Carib Scope

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  • RD Vial expands roadside assistance for Holy Week 2026 travel surge

    RD Vial expands roadside assistance for Holy Week 2026 travel surge

    SANTO DOMINGO — In preparation for one of the year’s busiest domestic travel periods, the RD Vial Trust has dramatically expanded its roadside emergency and assistance capabilities ahead of the upcoming “Conscience for Life: Holy Week 2026” safety operation. The infrastructure trust has added 30 brand-new service vehicles to the fleet managed by COMIPOL, the Military and Police Commission operating under the country’s Ministry of Public Works.

    The expanded fleet includes a diverse range of specialized equipment tailored for highway emergencies: heavy-duty rescue trucks, vehicle recovery cranes, fully-equipped mobile repair workshops, and a dedicated fire truck. With this infusion of new resources, the total number of operational units deployed across Dominican Republic’s national highway network now surpasses 200, bringing the service to its largest and most capable operational standing in its entire history.

    Beyond expanding its vehicle fleet, public authorities have confirmed that more than 3,600 trained personnel will be mobilized across the country to support the national Emergency Operations Center (COE) throughout the Holy Week holiday period, when travel volumes spike dramatically as locals head to coastal and regional destinations.

    All roadside assistance requests will be centrally coordinated through the dedicated 511 emergency hotline, which maintains around-the-clock 24/7 coverage for motorists traveling anywhere in the country. To further cut down on response times and prevent avoidable accidents, RD Vial has also rolled out targeted preventive safety and logistics measures along the nation’s busiest traffic corridors, including the Duarte Highway, Las Américas Highway, and the Baní bypass highway. These upgrades are designed to streamline emergency response and ensure safer travel for all road users during the peak holiday period.

  • Dominican message goes viral during NASA Artemis II Moon launch

    Dominican message goes viral during NASA Artemis II Moon launch

    On April 1, 2026, NASA ignited a new chapter of human lunar exploration when its long-awaited Artemis II mission lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking the first crewed flight of the agency’s ambitious Artemis Program. While the launch itself drew hundreds of thousands of spectators across Florida, who gathered along coastlines and city vantage points to catch a glimpse of the rocket’s ascent, and millions more tuned into official broadcast coverage worldwide, an unexpected moment of global unity emerged from the live stream that quickly stole the spotlight: a heartfelt message of support from a Dominican viewer that spread like wildfire across social media within hours of the launch.

    The message, read aloud on air during the official launch coverage, carried warm wishes from the viewer on behalf of the global Dominican community—including those residing in the United States, the Dominican homeland, and diaspora communities across every continent. “On behalf of myself and all Dominicans in the USA, the Dominican Republic, and around the world, we wish you a good trip—safe, productive, and full of fun. You are an inspiration. You know what to do; go for it, Artemis,” the message read. Its sincere, enthusiastic tone resonated deeply with audiences across platforms, turning a routine segment of broadcast coverage into one of the most memorable highlights of the entire launch event.

    For Dominicans both at home and living abroad, the viral moment sparked a widespread wave of collective pride. It marked a rare, visible moment of inclusion for the Dominican diaspora in a landmark global event, bridging the gap between everyday communities and the rarefied world of cutting-edge space exploration. The message’s emphasis on shared encouragement and collective excitement reinforced how major scientific milestones can unite people across geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries, turning a NASA mission into a shared global moment of hope.

    As the first crewed mission of the Artemis Program, Artemis II carries far more than four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft: it carries the weight of NASA’s decades-long goal to return humans to the lunar surface, and lay the technical groundwork for future deep space exploration ranging from Mars missions to long-term lunar research. Over the course of its approximately 10-day mission, Orion will complete a full orbit of the Moon before returning to Earth, allowing engineers to put critical life support, navigation, and reentry systems through rigorous real-world testing ahead of the Artemis III mission, which is planned to mark the first crewed lunar landing in over 50 years. Ultimately, the Artemis Program is designed to establish a sustained long-term human presence on the Moon, opening new avenues for scientific research and commercial space development in the coming decades.

  • Dominican economy grows 3.9% in February, best performance in 11 months

    Dominican economy grows 3.9% in February, best performance in 11 months

    New preliminary data released by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic via its Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE) shows that the Caribbean nation’s economy delivered its most robust performance in nearly 12 months during February 2026, posting a 3.9% year-on-year expansion. This strong February result lifted the average growth rate across the first two months of 2026 to 3.7%, outpacing many moderate growth projections for regional economies.

    This upward momentum was anchored by outsize gains in three foundational sectors of the Dominican economy: mining, construction, and services. Mining led all sectors with a 9.4% annual expansion, followed by construction at 5.8% and the broad services sector at 3.5%. Within services, multiple sub-sectors posted particularly notable growth: education, healthcare, tourism-linked hospitality (including hotels, bars and restaurants), financial services, and professional business activities all contributed heavily to the overall expansion. Additional modest but steady growth came from other core sectors: agriculture grew 3.2% year-on-year, local domestic manufacturing expanded 2.4%, and free trade zone manufacturing recorded a 1.2% increase.

    A closer look at the driving forces behind sector growth reveals a mix of public and private momentum. Construction activity, one of the top growth contributors, was buoyed by rising public infrastructure spending and growing private investment across residential, commercial, and tourism-focused development projects, paired with increasingly favorable lending rates that lowered borrowing costs for developers. The mining sector’s double-digit expansion stemmed from higher production volumes of gold, silver, and key construction materials, aligned with growing regional demand for commodities.

    Tourism, a longstanding economic pillar for the Dominican Republic, continued its recovery and expansion: the country recorded a 10% year-on-year jump in air arrivals through the first two months of 2026, hitting nearly 1.65 million total international visitors. The financial sector also strengthened its position, with financial intermediation activity growing alongside an 8.1% annual increase in credit extended to the private sector, signaling growing business and consumer confidence. For agriculture, higher overall production volumes and targeted government support programs boosted the sector’s performance for the period.

    Even with the stronger-than-expected growth print, the Central Bank has cautioned that ongoing headwinds remain on the global horizon. Persistent geopolitical tensions and upward pressure on global oil prices continue to create widespread uncertainty for small open economies like the Dominican Republic. In response, the central bank reaffirmed its policy commitment to preserving macroeconomic stability and keeping inflation anchored within target ranges through the remainder of 2026.

  • Eclipse, Brigidy Stars advance to grand final of islandwide domino league

    Eclipse, Brigidy Stars advance to grand final of islandwide domino league

    The semifinal round of the highly anticipated West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Islandwide Domino League delivered two contrasting showdowns this week, as two elite teams locked in their spots for the upcoming championship decider.

    Eclipse of Pottersville turned in a near-perfect performance to dominate their semifinal against One Love from Tarish Pit, holding a steady lead from the very first round of play to the last. The lopsided contest ended with a staggering 1,493-point margin of victory for Eclipse, with the final scoreboard reading 3,014 for the Pottersville side and just 1,521 for One Love.

    In the second semifinal, fans in attendance witnessed a far tighter, hard-fought battle between Brigidy Stars of Paix Bouche and Rosema White City. Competing in front of a packed, energized crowd of domino enthusiasts, Brigidy Stars held off repeated pushes from Rosema White City to secure their place in the grand final. The close contest ended with a 370-point winning margin for Brigidy Stars, who finished with a total score of 3,009 against Rosema White City’s 2,639.

    Fans will not have to wait long to see the two champions compete for the league title: the grand final, alongside the third-place playoff match, is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Goodwill Primary School Auditorium. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of local domino fans, as both teams vie for the coveted Islandwide Domino League championship trophy.

  • Progress and delays across major infrastructure projects

    Progress and delays across major infrastructure projects

    In a recent post-Cabinet briefing, Grenada’s Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Dickon Mitchell delivered a comprehensive update on the country’s ongoing national infrastructure initiatives, laying out clear completion timelines for major projects, addressing unforeseen challenges that have caused delays, and outlining new governance measures to boost public transparency and engagement.

    Among the most advanced projects is the long-delayed Cliff Road rehabilitation, which Mitchell confirmed is on track to hit a critical milestone by the end of April. According to Mitchell, the route will be open for motor vehicle traffic by the end of this month, with all ancillary surrounding works scheduled for full completion by the end of May, with visible construction progress already evident at the site. For the Clozier region, where a major landslip upended original project plans, full redesign work has been finalized, and contractor negotiations launched in March, with construction set to resume within just a few weeks.

    Another key road project, the Willis Road rehabilitation, was previously stalled due to contractor issues and unanticipated setbacks, but has now restarted. The contract has been awarded to Construction and Industrial Equipment Limited, commonly known as Rayneau, and work is already proceeding, with a full completion target set for the end of 2026. Outside of transportation infrastructure, the flagship Simon Cultural Centre public facility project remains on schedule for completion by June 2026.

    Mitchell also drew attention to urgent coastal erosion risks in St Patrick parish, particularly in the Mount Rodney area. While the full Sauteurs Coastal Protection Project is still awaiting final approvals, the government has moved forward with interim protection measures. “We recognise that because of the damage being done to the coastline in St Patrick… we can’t wait on the main breakwater project itself,” Mitchell explained, confirming that a contractor has already been mobilized to begin protective works for Mount Rodney residents.

    Looking ahead to upcoming projects, Mitchell confirmed that St John’s River Road rehabilitation is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, though he acknowledged long-standing capacity constraints in Grenada’s infrastructure sector. Until recently, the country only had one local contractor capable of completing large-scale asphalt paving works. To address this gap, the government has adopted a new segmented delivery model: smaller local contractors will handle civil works, while larger specialist firms manage asphalt paving across multi-segment projects running from Perdmontemps to Vincennes. The government will also implement upgraded road standards, including the application of durable plastic pavement markings.

    Design work for the Woolwich Road project is fully complete, and bid invitations have already been issued. Mitchell encouraged greater participation from local contractors, noting that all government tender opportunities, including requests for proposals, expressions of interest, and bid invitations, are publicly posted on the central procurement unit’s website. He also urged smaller local firms to form joint ventures to boost their competitiveness for large contracts.

    Multiple large road packages are being advanced under a new finance-design-build model, where contractors cover upfront project costs before receiving incremental reimbursement from the government after work milestones are completed. These projects include routes from Cliff Junction to the Maurice Bishop Highway, the Mabuya landslip area to Mt Kumar, and additional corridors across St David and St George parishes. Multiple bridge projects, including the replacement of the Marquis Bridge, are scheduled to launch by mid-2026, after a temporary bypass route is installed.

    Beyond transportation and cultural infrastructure, upgrades to public safety facilities are also underway across the country. Mitchell announced that the full demolition of the current Grenville police station is targeted for June 2026, while construction work on the new Union Police Station will begin this month. In the education sector, multiple school rehabilitation projects are progressing on schedule, with the Grenadian Christian Academy set to reopen in time for the 2026 September school year.

    To close the briefing, Mitchell reaffirmed the government’s commitment to greater transparency and public engagement around infrastructure delivery. “We are committed to being as transparent as we can and to updating the public on what is taking place,” he said. As part of this commitment, the government will expand the Ministry of Infrastructure’s official website to add dedicated sections for procurement notices, real-time project updates, and a new public complaints system to address community concerns more efficiently.

  • Government and CAF set framework for expanded cooperation in health and digital innovation

    Government and CAF set framework for expanded cooperation in health and digital innovation

    On March 27, 2026, the Government of Grenada formalized a new strategic partnership by signing a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with CAF – the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, marking a key step toward advancing the island nation’s national sustainable development goals through targeted international collaboration.

    The official signing ceremony saw Honourable Dennis Cornwall, Grenada’s Minister for Finance, sign the document on behalf of the Grenadian government, while Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, represented the regional development bank. Under the terms of the agreement, Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has been named the central coordinating body for all future joint activities between the two parties. While the LOI carries no binding legal obligations, it creates a formal, structured foundation for advancing shared projects, technical assistance programs, and other collaborative efforts aligned with both parties’ priorities.

    Two core priority areas for future partnership have already been outlined in the agreement. First, the parties aim to boost institutional capacity and improve public service delivery across Grenada’s entire health sector. Second, the agreement paves the way for the development and potential future financing of a nationwide telehealth initiative designed to expand healthcare access and connectivity across all three of Grenada’s constituent islands: Grenada itself, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

    In remarks following the signing, Minister Cornwall emphasized his confidence that the new partnership will deliver mutual benefits and make a substantial contribution to Grenada’s long-term sustainable development targets. “Through this engagement, we are laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration in key priority areas, particularly institutional strengthening and the advancement of digital integration within our health sector,” Cornwall explained. “These are critical pillars as we work to modernize our systems, improve service delivery, and ensure that all Grenadians — across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique — can benefit from more accessible and resilient healthcare.”

    Dr. Richards-Kennedy echoed this optimism, noting that CAF views the new agreement as an important milestone in supporting Grenada’s national development vision. “Telehealth has the potential to fundamentally transform healthcare in Grenada and the wider Caribbean, by expanding access, improving quality and enhancing efficiency across the health system,” she said. “CAF stands ready to share our expertise and lessons learnt as we work with the authorities and beneficiaries to co-create a tailored programme that will deliver quality services quickly and reach communities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

    The LOI aligns with the Grenadian government’s broader strategy of diversifying its international development partnerships and leveraging cross-border cooperation to address high-priority national needs, with a particular focus on strengthening health system resilience and expanding digital innovation across key public sectors.

  • Seamoss project expands opportunities for women and youth

    Seamoss project expands opportunities for women and youth

    Across Saint Lucia, a transformative development initiative focused on expanding inclusion and economic growth in the local seamoss industry has wrapped up its implementation, leaving lasting positive change for marginalized groups including women and young people.

    Named the Empowering Youth and Women in the Seamoss Industry project, the effort was financed by the British High Commission and brought to life through on-the-ground coordination by the Eau Piquant Seamoss Farmers Association. A core priority of the program was upskilling local women to convert raw seamoss into high-value, natural skincare goods, creating new income streams that align with the growing global demand for plant-based personal care products.

    For many participants, the project has already reshaped their professional and personal lives. Claudia Clovis-David, a stay-at-home mother who previously worked as a seamoss farmer before a hemorrhagic stroke forced her to step back from active harvesting, is one of the program’s success stories. After mastering the process of crafting soap from seamoss and other natural ingredients, she now has a flexible work model that fits her family responsibilities.

    “It’s something that’s flexible, allowing me to be with my family and generate an income at the same time,” Clovis-David shared in an interview with St. Lucia Times. “I enjoy working with seamoss. It has a lot of great benefits, so I’m happy for this opportunity to interact with seamoss again.”

    Beyond supporting adult women entrepreneurs, the initiative also made long-term investments in youth engagement through partnerships with local secondary education institutions. Working alongside Beanfield Secondary School, the project organizers introduced third-form students to modern marketing strategies for seamoss-derived products, culminating in a student competition to design original logos for upcoming product lines. Organizers note that this early exposure is designed to spark lasting interest in the sector, paving the way for greater youth participation in Saint Lucia’s seamoss economy in coming years.

    The project also addressed longstanding accessibility barriers that have excluded many community members from seamoss farming. To make the work safer and more comfortable for people who cannot swim, the initiative funded the installation of purpose-built resting stations in ocean waters adjacent to active farming zones.

    Brian Walker, vice president of the Eau Piquant Seamoss Farmers Association, highlighted that the project’s participatory design was key to its strong outcomes. Unlike many externally funded initiatives that leave local communities out of planning, this program embedded the association in both the development and execution phases, fostering a shared sense of ownership over the work. “This project allowed us to be directly involved in the implementation and planning stage where funding monies were used, and that gives us a level of ownership of what we do and appreciation for the industry as a whole,” Walker explained, before extending gratitude to the British High Commission for its support.

    Doyin Adele-Shiyanbola, resident British Commissioner, echoed that praise, noting she was particularly impressed by how quickly participants have turned their new skills into active businesses. “I heard about how some of the women are already selling their products, and how they wanted to take it to a different level and market it not just in Saint Lucia but globally. I found that really inspiring,” she said.

    Looking ahead, program participants are now preparing to scale their new ventures, with plans to pursue regional and international market opportunities for their seamoss-based products as they launch their small businesses.

  • LIVE: NASA Artemis II flies around the moon

    LIVE: NASA Artemis II flies around the moon

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  • LIVE: NASA Launch of Artemis II moon mission

    LIVE: NASA Launch of Artemis II moon mission

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  • GHTA and ANSA Coatings Grenada Ltd announce strategic partnership

    GHTA and ANSA Coatings Grenada Ltd announce strategic partnership

    Grenada’s leading tourism industry group has joined forces with a top regional paint supplier to drive quality improvements across the island nation’s hospitality sector, marking a new collaborative milestone for local tourism infrastructure development.

    The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) and ANSA Coatings Grenada Limited (ACGL), a subsidiary of the diversified ANSA McAL Group specializing in high-performance paint manufacturing and distribution, formally signed their strategic partnership agreement on March 31, 2026. The deal was sealed by GHTA Chief Executive Officer Arlene Friday and ACGL Commercial Manager Reyan Neckles during an official signing ceremony.

    This cross-sector collaboration is built around a shared goal of elevating the standard of building maintenance and renovation services available to tourism and hospitality operators across Grenada, while making premium paint products more affordable for industry stakeholders. Under the 3-year terms of the agreement, ACGL will hold official designation as a GHTA-endorsed Paint Partner, and extend exclusive discounted pricing on two of its flagship product lines, Berger and Sissons paints, to all active GHTA member businesses.

    In comments following the signing, Friday emphasized the tangible value the partnership delivers to GHTA’s membership, noting that the arrangement does more than just cut costs for hoteliers and hospitality providers. “This agreement not only offers tangible benefits to our members but also strengthens the overarching quality and appeal of Grenada’s tourism and hospitality facilities,” Friday said, framing the partnership as a key investment in the island’s global reputation as a top travel destination.

    Neckles echoed Friday’s optimism, emphasizing ACGL’s longstanding commitment to supporting the growth of Grenada’s core economic sectors. “We are proud to support the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association. Our collaboration underscores our commitment to providing superior products and services that contribute to the vibrancy and success of Grenada’s tourism sector,” Neckles said.

    The partnership is structured as an ongoing collaborative effort, with formal commitments from both organizations to expand engagement over the 3-year term. GHTA has pledged to actively promote ACGL’s full range of products and services to its membership through multiple dedicated channels, including increased digital brand visibility and targeted social media outreach to hospitality operators.

    Leaders from both organizations say the alliance exemplifies how cross-sector partnerships can advance shared priorities: it delivers cost savings and quality improvements to GHTA members, strengthens ACGL’s position as a leading local supplier, and drives sustained, quality-focused growth for Grenada’s $1.5 billion tourism sector, the island’s largest contributor to GDP. By aligning the expertise of a local industry association with the product offerings of a trusted regional manufacturer, the partnership aims to lift the overall quality and long-term sustainability of Grenada’s tourism infrastructure for years to come.

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