Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • Venezuela’s VP calls on Trump to provide Maduro’s “proof of life”

    Venezuela’s VP calls on Trump to provide Maduro’s “proof of life”

    Venezuela has descended into a state of profound uncertainty following a dramatic U.S. military operation in its capital. The crisis erupted when U.S. President Donald Trump announced via social media that a large-scale strike had resulted in the capture and extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from the country.

    In a rapidly unfolding sequence of events, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez issued an urgent audio statement on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, revealing that the whereabouts of President Maduro and the First Lady remained unknown. Speaking through the Telesur network, Rodriguez formally demanded that the Trump administration provide immediate ‘proof of life’ evidence for both individuals, citing grave concerns over their welfare and status.

    The operation, which Trump described as coordinated with U.S. law enforcement agencies, targeted Caracas in what the Venezuelan government condemned as a ‘complete brutal aggression’ violating international law and national sovereignty. Rodriguez emphasized that despite the attack, Venezuela remained calm while ‘digesting this military aggression’ that had fundamentally challenged the nation’s peace and tranquility.

    Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau celebrated the development on social media, proclaiming ‘a new dawn for Venezuela’ and asserting that the ‘tyrant would finally face justice for his crimes.’ This stark contrast in narratives highlighted the deepening diplomatic chasm between the two nations.

    In a related development, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar explicitly distanced her nation from the military operations, affirming that her country maintained peaceful relations with Venezuela and played no role in the ongoing conflict. The international community now watches closely as both nations prepare for further announcements, including a scheduled news conference at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

  • Maduro, wife arrested and flown out of Venezuela, says Trump

    Maduro, wife arrested and flown out of Venezuela, says Trump

    In a stunning geopolitical development, United States President Donald Trump has declared the successful capture and extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following coordinated military strikes on Caracas. The operation, which targeted multiple Venezuelan military installations in pre-dawn raids on Saturday, represents one of the most significant international interventions in recent Western Hemisphere history.

    President Trump confirmed the extraordinary military action through an official statement, revealing that U.S. forces apprehended the Venezuelan leader and transported him out of the country. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump announced.

    The operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies, with Trump promising additional details during an upcoming press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate. This dramatic development follows months of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, during which the U.S. government designated Maduro as a narco-terrorist and offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

    Contradicting Trump’s account, the Venezuelan government issued an emergency statement in Maduro’s name declaring full mobilization of civilian, police, and military resources to resist what it termed “imperialist aggression.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López appeared on state television urging calm and resistance, though no visual evidence emerged of Maduro himself speaking after the alleged capture.

    The operation marks a dramatic escalation in the long-standing confrontation between the United States and Venezuela’s socialist government, potentially reshaping the political landscape of South America and setting significant precedents for international intervention against regimes accused of narcoterrorism.

  • Maduro declares state of emergency after US bombs military installations

    Maduro declares state of emergency after US bombs military installations

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has proclaimed a nationwide state of emergency following what his administration characterizes as an act of “extremely serious military aggression” by United States forces against the capital city of Caracas. The dramatic escalation occurred early Saturday morning as multiple explosions reverberated throughout the city, accompanied by audible aircraft flyovers.

    The Venezuelan government issued an official statement vehemently condemning the military action, declaring it “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community” the offensive operations conducted by the U.S. government against Venezuelan territory and citizens. President Maduro has mobilized the nation’s armed forces in response to what he labeled an “imperialist attack” on Venezuelan sovereignty.

    In a decisive address, Maduro announced the activation of all constitutional defense protocols under national security legislation, signing an executive decree that establishes a state of “external commotion” across the nation. This declaration grants the government extraordinary powers to protect civilian rights, ensure institutional continuity, and prepare for potential armed resistance if necessary.

    The comprehensive defense strategy includes the immediate nationwide deployment of the Command for the Comprehensive Defence of the Nation, with regional and municipal defense bodies ordered to mobilize without delay. Maduro emphasized that this constitutes a unified effort involving civilian populations alongside military and police forces to safeguard national sovereignty and public order.

    Internationally, Venezuela plans to formally lodge complaints with the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Non-Aligned Movement. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Maduro asserted Venezuela’s right to self-defense while calling for global solidarity against the alleged aggression.

    Multiple U.S. media outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, reported that unnamed Trump administration officials confirmed American military involvement in the strikes. While the White House and Pentagon have remained officially silent regarding the explosions and aircraft sightings over Caracas, a Reuters source speaking on condition of anonymity acknowledged that the U.S. is conducting military operations within Venezuelan territory, though specific details about the nature and scope of these attacks remain undisclosed.

  • Guyana activates security plan in wake of US invasion of Venezuela

    Guyana activates security plan in wake of US invasion of Venezuela

    In response to escalating regional tensions following United States military operations in Venezuela, Guyana has initiated its full security mobilization protocol. President Irfaan Ali confirmed the activation Saturday, emphasizing measures to safeguard national sovereignty and citizen security amid the volatile situation.

    President Ali disclosed that Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan has established communication channels with regional security partners, though specific operational details remain classified. The Guyanese leader indicated that information would be released through official channels as developments unfold.

    The administration is concurrently organizing an emergency summit with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), seeking coordinated diplomatic and security responses from the 15-nation bloc. This move signals Guyana’s commitment to multilateral approaches in addressing regional instability.

    Regarding critical energy infrastructure, President Ali confirmed direct communications with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge. With approximately one million barrels of oil produced daily offshore Guyana, both parties have implemented coordinated security measures around production facilities.

    Previous assessments from US War College Professor Evan Ellis suggested substantial US military presence in the Caribbean would likely deter Venezuelan aggression toward Guyana. Professor Ellis noted that any potential offensive would face overwhelming response capabilities given regional US force deployment.

    US Ambassador Nicole Theriot previously reinforced Washington’s security commitments, stating American readiness to ‘stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana in defence of your country’ should security situations deteriorate.

  • BREAKING: Multiple explosions rock Venezuelan capital Caracas, as US invades

    BREAKING: Multiple explosions rock Venezuelan capital Caracas, as US invades

    Caracas was thrust into chaos in the early hours of Saturday as multiple explosions reverberated through the Venezuelan capital. Eyewitness accounts and circulating social media footage depicted plumes of smoke ascending from key military installations, including La Carlota airfield and the primary Fuerte Tiuna military base. The immediate aftermath saw several surrounding communities plunged into darkness due to widespread power outages.

    US officials confirmed to CBS News that President Donald Trump authorized targeted strikes against Venezuelan military sites. This aggressive action follows the recent deployment of a US naval task force to the Caribbean region, where Washington has been conducting operations against vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. Just days prior, Trump had publicly acknowledged a US strike on a dock area connected to alleged Venezuelan drug operations.

    The Venezuelan government issued a vehement statement condemning what it characterized as “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. The administration of President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency while appealing to the international community to denounce American actions. Maduro has consistently accused Washington of pursuing regime change tactics and seeking control over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.

    The White House and Pentagon maintained official silence regarding the operations as of Saturday morning. This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, with the US government having previously labeled Maduro as illegitimate and directly implicated him in international drug smuggling operations. The 2025 Venezuelan presidential election results had drawn widespread international criticism and skepticism.

  • Guyanese murder convict to be deported from US

    Guyanese murder convict to be deported from US

    A Guyanese national convicted of murder and firearm offenses is now facing deportation from the United States after immigration authorities confirmed his arrest and detention. Christopher Adolph Franklin, who entered the United States legally as a permanent resident in 1985, violated his immigration status through serious criminal conduct that ultimately triggered removal proceedings.

    According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Franklin’s legal troubles culminated in a murder conviction in Maryland dating back to 1999, accompanied by additional charges for the felonious use of a handgun. These criminal violations fundamentally breached the conditions of his lawful residency, making him subject to deportation under U.S. immigration law.

    ICE officials stated that Franklin remains in federal custody awaiting formal removal from the country. The case represents another instance of immigration enforcement actions targeting non-citizens who have committed serious crimes while residing in the United States. The enforcement operation highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to identify and remove individuals whose criminal records nullify their legal immigration status.

    The timeline of Franklin’s case is particularly notable given the substantial period between his original criminal conviction and the current deportation proceedings. This gap illustrates the complex, often prolonged nature of immigration enforcement actions involving criminal convictions that occur years or decades prior.

  • GRA officials to be arrested for allegedly aiding Azruddin Mohamed in transfer of vehicles

    GRA officials to be arrested for allegedly aiding Azruddin Mohamed in transfer of vehicles

    Multiple officials from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are facing imminent arrest for their alleged involvement in facilitating illegal vehicle transfers for prominent businessman and political figure Azruddin Mohamed. The tax authority announced on Friday, January 2, 2026, that several employees conspired to illegally process 11 vehicle transfers between November 27 and December 5, 2025.

    The investigation uncovered systematic violations of both vehicle transfer protocols and Anti-Money Laundering regulations. According to GRA’s statement, the same employees conducted off-premises vehicle examinations, approved transfer documents, and processed payments while bypassing standard procedures. The scheme showed patterns of coordination, with many transferees sharing addresses in Republic Park, Atlantic Gardens, and Hill Top, Timehri regions.

    The scandal involves luxury vehicles and represents a significant breach of public trust. GRA has warned that all participants in these alleged illegal activities will face full prosecution under the law. International partners have been notified as investigations continue to unfold.

    This development compounds the legal troubles for Mohamed, who leads the main opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). He is currently contesting a United States extradition request related to an 11-count Grand Jury indictment for alleged mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Previous domestic cases against Mohamed regarding tax evasion on imported luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini, were discontinued in Guyanese courts.

    The Revenue Authority has encouraged public reporting of illicit activities through dedicated hotlines, promising confidentiality and potential rewards under the Customs Act provisions.

  • Foreign gold miners given 24 hours to stump up real production, face expulsion

    Foreign gold miners given 24 hours to stump up real production, face expulsion

    In a decisive move to combat gold smuggling and revenue loss, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has delivered a stern warning to foreign mining operations across the nation. During a high-level meeting with officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources on January 2, 2026, the President announced that international miners must fully declare their actual gold production within 24 hours or face severe consequences.

    The presidential directive specifically targets mining dredges that have shown suspiciously low or zero production declarations. “All registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion,” President Ali stated following the emergency meeting. The administration has identified Brazilian miners as particularly problematic, though Chinese mining operations have also been implicated in underreporting practices.

    Notably, the President’s statement exempted Zijin Mining Group, China’s major gold producer in Guyana, which officials confirmed has remained compliant with local mining regulations. The crackdown comes as Guyana pursued an ambitious target of 500,000 ounces of gold production in the previous year.

    Beyond the immediate deadline, the government has announced broader reforms to increase transparency in the mining sector. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association will collaborate with the Natural Resources Ministry to ensure all mining operations maintain proper registration and establish local bank accounts. Ronaldo Alphonso, President of the mining association, echoed the government’s position, urging miners to “make 2026 the year of compliance and declaration” to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

  • Brazilian gold miners die in pit cave in

    Brazilian gold miners die in pit cave in

    A devastating mining accident in the remote North Pakaraimas region of Guyana has resulted in the tragic deaths of two Brazilian gold miners. The fatal incident occurred on the afternoon of December 30, 2025, when the mining pit where they were working suddenly collapsed.

    The victims have been identified as Cleumiton Da Silva Santos, aged 37, and Antonio Filho, aged 44. According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the catastrophe unfolded at approximately 4:00 PM at the ‘S’ Bend Backdam mining site in Chenapou.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate that a substantial quantity of sand unexpectedly gave way and cascaded into the excavation pit. While several other workers managed to escape the collapsing structure, both Santos and Filho became trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams subsequently retrieved both men, but they were declared motionless at the scene.

    Due to the extremely remote location of the mining operation, logistical challenges have complicated recovery efforts. The bodies currently remain at the ‘S’ Bend Backdam site while authorities coordinate transportation arrangements. The remains will be transferred to the Mahdia District Hospital for official post-mortem examinations to determine the exact causes of death.

    The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collapse is currently underway. Mining safety protocols and potential contributing factors are being examined as part of the ongoing procedural inquiry.

  • Sir Ronald Sanders is new UG Chancellor

    Sir Ronald Sanders is new UG Chancellor

    In a significant development for Caribbean academia, His Excellency Sir Ronald Sanders has been formally installed as the new Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The Guyanese-born diplomat, currently serving as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States, assumes this prestigious role following his election by the University’s Council in accordance with Section 9 of the University of Guyana Act.

    President Irfaan Ali publicly endorsed the appointment, emphasizing Sanders’ exceptional qualifications in a presidential statement. “Sir Ronald brings to this role an exceptional record of scholarship, public service, and international engagement that aligns closely with the University’s aspirations for academic excellence and global visibility,” President Ali remarked, highlighting the appointment’s significance for Guyana’s educational landscape.

    The position became vacant after Professor John Edward Greene completed his distinguished tenure. President Ali expressed gratitude for Greene’s contributions, noting his “dedicated service to the University and his valued contribution to its development and standing.” Professor Greene, also Guyanese-born, previously served as Assistant Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Sir Ronald’s professional journey began in Guyana as the youngest General Manager of the now-defunct state-owned Guyana Broadcasting Service before he migrated to Antigua and Barbuda. His diplomatic career flourished under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration, resulting in appointments to the United Kingdom and United States.

    Academic credentials distinguish the new Chancellor, including a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Guyana. His scholarly background includes roles as Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, Senior Research Fellow at the University of London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies, and Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Massey College.

    Internationally recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats, Sir Ronald has presided for three terms over the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States—an unprecedented achievement. His expertise in multilateral diplomacy and scholarship on small states has earned him considerable international respect.

    President Ali concluded that Sanders’ leadership would “strengthen the University’s role at the heart of Guyana’s emerging knowledge economy,” particularly during a period of substantial investment in human capital development.