Carib Scope

分类： world

  • CariCOF warns of severe weather activity as early as April

    CariCOF warns of severe weather activity as early as April

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), headquartered in Barbados, has issued a significant weather advisory warning of severe meteorological events across the region. According to their latest three-month forecast covering February through April, unusually warm temperatures in the Tropical North Atlantic Ocean will trigger extreme weather patterns commencing as early as April.

    The forecast indicates heightened risks for southern Belize, the Guianas, the Greater Antilles, and mountainous regions of the Lesser Antilles. These areas face potentially catastrophic flooding, flash floods, and cascading environmental hazards with impacts expected to intensify after March. The period marks the annual peak of the Caribbean Dry Season in March and transitions into the region’s heat season.

    Simultaneously, the abnormal ocean warmth will create contradictory conditions elsewhere. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and parts of the Lesser Antilles will experience increasingly frequent short dry spells. Temperature patterns will shift dramatically from comfortable February conditions to episodes of significant heat discomfort by March, particularly affecting inland areas of Belize, the Guianas, and Trinidad.

    The report highlights concerning drought developments. While rainfall totals from February to April are projected to be normal or above average in the Bahamas, Barbados, Grand Cayman, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Windward Islands, this precipitation will prove insufficient to alleviate long-term drought impacts. The ABC Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Windward Islands continue to suffer from substantial rainfall deficits dating back to the 2023 Wet Season.

    CariCOF identifies specific drought developments: short-term drought is currently evolving in northern Haiti, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia, with potential development in the northwestern Bahamas, northern Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, and St. Barts. More critically, long-term drought has been classified as imminent in the ABC Islands, Grenada, and St. Lucia, while already evolving in Dominica, Martinique, and St. Kitts.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Ghanaian Health Workers in Healthcare Partnership

    Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Ghanaian Health Workers in Healthcare Partnership

    In a significant move to fortify its national healthcare infrastructure, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has officially welcomed a contingent of more than 100 medical professionals from Ghana. The historic arrival marks a strategic partnership rooted in shared heritage and a common purpose to enhance public health services.

    The formal welcoming ceremony, held on Saturday evening, was attended by a high-level delegation including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, senior health officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Speakers at the event underscored the deep historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean, framing the collaboration as more than a simple workforce transfer.

    Sir Rodney Williams, himself a medical doctor, articulated the profound symbolism of the initiative. He characterized the arrival of the nurses and health workers as a powerful testament to international cooperation and a celebration of a common ancestry, noting that the partnership is fundamentally built upon a foundation of mutual respect and aligned objectives.

    From a operational standpoint, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph outlined the strategic intent behind the deployment. The infusion of approximately 120 skilled professionals is a calculated effort to significantly boost the capacity and resilience of the nation’s hospitals and clinics, addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system.

    Looking beyond immediate healthcare needs, Minister Joseph revealed potential for a broader bilateral relationship, suggesting the collaboration with Ghana could expand into other strategic sectors such as education and trade. This sentiment was reinforced by Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, who personally assured the newly arrived professionals of the government’s full institutional support as they integrate into their new roles within the Antiguan and Barbudan health system.

  • Police say decapitated women found in Elías Piña were killed in Haiti

    Police say decapitated women found in Elías Piña were killed in Haiti

    Dominican authorities have confirmed that the gruesome discovery of decapitated Haitian women’s bodies in border areas originated from crimes committed in Haiti. National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira clarified Monday that the victims were murdered in Haitian territory before being discarded in the Binational Caña River, where currents carried them across the border into the Dominican Republic’s Elías Piña province.

    The macabre case involves at least three confirmed instances where dismembered bodies have been recovered on Dominican soil near the town of Macasías. Pesqueira detailed the transnational nature of the investigation, emphasizing that while the crimes occurred in Haiti, the downstream movement of bodies has created a complex binational law enforcement challenge.

    Law enforcement coordination between the two nations has intensified, with three suspects currently under investigation. In a significant development, the Dominican Republic Army apprehended one individual on January 27, who was subsequently transferred to Haitian authorities for questioning. The spokesperson stressed that ongoing cooperation remains essential given the river’s role as a natural border between the two countries.

    Authorities acknowledge that critical questions remain unanswered, including the identities of the victims and the precise circumstances surrounding their deaths. The investigation continues as both nations work to address this disturbing pattern of violence affecting their shared border region.

  • FLASH : Canoe capsizes in French Guiana, 2 Haitians rescued and 4 missing

    FLASH : Canoe capsizes in French Guiana, 2 Haitians rescued and 4 missing

    A devastating maritime incident has unfolded in French Guiana, resulting in significant casualties among Haitian nationals. On the morning of Saturday, January 31st, at approximately 6:15 AM, an aluminum-hulled canoe transporting six Haitian teachers met with tragedy on the Maroni River near Grand-Santi. The vessel encountered critical engine failure, rapidly taking on water before ultimately sinking beneath the surface.

    According to official reports from the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed profound dismay at the incident, two passengers alongside the canoe operator were successfully rescued by emergency response teams. Tragically, four individuals remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. Subsequent developments confirmed the recovery of two bodies on Sunday, with identification procedures currently underway as confirmed by French Guiana Prefect Antoine Poussier. The damaged canoe has also been retrieved from the waterway.

    The survivors’ testimonies revealed concerning circumstances preceding the accident. Prosecutor Aline Clérot of Cayenne disclosed that the group had spent the previous evening at a bar in neighboring Suriname before attempting their return journey to Grand-Santi. Critical safety violations were noted: none of the passengers wore life jackets despite mandatory regulations effective since January 1st, 2026, and the navigation occurred during prohibited nighttime hours.

    Authorities have launched comprehensive search operations involving approximately thirty rescue personnel, including divers, with river and aerial assets coordinated extensively. The Civil Security helicopter Dragon 973 continues aerial surveillance while firefighters, gendarmerie units, and approximately ten additional canoes participate in the mission. Technological reinforcement through drone deployment commenced Monday to enhance search capabilities.

    The Surinamese canoe operator now faces serious legal consequences, having been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering lives due to flagrant violation of safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Haitian government has demonstrated active engagement through its Consulate General in Cayenne, maintaining constant communication with French Guianese authorities throughout the ongoing operations.

  • Paus Leo dringt aan op oprechte dialoog tussen VS en Cuba

    Paus Leo dringt aan op oprechte dialoog tussen VS en Cuba

    Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound concern regarding the deteriorating relations between the United States and Cuba, calling for genuine diplomatic engagement to prevent further humanitarian consequences. The pontiff’s remarks came during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, where he endorsed the Cuban bishops’ appeal for constructive dialogue between the nations.

    The Vatican’s intervention follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of impending import tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. This economic measure represents Washington’s latest effort to intensify pressure on the Cuban regime, particularly following the January ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s principal regional ally.

    President Trump justified the tariff threat as essential to “protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests against the malicious actions and policies of the Cuban regime.” The president previously predicted Cuba’s imminent collapse, noting that Venezuela—historically the island’s primary oil supplier—had ceased both petroleum exports and financial support to Havana.

    Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez characterized the U.S. measures as constituting an “international emergency,” describing them as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to Cuba’s stability. Meanwhile, aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, President Trump reiterated his call for negotiations with Cuba, asserting that “it doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis.”

    The geopolitical tension marks a significant reversal from the brief period of détente experienced during the Obama administration, returning to the historically strained relations that have characterized most of the six-decade-long standoff between the two nations.

  • Guyana president says SIDS must be given a seat at the table to discuss impact of climate change

    Guyana president says SIDS must be given a seat at the table to discuss impact of climate change

    BELMOPAN, Belize – In a powerful address to the Belize Parliament, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali issued a compelling call for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to secure formal representation in global climate change discussions. Speaking during his official three-day visit to the Caribbean Community nation, President Ali emphasized that climate change presents the most urgent existential threat confronting vulnerable island nations across the world.

    The Guyanese leader detailed the severe consequences already impacting SIDS, including rising sea levels, intensifying storm systems, prolonged drought periods, and extensive coastal erosion. These environmental crises directly endanger human lives, economic stability, and long-term development prospects for millions of citizens in climate-vulnerable regions.

    President Ali presented a transformative vision for SIDS engagement in climate solutions, explicitly rejecting the concept of charitable handouts. Instead, he advocated for market-based approaches that properly value the natural assets these nations protect. “We possess real assets,” President Ali declared. “Our natural resources form part of the global ecosystem that sustains life on Earth, and this value must be appropriately recognized and compensated.”

    The president highlighted the exemplary environmental stewardship demonstrated by both Guyana and Belize, noting their critical contributions to global ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, and climate regulation. He revealed alarming global statistics, noting that approximately 60% of biodiversity assets have been lost worldwide over the past six decades.

    Guyana’s pioneering Climate Biodiversity Alliance and innovative Low Carbon Development Strategy were presented as model approaches. Through jurisdictional carbon credit mechanisms, Guyana has demonstrated that preserved forests generate greater economic value standing than when cleared, creating sustainable revenue streams while maintaining ecological integrity.

    President Ali further addressed the interconnected crisis of food security, noting that over 700 million people currently face hunger globally with billions experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity. He praised Caribbean nations for establishing ambitious targets to reduce regional food import bills by 25%, emphasizing the need for sustained agricultural investment, technological adaptation, climate-resilient farming practices, and enhanced agro-processing capabilities.

  • US Embassy invites Jamaicans to apply for visas ahead of World Cup 2026

    US Embassy invites Jamaicans to apply for visas ahead of World Cup 2026

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States Embassy located in Jamaica has initiated a campaign encouraging local residents to submit visa applications for attendance at the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. Utilizing the social media platform X, the diplomatic mission announced that the United States stands ready to host international visitors for what it describes as potentially the greatest World Cup in history. The embassy’s statement emphasized, “Be a part of history and apply for your US visa today!” while also underscoring the necessity for all applicants to fulfill eligibility criteria as mandated by U.S. immigration laws.

    The 2026 tournament is set to be an unprecedented cross-continental event, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Official reports indicate that the event has already spurred record-breaking ticket demand, highlighting immense global anticipation.

    However, this promotional effort unfolds against a backdrop of significant apprehension among potential attendees. On various social media channels, users have voiced hesitancy about traveling to the U.S., specifically referencing the nation’s current stringent immigration policies and heightened enforcement measures. Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, prominent football figures, including ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, have endorsed discussions surrounding a potential fan boycott of matches held in the United States.

    Further intensifying the diplomatic atmosphere are recurrent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland, which have contributed to international tensions. Conversely, Trump has separately and publicly voiced strong confidence that the 2026 World Cup will set a new benchmark for excellence in the tournament’s history.

  • Ghost ship threatens reef as inclement weather stalls removal

    Ghost ship threatens reef as inclement weather stalls removal

    A major environmental crisis is unfolding off the coast of Barbados as the abandoned cargo vessel MV Christina Debora remains lodged on a fragile coral reef, causing ongoing ecological damage while rough seas prevent salvage operations. According to Dr. Leo Brewster, Head of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), the ship has already caused significant harm since running aground on the reef crest at Sam Lord’s Castle coastline.

    The 100-foot vessel poses a continuous threat through its constant rocking motion from wave action, which is actively damaging the reef structure in its immediate vicinity. Dr. Brewster reported divers have observed substantial seabed alterations, including sand displacement from beneath the hull that threatens to create channeling across the reef rooftop or cause harmful sedimentation.

    The situation is compounded by the risk of the vessel settling permanently on the reef structure if not removed promptly. This has prompted the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to mobilize a multi-agency response team to address the escalating environmental threat.

    Salvage experts are planning a carefully controlled extraction operation that would pull the vessel backward along its original path onto the reef. Dr. Brewster emphasized that attempting to drag the ship over the reef crest would cause additional irreparable damage to the coral ecosystem.

    However, adverse weather conditions have forced authorities to pause removal efforts. Major Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of DEM, reported that drone surveillance missions were aborted due to inclement weather, though low-altitude footage confirmed the vessel remains stationary on the reef.

    With a flood watch in effect and unfavorable sea conditions persisting, agencies are maintaining constant coordination while awaiting a weather window to resume operations. Major Harewood indicated that towing operations may recommence later today or early tomorrow depending on improving conditions, with the primary objective being the safe removal of the vessel to prevent further reef degradation.

  • Cubanen schakelen over op overlevingsmodus

    Cubanen schakelen over op overlevingsmodus

    Cubans across all social strata have shifted into survival mode as they confront prolonged power blackouts and skyrocketing prices for essential goods, fuel, and transportation. This escalating crisis unfolds amid heightened pressure from the United States on the communist-led island nation.

    Interviews conducted by Reuters with over thirty residents across Havana neighborhoods reveal a population pushed to its limits. Street vendors, private sector workers, taxi drivers, and government employees alike describe increasingly desperate circumstances as basic commodities become both scarce and prohibitively expensive.

    While rural regions have long endured Cuba’s fragile and aging energy infrastructure, the capital Havana had previously managed relative stability. Now, the city known for its classic 1950s automobiles and colorful colonial architecture faces imminent collapse due to critical fuel shortages. These shortages intensified following Venezuela’s and subsequently Mexico’s cessation of oil deliveries to the island.

    The economic pressure compounds as the Cuban peso has plummeted more than 10% against the dollar within three weeks, dramatically inflating food prices. “This puts me in an impossible situation,” explains Yaite Verdecia, a Havana homemaker. “No salary can keep up with this inflation.”

    Daily life has become consumed with securing basic necessities. Lengthy queues form for gasoline, and since the U.S. blocked Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba in December, nearly all fuel now sells at higher dollar-denominated prices—a currency most Cubans cannot access. Public transportation systems strain under reduced bus services and rising fares, forcing commuters to rely on costlier private taxis.

    Even electric vehicles, once promoted as solutions during fuel shortages, sit idle due to insufficient charging capabilities during frequent power outages. The electrical grid failures have additionally created hazardous urban conditions with malfunctioning traffic lights causing accidents.

    The Cuban government, tracing its roots to the 1959 revolution, has maintained control through strict repression and significant emigration that has diminished organized domestic opposition. While mass protests haven’t materialized, residents acknowledge the unsustainable reality. Mirta Trujillo, a street vendor, emotionally confessed: “I can no longer afford to eat. I’m not against my country, but I don’t want to die of hunger.”

    For older generations like 69-year-old housekeeper Julia Anita Cobas, who makes daily expensive commutes amid transportation cuts, resilience persists but hope dwindles. “We’ve always lived with hardships,” she notes, “but we’re still here.” Yet as 32-year-old Aimee Milanes summarizes: “We’re drowning, but we can’t do anything. It’s about survival. Nothing else.”

  • Globalisation, power and the rewriting of economic rules

    Globalisation, power and the rewriting of economic rules

    The global economic landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation as geopolitical competition increasingly dictates economic policy and international relations. Nations are strategically deploying trade policies, monetary tools, and technological controls as instruments of power rather than efficiency, creating complex challenges for smaller economies like Jamaica and other Caribbean states. These developments represent a significant departure from the post-World War II consensus that championed globalization as the pathway to prosperity.

    The traditional neoclassical economic paradigm, which promoted free trade as an unquestioned virtue, concealed inherent asymmetries in global economic architecture. Multilateral agreements and UN frameworks systematically disadvantaged developing nations, often locking them into permanent roles as raw material exporters while limiting their capacity for industrial advancement. This institutional hierarchy masquerading as neutral globalization has created enduring structural inequalities.

    China’s remarkable ascent exemplifies this shift. While Western nations outsourced manufacturing for efficiency gains, China methodically built industrial capacity and technological prowess, now accounting for approximately 30% of global manufacturing output. The Belt and Road Initiative, extending to over 150 countries, represents more than infrastructure investment—it fundamentally alters global connectivity and gives developing nations enhanced bargaining power in an increasingly logistics-driven world economy.

    The Western response has been equally transformative. The same powers that previously evangelized liberalization now embrace strategic protectionism, employing tariffs and technology export controls as geopolitical weapons. This insecurity-driven behavior has accelerated global supply chain reorganization, with nations prioritizing self-sufficiency in critical sectors including technology, energy, and defense.

    Emerging alliances reflect this new reality. BRICS members pursue divergent national interests rather than coherent opposition to Western dominance. Similarly, Canada’s expanding engagement with China demonstrates how traditional alliances are being recalibrated according to national interest rather than ideological alignment.

    Geographical significance is being revalued globally. Iceland’s strategic importance grows with Arctic shipping expansion, while Caribbean nations gain renewed relevance due to their positioning at critical trade intersections. For Jamaica, this presents both challenges in navigating competing superpower interests and opportunities to transform from periphery to pivot in the global economy.

    The new world order rewards strategic positioning over sheer size, offering smaller nations unprecedented opportunities to mediate global flows rather than merely absorb external shocks. Those who understand this new geoeconomic logic earliest stand to benefit most from the ongoing renegotiation of globalization.