Carib Scope

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  • St. Kitts-Nevis joins OAS in solemn reflection on anniversary of Haiti earthquake

    St. Kitts-Nevis joins OAS in solemn reflection on anniversary of Haiti earthquake

    WASHINGTON, DC – Sixteen years after the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake that ravaged Haiti, member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) convened for a solemn commemoration of the tragic event that continues to resonate throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis joined fellow OAS members in honoring the memory of the victims and celebrating Haitian resilience during a special session of the Permanent Council on Wednesday, January 21st.

    Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, representing St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered a poignant address acknowledging the profound human, social, and economic devastation caused by the January 12, 2010 disaster. The earthquake resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities, displaced millions of citizens, and triggered significant migration patterns that continue to affect Caribbean nations and the United States.

    In her remarks, Ambassador Henry-Martin paid tribute not only to those who perished but also to the extraordinary fortitude demonstrated by the Haitian people. ‘From a nation of historical overcomers emerged, from the rubble and sorrow, valiant women and men who, despite unimaginable hardships, have continued to rebuild their communities,’ she stated, emphasizing the ‘extraordinary courage and resilience’ that has characterized Haiti’s response to the tragedy.

    The ambassador contextualized Haiti’s ongoing struggles within its remarkable historical legacy, noting the country’s pioneering role as the first Black Republic and the first nation in the Americas to achieve independence. She highlighted how Haiti’s 1804 revolution inspired liberation movements throughout the region and affirmed universal principles of liberty and self-determination.

    Ambassador Henry-Martin reaffirmed the collective responsibility of OAS member states to support Haiti’s recovery and development, stating: ‘It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that Haiti is not defined by this or any other disaster, nor by ensuing crises, but by its enduring contributions and its future promise.’

    She recalled the extensive solidarity demonstrated by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners and the international community following the earthquake, characterizing this support as ‘not merely an act of charity, but equal as an expression of shared history, shared humanity, and shared destiny within the Americas.’

    The ambassador concluded by calling for sustained international cooperation, respect for Haitian ownership of its development path, and renewed commitment to peace, institution-building, and inclusive growth throughout the nation.

  • FLASH : More than 8,100 Haitians killed in 11 months (2025)

    FLASH : More than 8,100 Haitians killed in 11 months (2025)

    A stark United Nations assessment has revealed Haiti descended into unprecedented violence throughout 2025, with armed gangs inflicting a devastating human toll and bringing the nation to a critical juncture. According to the latest report from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), presented to the Security Council on January 15, 2026, more than 8,100 Haitians were killed between January and November 2025 due to armed violence, a figure believed to be a significant undercount given limited access to gang-controlled territories.

    The crisis has evolved beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, with gang networks expanding their influence into strategic regions including Arcahaie, Mirebalais, Lascahobas, and the Artibonite department. This geographical spread has effectively paralyzed vital commercial and humanitarian routes, severely undermining state authority. Armed groups systematically targeted individuals suspected of collaborating with or resisting police forces, employing sexual violence primarily against women and girls as a punitive weapon of war.

    In response, the Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by the Haitian Armed Forces and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), intensified counter-operations. These efforts succeeded in reopening several major national roads, though the overall security situation remains critically fragile. Despite a marginal 6.2% decrease in violence within the capital in the final quarter, violence exploded in provincial areas, nearly doubling in certain rural regions. The Artibonite and Center departments reported 1,916 deaths in 2025, a sharp increase from the 1,050 recorded during the same period in 2024.

    Beyond killings, gangs sustained campaigns of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and systematic property destruction. These actions have severely hindered public access to essential services, including healthcare and education, while exacerbating severe food insecurity and economic hardship. The report also highlights a disturbing rise in child trafficking, with gangs coercing minors into various roles, including participation in violent attacks.

    The coordinated assaults, often executed with weapons of war on multiple fronts, signify a grave and deteriorating security situation that demands urgent international attention and a reinforced response to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.

  • Iran meldt 3.117 doden bij protesten; waarschuwt VS voor vergelding

    Iran meldt 3.117 doden bij protesten; waarschuwt VS voor vergelding

    Iran’s state broadcaster has officially acknowledged 3,117 fatalities during recent nationwide protests that erupted on December 28, 2025, marking the deadliest civil unrest in decades. According to the Wednesday announcement, 2,427 victims included both civilians and security personnel, though details regarding the remaining casualties remain unspecified.

    The disclosure comes amid escalating regional tensions as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning to the United States during a Beirut seminar on Friday. Araghchi cautioned that Iran would respond “without hesitation with everything we have” to any new attacks against the Islamic Republic, referencing last June’s conflict with Israel. He characterized potential large-scale confrontation as “fierce” and prolonged, with significant regional and global implications.

    Independent verification of casualty figures remains challenging due to internet restrictions and information blackouts. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates at least 4,560 deaths based on activist networks within Iran, significantly higher than official figures.

    Meanwhile, US military assets continue redeploying to the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group transiting from Asia toward the Middle East. Satellite imagery confirms F-15E fighter aircraft and mobile HIMARS rocket systems being positioned throughout the region, coinciding with new travel restrictions for American diplomats visiting bases in Kuwait and Qatar.

    The protests initially sparked by economic grievances rapidly evolved into broad criticism of Iran’s theocratic regime, recalling memories of the 1979 revolution’s chaos. Although demonstrations have subsided in recent days, human rights organizations fear increased fatalities may emerge as information gradually leaks from the information-restricted nation.

    Iranian authorities have arrested approximately 26,500 individuals, warning that “terrorists” linked to Israel and supported by the US will face prosecution. Concerns mount that some detainees may receive death sentences, crossing what US officials previously identified as red lines in tensions with Iran.

    In a significant development, the Kurdish National Army of Kurdistan (PAK) claims Iran conducted its first foreign military operation since the protests began, attacking a base in northern Iraq and killing one fighter. Kurdish dissident groups have long found refuge in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, creating persistent tensions between Baghdad and Tehran.

    The international community continues monitoring the volatile situation, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting human rights and preventing further regional escalation.

  • Switzerland seeks to strengthen energy and mining ties with Dominican Republic

    Switzerland seeks to strengthen energy and mining ties with Dominican Republic

    In a significant diplomatic engagement marking the conclusion of her service, Swiss Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Rita Hämmerli-Weschke articulated Switzerland’s sustained commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy and mining sectors. The farewell meeting, convened at the Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines, served as both a retrospective on institutional collaborations and a forward-looking dialogue on future partnerships.

    Ambassador Hämmerli-Weschke commended the work of Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos and his ministry, recognizing their efforts in advancing the nation’s extractive and energy industries. The discussions centered on identifying concrete opportunities for strengthened technological exchange and investment between the two nations, with Switzerland positioned as a valuable partner in Dominican development initiatives.

    Minister Santos expressed gratitude for the Swiss Embassy’s ongoing support and specifically proposed the promotion of larimar, the Dominican Republic’s distinctive semiprecious national stone, within the Swiss market. He emphasized Switzerland’s global relevance in the gemstone commerce sector, suggesting significant potential for this cultural export.

    The outgoing ambassador confirmed the scheduled arrival of her successor in March, ensuring continuity in diplomatic relations and reaffirming Switzerland’s technical and financial capacity to contribute meaningfully to Dominican progress in these critical sectors. Hämmerli-Weschke shared positive reflections on her tenure in the Caribbean nation, characterizing her diplomatic assignment as personally and professionally rewarding.

    The ceremonial conclusion of the meeting featured the ambassador presenting Minister Santos with a traditional Swiss Army knife—a symbolic gesture representing Swiss craftsmanship and practical innovation. The exchange was witnessed by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, underscoring the importance both nations place on their diplomatic and economic relationship.

  • Caribbean nations aim to enhance collaboration with new head of IICA to increase agricultural development and decrease imported foods

    Caribbean nations aim to enhance collaboration with new head of IICA to increase agricultural development and decrease imported foods

    SAN JOSÉ – Caribbean agricultural leaders have voiced strong optimism that the newly inaugurated Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Guyanese agronomist Muhammad Ibrahim, will spearhead transformative efforts to reduce the region’s dependency on imported food and bolster food sovereignty. The inauguration ceremony in Costa Rica, attended by ministers from 30 nations and international organizations, marked the commencement of Ibrahim’s 2026–2030 term, succeeding Manuel Otero who led the institute through two consecutive terms.

    Saint Lucia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development, Lisa Jawahir, emphasized IICA’s critical partnership in achieving national and regional self-sufficiency. “Saint Lucia is proud to have IICA as a partner in our goal of becoming self-sustaining and self-sufficient,” Jawahir stated, underscoring the strategic aim to not only ensure food security but also systematically replace imported food staples with regionally produced alternatives.

    Minister Jawahir identified two priority areas for deepened collaboration: climate resilience and digital agriculture. She revealed ongoing discussions for IICA-led assessments of Saint Lucia’s agricultural systems to develop climate-adaptive farming practices capable of withstanding increasingly severe weather events. Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity of employing innovative, science-based techniques to make agriculture more appealing to younger generations, noting that IICA is indispensable for facilitating knowledge exchange with major agricultural producers across the Americas.

    Echoing this sentiment, Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, Rodwell Ferguson, called for enhanced regional integration. He stressed IICA’s unique position, with its 34 member states, to act as a unifying force. Ferguson expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s leadership, citing his extensive experience as a former IICA representative in Belize. A key expectation from the new leadership is its role in mobilizing crucial funding for agricultural resilience projects by leveraging international financial mechanisms for which IICA holds accreditation.

    The collective outlook from the Caribbean indicates a firm belief that under Ibrahim’s direction, IICA will intensify its support for training small-scale farmers, integrating advanced technologies, and fortifying the region’s agricultural sector against climatic and economic challenges, ultimately forging a path toward collective food independence.

  • Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    TOKYO — Japan’s ambitious plan to recommission the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility, the world’s largest atomic power station by capacity, encountered a significant setback Thursday when technical complications forced an indefinite suspension of reactor operations.

    The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the Niigata prefecture-based plant, confirmed that an alarm from the monitoring system activated during reactor startup procedures, prompting immediate suspension of the restart process. This development comes just one day after operations commenced following final regulatory approval from Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority.

    Site superintendent Takeyuki Inagaki acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “We don’t anticipate resolution within a day or two. The timeline for identifying and addressing the underlying cause remains uncertain at present.” The company has prioritized comprehensive investigation into the malfunctioning electrical equipment that triggered the alarm.

    According to TEPCO spokesman Takashi Kobayashi, control rods were systematically reinserted into the reactor core once it became apparent that resolving the technical issue would require substantial time. Kobayashi emphasized that “the reactor maintains stable conditions with no detectable radioactive emissions beyond facility boundaries.”

    This incident represents the second technical delay in the plant’s planned reactivation. The initial restart scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to complications with control rod removal detected last weekend, though those issues were reportedly resolved by Sunday.

    The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, boasting seven reactors with combined capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, has remained inactive since Japan’s nationwide nuclear shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi catastrophe. The current restart effort involves bringing just one reactor back online initially.

    Japan’s push to revive nuclear energy stems from multiple factors: the nation’s resource scarcity, carbon neutrality objectives by 2050, and escalating energy demands driven partly by artificial intelligence infrastructure requirements. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart marks TEPCO’s first nuclear reactivation since the Fukushima disaster, which the company also operated.

    Public sentiment in Niigata remains sharply divided regarding the plant’s reactivation. A September survey revealed approximately 60% of local residents oppose the restart, while 37% support it. Opposition groups have highlighted seismic concerns, noting the facility’s location on an active fault zone and referencing damage sustained during a 2007 earthquake. Earlier this month, seven activist organizations submitted a petition with nearly 40,000 signatures to regulatory authorities questioning the plant’s safety preparedness.

  • Cayman Islands brace for surge in Cuban migrants

    Cayman Islands brace for surge in Cuban migrants

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands—Cayman Islands authorities are implementing contingency measures to address a potential humanitarian crisis stemming from anticipated mass migration from Cuba, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson revealed to the Public Accounts Committee. This preparedness initiative comes as regional instability intensifies following recent U.S. military interventions in Venezuela.

    Manderson identified the U.S. control over seized Venezuelan oil shipments as a critical factor that could trigger widespread Cuban migration. The potential termination of oil supplies to Havana, he warned, might precipitate severe economic collapse in Cuba, creating desperate conditions that could drive thousands of migrants toward neighboring territories.

    Drawing parallels to the 1994 migrant crisis when over 1,100 Cubans arrived unexpectedly—an event that proved both financially burdensome and politically challenging—Manderson emphasized that risk management has become integral to governmental operations. A specialized team within the Home Affairs Ministry is currently developing strategies to mitigate both internal and external threats, including potential mass arrivals.

    Governor Jane Owen confirmed that security services are actively formulating response plans, acknowledging public concern regarding the situation. A dedicated committee focusing on migration emergencies will convene this week to coordinate the British overseas territory’s response strategies.

    Police Commissioner Kurt Walton noted that the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and Customs and Border Control are enhancing regional intelligence sharing and operational coordination with international partners. These efforts aim to anticipate multiple scenarios and prevent improvised responses should a rapid-onset humanitarian crisis materialize in coming days.

    The geopolitical context includes the January 2026 U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who now face narcoterrorism charges in New York. With Venezuela’s oil infrastructure under U.S. control and the Trump administration maintaining强硬 policies toward Cuba, the island nation faces imminent energy isolation from its primary fuel supplier.

  • OBSERVATION: Demilitarized Runway 10

    OBSERVATION: Demilitarized Runway 10

    The Eastern peninsula within Antigua’s North East Marine Management Area harbors a significant historical transformation at Runway 10. This site, originally established as a strategic U.S. Military and Air Force Base, served as a crucial surveillance and operations center for the Eastern Caribbean and Latin America throughout the post-war era. Its strategic value was immediately recognized by both British and American authorities for regional oversight.

    Following a broader trend of decommissioning smaller U.S. bases in the hemisphere, the Antiguan facility was closed. The leased territories and structures were subsequently returned to the Antiguan government, leaving the airport lands surrounding the runway in a state of abandonment. This neglect transformed the airside peninsula into a remote and largely ungoverned area, reportedly becoming a dumping ground and a site for illicit activities due to its isolation near the international airport.

    A pivotal shift began in 1999. To manage the increasing traffic of private jets from affluent residents of Mill Reef, Jumby Bay, and Barbuda’s Coco Pointe, operations were relocated to the defunct Runway 10. This initiated a comprehensive conversion from a military installation into a dedicated General Aviation Complex. Endorsed by prominent local figures like the Mellons, the government leased the land to a local aviation entrepreneur to establish Antigua’s first Fixed Base Operation (FBO), catalyzing the area’s redevelopment into an elite hub for corporate and private aviation.

    While the U.S. presence evolved—transitioning to support for the NASA Space Program—a cordial relationship with the new aviation operators was maintained. Heavy military aircraft activity gradually diminished, with only occasional visits from hurricane weather aircraft, ceasing entirely as the runway became dedicated to private use.

    The fundamental incompatibility between military protocols and the standards of high-end private aviation underpins a clear operational boundary. This principle recently guided the Prime Minister’s decision to refuse military assets on Runway 10, a stance that was accepted without contention by the previous Head of the U.S. Southern Command. Today, Runway 10 stands firmly as a exclusive General Aviation area, dedicated solely to serving the world’s wealthy, famous, and royal clientele.

  • High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua as Hazardous Seas Affect Northern Coastlines

    High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua as Hazardous Seas Affect Northern Coastlines

    Meteorological authorities across the Eastern Caribbean have issued urgent warnings as significant ocean swells pose severe threats to northern coastlines. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service activated a high surf advisory Tuesday afternoon, alerting residents and visitors to hazardous marine conditions expected to persist through the weekend.

    The advisory specifically targets exposed northern and north-facing shorelines across multiple territories. Forecast models indicate powerful wave systems generating swells of 2-3 meters (6-10 feet), with sea conditions occasionally reaching 4 meters (13 feet). These formidable waves are accompanied by long-period swells averaging 10 seconds, significantly elevating the risk of deadly rip currents throughout the region.

    Impact timelines vary across the archipelago: Antigua and Barbuda face hazardous conditions from Wednesday morning through Saturday midday; St. Kitts and Nevis from Wednesday morning through Sunday night; Montserrat from early Wednesday through Sunday night; Anguilla from Wednesday morning through Saturday morning; and the British Virgin Islands from Wednesday morning through early Saturday.

    The meteorological service outlined multiple potential consequences including significant beach erosion, coastal flooding, dangerous sea splash onto low-lying roadways, and possible damage to sensitive coral ecosystems. Marine businesses may experience operational disruptions, while desalination facilities could encounter saltwater intrusion issues.

    Authorities strongly recommend avoiding affected beaches and rocky shorelines entirely, particularly remaining clear of exposed jetties and reef areas. Swimmers are advised to use only sheltered southern beaches with lifeguard supervision present. For those caught in rip currents, safety guidelines emphasize remaining calm, floating rather than swimming against the current, and attempting to move parallel to shore while signaling for assistance.

  • Bezoek CCJ onderstreept rol Suriname binnen Caribische rechtsorde

    Bezoek CCJ onderstreept rol Suriname binnen Caribische rechtsorde

    A high-level delegation from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), led by President Winston Anderson, has commenced an official visit to Suriname at the invitation of the country’s Court of Justice President Iwan Rasoelbaks. The delegation, which includes Justice Peter Jamadar, the Registrar, and Chief Marshal, aims to enhance judicial cooperation between regional institutions and national legal systems.

    This strategic engagement aligns with the CCJ’s 2025-2032 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes improving access to justice, strengthening regional legal collaboration, promoting transparency, and building public confidence in judicial institutions. During their stay, the delegation will engage with members of Suriname’s judiciary, the Bar Association, parliamentarians, and other key stakeholders.

    A highlight of the visit will be the delegation’s participation in the Congress on Modernization of the Judiciary on January 22, where they will elaborate on the CCJ’s role, operational methodologies, effectiveness, institutional framework, and jurisdictional authorities.

    The current mission builds upon previous collaborative initiatives between the CCJ and Suriname. In November 2025, the Court concluded a multi-year training program on Referral Procedures in partnership with Suriname’s Bar Association. This comprehensive two-year awareness campaign, partially funded by the European Union, focused on educating legal professionals and business communities about the obligation of national judges to refer questions regarding the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to the CCJ in its original jurisdiction.

    As part of this ongoing cooperation, President Anderson previously presented the CCJ Original Jurisdiction Rules 2024 and accompanying Referral Manual—now translated into Dutch—to Suriname’s former Minister of Justice & Police. The CCJ anticipates constructive dialogues with Surinamese partners and aims through this visit to foster greater understanding of the Court’s role in advancing rule of law, regional integration, and legal excellence throughout the Caribbean region.