Carib Scope

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  • China: Inbeslagname schepen door VS ‘ernstige schending’ internationaal recht

    China: Inbeslagname schepen door VS ‘ernstige schending’ internationaal recht

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry has condemned the United States’ interception of a Venezuelan oil tanker destined for China as a severe violation of international law. The incident occurred in international waters off the coast of Barbados, where U.S. Coast Guard officials seized the Panamanian-flagged vessel ‘Centuries’ carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan Merey crude oil.

    Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declared during a regular press briefing that Venezuela maintains the sovereign right to develop relationships with other nations, emphasizing China’s opposition to all ‘unilateral and illegal’ sanctions. The statement came in response to Washington’s recent interception operations targeting vessels transporting Venezuelan oil.

    The seized tanker had allegedly been operating under the false name ‘Crag’ and was transporting crude purchased by Satau Tijana Oil Trading, one of several intermediaries involved in selling oil from Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA to independent Chinese refineries. A White House representative characterized the vessel as part of Venezuela’s ‘shadow fleet’ transporting sanctioned oil.

    Venezuelan authorities have denounced the seizure as an ‘act of international piracy,’ marking the second such interception within days following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive blockade against sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters.

    China remains Venezuela’s largest crude oil customer, accounting for approximately 4% of China’s total oil imports, making these developments particularly significant for energy relations between the two nations.

  • Robberies Reported in Corozal and Orange Walk Districts

    Robberies Reported in Corozal and Orange Walk Districts

    Northern Belize experienced a concerning surge in armed criminal activities on Saturday as law enforcement authorities launched parallel investigations into two separate robbery incidents across Corozal and Orange Walk Districts.

    In the first occurrence, Altamira Area’s Max’s Store became the target of an armed heist approximately at 8:20 p.m. Preliminary police documentation indicates that two unidentified male perpetrators entered the commercial establishment while a 19-year-old Belizean attendant was performing regular customer service duties. The suspects reportedly produced a firearm, directing it toward the cashier while issuing demands for monetary handover. One assailant subsequently vaulted over the counter, procuring an unspecified cash quantity from the register before both individuals escaped on foot through adjacent thoroughfares. Corozal District police have initiated comprehensive evidence gathering and witness interviews.

    Concurrently, Orange Walk District witnessed another violent robbery at Belize Western Gas Co. Ltd. situated along the Belize-Corozal Road. The afternoon incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. when two armed males accosted a 20-year-old cashier and a colleague. Criminal proceedings turned physically violent when one assailant delivered a blunt force trauma to 60-year-old Clemente Rodriguez’s cranial region using their weapon. Meanwhile, the second perpetrator infiltrated the administrative office, seizing an undetermined cash sum before both suspects fled the premises. Medical personnel transported Rodriguez to medical facilities where he remains under observation in stable health condition. Orange Walk police forces are pursuing multiple investigative avenues regarding this aggravated robbery.

  • Encourage civil society participation, resume presidential debates to sustain issue-based campaigning

    Encourage civil society participation, resume presidential debates to sustain issue-based campaigning

    A comprehensive report from the Commonwealth Observer Group has issued significant recommendations for strengthening Guyana’s electoral processes following the 2025 general and regional elections. Dated September 1 and published December 22, the document calls for substantial reforms to enhance democratic integrity and issue-based political engagement.

    The observer mission specifically advocates for the reinstatement of nationally televised presidential debates, noting that the last such event occurred in 1992 between then-incumbent President Desmond Hoyte of the People’s National Congress and his successful challenger Dr. Cheddi Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party Civic. Subsequent attempts to organize similar debates between major political parties have consistently failed despite their potential to elevate policy discussions above partisan divides.

    The report identifies a notable shift in campaign dynamics, recognizing that while traditional mobilization techniques persisted, the 2025 elections featured increased policy-driven messaging addressing Guyana’s economic and social challenges. Key campaign issues centered on transparent management of oil and gas revenues, anti-corruption measures, equitable development, and social service improvements. Constitutional reform and responsible economic growth emerged as dominant themes across party platforms.

    Regarding media landscape assessment, the Commonwealth Group expressed concerns about uneven pluralism, with state-owned entities like the Chronicle and National Communications Network perceived as favoring the governing party. Meanwhile, private media outlets face financial constraints and occasional self-censorship due to political pressures and advertising dependencies. The report recommends developing a media code of conduct for election coverage through collaboration with the Guyana Press Association and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

    The digital transformation of campaigning received particular attention, with approximately 96% of Guyanese now online. While social media provided new participatory avenues, especially for smaller parties, it also facilitated the spread of misinformation and disinformation throughout the election cycle.

    The observer mission further highlighted concerns about diminishing civic space, noting that civil society organizations reported operating in a punitive environment that sometimes labels them as “anti-government.” The report criticizes GECOM for lacking structured engagement with stakeholders—including media, political parties, and civil society—within its electoral operational plan. No deliberate outreach efforts were made to ensure meaningful civil society participation in election preparations, and information about citizen observers remained inaccessible to the Commonwealth Group.

    Overall, the recommendations emphasize institutionalizing issue-based campaigning, ensuring media independence, building digital resilience through monitoring and civic education, and revitalizing civil society’s role in maintaining transparency and accountability within Guyana’s democratic processes.

  • STATEMENT: Christmas message from the Dominica Red Cross Society- President Mr. Reginald Winston

    STATEMENT: Christmas message from the Dominica Red Cross Society- President Mr. Reginald Winston

    In a heartfelt Christmas message, Reginald Winston of the Dominica Red Cross Society has framed humanitarian service as the ultimate expression of faith, drawing direct inspiration from the biblical narrative of divine sacrifice. The organization’s holiday communique transforms seasonal goodwill into a call for sustained action, emphasizing that the core message of Christmas—selfless giving—should extend throughout the entire year.

    The Society’s philosophy centers on operationalizing religious principles through concrete community service. Winston’s statement articulates a vision where volunteering time, resources, and talents becomes a living embodiment of spiritual values. This approach reframes humanitarian work as active worship, suggesting that serving vulnerable communities represents a higher form of religious practice than ritual observance alone.

    As the New Year approaches, the Red Cross specifically invites broader community participation not just during emergencies but during periods of stability and growth. The message emphasizes that the most meaningful gift one can offer mirrors the love demonstrated centuries ago through biblical sacrifice—a love made tangible through ongoing service to humanity.

    The organization recognizes its volunteers’ dedication to protecting and caring for communities across the island nation, presenting this work as both a civic duty and spiritual practice. Winston extended holiday wishes to all volunteers, staff, board members, partners, and those served by the organization’s programs, creating an inclusive vision of shared purpose that transcends the Christmas season.

  • Caribbean travel and cruise industry executives collaborate on strengthening resilience, recovery and shared growth

    Caribbean travel and cruise industry executives collaborate on strengthening resilience, recovery and shared growth

    In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, Caribbean tourism leaders convened aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for the landmark “Iconic Summit” this month. The high-level gathering, organized during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s second annual Caribbean Weekend in Miami, addressed critical recovery efforts following October’s devastating Hurricane Melissa while charting a course toward sustainable industry growth.

    Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley detailed his company’s rapid humanitarian response, describing how over 100 pallets of essential supplies—including generators, food, and water—were deployed through Jamaica’s Falmouth port. The cruise giant coordinated with multiple partners to ensure effective distribution in hardest-hit communities.

    “Our connection to the Caribbean runs deep,” Bayley emphasized during a dialogue with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper. “In times of crisis, we answer the call and do everything possible to support these communities that are so integral to our operations.”

    CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, expressed profound gratitude for Royal Caribbean’s support while championing innovative public-private partnerships. “The future of Caribbean tourism depends on our ability to reimagine together—to innovate, collaborate and believe in our region’s boundless potential,” he asserted, highlighting the necessity of data-driven policies and enhanced connectivity.

    The summit produced concrete frameworks for collaboration, with Bayley advocating for comprehensive “master planning” to develop sustainable tourism models. He identified significant opportunities for closer cruise-port coordination and creating career pathways for Caribbean youth through engagement with labor ministers and industry stakeholders.

    Royal Caribbean further committed to advanced sustainability measures including environmental technologies, shore power systems, and resilient port infrastructure. Despite recent challenges, industry projections indicate millions of cruise visitors will arrive in 2025, underscoring tourism’s vital role in regional economies and employment.

    The gathering maintained a purposeful tone throughout, reinforcing that tourism represents a shared responsibility requiring “all hands on deck”—a sentiment echoed even as attendees enjoyed cultural presentations including “The Wizard of Oz” and an appearance by the ship’s “Chief Dog Officer.”

  • Time for biometric system, no evidence of using list for electoral fraud- Commonwealth Observers

    Time for biometric system, no evidence of using list for electoral fraud- Commonwealth Observers

    Commonwealth election observers have concluded their assessment of Guyana’s September 2025 general and regional elections, recommending the implementation of biometric technology to address longstanding concerns about the integrity of the voter registry while simultaneously clearing the elections of systematic fraud allegations.

    The recently published report from the Commonwealth Observer Mission acknowledged persistent worries about Guyana’s voter roll containing deceased individuals and emigrants but found no substantiated evidence that the inflated list was exploited for electoral manipulation. The mission documented that all 438,468 valid votes were cast through transparent and properly managed procedures.

    Despite the clean bill of health regarding electoral integrity, the observers strongly advocated for biometric voter registration and verification systems to be implemented early in the next election cycle. This recommendation comes despite previous constitutional concerns raised by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who had expressed reservations about using biometric technology exclusively for voter verification.

    The comprehensive report highlighted significant improvements in electoral administration since the contentious 2020 elections. Observers praised GECOM for major procedural enhancements including updated electoral manuals, decentralized counting processes, and the introduction of simultaneous electronic posting of polling station results—all contributing to greater transparency and accuracy.

    Election day operations received particular commendation for generally professional conduct, with polling staff demonstrating preparedness and courtesy. Security coordination was effectively managed, and voter guidance materials were predominantly well-organized despite some inconsistencies in signage.

    The observers noted several structural challenges contributing to voter list inaccuracies, including legal restrictions on modifying the registry and difficulties operationalizing legislation that would allow using death reports from the Police Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer to remove deceased individuals from the rolls.

    The report also documented that most political parties participated under protest, with newer parties expressing specific dissatisfaction about GECOM’s decision against biometric technology. Both the Alliance For Change (AFC) and Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) had publicly questioned GECOM’s readiness and formally called for election postponement.

    Despite these concerns, the Commonwealth Group affirmed that the 2025 voting, counting, and tabulation processes were conducted peacefully and with generally high standards of transparency and management.

  • Motorcyclists Try to Rev Against New Rules, But Protest Runs Out of Gas

    Motorcyclists Try to Rev Against New Rules, But Protest Runs Out of Gas

    A highly anticipated demonstration against proposed motorcycle regulations in Belize City culminated in a disappointing turnout on Sunday, with merely over twenty participants materializing at Memorial Park. The event, orchestrated by prominent critics Jose Luis Uc Espat and Sylvia Waight, was designed to vocally oppose the Ministry of Transport’s new framework, which includes a contentious $300 mandatory training fee and revised licensing protocols for riders.

    Despite weeks of vigorous online discourse and public criticism labeling the initiative as an unnecessary financial ‘hustle,’ the physical manifestation of dissent was conspicuously absent. Organizers had anticipated a significant gathering of motorcyclists from across the nation to reject what they perceive as a burdensome and superfluous government mandate.

    In a post-event interview with News Five, a visibly disheartened Waight acknowledged the dedication of those who attended while expressing profound disillusionment with the overwhelming number of no-shows. She speculated whether the impending Christmas holiday season and a coinciding government announcement of a GST break might have diverted public attention and participation.

    Nevertheless, Waight maintained that the small assembly succeeded in making its symbolic point. The demonstrators concurrently proposed alternative road safety measures that would achieve public welfare objectives without imposing direct costs on the motorcycle community. The event’s poor attendance raises questions about the transition from digital activism to tangible civic engagement, particularly during the festive period.

  • Overnight Clean-Up Drive Transforms St John’s Streets as Solid Waste Teams Work Through the Night

    Overnight Clean-Up Drive Transforms St John’s Streets as Solid Waste Teams Work Through the Night

    In a remarkable overnight operation, the streets of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, underwent a dramatic transformation while most citizens slept. Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on Monday, December 22nd, dozens of dedicated workers from the National Solid Waste Management Authority descended upon the capital’s major thoroughfares and alleyways.

    Under the leadership of General Manager Mrs. Indira James Henry, crews executed a comprehensive urban cleanup campaign. Teams meticulously cut overgrown grass, pruned obstructive branches, and conducted extensive sweeping operations. The operation extended to flushing clogged gutters and removing accumulated sludge and garbage deposits that had plagued the city’s drainage systems.

    The scale of the endeavor was demonstrated when heavy-duty trucks were deployed to pump thick mud from completely blocked drainage channels, addressing critical flood prevention concerns. In a coordinated multi-agency effort, personnel from the Central Board of Health joined the initiative at 4 a.m., implementing public health measures including gutter spraying, application of white lime, and strategic bait placement to combat rodent infestations.

    Authorities have announced an identical follow-up operation scheduled for the early hours of Tuesday morning, indicating an intensified commitment to urban sanitation and public health maintenance in the capital city.

  • GST-Free Weekend Brought Out Shopping Rush Ahead of Christmas

    GST-Free Weekend Brought Out Shopping Rush Ahead of Christmas

    Belize experienced a substantial surge in retail activity during the recent GST-free shopping weekend as consumers eagerly pursued Christmas purchases under the temporary tax relief initiative. Across the nation, commercial centers witnessed remarkable congestion with extended queues at checkout counters and parking facilities operating at full capacity.

    The government-sponsored program, now in its second year, temporarily suspended the standard 12.5% General Sales Tax on eligible merchandise to alleviate household financial pressures during the holiday period while simultaneously stimulating domestic commerce. However, the tax exemption excludes specific categories including petroleum products, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, firearms, and various services.

    Despite its popularity among shoppers, the initiative has generated controversy regarding potential price manipulation tactics. Multiple consumers have reported instances where retailers allegedly increased base prices immediately preceding the tax-free period, effectively neutralizing the intended financial benefit. One disgruntled customer recounted their experience with a Christmas tree retailer who unexpectedly withdrew the tax exemption from an already discounted item.

    Financial authorities acknowledge the program’s impact on public revenue, with last year’s implementation resulting in an approximate $5 million reduction in tax collections. According to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, heightened consumer expenditure partially mitigated the fiscal shortfall during the previous cycle.

    The Belize Tax Service Department has issued guidance urging shoppers to meticulously review transaction receipts to verify proper GST deduction application. Consumers encountering discrepancies are encouraged to report directly to tax authorities for investigation.

    Quantitative data regarding the latest event’s economic impact will be formally disclosed in the government’s subsequent quarterly financial report, providing comprehensive insight into the balance between consumer savings and revenue reduction.

  • Former tourism, mobilisation ministers appointed opposition senators

    Former tourism, mobilisation ministers appointed opposition senators

    In a significant post-election political maneuver, opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves has appointed two former cabinet ministers who suffered electoral defeats to senatorial positions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ incoming Parliament. The appointments come as Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) faces a dramatic reversal of fortunes following their landslide defeat in the November 27 general elections.

    The newly appointed senators—Carlos James and Keisal Peters—both experienced notable electoral setbacks. James, who previously served as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, lost his North Leeward constituency by 560 votes to NDP newcomer Kishore Shallow. This defeat marked a historic rejection, making James the first North Leeward MP since independence in 1979 to be ousted after a single term.

    Peters, who made history as the nation’s first female foreign affairs minister, failed to unseat NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings in West Kingstown. Despite her ministerial experience, Cummings expanded his victory margin to 1,241 votes, securing his fourth consecutive term.

    Gonsalves introduced an element of uncertainty regarding parliamentary proceedings, suggesting neither senator might attend Tuesday’s ceremonial opening of Parliament. He cited unspecified “security matters” requiring resolution and indicated his own attendance remained uncertain. The former prime minister, who held office from 2001 until last month’s electoral defeat, made these announcements through a social media video where he emphasized seasonal greetings while promising future commentary on national issues.

    The appointments occur against the backdrop of a dramatic political shift that ended the ULP’s 23-year governance. The New Democratic Party achieved an overwhelming 14-1 parliamentary majority, with only one ULP candidate retaining their seat. James’s electoral campaign was further marred by social media videos showing confrontations with constituents and law enforcement officials at polling stations, including an incident where he engaged in a physical altercation with a police officer.

    Despite these controversies, James conceded defeat graciously on November 28, acknowledging the electorate’s decision while expressing continued commitment to national service. The political landscape in St. Vincent and the Grenadines now enters a new chapter with these senatorial appointments signaling the opposition’s strategy for the upcoming parliamentary term.