Carib Scope

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  • NDP opent opnieuw Sociaal Maatschappelijk Bureau aan Hoogestraat

    NDP opent opnieuw Sociaal Maatschappelijk Bureau aan Hoogestraat

    In a significant move to strengthen community support mechanisms, Suriname’s National Democratic Party (NDP) has officially reopened its Social and Societal Bureau (SMB) after a five-year suspension. The new facility, located on Hoogestraat within the former party headquarters of the BVD, was inaugurated by NDP Chairwoman and President Jennifer Simons on February 12th.

    The bureau, operating under the Office of the NDP Chairman, will serve as a specialized center addressing public grievances that cannot be directly resolved through ministers, assembly members, or other government officials. Coordinator Yvonne Cheuk Alam explained that the facility will provide guidance and collaboratively seek solutions with citizens, potentially through engagement with relevant ministries depending on each situation’s specific circumstances.

    President Simons emphasized the bureau’s advisory nature during the unveiling ceremony, clarifying that it does not represent an institution where individuals can obtain everything they request. Rather, it functions as an information and guidance center within a nation where many administrative processes remain unclear and assistance doesn’t always arrive promptly. The SMB specifically will not replace existing institutions but will serve as a referral and advisory point, particularly for cases requiring immediate intervention.

    Cheuk Alam revealed that the bureau reactivation follows the successful operation of a similar office called the Ombudsman’s Bureau from 2010 to 2020 at the Ocer party center. That previous initiative proved effective through established agreements with ministers and assembly members, creating shorter pathways to problem resolution for citizens. The current reactivation responds to what officials describe as the dual responsibilities burdening administrators following the NDP’s assumption of national leadership under challenging circumstances.

    The bureau will address multiple societal issues including land matters, housing concerns, sexual assault cases, domestic violence incidents, educational challenges, and parent-school conflicts. While primarily established to serve party members, Cheuk Alam stressed that the facility remains open to all Surinamese citizens, emphasizing national unity beyond political affiliations in the post-election period.

  • Farming That Works With Nature, Not Against It

    Farming That Works With Nature, Not Against It

    In a groundbreaking environmental initiative, Belize has launched an ambitious sustainable agriculture program through a unique coalition of conservation and agricultural organizations. The Nature Conservancy has forged strategic partnerships with multiple local entities to implement an Extension Strategy designed to revolutionize farming practices across the Central American nation.

    The comprehensive program is currently training Mennonite farming communities in advanced ecological techniques covering multiple sustainability domains. Participants receive expert instruction in habitat preservation, innovative land management, soil vitality enhancement, biodiversity conservation, water resource optimization, energy efficiency, community engagement strategies, and economic viability.

    Demonstration farms established in Shipyard and Spanish Lookout serve as living laboratories, showcasing practical methodologies for maintaining high agricultural productivity while simultaneously protecting fragile ecosystems. These model operations provide tangible examples of how modern farming can coexist harmoniously with environmental stewardship.

    Project coordinators emphasize the dual-purpose nature of the initiative: supporting agricultural livelihoods while ensuring farming practices align with the preservation of Belize’s precious natural resources. The program represents a significant shift from conventional agricultural approaches toward more ecologically integrated methods.

    The collaborative effort brings together diverse stakeholders including the Belize Livestock Producers Association, the Ministry of Agriculture, the University of Belize’s Central Farm Campus, and the Belize Maya Forest Trust. This multi-organizational approach ensures the program incorporates scientific research, policy support, practical farming knowledge, and conservation expertise.

  • New Attorney General Abrahams to spearhead reform, tackle gun crime

    New Attorney General Abrahams to spearhead reform, tackle gun crime

    In a significant political development, Wilfred Abrahams has been formally inaugurated as Barbados’s new Attorney General, immediately pledging to address urgent national priorities including legislative modernization and escalating firearm-related offenses. His appointment follows a historic electoral victory where the Barbados Labour Party secured all 30 parliamentary seats for an unprecedented third consecutive term.

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who personally selected Abrahams, emphasized that the decision was rooted in proven competence and established trust rather than public speculation. She explicitly dismissed preceding media debates that had identified other legal professionals as potential candidates, stating that her choice was based on Abrahams’ extensive experience as the longstanding acting Attorney General for his predecessor, Dale Marshall.

    Signaling a strategic shift in governance structure, Mottley confirmed that Abrahams will hold no additional ministerial portfolios. This deliberate narrowing of responsibilities is designed to enable a concentrated focus on two primary objectives: expediting government contract finalizations to accelerate public projects, and driving an aggressive agenda of legislative reform. Mottley highlighted that despite previous advancements in child protection, anti-corruption, and judicial reform, much of Barbados’s legal framework remains anchored in its colonial past and requires comprehensive modernization for the 21st century.

    Addressing pressing public safety concerns, Abrahams acknowledged the challenges of his new role while striking a cautiously optimistic tone regarding crime prevention. He refuted claims that Barbados has reached an irreversible crisis point regarding violent crime, instead characterizing the situation as containing ‘pockets of crime’ rather than widespread lawlessness. Abrahams praised the Royal Barbados Police Force’s effectiveness in post-crime investigations and emphasized growing public cooperation with law enforcement as a critical deterrent. He committed to continuing his predecessor’s initiative to fill all vacant positions within the police service to maximize operational capacity.

    The new Attorney General framed the government’s third term as a pivotal moment of responsibility rather than celebration, noting that Barbados stands at a decisive turning point in its development trajectory. Abrahams expressed eagerness to immediately engage with ministry staff and commence work, stating that the administration must continually justify public trust through concrete achievements in their legislative and security priorities.

  • The Power of Returning Your Bottles

    The Power of Returning Your Bottles

    Environmental authorities have identified container deposit legislation as one of their most effective weapons in combating the growing plastic pollution crisis. The Returnable Containers Act, which enables consumers to receive financial compensation for returning empty bottles, creates a powerful economic incentive for proper waste disposal.

    Despite the persistent environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics, this deposit refund mechanism compels both corporations and consumers to assume responsibility for their packaging waste. Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, emphasized that the program represents more than just corporate goodwill—it constitutes a legal requirement for companies to reclaim their containers.

    “Without this systematic approach, these containers would inevitably accumulate in our ecosystems, creating substantial public cleanup costs,” Mai stated. The legislation mandates producer responsibility, ensuring that manufacturers participate actively in the waste management cycle.

    The Department of Environment is currently evaluating potential expansions to the program, considering the inclusion of additional items such as lead-acid batteries and discarded tires. Simultaneously, the department has engaged consulting experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment of legal frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, compliance mechanisms, and enforcement protocols.

    This consultancy initiative, scheduled for completion in April 2026, will culminate in publicly released recommendations aimed at enhancing the program’s effectiveness and exploring alternatives to frequently littered products.

  • This is Why Enforcing the Plastic Ban in Belize Remains a Challenge

    This is Why Enforcing the Plastic Ban in Belize Remains a Challenge

    BELIZE CITY – While global plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental concern, Belize has demonstrated notable progress through its Environmental Protection Pollution from Plastics Regulation implemented in 2020 and amended in 2022. According to Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai, the initiative has produced “a significant change” in the country’s approach to plastic waste management, though the journey toward full compliance continues to encounter substantial obstacles.

    Mai emphasized the pervasive nature of plastic in modern society, noting its presence “in every single aspect of life,” including clothing materials. The implementation phase has revealed that enforcement presents far greater challenges than legislative approval, with three primary hurdles emerging: illegal imports crossing border points, expensive laboratory testing requirements, and significant pressure from small businesses affected by the ban.

    A 2023 conformity assessment uncovered major compliance gaps when 90 samples from approximately 35 companies, importers, and manufacturers underwent certified laboratory testing. The majority failed to meet the mandatory 50% or more bio-based content requirement, resulting in product deregistration despite importer objections.

    Border control operations have led to the confiscation, charging, and destruction of substantial plastic quantities identified through monitoring at northern border points. Meanwhile, small businesses have expressed concerns about existing inventory investments in non-compliant products, creating tension between environmental objectives and economic realities.

    The Department of Environment has adopted a balanced approach, recognizing that overly aggressive prohibition could “seriously impact the productive sector of Belize.” Mai stressed that environmental decisions cannot be made in isolation from national economic considerations, requiring stakeholder collaboration to balance ecological initiatives with livelihood protection and national development priorities.

  • PM urges stronger Caribbean unity amid global uncertainty

    PM urges stronger Caribbean unity amid global uncertainty

    In her first public address following a historic electoral triumph, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a compelling appeal for strengthened regional integration among Caribbean nations. Speaking from State House after securing an unprecedented third consecutive term with a perfect 30-0 parliamentary majority, Mottley emphasized that small island states cannot successfully operate in isolation within the current complex geopolitical landscape.

    The Prime Minister articulated that the contemporary global environment necessitates collective action to safeguard Caribbean interests and ensure equitable treatment internationally. “If ever there was a time for the people of the Caribbean to walk together, it is now,” Mottley declared to assembled journalists. “None of us can operate in this geopolitical climate as individual sovereign nations without two essential elements: solidarity and reinforcement of the international rules-based system.”

    Mottley positioned the international rules-based order as particularly vital for smaller nations, creating frameworks that enable fair treatment and recognition of their distinctive circumstances. She criticized prevailing approaches that impose uniform solutions regardless of context, stating that Caribbean nations frequently encounter “one-size-fits-all prescriptions” that inadequately address their realities. Such approaches, she argued, constrict the fiscal flexibility and policy autonomy necessary for effective governance.

    Beyond theoretical concerns, Mottley addressed practical regional challenges, identifying crime as a significant transnational issue requiring cooperative solutions. While acknowledging Barbados experiences lower violent crime rates than some neighbors, she emphasized the problem’s regional character and the importance of shared strategies. The Prime Minister referenced existing collaborative frameworks including the Port of Spain Declaration and George-Bridge Declaration as instruments for developing collective security approaches while mitigating domestic political divisions.

    This cooperative model, Mottley suggested, extends beyond security to encompass economic policy, social cohesion, and opportunity expansion. She specifically highlighted tax policy coordination as crucial for preventing destructive inter-regional competition that creates a “race to the bottom.”

    The swearing-in ceremony witnessed attendance from regional dignitaries including Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell, who congratulated Mottley and reaffirmed CARICOM’s centrality to regional foreign policy. Mitchell characterized Mottley as “a strong advocate of CARICOM unity” and expressed anticipation for continued collaboration.

    With CARICOM leaders scheduled to convene within the forthcoming fortnight, Mottley confirmed Barbados would actively participate in advancing collective regional priorities, recognizing the multitude of challenges affecting Caribbean nations both individually and collectively.

  • Fire at B’s Recycling

    Fire at B’s Recycling

    A significant industrial fire at B’s Recycling Plant in Cane Garden, St. Thomas has triggered an urgent public health advisory from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Emergency services are currently mobilizing to contain the blaze as dense smoke spreads across multiple residential areas.

    The Ministry has identified several communities potentially affected by the hazardous smoke plume, including Arthur Seat, Redman’s Village, Welches, Melrose, Lower Edgehill, Jackson, Clermont, and Warrens. Health officials have issued specific guidance for vulnerable populations, urging individuals with asthma or pre-existing respiratory conditions to avoid these areas until air quality improves substantially.

    Medical authorities have emphasized that anyone experiencing adverse health effects from smoke exposure should seek immediate medical attention at healthcare facilities. Emergency response teams are implementing comprehensive measures to control the fire and minimize potential health impacts on surrounding communities. The situation remains under active monitoring as responders work to extinguish the recycling plant fire and mitigate its public health consequences.

  • Rowe ekes out narrow win in St Michael North West

    Rowe ekes out narrow win in St Michael North West

    In a dramatic conclusion to Barbados’ general election, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) achieved an unprecedented third consecutive clean sweep of all 30 parliamentary constituencies. The final piece of this electoral triumph came in the early hours of Thursday morning when incumbent Neil Rowe narrowly retained the St Michael North West seat after one of the most tightly contested battles of the election.

    The tense counting process extended into the night at the Ellerslie School counting center, where Rowe ultimately prevailed with 1,674 votes against Democratic Labour Party challenger Walters’ 1,441 votes and Friends of Democracy candidate Williams’ 36 votes. The declaration came at approximately 3:30 AM, sealing the BLP’s complete dominance across the island nation.

    Following his victory declaration, an emotional Rowe expressed profound gratitude, stating, ‘First I wish to give God thanks for giving me the strength and resources to be victorious here tonight.’ The re-elected representative immediately shifted focus to his constituents, emphasizing, ‘This victory belongs to the good people of St Michael North West who re-elected me. I will continue to do my utmost and very best in representing them.’

    When questioned about the prolonged counting process and whether he had experienced any doubt, Rowe responded with unwavering confidence: ‘I was confident—not overconfident—but I know within myself that the amount of work I have done across this constituency was sufficient for people to recognize and make that determination.’

    The St Michael North West contest mirrored the broader electoral pattern across Barbados, with BLP candidates demonstrating overwhelming dominance from Bridgetown to the parishes. Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s party achieved what political analysts are calling a historic consolidation of power, unprecedented in modern Barbadian politics.

  • Health department will be hands on to ensure food safety at Carnival events, says health official

    Health department will be hands on to ensure food safety at Carnival events, says health official

    Dominican health authorities are implementing comprehensive food safety measures ahead of the Mas Domnik 2026 Carnival celebrations to safeguard public health during the festivities. The Environmental Health Department has announced intensified surveillance operations targeting food vendors and mass gatherings throughout the Carnival season.

    Senior Environmental Health Officer Calma Louis confirmed that environmental health officers will maintain visible presence at major Carnival events including Sunrise and VIVA celebrations. The initiative focuses on collaborative prevention rather than enforcement disruption, working directly with vendors and event organizers to ensure safe food preparation and service standards.

    “Our objective centers on public health protection through cooperative engagement with all stakeholders,” Louis stated during a recent press briefing. She emphasized the department’s request for full cooperation from both vendors and patrons as officers execute their monitoring responsibilities.

    Health officials issued specific guidelines for food handlers, mandating maintained sanitary vending areas and appropriate attire including hair coverings and aprons. The department explicitly prohibited sleeveless garments and shorts in food preparation zones, emphasizing professional presentation standards.

    The advisory highlighted hand hygiene as critical prevention against foodborne illnesses, particularly after restroom use, monetary transactions, or raw food handling. Symptomatic food handlers experiencing vomiting or diarrhea must immediately avoid food preparation and service areas—a requirement extending to home-based preparers supplying local vending locations.

    Louis reinforced that public health protection begins with responsible practices from every food handler. Simultaneously, patrons received encouragement to exercise personal responsibility by purchasing exclusively from certified vendors and visually assessing stall cleanliness before transactions.

  • Browne credits expanded campaign team for third term in St Philip North

    Browne credits expanded campaign team for third term in St Philip North

    Dr. Sonia Browne of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has achieved a decisive electoral victory, securing her third consecutive term as the representative for St Philip North constituency. The triumph was declared following an intense vote count on Thursday, where Browne garnered 2,434 votes against her closest rival, Simon Clarke of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), who received 2,128 votes.

    In her post-victory address, Dr. Browne attributed her success to a significantly enhanced grassroots campaign strategy. She emphasized that an expanded team enabled comprehensive coverage of the large, single-parish constituency, facilitating direct voter engagement through door-to-door outreach. This approach marked a substantial improvement over her previous campaigns and proved instrumental in securing voter support.

    The medical professional turned politician described the campaign as particularly challenging due to its short duration and intensity. Despite facing skepticism and negative predictions during the race, Dr. Browne maintained focus and resilience throughout the process. She acknowledged the physical toll of the campaign, having remained awake for over 24 hours during the final stretch.

    Dr. Browne extended professional courtesy to her opponent, praising Mr. Clarke for running a competitive campaign and delivering quality platform speeches. She encouraged his continued participation in Barbados’ political landscape, noting their long-standing acquaintance predating his legal career.

    Looking forward, the re-elected MP outlined her commitment to addressing constituency concerns more extensively, acknowledging the challenges of representing such a large geographical area. She pledged increased mobility and accessibility to better serve her constituents’ needs in St Philip North.