Carib Scope

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  • Start pilot hooglandrijst in Pokigron: basis voor productie en export

    Start pilot hooglandrijst in Pokigron: basis voor productie en export

    The Surinamese government has officially inaugurated its first highland rice cultivation pilot project in Pokigron, marking a significant step toward agricultural diversification. The groundbreaking ceremony held Saturday in Sineya Kutu Wosu was jointly organized by the Ministry of Regional Development (RO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV).

    This pioneering initiative establishes the foundation for future large-scale production of highland rice, a crop variety specifically adapted to upland growing conditions without requiring flooding. During the ceremonial proceedings, multiple speakers emphasized the critical importance of comprehensive guidance, sustained support, and reliable market access to ensure sustainable outcomes for local communities.

    Minister Miquella Huur of Regional Development articulated the project’s long-term vision, stating that development must prioritize meeting local community needs while eventually creating export opportunities. Minister Huur particularly highlighted the strategic significance of strengthening the agricultural sector during a period of expanding oil and gas industries.

    Expert agronomist Nicholaas Pinas and his technical team will provide professional supervision throughout the three-year development phase, after which management will be transferred to a local organization according to ministry plans.

    Following formal addresses, ministers, traditional authorities, and attendees proceeded to the project site along the Pusugrunu road where both ministers, alongside District Commissioner Humphrey Jeroe, conducted a symbolic demonstration using excavators to clear the land.

    The Pokigron project represents the first tangible implementation of inter-ministerial cooperation following exploratory discussions earlier this week regarding collaboration on both highland rice and poultry development. Beyond this initial site, four additional regions are scheduled to launch similar highland rice pilot projects in the near future.

  • Belize is the 27th Happiest Country in the World

    Belize is the 27th Happiest Country in the World

    In the newly released 2026 World Happiness Report, Belize has experienced a slight decline in global rankings, moving from 25th to 27th position among 140 nations surveyed. The comprehensive study, collaboratively produced by Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates subjective well-being through a multifaceted lens that extends beyond mere economic indicators.

    The report’s methodology incorporates a three-year average of self-assessed life evaluations, complemented by six key variables: gross domestic product per capita, social support networks, healthy life expectancy, perceived freedom to make life choices, general generosity, and perceptions of corruption within institutions. This holistic approach provides a nuanced understanding of national happiness levels that transcends simple economic metrics.

    Nordic nations maintained their stronghold on the upper echelons of the rankings, with Finland securing the top position for an unprecedented ninth consecutive year. Iceland and Denmark followed closely, continuing their tradition of exceptional performance. Analysts attribute Finland’s consistent success to its robust social welfare infrastructure, high levels of institutional trust, and minimal perceived corruption.

    The most remarkable development emerged from Latin America, where Costa Rica achieved a groundbreaking fourth-place ranking—marking the first instance in the report’s 14-year history that a Latin American nation has broken into the top five. This achievement highlights the country’s exceptional performance in social and environmental metrics despite its moderate economic output.

    Meanwhile, major English-speaking economies continued to trail behind their European counterparts, with the United States ranking 23rd, Canada at 25th, and the United Kingdom at 29th position. Despite their considerable economic advantages, these nations consistently demonstrate lower performance in social support and perceived corruption metrics.

    The annual report serves as a critical benchmark for policymakers worldwide, emphasizing that national well-being encompasses far more than economic prosperity alone.

  • Shopkeeper shot dead after being called out to sell beers

    Shopkeeper shot dead after being called out to sell beers

    The Diamond community in St. Vincent is confronting its third fatal shooting in recent months following the tragic death of 66-year-old Winston Williams, locally known as Zeke. The incident occurred late Friday evening, just days after Williams had celebrated his birthday.

    According to accounts from his common-law wife, Cylethta Bowens, the events unfolded around 9:06 p.m. while she was watching a movie in their bedroom. Williams, who operated a small shop adjacent to their residence, initially came inside before being called back to attend to a customer.

    Bowens recounted to iWitness News that Williams informed her a man had come to purchase three Carib beers. Following standard procedure, he intended to remain open briefly to complete the transaction before closing for the night. Their shop typically ceased operations at approximately 9 p.m.

    Moments after Williams returned to the shop, Bowens heard approximately five gunshots that sounded alarmingly close. Rushing outside, she encountered Williams moving toward the bedroom while bleeding profusely from wounds between his left chest and shoulder.

    In their final exchange, Williams managed only to utter “Babes” before collapsing beside their bed. Despite Bowens’ attempts to revive him, Williams appeared lifeless and passed away shortly thereafter. The assailant, reportedly the same individual who came to purchase beer, remains unidentified and at large.

    This tragedy marks the third shooting homicide in the Diamond area within months. Previous victims include Uriah Fields, a 42-year-old security guard and fisherman found dead near the “race track” last October, and Lenford Peters, a Richland Park resident whose body was discovered along the Brighton-Diamond roadside last month. Notably, both Williams and Peters were originally from Richland Park, raising concerns about targeted violence in the region.

  • Cave Hill again celebrates top medical student

    Cave Hill again celebrates top medical student

    The University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus has reinforced its reputation for academic distinction after Barbadian student Liyee Su achieved the highest honors in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) final examinations. This marks the second time in three years that a Cave Hill student has claimed top regional honors, following Nathan Lovell’s similar achievement in 2023.

    In the November/December 2025 assessments, Su demonstrated exceptional proficiency across both theoretical and practical components, securing the highest programme grade point average among candidates from all UWI campuses. She excelled in written examinations and clinical performance evaluations (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), graduating with distinction.

    The 2025 Cave Hill cohort, comprising approximately twelve Medical Sciences students, delivered an outstanding collective performance. They achieved the highest aggregate scores in written papers and OSCE components, while also earning the top GPA among all university campuses. This accomplishment proved particularly impressive as students completed their clinical training at Trinidad’s St Augustine Campus—an unfamiliar environment for the Barbadian cohort.

    Professor Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, highlighted these achievements during his recent report to the Campus Council, emphasizing the significance of cultivating academic excellence as Caribbean nations strengthen their healthcare infrastructure. All graduating students have now earned the title of doctor.

    These successes emerge amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the region and underscore the value of robust, locally-developed medical education programs. The five-year MBBS programme at Cave Hill remains instrumental in training the region’s future physicians, equipping graduates like Dr. Su with skills to make meaningful contributions both within the Caribbean and internationally.

    Since 1967, the campus has trained medical professionals through its partnership with Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the country’s sole training hospital. Additionally, Cave Hill offers a collaborative 3+3 medical degree program with the University of Ghana, where students complete preclinical studies in Barbados before undertaking clinical training in Ghana. This accredited program grants graduates a BSc from UWI and an MB ChB from Ghana, enabling professional practice in both countries.

  • UWI Five Islands and Primary School host community 5K to promote health and education

    UWI Five Islands and Primary School host community 5K to promote health and education

    The Five Islands community in Antigua witnessed a powerful display of unity and purpose this Sunday as the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) and the Five Islands Primary School jointly hosted their second annual 5K Run and Walk. The event, designed as a dual-purpose initiative, successfully merged the promotion of active living with a critical fundraising drive for educational advancement.

    Hundreds of participants, comprising students, educators, administrative staff, and local residents, traversed the scenic route in a collective effort to generate scholarship funds and finance essential school programs. Professor C. Justin Robinson, Principal of UWI FIC, emphasized that the event represents a single component of a broader, institutional commitment to holistic well-being. This vision has previously materialized through campaigns like ‘No Sugar November’ and a New Year step challenge that encouraged participants to achieve daily targets of up to 15,000 steps.

    Echoing the sentiment of collaborative success, Five Islands Primary School Principal Alden James highlighted the profound benefits of the ongoing partnership. He noted that the initiative not only provides tangible financial support for students but also actively fortifies the bonds within the community fabric. Organizers report a marked increase in participation compared to the inaugural event, interpreting this trend as a clear indicator of growing public endorsement for ventures that simultaneously address educational needs and public health.

  • Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours Before He “Obliterates” Their Power Plants

    Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours Before He “Obliterates” Their Power Plants

    In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, currently blockaded by Iranian forces, serves as a critical global oil transit route.

    Through his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump issued an unequivocal warning: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”

    The former president further asserted that U.S. military operations against Iran have exceeded expectations, claiming the elimination of Iranian leadership and the destruction of defense systems ahead of schedule. These assertions remain unverified by independent sources.

    The economic implications of the strait’s closure have already manifested globally, with oil prices surging past $100 per barrel—a development that threatens to exacerbate worldwide inflationary pressures.

    Iran responded sternly on Sunday, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warning via social media platform X that any attack on Iranian power infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes against U.S. assets and critical energy and desalination facilities throughout the Gulf region. Such countermeasures, Qalibaf cautioned, could cause “irreversible destruction” to Middle Eastern infrastructure.

    Military analysts note that targeting power plants would constitute an unprecedented escalation, potentially depriving millions of Iranian civilians of electricity and essential services, raising significant humanitarian concerns.

  • STATEMENT: Official message for World Meteorological Day 2026 by Senior Meteorological Officer

    STATEMENT: Official message for World Meteorological Day 2026 by Senior Meteorological Officer

    The Commonwealth of Dominica joined global observances for World Meteorological Day 2026 on March 23, with Senior Meteorological Officer Marshall Alexander delivering a powerful message emphasizing this year’s theme ‘Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.’ The annual celebration highlights the critical role meteorological data plays in safeguarding future lives and livelihoods through precise weather monitoring and climate analysis.

    In his official address, Alexander extended profound gratitude to the dedicated personnel of the Dominica Meteorological Service, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and professional excellence in providing nationwide early warnings, accurate forecasts, and reliable climate information. Their continuous vigilance serves as the nation’s primary defense mechanism against increasingly severe weather phenomena.

    As a small island developing state, Dominica faces disproportionate vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. The nation has endured catastrophic impacts from historical events including Tropical Storm Erica and Hurricane Maria, with climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events including flash floods, landslides, and prolonged droughts.

    Meteorological science transcends weather prediction, supporting essential sectors including aviation safety, agricultural planning, disaster risk reduction, water resource management, marine operations, tourism, and national infrastructure development. Accurate forecasting enables farmers to optimize planting cycles, while early warnings protect maritime workers from hazardous sea conditions.

    Through strengthened partnerships with regional and international organizations including the World Meteorological Organization, and with continued governmental support, Dominica remains committed to enhancing forecasting technologies and expanding early warning coverage to ensure comprehensive community protection.

    Alexander emphasized that scientific advancement alone cannot guarantee safety, calling upon all citizens to actively engage in climate resilience efforts. He urged nationwide adherence to official advisories, encouraging integration of weather information into daily decision-making processes across households, educational institutions, and businesses.

    The Senior Meteorological Officer concluded by reaffirming that meteorological instruments deployed across the island serve as guardians of the nation’s future, transforming atmospheric data into actionable intelligence for sustainable development and disaster preparedness.

  • Lucian Carnival 2025 pumps over US$100 million into Saint Lucia’s economy

    Lucian Carnival 2025 pumps over US$100 million into Saint Lucia’s economy

    Saint Lucia’s premier cultural event has demonstrated extraordinary economic impact, with Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire announcing that the 2025 Lucian Carnival generated over US$100 million for the island’s economy. The revelation came during the official media launch for the 2026 edition, where Minister Hilaire emphasized the festival’s pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s tourism sector.

    The carnival’s timing coincides with Saint Lucia’s peak tourism period, with July emerging as the country’s busiest month for visitor arrivals. Minister Hilaire disclosed that approximately 40,000 visitors arrived during July 2025, with 25,000 specifically attributing their travel to carnival participation. This alignment has transformed the cultural celebration into a significant economic catalyst.

    Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive according to preliminary survey results shared by the ministry. The research, conducted among carnival attendees, revealed exceptional satisfaction rates with 80% of visitors expressing strong intentions to return for the 2026 celebration. Many participants described the experience as “one of the most amazing experiences of their life,” highlighting the event’s emotional impact beyond its economic contributions.

    The comprehensive survey also yielded valuable recommendations for enhancing both the carnival product and overall visitor experience. These insights are expected to inform planning for future editions as officials work to maintain the event’s dual identity as both a cherished cultural tradition and a powerful economic engine.

    With anticipation already building for Lucian Carnival 2026, the event continues to demonstrate its multifaceted value to Saint Lucia—celebrating cultural heritage while simultaneously driving substantial economic benefits and strengthening the island’s position as a premier Caribbean destination.

  • Historic Milestone: First major commercial charter flight from St. Kitts to Abuja, Nigeria

    Historic Milestone: First major commercial charter flight from St. Kitts to Abuja, Nigeria

    In an unprecedented move for transatlantic connectivity, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has endorsed the first commercial charter flight directly linking the Caribbean region to the African continent. The landmark journey, orchestrated by Aquarian Consult Limited, departed from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts on March 21, 2026, carrying a distinguished delegation of over 100 passengers.

    The diverse cohort included prominent government officials, business innovators, and cultural ambassadors representing eight Caribbean nations. Their destination was Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, where they arrived on March 22, completing a voyage that traditionally required lengthy layovers in Western hubs.

    This pioneering flight transcends mere transportation logistics, embodying what organizers term the ‘Reverse Middle Passage’—a powerful symbol of economic emancipation and South-South cooperation. By establishing direct air connectivity, the initiative effectively bypasses historical transit dependencies on European and North American airports.

    The flight serves as the official prelude to the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS), scheduled from March 23-28 at Abuja’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. Strategic objectives include strengthening economic diplomacy between OECS and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), creating a foundational corridor for future trade and collaboration.

    Notably, the route reduces travel time from over thirty hours to a single transatlantic journey, demonstrating commercial viability for permanent air links. Summit delegates will engage in high-level bilateral discussions focusing on agricultural innovation, blue economy development, cultural exchanges, and transformative investment opportunities.

    Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, captured the historical significance: ‘We are no longer just dreaming of a bridge between our two regions; we are flying over it. This flight carries the future of Afri-Caribbean trade, tourism, and shared prosperity—a victory for the entire Global Africa family.’

  • Bulk Waste Cleanup Planned for St. John’s Rural East March 27–29

    Bulk Waste Cleanup Planned for St. John’s Rural East March 27–29

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A significant sanitation enhancement project is scheduled to unfold across St. John’s Rural East from March 27th to 29th. This organized bulk waste cleanup drive, orchestrated by area representative Maria Browne, aims to substantially improve community cleanliness and public safety through the systematic disposal of accumulated large household items.

    The three-day operation will follow a meticulously planned schedule to ensure comprehensive coverage. The initiative commences on Wednesday, March 27th, targeting the neighborhoods of Clare Hall, Gambles, Wireless Road, and Cassada Gardens. Operations continue on Thursday, March 28th, with collection teams deployed to St. Johnston’s Village, Skerritts Pasture, Sutherlands, Cassada Gardens #2, and Carnival Gardens. The cleanup concludes on Friday, March 29th, extending services to all remaining surrounding areas within the constituency.

    Local authorities are strongly advising residents to proactively gather and prepare their bulk waste materials in advance of their designated collection day. This preparatory measure is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and complete waste removal. The community outreach includes providing a direct contact number for citizens seeking additional information or clarification regarding proper waste preparation procedures and specific collection timelines.