Carib Scope

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  • Cuba committed to social justice, says Prime Minister

    Cuba committed to social justice, says Prime Minister

    Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz presented a comprehensive economic revitalization report to the National Assembly, outlining both progress and challenges facing the Caribbean nation. In his address, Marrero identified national security and homeland protection as fundamental strategic priorities for the Cuban state, emphasizing the heightened preparedness of military and interior ministry forces in response to escalating regional tensions.

    The government restructuring initiative has shown measurable progress, with authorities working to streamline the Central State Administration by reducing the number of governmental agencies. This administrative overhaul forms part of broader economic correction measures designed to address systemic distortions in the Cuban economy.

    Healthcare indicators revealed concerning trends, with infant mortality rates climbing to 9.8 per 1,000 live births—a significant increase from the 7.0 rate recorded during the same period last year. Despite implemented interventions, the healthcare system continues to face substantial challenges in reversing this negative trajectory.

    Education reforms continue with the ongoing implementation of the Teaching Process Quality Improvement Program, though specific outcomes and metrics were not detailed in the presentation.

    Most alarmingly, Marrero highlighted Cuba’s accelerating demographic crisis as one of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Current projections indicate the population will decline to 9.6 million by 2025 and further plummet to approximately 7.7 million by 2050, representing a severe population contraction that threatens long-term economic and social stability.

    The Prime Minister acknowledged the coordinated efforts between military institutions, the Communist Party, government entities, and mass organizations in addressing these multifaceted challenges while maintaining national security preparedness.

  • NAGICO Insurances upgraded to A- (Excellent) by AM Best

    NAGICO Insurances upgraded to A- (Excellent) by AM Best

    In a significant development for the Caribbean insurance sector, NAGICO Insurances has received a substantial credit rating upgrade from globally recognized agency AM Best. The Group’s Financial Strength Rating has been elevated from BBB+ to A- (Excellent), positioning the company among the top-tier insurance providers in the region.

    The upgraded rating reflects AM Best’s comprehensive evaluation of NAGICO’s reinforced balance sheet, consistently enhanced operational performance, rigorous risk management protocols, and successful implementation of its strategic vision across diverse Caribbean markets. This assessment acknowledges the insurer’s strengthened financial resilience and disciplined business approach.

    For policyholders, business partners, and regulatory authorities, the A- designation serves as an independent validation of NAGICO’s capacity to honor its commitments, particularly crucial in a geographic area susceptible to natural disasters and economic fluctuations.

    Kyria Ali, Chief Executive Officer of NAGICO Insurances, expressed considerable pride in this achievement, stating: “This AM Best rating upgrade represents an independent endorsement of our financial robustness and strategic management. For our clients throughout the Caribbean and France, it confirms the trust they have placed in our ability to support their families and businesses during critical moments.”

    The A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, a specialized insurance industry rating agency, signifies exceptional capital strength, sustained financial improvement, prudent underwriting standards, and a viable long-term business strategy. This classification establishes NAGICO as a premier insurance group with demonstrated stability and reliability.

    Operating effectively in the Caribbean demands exceptional resilience and forward-thinking risk management. NAGICO has established its credibility through billions of US dollars in claims payments following natural catastrophes, including hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Recent strategic investments in reinsurance protection, governance frameworks, and talent acquisition have further strengthened its operational foundation.

    Imran McSood Amjad, Executive Chairman of NAGICO Insurances, emphasized: “Our region faces distinctive challenges from climate vulnerabilities to economic instability. This rating enhancement mirrors the deliberate actions taken by our leadership to fortify the Group’s financial position, governance structures, and risk mitigation capabilities.”

    The rating improvement represents a collective accomplishment involving NAGICO’s employees, partners, and stakeholders throughout its operational network. It highlights the Group’s dedication to sustainable expansion, robust governance, and consistent value delivery to clients and partners.

    Looking forward, NAGICO remains committed to leveraging technological advancements to enhance customer experiences, introducing innovative insurance products, and contributing to regional development initiatives.

    Established in 1982, the NAGICO Group delivers comprehensive property, casualty, life, and health insurance solutions across 32 locations in the Caribbean and Metropolitan France.

  • Man shot in Merricks, St Philip

    Man shot in Merricks, St Philip

    A violent afternoon shooting in the Merricks area of St Philip has left a 25-year-old male victim hospitalized with gunshot wounds, according to official reports from the District ‘C’ Police Station.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 2:25 PM on Wednesday when unidentified assailants opened fire on a group of individuals congregating outside a local business establishment. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that the perpetrators arrived at the scene in a motor vehicle, discharged multiple rounds toward the gathering, and subsequently fled the area before law enforcement could respond.

    Emergency medical services promptly transported the wounded man to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via ambulance, where he currently remains under medical supervision. Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s current condition or the severity of his injuries.

    Law enforcement officials have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are actively seeking witnesses and any individuals with relevant information that could assist in identifying the suspects and determining the motive behind the attack.

    The Barbados Police Service has issued a public appeal for information, urging community members to come forward with any details regarding the incident. Confidential tips can be provided through multiple channels including the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency line at 211, or directly contacting the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204.

  • Pres Ali announces Christmas bonus for Joint Services

    Pres Ali announces Christmas bonus for Joint Services

    In a significant pre-Christmas announcement, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali declared a substantial financial bonus for the nation’s Disciplined Services personnel during a ceremony at the Guyana Defence Force’s Base Camp Stephenson on December 18, 2025.

    The presidential decree guarantees a full month’s tax-free salary bonus for all approximately 13,000 members across multiple security sectors, including the police force, military personnel, prison service staff, and firefighters. This generous holiday gesture represents a total financial injection of GY$2.1 billion into the hands of those serving on the nation’s frontlines.

    President Ali emphasized the administration’s consistent recognition of the security forces’ invaluable contributions to national stability and border protection. “Over the past five years, we have not only restored the one month tax-free bonus to the Disciplined Services, but we have also increased salaries, adjusted pay scales, accelerated promotions, and expanded training opportunities,” stated Dr. Ali during his address.

    The President further highlighted the government’s comprehensive investment strategy for security personnel, which has exceeded GY$6 billion over the past five years. Beyond immediate financial compensation, the administration is focused on long-term professional development through educational initiatives like the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and the Ministry of Education’s Guyana Digital School program.

    Dr. Ali praised the courage and sacrifice of security personnel, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and protecting Guyanese citizens. The bonus initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to both immediate financial recognition and long-term career development for those serving in essential security roles.

  • Audit Department wants legal changes to submit reports directly to Parliament

    Audit Department wants legal changes to submit reports directly to Parliament

    Grenada’s Audit Department has initiated a significant campaign to overhaul its reporting procedures, seeking to bypass ministerial channels and submit audited financial statements directly to Parliament. This proposed constitutional and legislative reform aims to address chronic delays in the tabling of crucial financial documents.

    Gary Walters, Director of Audit, revealed that his department is advocating for amendments to the Audit Act that would eliminate the current requirement for audited statements of statutory bodies and government-supported agencies to be routed through the Minister for Finance. Instead, these documents would proceed directly from the Audit Department to Parliament.

    ‘The existing constitutional framework mandates that the Director of Audit submits reports to the Minister for Finance, who then tables them in Parliament,’ Walters explained during a Public Accounts Committee awareness seminar. ‘The persistent challenge has been that reports delivered to the Ministry of Finance frequently fail to be presented to Parliament in a timely manner.’

    The seminar, chaired by Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, brought together members of both parliamentary houses to clarify institutional roles, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a culture of accountability through improved record-keeping, financial controls, and reporting practices.

    Walters emphasized that the proposed change would eliminate perceptions of Audit Department inefficiency while ensuring greater transparency. ‘Such a significant adjustment will not only require legislative changes but also Constitutional Reform,’ he noted, adding that the modification would serve Grenada’s best interests by preventing lengthy delays in the presentation of public fund audits.

    The current legal framework requires statutory bodies to submit financial and annual reports to the Audit Department by the end of the first quarter, with parliamentary tabling mandated by June each year. However, compliance with these deadlines has been consistently inadequate across most statutory bodies over recent years.

  • “Not Even I Was Aware”: PM Responds to Late Supplementary Budget Approval

    “Not Even I Was Aware”: PM Responds to Late Supplementary Budget Approval

    Prime Minister John Briceño of Belize has firmly rebutted allegations of governmental misconduct concerning the belated submission of supplementary budget approvals to Parliament. This controversy emerges amidst comparisons to similar practices previously condemned during ex-Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s tenure.

    When confronted with accusations that his administration had replicated these fiscal missteps by authorizing expenditures without prior parliamentary consent, Briceño delivered an unequivocal response: “I would not accept that.”

    The Prime Minister attributed the delay to the transitional phase following national elections, characterizing it as an inevitable period of governmental reorganization. “As we approached elections… certain expenditures were incurred, though nothing excessive,” Briceño clarified. He emphasized that upon assuming office, the primary focus shifted to establishing the new administration’s operational framework.

    In a notable admission, Briceño revealed his initial unawareness of pending financial obligations. “The matter only came to my attention when brought forward by the financial secretary,” he stated. “I must confess, even I was unaware of these outstanding issues. My immediate directive was to resolve them promptly.”

    While acknowledging a procedural delay spanning several months, Briceño maintained that the situation was ultimately rectified through proper channels. “Ideally, this should have been addressed immediately,” he conceded, “but within months of the delay being identified, we completed the necessary approvals.”

    The development occurs alongside the reappointment of Nestor Mendez as Belize’s Representative to the Organization of American States, signaling continued stability in the nation’s diplomatic corps amidst domestic fiscal scrutiny.

  • PM Skerrit says latest partial travel ban will not affect ‘very good’ Dominica-U.S. relations

    PM Skerrit says latest partial travel ban will not affect ‘very good’ Dominica-U.S. relations

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has publicly addressed the recent imposition of partial U.S. travel restrictions on his nation, asserting that the measure will not undermine the fundamentally positive relationship between the two countries. During a live broadcast on the state-owned radio station DBS on Wednesday, Skerrit provided a detailed assessment of the current state of diplomatic engagement.

    Contrary to what the travel advisory might suggest, Skerrit revealed that communication and collaborative efforts with the current U.S. administration have intensified. “The extent of our contacts and regular engagement on a multitude of shared issues has, in fact, been more substantial with the Trump administration compared to the previous Biden administration,” the Prime Minister stated.

    Highlighting the tangible benefits of this strengthened partnership, Skerrit pointed to a marked increase in U.S. investment into Dominica’s national security apparatus. He clarified that even after the conclusion of the formal U.S. Aid program, support has continued unabated and in full. This assistance extends beyond financial backing to include critical infrastructural projects, specialized training programs, and provision of essential materials.

    Skerrit praised the operational effectiveness of the bilateral channels, noting that access to key U.S. institutions like the State Department, the Treasury, and the local U.S. Embassy has been highly efficient at every level of dialogue. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister emphatically dismissed any notion of diplomatic strain, stating, “The relationship, in my mind, between Dominica and the current Trump administration has been very good. Therefore, I do not perceive this development as adversely affecting our relations in any manner.”

  • 65th Anniversary of Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

    65th Anniversary of Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

    The United Nations commemorated a dual milestone on December 18, 2025, simultaneously observing the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and inaugurating the first International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar delivered a landmark address acknowledging both the progress made and the substantial work remaining in the global decolonization movement.

    The 1960 declaration, co-sponsored by 43 Asian and African nations including all 17 territories that achieved independence that year, represented a watershed moment in UN history. This instrument served as a guiding framework for liberation, enabling over 60 territories comprising more than 80 million people to pursue self-determination and emerge as sovereign states. The current membership of 193 nations stands as testament to this transformative process.

    However, Spehar presented a candid assessment of unfinished decolonization work, noting that 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain under colonial administration. Beyond these official designations, she identified more subtle but equally impactful colonial legacies embedded within global power structures. International institutions including the Security Council and financial systems continue to reflect antiquated power dynamics from an imperial era rather than contemporary equality principles.

    These structural imbalances actively undermine trust, impede progress, and contravene the foundational UN principles of equality, sovereignty, and self-determination. The address connected current governance challenges to the original 1945 UN mandate to save future generations from conflict while advancing human rights and freedom.

    Spehar concluded with a call to action, urging renewed commitment to building a world where power is distributed equitably rather than concentrated, institutions serve all populations fairly, and freedom becomes a universal entitlement rather than a privileged exception.

  • PLH Road Proposal for Barbuda Estimated at US$12m

    PLH Road Proposal for Barbuda Estimated at US$12m

    A significant infrastructure proposal for the sister island of Barbuda has been unveiled, with cost estimates reaching approximately US$12 million. The project centers on the development of a new road network, formally known as the PLH Road Proposal, which is intrinsically linked to the broader Plum Lodge Holdings (PLH) development initiative on the island.

    The substantial financial allocation is intended to fund the construction of modern roadway systems designed to improve connectivity and access across Barbuda. Proponents of the plan argue that this infrastructure is a critical prerequisite for future economic growth, particularly in the tourism and real estate sectors championed by PLH. The development is positioned as a catalyst for creating local employment opportunities and stimulating long-term investment on the island.

    However, the proposal has ignited a complex debate among residents and observers. A central point of contention revolves around the balance between modernizing the island’s infrastructure and preserving its unique ecological and cultural character. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential environmental footprint of such a large-scale construction project, questioning its impact on Barbuda’s pristine landscapes and fragile ecosystems.

    Furthermore, the discussion extends to the broader implications of large private developments driving public infrastructure agendas. The project places a spotlight on the ongoing socio-economic evolution of Barbuda, as it navigates the interplay between ambitious development goals and the imperative of sustainable, community-inclusive planning. The US$12 million price tag makes it one of the most substantial single infrastructure investments proposed for the island in recent years, marking a pivotal moment in its development trajectory.

  • First flight lands on reconstructed Aishalton airstrip

    First flight lands on reconstructed Aishalton airstrip

    A new era of aviation connectivity has dawned for Guyana’s hinterland communities as the first aircraft successfully touched down on the completely reconstructed Aishalton Airstrip on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The landmark event, announced by President Irfaan Ali, represents the culmination of a community participation model project that transforms regional transportation infrastructure.

    According to Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, the comprehensive upgrade required an investment of just over GY$1 billion. The newly operational facility boasts a substantial 2,500-foot rigid concrete runway capable of handling regular air traffic. The modernization includes a dedicated parking apron with capacity for two aircraft simultaneously, alongside state-of-the-art safety enhancements comprising precision runway lighting, professional markings, and comprehensive signage systems.

    This achievement forms part of a broader governmental initiative to revolutionize transportation access in remote regions. The administration has allocated GY$2.5 billion specifically for the rehabilitation and completion of multiple hinterland airstrips, including strategic locations at Apoteri, Chenapou, Jawalla, and Sand Creek. The Aishalton project serves as a flagship demonstration of this infrastructure development program.

    The enhanced airstrip is projected to significantly improve emergency response capabilities, economic opportunities, and social connectivity for the Aishalton community. By reducing isolation and facilitating reliable transport links, the infrastructure upgrade promises to transform healthcare access, educational resources, and commercial exchange for residents who previously faced substantial travel challenges.