Carib Scope

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  • PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has moved to calm mounting anxieties among Saint Lucian medical students in Cuba, clarifying that no immediate withdrawal from academic programs is planned. The clarification came during a Cabinet press briefing on Monday following widespread concern triggered by the Prime Minister’s previous remarks about U.S.-Cuba tensions affecting medical training partnerships.

    The situation developed after Pierre addressed the Second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities last week, where he highlighted complications arising from the longstanding American embargo against Cuba. The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about how these geopolitical constraints might impact medical scholarship programs that have historically enabled Caribbean nationals to pursue medical education in Cuba.

    Student reactions reflected deep unease about their academic futures. One fifth-year Saint Lucian medical student described experiencing ‘heightened anxiety, caught between the political currents of the island and my personal academic future.’ Another medical professional, currently self-funding cardiology studies in Cuba after previously benefiting from government scholarships, called for greater transparency from officials regarding contingency plans.

    Pierre emphasized that enrolled students would complete their programs uninterrupted, stating unequivocally: ‘The students, those who are in Cuba, will continue to be in Cuba. There’s no imminent withdrawal of students.’

    The Prime Minister characterized his administration’s approach as proactive preparation given recent developments, including former President Trump’s designation of Cuba as a national security threat. Pierre acknowledged the delicate diplomatic balance required, noting Saint Lucia’s generally positive relations with the United States while simultaneously protecting its healthcare interests.

    Looking ahead, the government is exploring alternative medical training partnerships with nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, and Brazil to diversify Saint Lucia’s medical education options. ‘We have to prepare for the eventuality,’ Pierre stated, underscoring the need to safeguard both current students and the nation’s future healthcare capacity.

  • St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    In a decisive electoral process during the 18th Biennial General Assembly held in Soufrière, Bernell St Rose has been elected President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC). This gathering united delegates from registered youth and sports clubs, district councils, and student councils nationwide, aiming to establish a leadership team capable of addressing the mounting social, economic, and developmental issues confronting the island’s youth.

    St Rose will helm the council’s executive body, which includes First Vice President Dequan Charles and Second Vice President Edisa Eugene. The administrative framework was solidified with the election of Alrica Antoine as General Secretary, supported by Marcus Giraudy as Assistant Secretary. Phoebe Smith assumes the role of Public Relations Officer, while Nazan Hutchinson was appointed Treasurer.

    In post-election remarks to St Lucia Times, President St Rose emphasized that her primary objective is to rehabilitate the council’s credibility. “My key mandate is to rebuild and bring back the trust of the NYC as a uniform and credible institution,” she stated, highlighting intentions to reform the council’s structure, including district youth and sports councils, national student councils, and club affiliates. St Rose aims to restore public confidence and pride in the organization.

    The newly inaugurated leadership team now bears the responsibility of enhancing youth representation and engagement across Saint Lucia. This comes amid rising expectations for the council to assume a more dynamic and influential role in the nation’s developmental trajectory, particularly in crafting solutions for youth-specific challenges.

  • Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    A comprehensive five-year development program has been officially launched in Western Suriname, marking a significant step toward creating improved opportunities for local communities while simultaneously protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable economic activities. The initiative was formally inaugurated during a high-level gathering that brought together government officials, indigenous community representatives, and international partners.

    During the launch ceremony, project partners, stakeholders, and local community delegates unanimously affirmed their shared objectives and collaborative approach to implementation. Patrick Brunings, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized that this program aligns perfectly with the nation’s long-term development framework known as Suriname 3.0, which prioritizes biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic expansion as core principles.

    The ambitious program will be coordinated under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the primary implementing partner. Financial backing for the initiative is being provided by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), ensuring adequate resources for the multi-year project.

    Strategic implementation will focus on four fundamental pillars: sustainable biodiversity management practices, strengthening nature-friendly economic systems, enhancing governance structures and landscape planning methodologies, and promoting knowledge exchange alongside regional cooperation mechanisms. This integrated approach aims to balance ecological preservation with economic advancement while ensuring local communities benefit directly from development initiatives.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Seek Applications for Canadian Agent Advisory Committee

    Antigua & Barbuda Seek Applications for Canadian Agent Advisory Committee

    In a strategic move to deepen its engagement with the North American market, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has officially launched its Canadian Travel Agent Advisory Committee. The initiative is now actively seeking applications from top-tier Canadian travel advisors, agency proprietors, and consortia leadership until the February 15th deadline.

    Tameka Wharton, the Director of Tourism for Canada at ABTA, emphasized the indispensable role Canadian advisors play in curating traveler experiences to the dual-island nation. “Canadian travel advisors are pivotal architects in defining how explorers encounter the unique offerings of Antigua and Barbuda,” Wharton stated. She further elaborated that the committee is designed to provide these industry experts with a direct platform for collaboration, enabling a symbiotic partnership that leverages their profound market insights. This, in turn, is expected to guide the destination’s growth with data-driven and culturally resonant strategies, ensuring its development is both sustainable and aligned with traveler expectations.

    This membership-based committee is exclusive and will be curated through a selective application process. The ABTA has streamlined the procedure by directing all interested and qualified professionals to complete a dedicated online application form available on its official channels. This formalized approach signifies a shift towards more structured and influential dialogue between the destination marketing organization and the retail travel sector, which is often the primary touchpoint for potential visitors.

  • Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Authorities in Antigua are actively seeking community assistance as their investigation progresses into the unsettling discovery of a deceased male found within a vehicle at the decommissioned Ottos School compound. The site, located near All Saints Road and currently repurposed as a panyard, was cordoned off by law enforcement following an emergency call to the 911 hotline at approximately noon on Monday, February 2nd.

    A multi-unit response team comprising specialists from the Criminal Investigations Department, the Serious Crimes Unit, and the Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit was dispatched to secure the area and initiate a thorough examination. The body, which was reported to be in a state of partial decomposition, was formally pronounced dead at the scene by a district medical official.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas provided an official statement, confirming the incident and emphasizing that the immediate priority for investigators is establishing the identity of the deceased individual. ASP Thomas issued a public appeal, urging residents, particularly those with a missing family member, to contact the authorities with any relevant information that could aid the process.

    The police have formally requested that anyone possessing knowledge pertaining to this case reach out directly to the Criminal Investigations Department or their nearest police station to assist in bringing clarity to this ongoing investigation.

  • Students Donate Essential Items to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Paediatric Ward

    Students Donate Essential Items to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Paediatric Ward

    In a demonstration of youth-led community service, students from St Joseph’s Academy and Christ the King High School have significantly contributed to pediatric healthcare through a substantial donation to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The Interact Clubs from both educational institutions coordinated the provision of vital supplies specifically designed to improve comfort and care for young patients undergoing treatment.

    The donation package included practical items often overlooked in healthcare settings: wall clocks to maintain temporal orientation, electric kettles for convenient beverage preparation, and specialized crib sheets designed for medical equipment. These contributions address both practical needs and psychological comfort for children and their families during hospital stays.

    The formal presentation ceremony featured Rotarian Evangeline Allen accompanying the student delegates as they handed the supplies to Senior Nursing Staff including Unit Manager Zena Knight Barnes and Registered Nurse Karen Jacobs. Medical professionals expressed genuine appreciation for the thoughtfully selected items, emphasizing their immediate applicability in daily patient care routines.

    Hospital administration highlighted how these donations would directly enhance the therapeutic environment within the pediatric unit, creating a more welcoming atmosphere that supports both clinical outcomes and patient morale. The contribution represents a meaningful intersection of community engagement and healthcare improvement, demonstrating how targeted philanthropy can address specific needs within medical facilities.

    This initiative reflects the broader mission of Interact Clubs, international youth organizations sponsored by Rotary International that cultivate young leadership through community service projects. The pediatric ward donation continues their tradition of developing socially conscious youth while addressing genuine community needs through organized, practical philanthropy.

  • Glanvilles FC Leads Community Clean-Up at Village Football Field

    Glanvilles FC Leads Community Clean-Up at Village Football Field

    In a remarkable display of communal solidarity, Glanvilles Football Club orchestrated a transformative cleanup initiative at the Glanvilles Football Field on February 1st, 2026. The event, meticulously organized by the club’s executive members, successfully united residents from both Glanvilles and Seatons villages in a collective beautification endeavor.

    Volunteers commenced their efforts at dawn, with dedicated participants arriving as early as 6:00 AM. The undertaking gained substantial momentum through the involvement of professional Road Side Cleanup Crew members from the broader SeaGlans community. The morning air resonated with the distinctive sounds of chainsaws, weed whackers, and cutlasses as the cleanup progressed.

    The community’s support manifested not only through physical labor but also through generous provisions of sustenance. An impressive array of nourishment appeared throughout the event, including sandwiches, meatballs, chicken, patties, pumpkin soup, and various beverages. The culinary spread expanded further with the arrival of traditional bush tea, lentil soup, local bread, and a substantial serving of salt fish with chop up—a beloved regional breakfast specialty.

    The cleanup operation continued until midday, with additional mechanical support arriving later in the morning through trucks and brush cutters. The event fostered such an exceptional sense of community spirit that volunteers unanimously requested a continuation of the effort on February 8th, 2026.

    Notably, the initiative provided valuable educational opportunities for young footballers, who received instruction on the proper operation of weed whackers and chainsaws. Another memorable moment featured a village youth skillfully maneuvering a large branch collection truck under his uncle’s expert guidance.

    The Executive Committee Members extended profound gratitude to all volunteers and supporters, acknowledging their instrumental role in the event’s resounding success. They further reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing beautification efforts throughout the SeaGlans community.

  • Acting Principal Nursing Officer Almarie Coates Represents Ministry of Health at Regional Primary Health Care Meeting in Brazil

    Acting Principal Nursing Officer Almarie Coates Represents Ministry of Health at Regional Primary Health Care Meeting in Brazil

    Health authorities from across the Americas gathered in Rio de Janeiro from January 26-28, 2026, for a pivotal regional summit aimed at accelerating healthcare system reforms. The Second High-Level Regional Meeting of the Primary Health Care Alliance for the Americas brought together over 200 delegates from 24 nations, including ministers of health, principal nursing officers, and directors of primary health services.

    The conference, jointly organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), featured prominent attendees such as PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa and Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealy Thomas. Representing the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Civil Service Affairs & the Environment was Acting Principal Nursing Officer Mrs. Almarie Coates.

    Central to the discussions was the theme “Primary Health Care as an Accelerator of Health System Transformation in the Americas.” Participants conducted a comprehensive review of progress achieved since the Alliance’s establishment in Montevideo, Uruguay in December 2023. The meeting served as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and policy alignment among health ministries, technical partners, and financial institutions.

    Key objectives included evaluating national implementation pathways for primary healthcare as a catalyst for system-wide transformation, sharing innovative approaches that demonstrate improved healthcare access, outcomes, and operational efficiency, assessing the Alliance’s progress in meeting its objectives while strengthening regional cooperation, and reaffirming the Alliance’s strategic value while securing renewed commitments from members to deepen collaborative action.

    The Alliance represents a unique regional mechanism designed to accelerate primary healthcare implementation through targeted investment and innovation. Its core mission remains supporting member countries in transforming their health systems through coordinated policy guidance and harmonized investment planning.

  • Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. William Warren Smith, CD

    Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. William Warren Smith, CD

    The Caribbean development community mourns the profound loss of Dr. William Warren Smith, whose visionary leadership as President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) reshaped regional economic resilience. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) joined global partners in honoring the legacy of this transformative figure who steered the region through unprecedented challenges.

    During his tenure as the CDB’s fifth President, Dr. Smith navigated multiple crises including the lingering effects of the 2008 financial collapse, devastating 2017 hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His strategic approach transformed the institution into a bastion of stability and innovation, embedding climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure as core principles long before these concepts gained global prominence.

    Among his landmark achievements, Dr. Smith orchestrated the approval of over US$3 billion in regional financing, with significant grant allocations directed toward the most vulnerable nations. He fundamentally strengthened the Bank’s institutional framework through establishing the Office of Risk Management and the Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, enhancing both governance standards and international credibility.

    Dr. Smith’s diplomatic acumen facilitated the historic expansion of CDB membership to include Brazil and Suriname, substantially broadening the institution’s resource base and hemispheric influence. His particular dedication to the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union manifested in groundbreaking initiatives including the development of geothermal energy potential and the securing of a critical $50 million COVID-19 Line of Credit for OECS members during the pandemic’s most severe phase.

    Beyond his technical accomplishments, Dr. Smith will be remembered as a mentor and principled leader who demanded excellence in service to Caribbean citizens. His profound understanding of Small Island Developing States’ unique vulnerabilities informed every policy decision and strategic direction.

    The OECS Commission and member states extended deepest condolences to his family, noting that his physical legacy endures in strengthened infrastructure, protected communities, and a fortified regional spirit that will continue inspiring future generations of Caribbean leadership.

  • Road construction remained steady in January, Ministry of Works says

    Road construction remained steady in January, Ministry of Works says

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Works has reported significant advancements in its national infrastructure program, attributing the success to strategic operational enhancements and multi-sector collaboration. According to a recently released monthly progress report, the consistent pace of development has been fueled by the concrete batching plant operating on an extended schedule, uninterrupted full-capacity production at government quarries, and the synchronized efforts of engineering teams, logistics personnel, and road construction crews.

    A cornerstone of the 2026 development strategy involves a dual focus: expanding roadworks in local communities while simultaneously continuing the refurbishment of major arterial highways. This ambitious initiative is being propelled by two critical infrastructural upgrades: the recent commissioning of a new high-capacity crusher at the Public Works Quarry and a substantial increase in cement storage capacity facilitated by the installation of three new silos at the central Concrete Plant.

    The Ministry emphasized that these facility upgrades will deliver benefits beyond transportation, creating a stronger foundation for public works by enhancing support for housing initiatives and community development projects across the nation.

    The progress update formally acknowledged the pivotal contributions of Works Minister Maria Browne, ministry leadership, and the specialized Project Implementation Management Unit. It also credited effective partnerships with key agencies such as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Antigua Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB), alongside private sector contractors, for sustaining the project’s momentum.

    With infrastructure projects continuing throughout the year, officials have indicated that further updates on road works and development milestones will be provided periodically.