By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Brazil Criticizes U.S. Naval Deployment in Caribbean
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday strongly criticized the concentration of U.S. naval forces in the Caribbean, warning that it could heighten regional tensions and potentially threaten peace.
Speaking during the opening of a virtual BRICS summit, Lula expressed concern that the U.S. presence may be a prelude to an attack on Venezuela. “The presence of the armed forces of the largest power in the Caribbean is a factor of tension,” he said.
The U.S. insists its deployments are aimed at countering drug trafficking, but recent moves have coincided with threats directed at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Just last week, a U.S. military strike sank a Venezuelan boat, killing 11 people—a move analysts described as likely illegal.
Maduro has accused Washington of seeking regime change and has ordered his military and civilians to prepare for a potential strike. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also addressing the summit, urged greater cooperation in technology, finance, and trade as BRICS nations push for stronger ties amid ongoing U.S. tariff policies.
IDB Pledges $2.5 Billion for Security in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced a historic $2.5 billion loan program over the next three years to strengthen citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The plan, unveiled at a regional security and justice summit in Argentina, will focus on community protection, institutional strengthening, and cracking down on illicit financing.
The IDB also revealed the launch of a permanent task force to support countries facing sudden crises—such as spikes in violence, human trafficking, or institutional vulnerabilities—by deploying advisory teams and short-term action plans.
To ensure swift response, the IDB is streamlining approval processes for security cooperation projects, allowing emergency programs to be prepared and approved in just 15 days.
Suriname Targets Gold Sector to Stabilize Economy
Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has announced plans to increase foreign exchange earnings through the country’s gold industry, describing the sector as vital to immediate economic stability.
She acknowledged that significant government spending during recent elections had placed pressure on the exchange rate, but noted that the central bank’s reserves must be boosted to restore confidence.
“The gold that leaves the country never returns. That is why Suriname must benefit from every amount of gold that is mined and exported,” Geerlings-Simons said, stressing that both large-scale and small-scale gold mining must contribute more effectively to the national economy.
