Carib Scope

分类： world

  • AILA confirms sufficient fuel supply for Air Europa and Iberia stopovers

    AILA confirms sufficient fuel supply for Air Europa and Iberia stopovers

    Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (AILA) has emerged as a vital refueling station for European carriers Air Europa and Iberia, commencing technical stopover operations this Wednesday amid a severe fuel shortage crisis in Cuba.

    Airport authorities confirmed unlimited fuel capacity and operational readiness to handle the increased demand. Luis López, spokesperson for airport management company Aeropuertos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), assured that AILA possesses both the infrastructure and fuel reserves to accommodate all technical stop requirements without restrictions.

    “The airport maintains sufficient fuel availability and operational capabilities to fully meet airline demands,” López stated, emphasizing that refueling procedures would continue normally despite the regional supply challenges.

    Air Europa has scheduled technical stops on February 11-13, with each aircraft requiring approximately 15,000 gallons of fuel before proceeding to final destinations. The current arrangement covers a four-day period through February 14, though officials noted flexibility for potential schedule extensions depending on Havana’s fuel situation.

    Iberia similarly confirmed plans to utilize AILA’s facilities, citing the airport’s strategic location and reliable fuel supply chain as critical factors in maintaining flight operations during Cuba’s supply disruption.

    All technical stopovers will be centralized at Las Américas International Airport, where authorities maintain continuous coordination with airlines to ensure operational efficiency and uninterrupted fuel provision while Cuba’s supply issues persist.

  • Cuba says it is running out of jet fuel as US oil blockade bites

    Cuba says it is running out of jet fuel as US oil blockade bites

    Cuba has been plunged into a severe aviation fuel crisis, compelling its government to issue an extraordinary notice to international airlines on Sunday evening. The advisory explicitly states that jet fuel will be unavailable at nine of the island’s airports, including the major hub of José Martí International Airport in Havana, from Tuesday through March 11th.

    This acute shortage, directly attributed to a stringent US oil blockade, has effectively severed Cuba’s access to its traditional petroleum suppliers in Venezuela and Mexico. The immediate repercussions were swift: Air Canada announced the suspension of all flights to the island, while other carriers began implementing extended layovers in the Dominican Republic to facilitate refueling before continuing to Cuban destinations.

    Aviation veterans note that while fuel scarcities have occurred in the past, an official public announcement of this magnitude is unprecedented. The situation evokes memories of a similar crisis over a decade ago, when transatlantic flights were forced to refuel in Nassau, Bahamas. Presently, regional airlines are adapting by carrying additional fuel, while longer-haul flights are diverting to hubs like Cancun, Mexico.

    The roots of this emergency extend deep into decades of US sanctions, which have recently intensified. Following a US military operation targeting Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, former President Donald Trump adopted a more confrontational stance, signing an executive order in January imposing tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba. Concurrently, US Defense officials have enforced a stringent oil quarantine, recently boarding a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean to tighten the pressure on Venezuela and, by extension, Cuba.

    The cascading effects of this energy emergency are crippling daily life. Major public events, including the Havana International Book Fair, have been suspended. The national baseball season has been restructured for efficiency, banks have slashed operating hours, and the public bus system in Havana has virtually ceased operation. Citizens are enduring power outages lasting up to ten hours, severe vehicle fuel rationing, and critical shortages of food and medicine, drawing stark comparisons to the economic devastation of the 1990s ‘Special Period’.

    With Cuban officials remaining silent on the duration of this notice, the nation braces for prolonged disruption, caught in the grip of a geopolitical struggle that is strangling its economy and infrastructure.

  • Caribbean Climate Centre Wins UK–Belize Award

    Caribbean Climate Centre Wins UK–Belize Award

    In a significant recognition of environmental stewardship, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) has been distinguished with two prestigious accolades at the UK-Belize Climate & Nature Legacy Awards 2026. The organization secured victories in both the Policy & Governance Impact category and the Innovation in Climate Action & Diplomacy category.

    The awards ceremony, orchestrated under the thematic banner “Celebrating Legacy, Shaping Tomorrow,” was designed to honor entities that demonstrate tangible, real-world effectiveness in combating climate change, safeguarding natural environments, and cultivating robust international alliances for a sustainable future.

    The practical implications of the Centre’s initiatives resonate profoundly throughout the Caribbean region. Its efforts in fortifying coastal defenses directly translate to enhanced protection for residential areas against the escalating fury of tropical storms. Furthermore, its role in fostering deeper regional collaboration creates a unified front, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive consolidated support when confronting climate-induced disasters.

    Dr. Colin Young, the Centre’s Executive Director, emphasized that the accolades underscore the critical importance of global partnerships. He extended gratitude to the United Kingdom for its financial backing of adaptation programs specifically tailored for small island developing states. Dr. Young highlighted the timely nature of this recognition, arriving amidst a global political landscape that has seen a deceleration in proactive climate initiatives.

    In a forward-looking statement, Dr. Young affirmed, “Our resolve remains steadfast to continue our collaborative endeavors with policymakers and stakeholders across the Caribbean. Our mission is to deploy adaptive solutions with urgency, addressing the rapidly accelerating challenges posed by climate change in our region.”

  • SLTA assures safety following US Embassy advisory on Ladera Resort

    SLTA assures safety following US Embassy advisory on Ladera Resort

    The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has issued a formal reassurance regarding visitor safety at Ladera Resort, directly countering a recent security advisory from the US Embassy in Bridgetown. The diplomatic alert, published February 4th, had recommended US government personnel avoid the property due to potential security risks.

    The embassy’s warning specifically cited concerns that ‘crime may pose a serious risk to guest safety’ and questioned the resort’s emergency response capabilities. The advisory noted the hotel’s location on Saint Lucia’s southern terminus, just outside the picturesque port town of Soufrière.

    In its detailed response released Tuesday, the SLTA contextualized the embassy’s concerns within a limited series of robberies that occurred during a specific period in late 2025. These incidents were confined to the island’s southwestern region and have since been comprehensively addressed through coordinated security enhancements.

    According to the tourism authority, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force treated these criminal activities with utmost priority, conducting thorough investigations that resulted in multiple arrests and criminal charges. Beginning December 2025, the SLTA convened urgent stakeholder meetings that led to implemented security reinforcements throughout the affected area.

    The authority emphasized that since these corrective measures were enacted, no further disruptions to visitor experiences have been recorded. Tourism operations continue uninterrupted across the island nation. The SLTA reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to maintaining its status as a secure and hospitable destination, where the welfare of both residents and visitors remains the highest priority.

    Ongoing collaboration between tourism officials, national authorities, and industry partners ensures that robust safety protocols remain actively enforced, allowing all visitors to enjoy the island’s offerings with complete confidence and peace of mind.

  • UK Court rules Mehul Choksi’s claim of kidnapping from Antigua to Dominica, not substantiated

    UK Court rules Mehul Choksi’s claim of kidnapping from Antigua to Dominica, not substantiated

    In a significant legal development, a United Kingdom court has delivered a substantial setback to fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, rejecting his allegations of abduction by Indian operatives while imposing a hefty financial requirement for his ongoing lawsuit.

    Justice Mansfield presiding over the case found Choksi’s claims of being forcibly taken from Antigua in 2021 notably lacking in substantive evidence. The court determined that the diamantaire, who obtained Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship through the nation’s investment program, failed to provide concrete proof supporting his assertion that Indian agents orchestrated his kidnapping.

    The judicial assessment highlighted critical evidentiary shortcomings in Choksi’s narrative. Notably, the court observed that the allegations relied predominantly on circumstantial elements without independent witness corroboration. “Unsurprisingly, there is no witness evidence as to the kidnapping and assault of the Claimant, other than that of the Claimant himself,” Justice Mansfield noted in the ruling.

    While acknowledging that circumstantial evidence can occasionally prove compelling in conspiracy litigation, the court maintained that at this preliminary stage, without comprehensive evidentiary examination, the strength of such claims remained difficult to properly evaluate.

    Choksi’s legal representation, led by London-based attorney Mr. Fitzgerald KC, vigorously argued that requiring security for costs would constitute an injustice given the alleged conspiracy involving abduction, torture, and forced rendition to India. These arguments ultimately failed to persuade the judicial authority.

    The current proceedings stem from a May 2024 lawsuit filed by Choksi against multiple parties including the Government of India, four non-resident Indians, and a Hungarian national. The suit alleges physical assault and psychological harassment following his purported abduction from Antigua and Barbuda and subsequent transportation by vessel to Dominica.

    Evidentiary materials presented by Choksi’s team included an Antiguan police report compiled by Inspector Adonis Henry in June 2021 and a witness statement from private investigator Oliver Laurence, retained by Choksi’s family. The court however noted that both documents heavily depended on secondary accounts and reviewed documentation rather than firsthand testimonial evidence.

    The ruling further referenced prior European judicial decisions, noting that both the Antwerp Court and the Court of Cassation had previously reached similar conclusions regarding the lack of evidence supporting claims of Indian government involvement in Choksi’s alleged abduction.

    With the security for costs order now established, Choksi faces a considerable financial obstacle as litigation continues in the UK judicial system. Separate legal proceedings filed by Choksi against the Antiguan government regarding alleged investigative collusion remain pending resolution.

  • LVV waarschuwt telers Commewijne en Marowijne voor cassaveziekte

    LVV waarschuwt telers Commewijne en Marowijne voor cassaveziekte

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) in Suriname has escalated its educational outreach across eastern regions to combat the further spread of Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease. Specially trained agricultural advisors are now deployed to provide timely guidance to farmers on managing this devastating crop infection.

    This aggressive plant disease causes severe growth abnormalities in cassava plants, resulting in stunted development and significantly reduced yields. Infected specimens exhibit distinct deformities across leaves, stems, and root systems. Given cassava’s critical role as a staple food source, LVV officials have identified the pathogen as a dual threat to both national food security and agricultural livelihoods.

    The comprehensive awareness campaign currently focuses on regions including Commewijne and Marowijne, where field technicians educate cultivators on symptom identification and contamination containment strategies. The program incorporates analysis of the disease’s sector-wide impact while integrating practical insights from farming communities.

    Current containment protocols emphasize regular plantation monitoring and strict prevention of plant material transportation from infected zones. Upon confirmation of infection, authorities recommend immediate burning of affected cassava stems to prevent pathogen transmission.

    Farmers and concerned citizens can access additional information and support through regional LVV offices across Suriname.

  • Dr. Linroy Christian Elected Vice-Chair of Global Plastics Treaty Talks

    Dr. Linroy Christian Elected Vice-Chair of Global Plastics Treaty Talks

    The United Nations Mission of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the election of Dr. Linroy Christian as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s fifth session (INC-5.3), marking a significant development in global environmental diplomacy. This appointment comes at a critical juncture in international efforts to establish a comprehensive, legally binding framework addressing plastic pollution worldwide.

    The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee bears the responsibility of formulating an international instrument capable of mitigating plastic contamination across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. For Small Island Developing States such as Antigua and Barbuda, the plastic pollution crisis represents an existential threat that disproportionately affects their environmental security, economic stability, and community resilience.

    Plastic pollution continues to endanger marine biodiversity, compromise ocean health, undermine sustainable livelihoods, and weaken the adaptive capacity of vulnerable coastal populations. The escalating crisis demands immediate, coordinated multinational action to develop effective regulatory mechanisms.

    Dr. Christian’s election recognizes his extensive advocacy and diplomatic leadership in addressing this pressing environmental challenge. The Antiguan delegation expressed confidence in his ability to support Chair Ambassador Julio Cordano in steering negotiations toward substantive, ambitious outcomes during this decisive phase of treaty development.

    The recent diplomatic transition also saw First Secretary Asha Challenger concluding her bureau representation after being elected Vice President in 2023. While relinquishing her bureau and rapporteur positions, Challenger maintains active involvement in the negotiation process, ensuring continuity of Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic engagement.

    With both officials demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental governance, Antigua and Barbuda reinforces its strategic positioning within global conservation efforts. The nation continues to advocate vigorously for robust international cooperation to protect marine ecosystems and ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.

  • Powerful cyclone kills 20 in Madagascar

    Powerful cyclone kills 20 in Madagascar

    ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar—The Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar is reeling from catastrophic damage after Cyclone Gezani made landfall with devastating force, claiming at least 20 lives and causing widespread destruction. The powerful storm struck the eastern port city of Toamasina on Tuesday with wind velocities reaching 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph), according to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNRGC).

    Official reports confirm numerous fatalities resulted from structural collapses as the cyclone’s violent winds tore through residential areas. The disaster authority has revised initial figures to indicate 15 individuals remain missing while at least 33 have sustained injuries, with search and rescue operations actively underway.

    Drone surveillance footage released by BNRGC reveals extensive flooding throughout Toamasina, a urban center of approximately 400,000 residents located 220 kilometers northeast of the capital. The aerial imagery depicts severely battered infrastructure, with countless buildings stripped of their roofs and streets obstructed by uprooted trees and debris.

    Rija Randrianarisoa, disaster management coordinator for Action Against Hunger, described scenes of total chaos, noting that approximately 90 percent of structures suffered significant roof damage. Road networks have become completely impassable due to fallen trees and scattered sheet metal, severely hampering emergency response efforts.

    The CMRS cyclone monitoring center based on Réunion Island confirmed Toamasina experienced a direct impact from the storm’s most intense quadrant. Meteorological analysts compared Gezani’s landfall intensity to Cyclone Geralda of February 1994, which resulted in approximately 200 fatalities and affected half a million people.

    Madagascar’s current leadership under Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power in October, has deployed military resources to the disaster zone. The colonel personally toured affected neighborhoods amidst floodwaters and debris, while airport authorities restricted commercial flights to prioritize humanitarian and military operations.

    Although the system has weakened to tropical storm status as it traverses the island, significant flood risks persist. Forecast models indicate the storm may regenerate cyclone strength over the Mozambique Channel, potentially threatening southern Mozambique by Friday evening—a region already grappling with severe flooding throughout this year.

    The southwestern Indian Ocean cyclone season typically extends from November through April, generating approximately twelve annual storms that frequently impact Madagascar and neighboring coastal nations.

  • Gov’t steps up monitoring as Cuban outages disrupt Jamaican students

    Gov’t steps up monitoring as Cuban outages disrupt Jamaican students

    The Jamaican government has escalated its daily monitoring of the deteriorating situation in Cuba, where widespread blackouts are severely disrupting essential services and education. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith revealed during a post-Cabinet briefing that concerns are mounting for over 300 Jamaican students facing suspended classes, unreliable online learning, and dwindling access to basic necessities due to Cuba’s severe fuel shortages.

    Minister Johnson Smith detailed that ‘frequent, lengthy and unpredictable electricity interruptions’ are crippling daily life, impacting not only education but also the availability of food, medical supplies, and transportation. The crisis has forced some educational institutions to close for extended periods, while others struggle with virtual instruction hampered by chronic internet failures.

    Of the Jamaican student population in Cuba, 44 are government scholarship recipients while 256 are privately funded. At least 13 private students have already returned home. To enhance coordination, the Foreign Ministry established a dedicated WhatsApp group connecting approximately 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana. This initiative has successfully registered previously undocumented private students, creating comprehensive awareness of all Jamaican students in Cuba.

    The embassy has formally contacted Cuban authorities through diplomatic channels seeking guidance on student facilitation measures, including the critical question of academic transcript availability should students need to transfer institutions. While an official response remains pending, informal advice suggests students must negotiate directly with their individual universities.

    Compounding the crisis, international travel to Cuba faces potential suspension as airlines receive notifications about jet fuel shortages. Air Canada has already announced flight suspensions, prompting Jamaican authorities to advise students to consult with families and prepare for emergency departure if necessary.

    The Jamaican Cabinet is evaluating support mechanisms for scholarship students facing prolonged disruption, while exploring whether local tertiary institutions could accommodate privately funded students seeking transfers. The government maintains continuous communication with students while monitoring the evolving situation closely.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Launches Official Website for CHOGM 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda Launches Official Website for CHOGM 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a comprehensive digital platform to facilitate preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. The innovative portal will serve as a central hub for nearly thirty unique accommodation properties and hotels across the island nation, enabling delegates and accredited media to efficiently review lodging options and plan their participation.

    Prime Minister Honourable Gaston Browne emphasized the platform’s significance, stating: “As we prepare to welcome the Commonwealth family in 2026, this digital infrastructure will connect people across regions while providing clear, reliable information. It will simultaneously showcase the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that define our nation. We anticipate robust engagement with citizens and partners across the Commonwealth as we advance shared priorities.”

    Commonwealth Secretary-General Honourable Shirley Botchwey and Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Head of the CHOGM Task Force, highlighted the platform’s triple functionality. The digital solution will provide timely information to all stakeholders, function as a coordination tool for logistics and accreditation, and showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to host a globally significant event.

    Dr. Pilgrim noted: “In today’s world, successful international events require strong digital infrastructure. This platform aligns with global best practices and reinforces our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and operational excellence.”

    CHOGM 2026 will convene leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, representing 2.7 billion people with over 60% under age 29. The gathering aims to advance collective action on sustainable development, climate resilience, economic cooperation, and youth empowerment. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries in building democratic institutions, strengthening governance, and addressing global challenges through a network of more than 80 intergovernmental and civil society organizations.

    Registration and accreditation procedures will be published separately in a subsequent announcement once available.