标签： Jamaica

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two key figures linked to Haiti’s escalating gang violence. Dimitri Herard, a former Haitian police officer and head of the National Palace’s general security unit, and Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang, were targeted for their roles in supporting the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. OFAC accused Viv Ansanm of perpetuating violence, extortion, and terrorism, which have destabilized Haiti. Herard, previously imprisoned for his alleged involvement in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, escaped custody in 2024 and has since collaborated with Viv Ansanm, providing training and firearms to gang leaders. Sanon, meanwhile, has been instrumental in consolidating the coalition’s power through civilian killings, extortion, and kidnappings. The sanctions, enacted under Executive Order 13224, freeze all US-based assets of the designated individuals and prohibit transactions involving their property. OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions engaging with these individuals risk secondary sanctions. The move underscores the US commitment to holding accountable those who endanger Haitian citizens and destabilize the nation.

In a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had proposed major concessions to ease the strained relations. However, Trump dismissed these overtures with sharp criticism, stating that Maduro’s actions were driven by fear of U.S. retaliation. This comes alongside reports of a new U.S. military strike targeting a drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, which allegedly left survivors onboard. The vessel, described by Trump as a ‘drug-carrying submarine,’ is part of a broader U.S. campaign against narcotics trafficking in the region. Washington has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has deployed significant military assets, including stealth warplanes and naval ships, to combat the issue. Maduro, meanwhile, has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a regime change, a claim that has fueled further tensions. The U.S. has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean since September, targeting at least six vessels, mostly speedboats, allegedly linked to drug smuggling. While the U.S. claims its operations are dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, experts have raised concerns about the legality of summary killings, even if the targets are confirmed drug smugglers. The campaign has also drawn in neighboring countries, with Trinidad and Tobago investigating whether its citizens were killed in a recent strike, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressing concerns about Colombian casualties. Amid these developments, Trump has hinted at expanding U.S. military operations to include land targets, while the head of U.S. Southern Command announced his unexpected retirement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, the Shadow Minister of Foreign, Regional and Diaspora Affairs for Jamaica’s People’s National Party (PNP), has called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his role as chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), to convene member states and formulate a cohesive regional response to recent reports of US military strikes in Caribbean waters. These strikes have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including two Trinidadians, and the detention of two individuals of undisclosed nationality by the US Army. Scott-Mottley expressed profound concern, warning that such actions undermine the sovereignty of the region and jeopardize the safety of its citizens.

She emphasized that Caricom has consistently advocated for the Caribbean to be recognized as a Zone of Peace, a principle rooted in peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. The senator criticized the alleged use of armed drones and lethal force in Caribbean waters, describing it as a blatant violation of these principles. She highlighted the growing unease among fisherfolk and coastal communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, who fear being misidentified or caught in the crossfire of military operations.

Scott-Mottley stressed that the Caribbean’s waters are vital for livelihoods and commerce and must not be transformed into a battleground. She urged Prime Minister Holness to uphold the region’s legacy of diplomacy and non-alignment by engaging with Caricom leaders to reaffirm the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to ensure full respect for international legal norms, including the right to life, due process, and state sovereignty.

In her concluding remarks, Scott-Mottley warned against normalizing extrajudicial actions in Caribbean waters, calling for unity among Caricom member states to safeguard the principles of peace, sovereignty, and international law.