Carib Scope

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  • CARICOM urges preservation of Caribbean as ‘Zone of Peace’

    CARICOM urges preservation of Caribbean as ‘Zone of Peace’

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has once again emphasized the importance of maintaining the region as a Zone of Peace, particularly in light of heightened security activities and recent United States military operations in Caribbean waters. In a statement released on October 18, the CARICOM Secretariat disclosed that regional leaders convened to address several critical issues, including the increasing military presence in the area and its potential ramifications for Member States. Notably, Trinidad and Tobago chose to reserve its position on the matter.

    The leaders reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations within the region, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of Caribbean citizens. CARICOM underscored the necessity of dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving disputes, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain regional stability.

    This declaration follows reports of recent US military strikes in the region, which resulted in the deaths of at least 29 individuals, potentially including two Trinidadian nationals who were allegedly aboard a small vessel targeted near Venezuela earlier this week. US President Donald Trump has defended these actions, asserting that the United States is engaged in an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. However, legal experts have raised concerns about the justification for such strikes, cautioning that they may exceed the boundaries of international law.

    In contrast, Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has expressed support for the US naval operations, citing the ‘immense pain and suffering’ inflicted by drug cartels on her nation and stating that she has ‘no sympathy for traffickers.’ Despite differing perspectives, CARICOM has reiterated its willingness to assist in efforts to uphold peace and stability across the Caribbean.

  • High surf advisory issued for Antigua, Barbuda and neighboring islands

    High surf advisory issued for Antigua, Barbuda and neighboring islands

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for several Caribbean islands, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. The advisory, effective from Saturday, October 18, 2025, until Wednesday morning, warns of hazardous marine conditions caused by moderate long-period swells. These swells are expected to produce dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) along northern and northern-facing coastlines, particularly affecting reefs and shallow nearshore areas. Significant wave heights are forecasted to reach 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet), occasionally peaking near 3.1 meters (10 feet). The swells, originating from the north, will have a period of 10 to 13 seconds, creating life-threatening rip currents and surfs. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are also anticipated due to high tides combined with onshore winds and swell actions. The potential impacts include loss of life, injuries to beachgoers, disruptions to marine recreation and businesses, financial losses, and damage to coral reefs. Authorities urge extreme caution for those using affected coastlines, advising beachgoers to bathe only in lifeguard-protected areas or sheltered beaches. Rip currents, which can carry even strong swimmers out to sea, pose a significant risk. If caught in a rip current, individuals are advised to relax, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline. The public is encouraged to stay updated via the Meteorological Office’s website and social media platforms, as well as local media outlets.

  • Belgian court approves Mehul Choksi extradition to India

    Belgian court approves Mehul Choksi extradition to India

    In a significant legal development, a court in Antwerp, Belgium, has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader, to India. This decision comes nearly five months after Choksi’s arrest in Belgium in connection with the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The 64-year-old businessman now has a 15-day window to appeal the ruling before Belgium’s Supreme Court. The Indian government has provided assurances regarding the detention conditions Choksi would face if extradited, including his placement in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud between 2014 and 2017 by using fraudulent Letters of Undertaking to secure overseas credit. The alleged scam resulted in losses exceeding ₹13,500 crore for PNB, with Choksi’s share estimated at ₹6,000 crore. After fleeing India in 2018, Choksi obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through its investment program before relocating to Belgium in 2024, reportedly for medical treatment. India’s extradition treaty with Belgium, established in 1901, facilitates the transfer of fugitives charged with crimes punishable in both jurisdictions. Choksi’s legal team has raised concerns about his health and the conditions of Indian prisons, arguing that he would not receive due process in India. The case continues to draw significant attention as it moves closer to a potential resolution.

  • CARICOM Reaffirms Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Security Concerns

    CARICOM Reaffirms Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Security Concerns

    In a significant move to address escalating security concerns, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’ This declaration came during a recent meeting of the Heads of Government, where leaders expressed growing unease over increased military and security activities in the region. While Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position, the majority of CARICOM members emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. The regional body also highlighted its ongoing efforts to combat narcotrafficking and the illegal trade of small arms, stressing the need for international cooperation and adherence to international law. CARICOM leaders reiterated their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and safety of Caribbean nations and their people. Although the statement did not explicitly name any specific country or external actor, it comes amid heightened U.S.-led operations and renewed debates about foreign intervention and border disputes. This reaffirmation aligns with the principles of the 1979 Havana Declaration, which advocated for a Caribbean free from military confrontation and external interference.

  • US defence chief announces another attack on alleged drug-running boat

    US defence chief announces another attack on alleged drug-running boat

    In a decisive move against international drug trafficking, the United States has executed a targeted strike on a suspected narcotics vessel, resulting in the elimination of three individuals identified as ‘narco-terrorists.’ The operation, announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth via a post on X, took place on Friday in international waters under the jurisdiction of the US Southern Command, which manages military activities across Latin America. The vessel, reportedly linked to Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group, was intercepted along a well-documented drug-smuggling route and was found to be carrying significant quantities of illegal narcotics. While Hegseth did not disclose the precise location of the strike, he emphasized the operation’s success in disrupting a critical node of the global drug trade. This action underscores the US government’s ongoing commitment to combating transnational organized crime and narco-terrorism in the region.

  • Tropical wave expected to move into Caribbean Sea, rain forecast for Heroes’ Day

    Tropical wave expected to move into Caribbean Sea, rain forecast for Heroes’ Day

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States has issued a bulletin highlighting the movement of a tropical wave over the Windward Islands. As of its 8:00 am update on Sunday, the NHC anticipates heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the region. However, the system’s rapid progression is expected to hinder significant development over the next 24 to 48 hours.

  • Belize Takes Over Chairmanship of World Bank’s Small States Forum

    Belize Takes Over Chairmanship of World Bank’s Small States Forum

    Belize has been appointed as the Chair of the World Bank’s Small States Forum (SSF) for the term spanning January 2026 to December 2028. This significant development underscores Belize’s growing influence in addressing the unique challenges faced by small and vulnerable economies on the global stage. The announcement was made during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, D.C., from October 13 to 17, 2025. Prime Minister John Briceño will spearhead the forum’s initiatives, focusing on crafting tailored solutions to economic and environmental issues that disproportionately affect small states. The Small States Forum, a platform uniting finance ministers and central bank governors from over 50 countries, plays a pivotal role in addressing vulnerabilities such as limited economic diversification, climate risks, and external shocks. Belize’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture as the World Bank finalizes its new Small States Strategy, aimed at providing more effective support to these nations. In a pre-recorded address, Prime Minister Briceño expressed his gratitude for the appointment and emphasized Belize’s dedication to securing “fit-for-purpose programmes and initiatives” for small economies. Belize succeeds the Republic of Cabo Verde in this role. The Belizean delegation, led by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, included key figures such as Central Bank Governor Kareem Michael and Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Mendez, who outlined Belize’s strategic priorities for the new framework.

  • A New World Order – or the formal admission of the Old?

    A New World Order – or the formal admission of the Old?

    The concept of a ‘rules-based international order’ has long been a cornerstone of global diplomacy, suggesting that laws govern power. However, the reality is starkly different: power has always dictated the rules, often reshaping them to suit its interests. Today, this dynamic is no longer concealed; the alteration of rules occurs openly, with few feigning surprise. From the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 to the United Nations Charter in 1945, the principle of sovereign equality among nations has been more aspirational than actual. Legal sovereignty—the right to be free from interference—is universally proclaimed, but political sovereignty—the ability to act independently—remains the privilege of a few. Small and powerless nations have long understood this disparity through experience, not theory. The current global landscape is marked by a blunt exercise of power, where multilateral commitments are treated as conveniences, treaties are optional, and international courts are ignored. This shift is not about achieving objectives but about discarding pretenses. For small states, sovereignty is not a tool to dictate but a fragile shield of defense—a space to choose partners, legislate priorities, and speak truths. When this space contracts, their independence becomes ceremonial rather than substantive. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), once declared a Zone of Peace by visionary leaders, now faces threats from external military intrusions justified under the guise of security. Former Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson warns that such actions erode sovereignty and regional autonomy. The paradox of small states lies in their dependence on international law, which they are powerless to enforce when ignored. Sanctions, trade restrictions, and underfunded human-rights mechanisms further marginalize them. The so-called ‘new world order’ is not new but a candid admission of the old hierarchy, where might makes the rules. For small nations, sovereignty may soon mean little more than managing domestic affairs without offending powerful interests. Yet, the response must not be withdrawal or despair but a steadfast insistence on the language of law and principle. The Caribbean’s security and prosperity have long benefited from principled partnerships with larger democracies, and these must remain within the framework of law. The challenge is not to submit to a power-dominated order but to prevent the old hierarchy from becoming unashamedly permanent. When law is silenced, equity collapses, leaving the powerless helpless. Caution and courage are now imperative.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    Haiti continues to face significant challenges as it navigates a complex landscape of violence, historical commemoration, and developmental progress. In Kenscoff, Mayor Jean Massillon reported that armed bandits have killed between 400 and 450 people since January 2025 while attempting to seize control of the town. The violence has also resulted in extensive material damage, further exacerbating the region’s instability. Meanwhile, Cap-Haïtien Cathedral hosted a solemn Te Deum on October 17, 2025, to mark the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti’s independence hero and national founder. The ceremony, filled with prayers and songs, honored Dessalines’ legacy of justice, sovereignty, and unity. In a significant political development, the Haitian government has decided to abandon the proposed constitutional referendum following a technical opinion from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). The unspent funds will be redirected toward organizing the next elections. On the economic front, Haiti secured a $110 million investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to boost agricultural productivity and modernize transportation infrastructure. This funding is part of the 2025 Agenda and 2026 Plan, aimed at strengthening economic ties and technical cooperation. Additionally, a strategic meeting was held between Haitian leaders and security forces to address the country’s security situation and coordinate efforts to protect the population and advance the electoral process. International support was also evident, with the French and U.S. embassies expressing solidarity with Haiti and honoring Dessalines’ legacy.

  • World Food Day Highlights Urgent Hunger Crisis

    World Food Day Highlights Urgent Hunger Crisis

    On October 17, 2025, Rome hosted the global observance of World Food Day, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This year’s theme, ‘Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,’ underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating hunger crisis. Leaders, partners, and youth advocates from across the globe convened to emphasize the importance of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. The event highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather, climate shocks, economic instability, and widening inequality, which have left hundreds of millions facing hunger and billions unable to afford nutritious meals. Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable populations in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan. He called on the international community to share in the suffering of those deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity to combat hunger and inequality, urging immediate action to secure a better future for all.