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A New Era For CARICOM As Grenadian PM Dickon Mitchell Becomes Chairman

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A New Era For CARICOM As Grenadian PM Dickon Mitchell Becomes Chairman

In a significant development for the Caribbean region, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has taken the reins as the new rotating chairman of CARICOM, the regional bloc comprising Caribbean nations.

Mitchell’s tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing issues of climate justice, gun violence, and digital technology advancement.

During the three-day summit, Mitchell emphasized the urgent need for climate action, highlighting the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the Atlantic’s earliest Category 4 storm on record, which ravaged Grenada.

He stressed the importance of developed nations honoring their pledges to reduce emissions and provide climate funds to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.

Mitchell also reiterated the need for regional unity, advocating for the free movement of people across the bloc, which recently welcomed the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao as a new member.

He acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to climate change and global economic crises, emphasizing CARICOM’s role in promoting economic integration and cooperation.

The Grenadian Prime Minister’s impassioned plea for climate justice resonated deeply, as he noted the existential threat posed by Category 4 and 5 hurricanes.

He reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to advocating for climate justice, emphasizing the stark reality of potentially losing entire nations to the impacts of climate change. Mitchell’s chairmanship assumes significance as CARICOM continues to push for reparations for slavery and climate change through mechanisms like debt cancellation.

The regional bloc has also backed a lawsuit seeking to hold U.S. gunmakers accountable for firearms trafficked abroad, with a staggering 87% of traced firearms in the Caribbean originating from the United States.


Free Movement Of CARICOM Nationals Hits Roadblock

Free Movement Of CARICOM Nationals Hits Roadblock


The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit ended without a consensus on facilitating the free and full movement of CARICOM nationals, a goal that had been hoped to be achieved by the end of March. Despite initial optimism, regional leaders were unable to sign off on the arrangements, citing outstanding matters that need to be resolved.

Host Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, who is also the CARICOM chairman, acknowledged the delay, saying, “We continue to engage with some of these users that require us to get there.”

The free movement of CARICOM nationals is a key component of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to facilitate the free movement of goods, skills, labor, and services across the region. However, several member states, including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, and Bermuda, have expressed reservations or opted out of the free movement of people.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry, explained his country’s decision to maintain the current skills regime, citing the need to protect jobs and avoid exacerbating economic challenges.

The delay in implementing the free movement of CARICOM nationals is a setback for the regional integration process. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has lead responsibility for the CSME, had previously expressed confidence that the community was on track to meet the March 31, 2024 deadline.

The free movement of CARICOM nationals is a complex issue, with various stakeholders and interests involved. As CARICOM leaders continue to negotiate and work towards a resolution, the region waits with bated breath for the realization of this long-held dream.

“We continue to engage with some of these users that require us to get there.” – Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell

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Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations

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US Congress to Review Relations with South Africa, Sudan

Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations

 

US House Democrats have threatened to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over her handling of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, unless President Donald Trump removes her from office.

 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Democrats could proceed “the easy way or the hard way,” describing the actions of Noem’s department as “disgusting.”

 

The crisis follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by a federal agent, which has triggered backlash in Minneapolis and led to the planned departure of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Borvino and some agents from the city.

 

Trump has deployed his “border tsar,” Tom Homan, to take charge of on-the-ground operations, while a Minnesota judge has ordered acting ICE director Todd Lyons to appear in court over alleged violations of court orders.

 

Trump has distanced himself from claims by senior adviser Stephen Miller that Pretti was a “would-be assassin,” saying he did not believe the victim was acting as one.

 

Video footage shows Pretti holding a phone while filming agents, not a gun, although police say he was a legal firearm owner.

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UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief

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Trafficking: Libya Deports 700 Sudanese Migrants

UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief

 

The United Nations has expressed concern after South Sudan’s Deputy Army Chief, Gen. Johnson Oluny, was heard urging troops to “spare no-one,” including children and the elderly, ahead of military operations in opposition-held areas of Jonglei State.

 

In a video posted on Facebook, Oluny, addressing members of his Agwelek militia, called for total destruction during the deployment.

 

The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned the remarks, describing them as “utterly abhorrent,” and warned that inflammatory rhetoric targeting civilians must stop immediately.

 

South Sudan’s government, however, said the statement did not amount to an official order, insisting it remains committed to protecting civilians.

 

Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny said civilians were being warned only to avoid being caught in crossfire.

 

The development comes amid escalating fighting in Jonglei, where forces loyal to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have seized several areas.

 

The military has ordered civilians, UN personnel and aid workers to evacuate three counties—Nyirol, Uror and Akobo—ahead of an imminent operation.

 

The UN says more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the renewed violence.

 

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as opposition forces threaten to advance towards the capital, Juba, a claim dismissed by the army.

 

South Sudan has been unstable since a 2018 peace deal ended a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people, but lingering political rivalry and ethnic tensions continue to threaten fragile peace.

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Diplomacy

Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments

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Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments

 

The Rwandan government has initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom, seeking payments it says are owed under the now-abandoned asylum partnership agreement between both countries.

 

Rwanda has filed the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, arguing that the UK failed to honour financial commitments contained in the deal signed under the former Conservative government.

 

The agreement, designed to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, was scrapped in 2024 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the Home Office saying about £220m in future payments would no longer be made.

 

UK authorities insist the policy was costly and ineffective, pledging to defend the case to protect taxpayers’ funds.

 

Rwanda, however, says the arbitration concerns unmet treaty obligations and is seeking a legal determination of both parties’ rights under international law.

 

The PCA lists the case as pending, with no timetable yet announced for hearings or a ruling.

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