Victoria Mendizabal contributed research and drafting assistance to today’s newsletter.
Suriname’s highest court upheld a 20-year prison sentence against former military dictator Desi Bouterse on Dec. 20. Bouterse was convicted of murder in 2019 for the 1982 killings of 15 political opponents, involving lawyers, journalists, businessmen, and military personnel, two years after Bouterse took power following a coup. (France 24)
The government said the verdict was "an important moment of healing" and called on citizens to accept it, but added that the court had not ordered immediate imprisonment. (Reuters)
Under Suriname law, Bouterse has the right to petition President Chan Santokhi, to seek clemency. It appears unlikely that a petition for clemency will be granted, according to Jurist. In an interview with the Dutch television program Nieuwsuur following the decision, Santokhi insisted that it is inevitable that Bouterse will be imprisoned. “There is no other choice,” he remarked. “The laws of the country must be followed.”
It is a win for rule of law, “but the ruling is unlikely to dislodge a criminal system spearheaded by the former president, in which some high-level politicians provide cover and support to drug traffickers,” warns InSight Crime. “Suriname’s judiciary, lacking sufficient human resources, will continue to grapple with systemic corruption and drug trafficking that has long plagued the country’s government.”
Bouterse led a bloodless coup to become dictator from 1980 to 1987 and was democratically elected president from 2010 to 2020, reports the Associated Press.
Public Security
The high levels of crime in Latin America and the Caribbean are hampering economic growth and productivity in the region. Despite the challenges, reducing crime could significantly boost investment, productivity, and GDP growth. A recent IMF study shows that a 30 percent increase in homicide rates correlates with a reduction in economic growth, indicating the direct impact of crime on the economy. (Caribbean News Global)
The illegal trade of psychedelic plant medicines in Latin America and the Caribbean is growing, having cultural significance within indigenous communities. Despite protective measures, clandestine trafficking is escalating, posing threats to the environment and cultural heritage. (GEO Compass Center)
Regional
“It is not beyond the creativity of the region to create a constitutional mechanism in which CARICOM countries can assign to a central agency, composed of representatives of their states, to sustain unity that benefits all. Separateness and smallness will not do”, argues Sir Ronald Sanders in Caribbean News Global.
Guyanese professor Janette Bulkan questions Guyana’s participation in talks with Venezuela last month over the Essequibo dispute, arguing that external oil interests had influence on the negotiations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Stabroek News)
Dahoud Andre talks with KOMOKODA, the Committee to Mobilize Against Dictatorship in Haiti on Black Agenda Report. He discusses the construction of a canal in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, and the implications for Haiti’s efforts at self-determination and its relations with the Dominican Republic.
Democratic Governance
The many Jamaicans who do not plan on participating in upcoming elections “can instead direct their energies into shining a light on the election process, thus doing their part to ensure elections are free and fair and free from fear”, argus Peter Edwards in the Jamaica Gleaner.
Obituary
Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, died at age 90. His commitment to workers' rights and his ability to navigate the complexities of Trinidad and Tobago's political landscape left a lasting impact, writes Jeanine Mendes-Franco in Global Voices.
Land Rights
In Jamaica, where locals face challenges in accessing their own beaches and profiting from tourism, some projects are striving to carve out authentic, community-oriented tourism experiences, and encouraging travelers to engage with these lesser-known aspects of Jamaica. (The New York Times)
Climate Justice
The looming threat of the climate crisis dominated the year 2023 in the Caribbean. As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), these nations faced the worst impacts of climate change despite contributing fewer carbon emissions. Rising sea levels, intense tropical storms, and hurricanes continued eroding coastlines, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting livelihoods. (Global Voices)
Land, Water, Air and Freedom:The Making of World Movements For Environmental Justice by Joan Martínez-Alier “is a true encyclopedia of current and past environmental struggles all around the world. For the historian of the future this will be an archive of immense value”, according to political ecologist Giorgos Kallis. (X)
Pivotal moments at COP28 include the historic adoption of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement and the acknowledgment of urgent climate actions. But concerns persist about overlooking vulnerable nations and potential loopholes in energy strategies. (Climate Analytics)
Barbados, like many small island nations, faces the immediate impacts of climate change. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley believes the island's survival hinges on addressing this pressing threat. In response, Barbados has implemented technology-driven initiatives, both in the government and private sector, to bolster resilience against climate hazards. These efforts serve as a potential blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges, according to IFC Insights.
Environmentalists are alarmed by the recurring pollution spills in Jamaica's Rio Cobre, emphasizing the recent incident caused by a malfunction in the National Water Commission's sewage treatment plant. Despite promises of stricter fines and enforcement, activists criticize the authorities for insufficient penalties, questioning the lack of backup systems to prevent such mishaps. (Jamaica Observer)
The World Health Organization’s new research agenda – Research for Action on Climate and Health, REACH 2035 – will set forth research priorities that will accelerate progress toward climate and health goals. Research on climate and health is increasing, yet nearly half of countries still report a lack of evidence as a major barrier to implementing climate and health strategies. REACH 2035 seeks to close this gap. Learn More.
The new episode of The Scientists Café Right to a Healthy Environment: Significance for the Ordinary Citizen features St. Lucian Jevanic Henry, a Member of the UN Secretary-General Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
Energy
Guyana's decision not to enforce ring-fencing provisions for ExxonMobil's projects in the Stabroek Block, caused the country to lose substantial oil profits. Despite advice to implement safeguards, the government's refusal allows Exxon to use profits from one project to cover expenses elsewhere. (Kaiteur News)
Human Rights
Trinidadians Jean and Eileen Antoine-Dunne give a preamble about human rights while disability advocate Trinidadian Marlon Parieaho expresses his feelings about being given opportunities on Law&Disabilty.
Reparations
Denis O'Brien, an Irish billionaire, is spearheading a movement demanding reparations from Britain and other European nations for their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. (Sky News)
History
Historians have generally assumed that the transatlantic slave trade ended in 1867, but new research found it actually continued into the following decade, reports the Guardian.
Culture
Esmeralda Santiago's new novel "Las Madres" revolves around the intricacies of memory, identity, and relationships within a group of Puerto Rican women, juxtaposing their lives in different timelines amidst the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria. (Repeating Islands)
“My story lies in the Caribbean”, affirms Imara Thomas, a Dutch singer who has Aruban background. “I really missed the music and culture from the region of my origin. It is part of who I am”, says Imara. (Repeating Islands)
Opportunities
Applications are now open for the UN Immersion Programme, a 5-day field visit to Geneva organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), taking place in February, May, July, and August 2024. Scholarships are available. Apply.
Applications for the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which awards organizations who innovate in health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools are open until 23 June 2024 at 5:00 pm EST. Apply now.
The Chinese Government has opened applications until January 19th to citizens of Barbados who want to pursue studies in China. Applicants must have certain requirements, between them to be a high school graduate person under 45 years old. Learn more.
The School of Climate Change (SoCC) offers an inclusive eight-week course on climate change fundamentals, accessible to individuals worldwide. Led by Oxford academics through the Oxford Climate Society (OCS), the program covers diverse topics from the basics of the greenhouse effect to climate justice. Applicants from all backgrounds and levels of climate knowledge are encouraged to apply, with no affiliation to Oxford University required. The focus is on commitment, motivation, and genuine interest in climate education. Apply.
UNESCO invites Members States in consultation with their National Commissions, and non-governmental organizations maintaining official relations with UNESCO and active in a field covered by the Prize to submit nominations for the UNESCO-Juan Bosch Prize for the Promotion of Social Science Research in Latin America and the Caribbean 2023. Applications are received until 15th February 2024. More information.
The UN Trust Fund is inviting civil society organizations with proven expertise in ending violence against women and girls to submit project concepts to end violence against marginalized women and girls. Applications from women's rights, women-led, constituent-led, and small organizations are strongly encouraged and will be prioritized. Partnerships with smaller, local, and grassroots women’s and girls’ rights organizations are also encouraged, with up to 4 implementing partners. Apply.
Looking to advance your career in the environmental field? Then apply now to study for UWI's new MSc in Climate Studies - the only program of its kind offered in the Caribbean. This interdisciplinary, blended program within the Institute of International Relations offers concentrations in energy, food security, climate justice, sport and tourism, and coastlines. Courses are a combination of teaching, research, practicum, and project-based. Apply.
Events
January 17th to 20th, the Beyond Homophobia Caribbean Conference organized by the University of West Indies, European Union, URAP, UNDP & others will be taking place at Eon Nigel Harris Council Room at The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters. Register.