By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly news |
Venezuela Claims Hundreds Released as NGOs Dispute Figures
Venezuela’s top lawmaker, Jorge Rodríguez, says more than 400 people have been released from prison as part of an ongoing process, though local and international rights groups are disputing that figure, estimating that only between 60 and 70 detainees have been freed in recent days.
Rodríguez, who is President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said the releases followed what he described as a peace gesture after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. U.S. President Donald Trump also indicated last week that large numbers of prisoners would be released.
The opposition has long demanded the release of people it considers political prisoners. However, the Venezuelan government has consistently denied holding anyone for political reasons, claiming it has already freed most of the nearly 2,000 people detained following protests over the disputed 2024 election.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Rodríguez said the releases involved individuals who, in his words, “broke the law and violated the Constitution,” including politicians who allegedly called for foreign intervention. He insisted the move was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence but did not provide a clear timeline.
Local non-governmental organisations have criticised what they describe as a slow and opaque process, noting a lack of official information surrounding the releases.
Headline: Venezuela’s top lawmaker says over 400 prisoners freed, NGOs say numbers much lower
WHO Urges Caribbean Governments to Increase Health Taxes
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging Caribbean governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that low tax rates are making these products cheaper and more accessible, particularly to children and young adults.
In two global reports released on Tuesday, the WHO said weak tax systems are fuelling rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and alcohol-related injuries, while placing increasing financial pressure on already strained health systems.
The agency noted that while the global market for sugary drinks and alcohol generates billions of dollars in profit, governments capture only a small share of that revenue through health-related taxation, leaving societies to shoulder the long-term health and economic costs.
According to the reports, at least 116 countries currently tax sugary drinks, mainly sodas. However, many high-sugar products—including 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas—remain untaxed. The WHO also reported that 97 per cent of countries tax energy drinks, a figure unchanged since 2023.
A separate WHO report revealed that at least 167 countries impose taxes on alcoholic beverages, while 12 countries ban alcohol entirely.
Headline: WHO urges governments to unlock health taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol
Barbados Weighs Possible Refugee Agreement with United States
The Barbados government has hinted it may consider signing an agreement with the United States to accept third-country refugees, joining several other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states that have already entered similar arrangements.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds said Barbados has not yet been formally approached by Washington but suggested it may only be a matter of time. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis have already confirmed signing such agreements, while Guyana has said discussions are ongoing.
Symmonds noted that U.S. officials are engaging governments across the region, adding that Barbados would “wait and see” before making a decision.
“It is not something we are looking forward to,” the minister said, stressing that the government would address the issue if and when it arises.
The comments come amid expanded U.S. travel restrictions announced by the Trump administration in December, which took effect on January 1 and now include several Caribbean nations.
