the growing diplomatic ties and mutual commitment to fostering cooperation. This marks President Oligui Nguema’s first official trip to Cuba since assuming office in May 2025. During his stay, he is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The talks are anticipated to focus on expanding the contractual framework of bilateral relations, reflecting the shared aspirations of both nations to strengthen their partnership. Additionally, President Oligui Nguema will participate in various activities and visit key sites of interest, further solidifying the cultural and diplomatic bonds between Gabon and Cuba.

  • In the midst of the difficult context, we are betting on collective intelligence

    In the midst of the difficult context, we are betting on collective intelligence

    In a concerted effort to address Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez embarked on a comprehensive tour of the nation’s thermoelectric plants. His visit included the Antonio Maceo plant in Santiago de Cuba and the Lidio Ramón Pérez facility in Holguín, where he engaged with executives and workers to assess the recovery of the National Electric System (SEN). The President’s tour comes at a critical juncture, as the country grapples with prolonged blackouts and significant generation deficits.

    At the Renté plant, General Director Jesús Aguilar Hernández provided an update on the facility’s operational status. Despite facing numerous unforeseen outages, the plant is progressing toward stability, particularly with the recent activation of its 70-megawatt (MW) block five following partial maintenance. Units six and three are currently generating 50 MW each, while unit four remains in technical shutdown since 2023. However, a recovery strategy is underway as part of the Government Plan to bolster the SEN. Light maintenance is scheduled for December on units six and three, aiming to enhance the plant’s capacity by year-end.

    President Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of quality maintenance across all units, including corrective work on block five, to ensure sustained energy recovery. He lauded the tireless efforts of Cuba’s electrical workers, describing their work as ‘heroic’ and ‘intensive.’ The President also highlighted the government’s strategy to strengthen the SEN, which includes expanding thermal and distributed generation and advancing the construction of photovoltaic solar parks. Notably, these solar facilities are already generating over 600 MW during daylight hours, with nearly all planned parks either operational or under construction.

    During his visit to the Lidio Ramón Pérez plant in Felton, President Díaz-Canel was briefed on the facility’s current output of 200 MW, limited by boiler corrosion. Strategies to address these issues and recover block two, damaged by a fire in 2022, were discussed. The President underscored the plant’s strategic importance to eastern Cuba and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving working conditions for employees, including specialized medical care, wage increases, and enhanced safety measures.

    Accompanied by key government officials, President Díaz-Canel’s tour reflects Cuba’s determination to overcome its energy challenges through collective effort and strategic planning.

  • Supreme Court allows Trump admin freeze of $4b in foreign aid

    Supreme Court allows Trump admin freeze of $4b in foreign aid

    In a significant development, the US Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily halt the disbursement of over $4 billion in foreign aid funds appropriated by Congress. The decision, issued on Friday, underscores the ongoing tension between the Executive and Legislative branches over the control of federal spending. The conservative-majority court emphasized that the president’s authority in foreign affairs appears to outweigh the potential harm to the intended recipients of the aid. However, the court clarified that this emergency order does not represent a final ruling on the case’s merits but merely allows for a temporary freeze while the matter is litigated in lower courts. The three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Elena Kagan arguing that the decision undermines the separation of powers by enabling the Executive branch to unilaterally withhold funds allocated by Congress. Kagan highlighted the lack of thorough deliberation, noting that the order was issued without extensive briefing, oral arguments, or conference discussions. The funds in question are part of USAID’s global humanitarian efforts, which support health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries. Since taking office, President Trump has sought to exert greater control over federal spending, even enlisting billionaire Elon Musk to assist in downsizing government operations. This case raises critical questions about the balance of power between the Executive and Congress in managing public expenditures.

  • Holness calls for global war on gangs

    Holness calls for global war on gangs

    At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the escalating crisis in Haiti as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by transnational criminal networks. Holness, who also chairs the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom), emphasized that gangs have evolved into global syndicates with resources comparable to nation-states, necessitating a coordinated international response akin to the global war on terrorism. He underscored the Caribbean’s regional security mechanisms but stressed that these efforts alone are insufficient to counter the scale of the threat. Holness called for a united global front to dismantle these networks, urging member states to implement the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and technical assistance. He also condemned the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, supporting a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Holness further addressed Haiti’s dire security situation, urging the international community to support the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and invest in Haiti’s governance and infrastructure. He acknowledged the need for UN reform, particularly through the UN80 Initiative, to address global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and poverty. Holness highlighted Jamaica’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and called for increased climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), advocating for innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps. He concluded by reaffirming Jamaica’s dedication to multilateralism and its vision of a more equitable and responsive global system.

  • Fearing US invasion, Venezuela to hold emergency drills

    Fearing US invasion, Venezuela to hold emergency drills

    Venezuela is bracing for heightened tensions as the United States deploys military forces near its coastline, raising fears of a potential invasion. In response, President Nicolas Maduro has announced nationwide disaster preparedness drills scheduled for Saturday, while considering invoking emergency powers to address the escalating situation. The drills, set to begin at 9:00 AM local time, aim to test the population’s readiness for both natural disasters and armed conflicts, with schools and hospitals participating in the exercise. Maduro’s call for vigilance comes amidst a series of earth tremors that rattled the country’s western region earlier this week, including a 6.3 magnitude quake that, fortunately, caused no major damage or casualties. The US military presence, which includes eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, is part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against drug trafficking. However, Maduro accuses Washington of using this as a pretext for regime change, citing recent US strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats that resulted in over a dozen deaths—actions condemned by UN experts as “extrajudicial executions.” In response to the perceived threat, thousands of Venezuelans have joined civilian militias, undergoing weapons training to bolster the nation’s defenses. Maduro has also hinted at invoking a state of “external commotion,” a constitutional provision that would grant the government emergency powers to bypass parliament, suspend constitutional guarantees, and deploy the military. While no decree has been issued yet, rights groups express concerns that such measures could further restrict freedoms of assembly, movement, and expression. The situation has drawn international attention, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro calling for a criminal investigation into Trump’s actions during the UN General Assembly this week.

  • Mark Golding to continue serving as PNP president

    Mark Golding to continue serving as PNP president

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mark Golding has secured his position as the president of the People’s National Party (PNP) after the nomination process for the role officially concluded at noon on Friday. With no challengers emerging, Golding’s leadership remains unchallenged, ensuring continuity for the party. Additionally, the PNP announced that four individuals have been nominated for vice president positions: Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for Manchester Northwest; Ian Hayles, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western; Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central; and Mayor Norman Scott, chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. Since all positions received sufficient nominations, the party confirmed that no elections will be necessary. The PNP also extended gratitude to Senator Donna Scott Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice president. The party praised her distinguished service and pivotal role in recent election campaigns. Looking ahead, the PNP will hold its two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on October 4–5, followed by annual regional conferences and the election of regional officers. The party’s calendar of activities will culminate in a one-day private session of the annual conference on November 30, 2025.