Carib Scope

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  • Project Steering Committee meets for Carriacou ILM Project

    Project Steering Committee meets for Carriacou ILM Project

    Carriacou has officially launched a comprehensive environmental restoration initiative with the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Integrated Landscape Management Project held on December 16, 2025. The gathering brought together community representatives, government officials, and international partners to coordinate efforts on the island’s ecological recovery.

    Funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project has already initiated restorative activities in the communities of Dumfries and Belle Vue South. Simultaneously, enhancement work is underway at the Belair Nursery to significantly boost its production capacity through the provision of two shade houses and two storage containers.

    Acting PSC Chairman Davon Baker outlined the committee’s critical oversight role, emphasizing their mandate to provide technical guidance, approve work plans, monitor financial projections, and ensure inter-ministerial coordination for effective project execution.

    The meeting agenda focused on key project components including integrated water resources management—encompassing water conservation, irrigation systems, and water harvesting—alongside public awareness campaigns, community engagement strategies, and the establishment of a community nursery.

    Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis, Executive Director of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), highlighted the meeting’s significance: “This gathering ensures project agility, enabling adjustments and decisions meaningful for local citizens. Understanding their circumstances and needs makes decision-making both easier and more impactful.”

    Joseph Noel, Chief Land Use Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, reaffirmed his ministry’s full support for the initiative. Project Manager Bernard McIntosh presented a comprehensive progress report detailing achievements since inception and outlining upcoming implementation milestones.

    The project’s urgency was underscored by Dr. Christopher Cox, UNEP Task Manager, who referenced Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact: “Carriacou’s extreme vulnerability, made painfully clear by Hurricane Beryl, underscores the urgency of investing in sustainable land management that strengthens resilience to climate shocks.”

    The meeting concluded with a review of action items and renewed commitments to collaboration, accountability, and adaptive management throughout the project lifecycle. The next PSC meeting is scheduled for April 2026, as work continues on this transformative initiative expected to significantly improve livelihoods for Carriacou’s farmers and residents.

  • Delta adds extra flight to Saint Lucia after weekend disruptions

    Delta adds extra flight to Saint Lucia after weekend disruptions

    In response to recent regional airspace complications that disrupted travel over the weekend, Delta Air Lines has announced the operation of a special additional flight to Saint Lucia. The supplemental service, designated as Flight DL9899, is scheduled to depart from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on January 5th at approximately 12:52 p.m. local time.

    The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) confirmed that this extraordinary measure specifically targets passengers who experienced cancellations on January 3rd due to heightened regional aviation concerns. Aviation authorities have been collaborating with airlines to restore normal operations after the temporary but significant travel interruptions.

    SLASPA officials have advised affected travelers to immediately verify their updated booking details through Delta’s reservation systems. The airline has established specialized protocols to accommodate rebookings for eligible passengers on this relief flight.

    Aviation authorities report that regular flight schedules have now been fully restored across Saint Lucia’s airports following the weekend’s atypical disruptions. The additional Delta service represents the final phase of recovery operations to ensure all stranded passengers reach their intended destination.

  • Cuba wakes up in National Mourning after Presidential Decree 1147

    Cuba wakes up in National Mourning after Presidential Decree 1147

    Cuba has entered an official state of national mourning following the deaths of 32 Cuban military personnel during what the government characterizes as a US-led offensive against Venezuela. The solemn period commenced at 6:00 a.m. local time today and will continue through midnight on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

    In a nationally televised address, President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced that all public events and activities across the island nation are suspended indefinitely. The Cuban flag will fly at half-staff on all government buildings and military installations as a symbol of collective grief.

    The casualties occurred during early morning operations on January 3, when Cuban personnel stationed in Venezuela came under direct attack. According to President Diaz-Canel, the deceased were serving in official capacities as part of cooperative missions between Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of the Interior, and their Venezuelan counterparts.

    ‘With profound sorrow, our people have learned that during the criminal attack perpetrated by the United States government against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat,’ the President stated in his formal declaration.

    Diaz-Canel elaborated that the fallen personnel ‘honorably fulfilled their duty and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of facilities.’ He further emphasized that through their ‘heroic actions, they upheld the solidarity of millions of our fellow citizens,’ framing their sacrifice within Cuba’s longstanding internationalist traditions.

    The incident marks one of the most significant losses of Cuban military personnel abroad in recent decades and substantially escalates tensions between Havana and Washington.

  • U.S. citizen arrested at Puerto Plata Airport with suspected marijuana

    U.S. citizen arrested at Puerto Plata Airport with suspected marijuana

    PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic – A significant narcotics interception operation culminated in the arrest of an American citizen at Gregorio Luperón International Airport. The apprehension followed the discovery of a substantial cache of suspected illicit substances and drug paraphernalia within luggage arriving on a flight from Newark, New Jersey.

    Enhanced security protocols proved instrumental in the detection process. Specialized canine units and vigilant security personnel first identified anomalous images during routine X-ray screening of baggage. Subsequently, acting pursuant to directives issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a meticulous inspection of the targeted suitcase was authorized and conducted.

    The search revealed a comprehensive drug distribution kit. Authorities confiscated 17 individually wrapped packages believed to contain marijuana. The seizure was compounded by the discovery of 29 electronic vaping devices, each containing a liquid bearing resemblance to cannabis oil. Further evidence included professional packaging materials such as rolling papers, numerous small plastic bags, glass jars filled with tobacco, sachets of suspected stimulants, various tubes, and multiple cellular phones.

    The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed pending judicial proceedings, is now in custody. The case file has been forwarded to the Permanent Attention Court of Puerto Plata, where prosecutors will seek coercive measures against the detainee for purported infractions under Law 50-88, the nation’s comprehensive statute governing Drugs and Controlled Substances.

    In accordance with standard forensic procedure, the confiscated materials have been transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for definitive chemical analysis to confirm the exact composition and weight of the substances. Law enforcement agencies have also initiated a broader investigation to uncover potential connections to wider distribution networks and identify any accomplices potentially involved in this transnational smuggling attempt.

  • Army arrests repeat human trafficker in Santiago Rodríguez

    Army arrests repeat human trafficker in Santiago Rodríguez

    In a significant border security operation, military forces of the Dominican Republic have captured a notorious human smuggling operative during an early morning interdiction mission. The arrest occurred in the Mamoncito sector of Monción municipality, Santiago Rodríguez province, where Army (ERD) personnel intercepted a white Jeep transporting six Haitian nationals lacking proper immigration documentation.

    The detained individual, identified as Expedito Rodríguez (alias ‘Bobolé’), represents a significant victory for border enforcement authorities. Military reports indicate Rodríguez demonstrated active resistance during apprehension, necessitating the application of controlled restraint techniques by ERD soldiers. The vehicle contained three male and three female migrants of Haitian origin, all found to be in irregular immigration status.

    Rodríguez’s criminal history reveals an established pattern of border-related offenses. Previously arrested in May 2023 during Operation Border in Dajabón, the suspect remained under judicial supervision requiring periodic court appearances at the time of his latest apprehension. This recurrence demonstrates the persistent challenges authorities face in combating transnational smuggling networks.

    Following standard protocol, both the suspected trafficker and the six migrants were transported to the ERD Fortress in Santiago Rodríguez for processing and subsequent transfer to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The operation highlights the ongoing security efforts along the Dominican-Haitian border region, where human trafficking remains a persistent concern for Caribbean nations.

  • MIREX urges Dominicans in Venezuela to take precautions

    MIREX urges Dominicans in Venezuela to take precautions

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has escalated its security alert for Dominican nationals residing in Venezuela, issuing an urgent advisory for enhanced vigilance amid evolving circumstances in the South American nation. The ministry’s security directive emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining constant awareness through officially verified information channels.

    In an official communiqué released this week, MIREX clarified the current diplomatic representation arrangement confirming that since July 30, 2024, the Kingdom of Spain has assumed responsibility for protecting Dominican interests within Venezuelan territory. This consular protection agreement enables Dominican citizens requiring emergency assistance to contact the Spanish Consulate in Caracas through its dedicated 24-hour emergency line at +58 424 209 0264.

    While overseas consular services are handled through Spanish diplomatic channels, MIREX’s domestic operations continue to provide support during standard business hours. Dominican citizens can reach the ministry’s headquarters in Santo Domingo at (809) 987-7001, specifically extensions 7595, 7597, and 7100. Alternative communication remains available through the official email address proteccionnacionales@mirex.gob.do.

    The foreign ministry issued a firm recommendation against all non-essential travel to Venezuela until further notice, citing unresolved security concerns that could potentially endanger foreign visitors. This precautionary stance reflects the government’s commitment to citizen protection in regions experiencing political or social instability.

  • Maduro zit vast in Amerikaanse hechtenis, terwijl zijn aanhangers verzet zweren

    Maduro zit vast in Amerikaanse hechtenis, terwijl zijn aanhangers verzet zweren

    In an unprecedented military operation, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken into custody at a New York detention facility awaiting trial on narcotics charges. The dramatic arrest, ordered directly by President Donald Trump, represents the most significant U.S. intervention in Latin America since the Panama invasion 37 years ago.

    Security footage showed the 63-year-old Maduro, blindfolded and handcuffed, being escorted through DEA headquarters in New York City. Despite his restrained condition, Maduro reportedly wished his captors “Happy New Year” upon arrival. He is scheduled to appear Monday before a federal court in Manhattan.

    The operation has triggered international consternation, with many world leaders expressing alarm at the extraordinary capture of a foreign head of state. Memories of recent U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan have heightened global concerns about the legal and geopolitical implications.

    In Venezuela, Maduro’s allies maintain control and have condemned the operation as an “imperialist kidnapping” aimed at seizing the country’s vast oil reserves. The streets of Caracas and other cities remained unusually quiet as citizens grappled with uncertainty, with many choosing to stay indoors amid the tense atmosphere.

    President Trump announced that the U.S. would assume temporary governance of the South American nation, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. “We will run the country until we can ensure a safe, correct and wise transition,” Trump stated during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, praising the operation that extracted Maduro from a secure location.

    In a surprising move, Trump dismissed the possibility of opposition leader María Corina Machado assuming presidency, citing insufficient support. This decision disappointed many in the Venezuelan diaspora who had hoped the Nobel laureate would lead a transitional government.

    The Venezuelan economy, once among Latin America’s most prosperous, has collapsed under Maduro’s leadership, triggering one of the largest migration crises in modern history. Approximately one-fifth of the population has fled the country.

    While many exiled Venezuelans expressed joy at Maduro’s removal, questions emerged about the legality of arresting a foreign leader and the practicalities of U.S. administration. Trump suggested American oil companies would return to rebuild Venezuela’s damaged energy infrastructure, though experts warn this could take years.

    The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene Monday to discuss the operation, which Secretary-General António Guterres described as “a dangerous precedent.” Russia and China, both key Venezuelan allies, strongly condemned the U.S. action, with Beijing demanding Maduro’s immediate release.

    Pope Francis expressed following events with “a concerned heart” and called for Venezuela to maintain independence while respecting human rights. “The welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over any other consideration,” the pontiff stated.

    Back in Venezuela, security measures appeared somewhat relaxed despite the nervous atmosphere, with some businesses remaining open and residents continuing Sunday routines. The U.S. lifted Caribbean airspace restrictions that had canceled hundreds of flights following the operation.

    The long-term U.S. strategy remains unclear, with Trump’s comments about indefinite military presence echoing rhetoric from previous interventions that ultimately resulted in costly withdrawals after years of occupation.

  • Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travellers

    Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travellers

    Carrier networks across the Eastern Caribbean initiated massive recovery operations Sunday following the expiration of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions that had stranded tens of thousands of travelers. The airspace closures, implemented in response to U.S. military actions in Venezuela, triggered hundreds of flight cancellations during the peak holiday travel period.

    While FlightAware data showed significant improvement from Saturday’s 400 cancellations in San Juan to approximately 20 on Sunday, residual disruptions continued affecting passengers. Airlines faced mounting challenges as available seats remained scarce through the coming week, with newly added flights selling out within hours of being posted.

    Major carriers implemented emergency measures to address the crisis. American Airlines deployed 17 additional flights connecting San Juan, Aruba, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, and Dominica with their Miami and Charlotte hubs. Southwest Airlines supplemented schedules with six extra San Juan round-trips Sunday and eight more Monday, plus two additional Aruba services.

    The unprecedented demand prompted airlines to consider deploying wide-body aircraft typically reserved for transcontinental routes to Caribbean destinations. Carrier representatives noted that unlike hurricane evacuations where advance preparation occurs, this situation developed without warning following geopolitical developments.

    Affected passengers received accommodation through waived change fees and fare differences for rebooked January travel. The policy covered more than a dozen regional airports, though many travelers reported difficulties securing accommodations and expressed concerns about extended hotel costs while awaiting available flights.

  • Bahamas government advises against Venezuela travel amid US operation

    Bahamas government advises against Venezuela travel amid US operation

    The Bahamian government has formally cautioned its citizens against all travel to Venezuela in the wake of a controversial U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. This development has triggered significant international repercussions throughout the Caribbean region.

    In an official statement, The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs aligned itself with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) position, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to established international legal frameworks. The government specifically referenced security concerns as the primary motivation behind its travel advisory, urging Bahamian nationals to avoid Venezuela entirely during the current period of instability.

    The extraordinary operation saw U.S. forces detain President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores at their Caracas residence, subsequently transporting them to the United States to face federal charges. While President Donald Trump initially suggested the U.S. would administer Venezuela during a transitional period, Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that American involvement would primarily focus on enforcing existing oil sanctions rather than direct governance.

    CARICOM’s unified statement, endorsed by The Bahamas, reaffirmed the region’s steadfast commitment to fundamental principles of international law, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter. The regional body emphasized diplomatic solutions, reiterating calls for peaceful dialogue to restore stability, democratic governance, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.

    The geopolitical shockwaves have manifested practically across the Caribbean, with Barbados reporting flight disruptions attributable to the military intervention. However, Bahamian authorities confirmed that Lynden Pindling International Airport operations remained unaffected. Aviation and tourism executive Robert Sands noted that travel impacts appeared concentrated in southern Caribbean nations, with services largely returning to normalcy following initial disruptions.

  • Russian air defense downs 90 Ukrainian drones in a single day

    Russian air defense downs 90 Ukrainian drones in a single day

    Russian military authorities have issued a stark warning regarding a significant escalation in Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations targeting Russian territory. In an official statement released on their Telegram channel, defense officials attributed this anticipated increase to substantial losses sustained by Ukrainian armed forces along the front lines of the ongoing conflict.

    The Ministry of Defense provided detailed figures on recent aerial defense operations, announcing the successful interception of 37 drones over the Bryansk region. Additional UAVs were neutralized in other strategic locations: 22 over Kursk, 11 over Kaluga, 11 over Moscow, four over Tula, two over Voronezh, and one each over Belgorod, Rostov, and Oryol territories.

    Concurrently, Russia’s national air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, implemented temporary flight restrictions at multiple airports citing security concerns. The affected airports include those serving Saratov, Tambov, and Yaroslavl, along with two of Moscow’s four major airports—Vnukovo and Zhukovsky International.

    The context for these developments traces back to February 24, 2022, when Russia initiated what it terms a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has consistently framed this campaign as a necessary measure to protect Russian-speaking populations from what he describes as ‘genocide by the Kiev regime.’ Additionally, Russian leadership has emphasized the operation’s strategic purpose in countering perceived national security threats resulting from NATO’s continued eastward expansion toward Russia’s borders.