Carib Scope

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  • Landmark 3-year salary agreement with police and prison services

    Landmark 3-year salary agreement with police and prison services

    In a significant development for Caribbean labor relations, the Grenadian government has formally ratified a comprehensive three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the nation’s essential security personnel. The historic signing ceremony on February 17, 2026, attended by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Labour Commissioner Sparkle Grenade-Courtney, brought together representatives from both the Royal Grenada Police Force and His Majesty’s Prisons Officer Welfare Association.

    The agreement establishes a structured compensation package featuring consistent 4% annual salary increases throughout the 2026-2028 period. This builds upon previous gains achieved during the preceding triennium, where security personnel received cumulative raises totaling 13%. Beyond base salary enhancements, the settlement incorporates preserved annual increments each January alongside improved operational allowances specifically designed to address the unique challenges facing security personnel.

    Prime Minister Mitchell characterized the agreement as a triumph for national stability, emphasizing its dual focus on worker welfare and fiscal responsibility. The administration highlighted how the 4/4/4 increase structure remains within sustainable economic parameters while protecting officers against inflationary pressures.

    According to the Deputy Chairman of the Government Negotiating Team, this settlement creates crucial industrial tranquility necessary for implementing broader public service reforms. These initiatives include staff regularization, pension system modernization, and the introduction of a performance-based incentive program through the Integrated Performance Management System.

    With security services now secured, government negotiators will extend discussions to remaining public sector unions using the established 4% benchmark as a reference point for equitable compensation agreements across all government services.

  • Chinese New Year Kicks Off with Kung Fu Robots

    Chinese New Year Kicks Off with Kung Fu Robots

    China’s Lunar New Year celebrations featured a groundbreaking technological spectacle as humanoid robots performed complex kung fu and breakdancing routines during the annual Spring Festival Gala. The demonstration highlighted China’s rapid advancement in robotics technology, with two dozen robots engineered by Unitree executing synchronized martial arts maneuvers including precision punches, high kicks, backflips, and obstacle vaults.

    The robotic performers exhibited remarkable capabilities, with some utilizing traditional nunchucks and achieving running speeds up to nine miles per hour. Chinese officials characterized the display as a testament to ‘precision, power, and perfect balance’ in robotic movement.

    The Spring Festival Gala, among China’s most-watched television events, served as the platform for this technological showcase. Unitree, having sold approximately 5,500 robots in the previous year, anticipates significant production expansion with plans to manufacture between 10,000 and 20,000 units in 2026. The company is concurrently preparing for a Shanghai stock market listing with an estimated valuation of $7 billion.

    Industry reports indicate China dominated global humanoid robot production in the previous year, accounting for 90% of worldwide output. While U.S. companies including Tesla are developing comparable technologies, their production scale remains substantially smaller than China’s current capabilities.

  • Frangipani bloom at Sir Ira track meet

    Frangipani bloom at Sir Ira track meet

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Frangipani House emerged victorious at the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School track and field championships, held February 12th at the prestigious Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Overcoming an 18-point deficit from preliminary road race events, Frangipani executed a remarkable comeback through dominant performances in field events and track finals, ultimately securing the championship title with an impressive 813 points.

    The competition witnessed intense rivalry among the top contenders. Cassia House, initially leading after strong road race performances, finished second with 767 points. Defending champions Flambouyant mounted a vigorous defense but ultimately settled for third place with 758 points, while Calabash House finished fourth with 655 points.

    Frangipani’s victory was significantly propelled by the extraordinary performance of Armani Phillips in the Under-16 division. Phillips achieved a spectacular triple victory, claiming gold in the 100m (11.8 seconds), 200m (24.4 seconds), and 400m (59.2 seconds) events. His exceptional contribution extended beyond individual events as he anchored his team to a decisive victory in the 4x100m relay, having previously won the shot put competition, amassing 32 individual points for his house.

    The games showcased remarkable talent across multiple age categories. In Division 3, Thassari Similien (Flambouyant) dominated the girls’ sprints with victories in the 100m (13.8 seconds) and 200m (28.6 seconds), while Shanice Gabriel (Frangipani) excelled in middle-distance events, winning the 400m (1:12.2) and 800m (3:08.3).

    Under-18 competition featured standout performances from Alice Phillips (Calabash), who claimed the 400m (1:14.1), 800m (3:08.6), and open 1500m (7:25.7) titles. The boys’ U18 category saw a thrilling rivalry between Cornelius Edmund (Calabash) and Uraus Poleon (Frangipani), with Edmund securing the 100m title (11.7 seconds) and Poleon claiming victory in the 200m (24.8 seconds).

    Younger athletes demonstrated exceptional promise, particularly Phoebe Jolie (Cassia) who dominated the Under-14 girls’ category with three gold medals in the 80m (11.5 seconds), 150m (21.0 seconds), and 300m (52.1 seconds). The Under-14 boys’ division witnessed Dowayne Jn Paul (Flambouyant) achieving a remarkable triple victory in the 300m (51.8 seconds), 600m (1:58.3), and 1200m (4:58.0), while teammate Nadius Hippolyte swept the sprint events with victories in the 80m (10.8 seconds) and 150m (20.4 seconds).

  • Analyst: Holder likely to return as Speaker

    Analyst: Holder likely to return as Speaker

    Barbados is set to witness a significant parliamentary development this Friday with the anticipated return of Arthur Holder as Speaker of the House of Assembly. This appointment marks a historic first, as he will be the initial individual to assume the role from outside the lower chamber, a move made possible by a recent constitutional amendment.

    Renowned political analyst Peter Wickham expressed strong confidence in the selection, stating the choice appears ‘pretty clear.’ Wickham emphasized Holder’s unique qualifications, noting, ‘I can’t think of anybody who is more qualified than him.’ He further clarified that Holder’s previous service as an elected Member of Parliament does not preclude an independent return, citing ample precedent for such a transition.

    Holder, a seasoned lawyer elevated to Senior Counsel in 2023, originally served as the MP for St Michael Central from June 2018 until his departure from elective politics in January. He made history as the first Speaker in the 387-year-old Parliament to sport lengthy dreadlocks, becoming known for his candid yet relaxed presiding style. Prior to his political career, Holder built a substantial background in social services. A graduate in social work, he held managerial and program officer positions at the Child Care Board and the National Council on Substance Abuse.

    His tenure as Speaker has been internationally recognized. Holder has been an active participant in global parliamentary affairs, presenting research at prestigious forums such as ParlAmericas and the Parliamentarians for Global Action Forum. He has also chaired specialized workshops focusing on critical issues like parliamentary cybersecurity, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to governance.

  • Police probe unnatural death

    Police probe unnatural death

    Law enforcement authorities have mobilized at Chapman Lane in the parish of St Michael following what appears to be a deadly shooting incident. Police units have established a secured perimeter around the crime scene as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. While official details remain limited during the preliminary investigation phase, the presence of multiple police vehicles and forensic personnel indicates the seriousness of the situation. Community members have been advised to avoid the immediate area to facilitate uninterrupted investigative operations. The Barbados Police Service is expected to release an official statement once initial evidence collection and witness interviews are completed. Such incidents remain relatively uncommon in the generally peaceful community, raising concerns among local residents about public safety. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all available leads in the case.

  • BTL to Meet Former Workers Over Long‑Overdue Severance

    BTL to Meet Former Workers Over Long‑Overdue Severance

    In a significant development for labor rights in Belize, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has scheduled a crucial meeting with former employees to address long-outstanding severance payments that have remained unpaid for decades. The company formally communicated its intention to engage with the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ) in a letter confirming today’s meeting to finalize compensation arrangements.

    This breakthrough follows a landmark Caribbean Court of Justice ruling that explicitly affirmed the workers’ entitlement to severance benefits, irrespective of their pension status. Despite this legal victory, actual disbursement of funds had remained stagnant until now.

    The protracted dispute has impacted more than 175 former BTL staff members, many of whom dedicated over twenty years of service to the telecommunications company. News 5 has documented extensive demonstrations outside BTL’s headquarters, where affected former employees have voiced their struggles with financial instability and declining health conditions directly attributed to the prolonged wait for compensation.

    The BCWJ has consistently characterized the delays as stemming from ‘bogus excuses and a lack of goodwill’ on the company’s part. Tensions escalated notably when BTL publicly announced its intention to acquire SpeedNet for $80 million, a move that the workers’ union criticized as demonstrating misplaced priorities that favored corporate expansion over fulfilling obligations to longtime employees.

    In a notable concession, BTL has committed to processing claims that would typically fall outside the standard six-year statute of limitations. The BCWJ emphasizes that while this commitment represents progress, former employees require a definitive timeline specifying when each individual will finally receive their compensation check.

  • Two Imported Malaria Cases Confirmed in Toledo

    Two Imported Malaria Cases Confirmed in Toledo

    Health authorities in Belize have reported two confirmed cases of imported malaria within the Toledo District, specifically in Crique Sarco Village. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has classified these infections as imported, confirming the virus was contracted outside the country’s borders.

    This development does not affect Belize’s official malaria-free certification, which was formally awarded by the World Health Organization in 2023. The designation confirms that local mosquito populations within Belize are not transmitting malaria between humans, establishing that the domestic chain of transmission remains broken.

    These imported cases highlight ongoing concerns about the potential reintroduction of malaria through international travel from regions where the disease remains endemic. Health officials emphasize that vigilant monitoring and rapid response systems are crucial for maintaining the nation’s malaria-free status.

    The MOHW has reminded the public about malaria’s clinical presentation, which typically includes high fever, severe chills, profound headaches, muscle aches, excessive sweating, fatigue, and nausea. Symptoms generally manifest between 7 to 30 days following initial infection. The ministry guarantees complimentary diagnostic testing and treatment accessible at all public health clinics, through community health workers, and via dedicated malaria volunteers.

    In a related update, the ministry confirmed Belize’s continued diagnostic capability for other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Health surveillance data indicates no local transmission of Chikungunya since 2016, and no cases of Zika have been reported since 2017, underscoring the effectiveness of the nation’s vector-borne disease control programs.

  • Caribbean Tourism Organization CEO: Agriculture is key to region’s resilience

    Caribbean Tourism Organization CEO: Agriculture is key to region’s resilience

    At the 54th annual AgriFest opening in St. Croix, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper delivered a transformative vision that redefines the region’s economic foundation. Addressing a capacity crowd on February 17, 2026, the tourism executive presented a compelling case that authentic Caribbean prosperity grows from the soil rather than corporate boardrooms.

    The three-day festival, celebrating agricultural innovation and technological advancement, became the platform for Regis-Prosper’s paradigm-shifting declaration: ‘Tourism really began in a garden.’ She articulated that before hotels, airports, and cruise ships dominated the landscape, there was land, soil, and cultivation. This fundamental perspective challenges conventional tourism models that often marginalize agricultural heritage.

    Regis-Prosper specifically commended the U.S. Virgin Islands for maintaining agriculture as central to its social and economic fabric rather than treating it as a secondary concern. ‘Here in St. Croix, agriculture is not a side story. It is the foundation of your global identity,’ she stated, referencing historical agricultural pillars like St. Croix’s sugar, St. Lucia’s bananas, Jamaica’s coffee, and Trinidad & Tobago’s cocoa.

    The CTO leader identified a significant shift in traveler preferences, noting that modern visitors increasingly prioritize authentic sensory experiences over traditional luxury metrics. ‘Visitors don’t always remember square footage, décor or thread counts,’ Regis-Prosper observed. ‘They remember taste, smell, storytelling — or, as I like to say, truth-telling. And they remember how they felt.’ This evolution positions local farmers as essential contributors to the tourism value chain.

    Supporting evidence came from U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, who revealed that AgriFest has become one of the territory’s most dynamic tourism weekends. ‘Outside of the Crucian Christmas Festival, AgriFest is the biggest weekend that we have,’ Matarangas-King reported. ‘Right now, every room is filled. You can’t get a rental car.’ She emphasized that the territory’s farm-to-table culture represents an authentic multigenerational practice rather than a passing marketing trend.

    The event’s significance was further underscored by the anticipated arrival of three cruise ships bringing over 8,000 visitors during the holiday weekend, alongside thousands of residents and diaspora members.

    Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined the discourse on land use strategy, framing land ownership as a pathway to intergenerational wealth and community resilience. ‘We all need to think about how we live, how we eat, and what we grow,’ Bryan urged, detailing ongoing administration efforts to acquire land for preservation and agricultural development.

    Regis-Prosper concluded by referencing the CTO’s Reimagine Plan, which promotes sustainable and regenerative tourism models. She proposed the equation ‘Agriculture plus technology plus strategic foresight equals resilience,’ while issuing a powerful regional call to action: ‘Tourism should never replace the garden. Tourism should protect it.’

    The CTO delegation engaged in strategic discussions with territorial leadership focused on enhancing regional cooperation and expanding agro-tourism initiatives throughout the Caribbean, signaling a new chapter in integrated tourism development.

  • Belize and Taiwan Sign US $1.8M+ Disaster Preparedness Agreement

    Belize and Taiwan Sign US $1.8M+ Disaster Preparedness Agreement

    In a significant move to bolster Central American disaster preparedness, Belize has entered into a comprehensive partnership with Taiwan through a landmark agreement exceeding US$1.8 million. The collaborative initiative, formally designated as the Belize Multi-Hazard Risk Management Capacity Building Project, aims to substantially enhance the nation’s resilience against hurricanes, wildfires, and various natural disasters.

    The official launch ceremony occurred on Monday at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management’s Green Complex Building in Belmopan. This multi-year project, extending through 2029, represents a strategic international cooperation effort primarily financed by Taiwan with complementary support from the Belizean government.

    Taiwan brings extensive expertise in disaster risk mitigation to this partnership, committing to provide specialized training programs, advanced technical support, and professional guidance to improve Belize’s emergency response capabilities. The initiative will focus on three critical areas: enhancing interdepartmental coordination mechanisms, modernizing early warning systems for meteorological threats, and implementing cutting-edge technology for wildfire monitoring and prevention.

    Discrepancies in the reported funding amount appear in official communications, with the Belize government documenting the project value at US$1,807,797 while Taiwan’s Embassy website references a slightly higher figure of US$1,927,797. This investment underscores the continuing diplomatic and cooperative relationship between the two nations amid evolving global climate challenges.

  • Ariza supports Carriacou Carnival with major contribution

    Ariza supports Carriacou Carnival with major contribution

    Ariza Credit Union has reaffirmed its deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation and community development through its substantial sponsorship of Carriacou’s vibrant carnival celebrations. The financial institution contributed EC$10,000 along with comprehensive in-kind support to ensure the successful execution of the island’s premier cultural event.

    The sponsorship package included monetary awards for all five Carnival Queen contestants, along with prizes for winners in the Power Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch, and Dimanche Gras competitions. This support continues a tradition spanning over ten years, demonstrating Ariza’s sustained dedication to the people of Carriacou and their cultural heritage.

    CEO Mervyn Lord articulated the institution’s guiding philosophy, stating: “Ariza prides itself on being where our people are and supporting them to realise their success. This fundamental principle drives our continued support for this initiative in Carriacou.”

    The 2026 carnival held particular significance as a symbol of community resilience and recovery. The event marked a triumphant return following the island’s devastation in 2024 that forced the cancellation of the 2025 Kayak Mas celebrations. The successful staging of this year’s festivities represented a powerful testament to the community’s enduring spirit.

    Ariza extended congratulations to all participants and winners whose artistic talents and enthusiasm contributed to the event’s success. The credit union also commended the Carriacou Carnival Committee for their exceptional organization and execution of the memorable festival, expressing anticipation for continued collaboration in future years.

    Through such cultural partnerships and financial initiatives, Ariza Credit Union maintains its mission of empowering communities and promoting sustainable social and economic development throughout the region.