Carib Scope

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  • IGNITE 2025: The Must-Attend Summit for Caribbean Founders and Investors

    IGNITE 2025: The Must-Attend Summit for Caribbean Founders and Investors

    Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – September 18, 2025 – Caribbean Dragons, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and investment across the Caribbean and Latin America, is gearing up to host its flagship event, IGNITE 2025. Scheduled from October 13 to October 15, 2025, at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port-of-Spain, this summit is poised to be a pivotal gathering for startups, investors, and industry leaders.

    IGNITE 2025 is not just another conference; it’s a platform where transformative deals are made. Andrew Seepersad, Head of Strategy & Operations at Caribbean Dragons, emphasizes the event’s significance: ‘The biggest challenge for early-stage founders is access to key resources such as capital, mentorship, and the right networks. IGNITE 2025 brings them all together in one place.’

    Last year’s summit marked a turning point for Caribbean startups, thanks to a strategic partnership with the British High Commission, which opened doors for founders aiming to scale internationally. The Investors’ Workshop attracted major financiers, many of whom are now exploring regional ventures as part of their alternative portfolios.

    This year’s lineup includes high-profile speakers such as Marcus Dantus, a Shark at Shark Tank Mexico and founder of Startup Mexico. The summit will delve into critical topics like building regional capacity, exploring high-value opportunity areas such as FinTech and HealthTech, and sharing success stories from local and international founders.

    Seepersad highlights the broader mission: ‘Caribbean startups face capital constraints and scalability hurdles. IGNITE is about building investor confidence and ensuring founders can effectively navigate international markets.’ Looking ahead, Caribbean Dragons plans to expand IGNITE across the region, with Jamaica or Guyana as potential hosts as early as 2026.

    With over 100 startups expected to attend, corporate sponsors from finance, tech, and hospitality sectors, and a growing global audience, IGNITE 2025 is set to be the birthplace of the next big Caribbean entrepreneurship success story. For tickets and more details, visit www.caribbeandragons.org/ignite.

  • Two injured in separate shooting incidents on St. Kitts and Nevis

    Two injured in separate shooting incidents on St. Kitts and Nevis

    In a concerning escalation of gun-related violence, two separate shooting incidents occurred on September 18, 2025, in St. Kitts and Nevis, leaving two men injured. Authorities have launched investigations into both cases, which add to a growing trend of ‘Shooting with Intent’ incidents across the Federation. The first incident took place in the Newcastle area of Nevis, near the Combermere Pre-School, where a man was shot and subsequently hospitalized. Shortly thereafter, a second shooting was reported in Halfway Tree, where another man suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. Police have not disclosed the identities of the victims. This year alone, 15 such incidents have been recorded, with 12 occurring on St. Kitts and three on Nevis. The rise in gun violence has raised alarms among local communities and law enforcement, prompting calls for increased measures to address the issue.

  • Urgent need to prevent military aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    Urgent need to prevent military aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    The Revolutionary Government of Cuba has issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ escalating military actions in the Caribbean Sea, which it claims are aimed at justifying aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Cuban government asserts that the U.S. has been amassing military resources and personnel in the region, engaging in unlawful attacks on civilian vessels, and detaining ships in violation of international norms. These actions, Cuba argues, demonstrate a hostile and irresponsible approach by the U.S. government. Additionally, Cuba accuses the U.S. of employing psychological warfare tactics to legitimize its operations, falsely portraying Venezuela as a threat to U.S. national security and citizen welfare. The Cuban statement highlights that key U.S. political figures, including the Secretary of State, congressmen, and senators, are complicit in this escalation, drawing parallels to their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Cuba warns that the true U.S. objective is to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and natural resources. The deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean is seen as a deliberate provocation, potentially triggering a military conflict that would force Venezuela to defend its sovereignty. Cuba emphasizes that such aggression would have devastating consequences for regional peace, stability, and security, urging the international community to mobilize against these actions. The statement calls for adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, stressing the need to separate fact from fiction. Cuba reaffirms its commitment to preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, as declared by regional leaders. Havana, September 18, 2025.

  • Cuba honore un grand homme

    Cuba honore un grand homme

    Cuba bid a solemn farewell to one of its most dedicated revolutionaries, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, in a state funeral held on Tuesday. The ceremony, marked by profound emotions and tributes, saw the attendance of Cuba’s highest leadership, including General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The event took place at the Council of Ministers’ headquarters, where a small urn containing Cabrisas’ ashes was placed, surrounded by white floral wreaths. The first wreath was dedicated by General Raúl Castro, who had previously extended his heartfelt condolences to the family. Other floral tributes were presented on behalf of President Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Communist Party of Cuba, the National Assembly of People’s Power, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex). President Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Marrero Cruz expressed their sympathies to Cabrisas’ family, joined by other high-ranking officials, including Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez. Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, visibly moved, praised Cabrisas as a “great man, a great fighter, and a great revolutionary,” emphasizing his unwavering dedication to solving the nation’s challenges. The first guard of honor was formed by President Díaz-Canel, National Assembly President Esteban Lazo, Prime Minister Marrero Cruz, and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Party. The funeral underscored Cabrisas’ significant contributions to Cuba’s revolutionary legacy and his enduring impact on the nation.

  • What could Cuba have done if the blockade hadn’t existed?

    What could Cuba have done if the blockade hadn’t existed?

    On September 18, 2025, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla presented a comprehensive report detailing the devastating effects of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba. The report, covering the period from March 2024 to February 2025, revealed that the damages during this phase alone exceeded $7.556 billion, marking a 49% increase compared to the previous period. This surge is attributed to intensified measures aimed at crippling Cuba’s economy. Over six decades, the cumulative damage has reached a staggering $170.677 billion, equivalent to $2.103 trillion when adjusted for gold prices to account for dollar fluctuations. Rodríguez Parrilla emphasized that the blockade has inflicted profound emotional and economic suffering on Cuban families, with over 80% of the population born under its constraints. The policy has severely hindered access to advanced technologies, medicines, and essential supplies, exacerbating challenges in healthcare, transportation, and communications. The Cuban Foreign Minister also highlighted the U.S. government’s role in exacerbating migration flows, resulting in a loss of $2.57 billion in qualified personnel and workforce. He condemned the politically motivated measures, including Cuba’s inclusion on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and the enforcement of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, as violations of international law. Rodríguez Parrilla called on the international community to mobilize in defense of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, reaffirming Cuba’s resilience and commitment to its constitutional order and socialist principles.

  • WEATHER (6:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle slows as it tracks toward northern Leeward Islands

    WEATHER (6:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle slows as it tracks toward northern Leeward Islands

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle is steadily progressing toward the northern Leeward Islands, currently moving northwest at a reduced speed of 14 mph. As of 5:00 PM, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 19.4°N and longitude 48.0°W, approximately 990 miles east of the island chain. The storm’s maximum sustained winds have slightly increased to 50 mph, with stronger gusts extending up to 205 miles east of its core. Meteorologists predict Gabrielle will maintain its current intensity over the next 48 hours, with potential slow intensification over the weekend. The storm is expected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands during this period, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather bulletins. Concurrently, unstable atmospheric conditions associated with an upper-level trough are anticipated to bring intermittent cloudiness and scattered showers to Dominica over the next 12 to 24 hours. Light winds and elevated daytime temperatures may exacerbate these conditions, increasing the likelihood of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Marine conditions remain relatively calm for now, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and up to 5 feet on the east. However, eastern coastal waters are forecast to experience a surge in wave activity by Friday, with swells potentially climbing to near 8 feet and the possibility of ground swells. Residents, particularly those in coastal and flood-prone areas, are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through official weather updates.

  • Student found hanging on Mississippi college campus

    Student found hanging on Mississippi college campus

    A tragic incident unfolded at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, Mississippi, when a 21-year-old Black student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, was found hanging from a tree on campus early Monday morning. The discovery, made by a faculty member near the university’s pickleball courts around 7 AM, prompted the immediate closure of classes and campus activities. Reed, a native of Grenada, Mississippi, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the campus community in shock and distress. Authorities, including Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler, have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play, but investigations are ongoing. The university’s president, Daniel Ennis, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to Reed’s family and arranging counseling services for affected students and staff. Amidst the tragedy, Reed’s family has called for transparency, urging the public to seek the truth and avoid letting the matter be overlooked. They have engaged attorney Vanessa J. Jones to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death. The case has drawn national attention, with the Jackson FBI indicating readiness to intervene if federal misconduct is identified. Meanwhile, the Bolivar County Coroner has ruled the death a suicide, but skepticism persists within the Black community, with organizations like the NAACP highlighting historical context and demanding thorough scrutiny. The incident has reignited conversations about racial justice and safety on college campuses.

  • WEATHER (12:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in Central Atlantic; weather system to influence local conditions

    WEATHER (12:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in Central Atlantic; weather system to influence local conditions

    The Dominica Meteorological Service has officially announced the formation of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, which evolved from Tropical Depression 7 early Wednesday morning in the central tropical Atlantic. As of 11:00 AM, Gabrielle was positioned roughly 1,085 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, advancing north-northwestward at a speed of 22 mph. The storm is generating maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with gusts reaching higher velocities, and its wind fields extend up to 175 miles, predominantly east of its center. Forecast models predict a gradual shift to a northwestward to west-northwestward trajectory, accompanied by a slowdown in speed over the next few days. While significant intensification is not anticipated within the next 48 hours, gradual strengthening is expected over the weekend. The storm is projected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands, prompting residents to stay vigilant and monitor official updates. In Dominica, unstable atmospheric conditions tied to an upper-level trough are likely to result in increased cloud cover and scattered showers over the next 12 to 24 hours. Light winds and higher daytime temperatures may further fuel cloud formation and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. Marine conditions are expected to remain slight to moderate in the coming days, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and up to 5 feet along the east coast. However, eastern coastal waters may experience heightened wave activity, with heights nearing 8 feet and ground swells anticipated by Friday.

  • DDA announces plans to host a series of press conferences leading up to WCMF

    DDA announces plans to host a series of press conferences leading up to WCMF

    The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has announced a series of media briefings to mark the countdown to the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set to take place from October 24 to 26, 2025. The briefings, which begin on Thursday, September 18, 2025, will feature key stakeholders including festival sponsors, event organizers, performers, and DDA officials. These sessions aim to provide updates on the festival’s preparations, showcase collaborative efforts, and promote fringe activities designed to heighten excitement for the event. Scheduled at 10:00 AM on various dates leading up to the festival, the briefings will be accessible live via the Dominica Festivals Facebook page and partner media outlets. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the WCMF is Dominica’s flagship cultural event, drawing tourists, boosting the local economy, and elevating the island’s global standing. The festival highlights a diverse array of local and international artists, serving as a vibrant platform for Creole music and heritage while solidifying Dominica’s reputation as a premier Caribbean events destination. The DDA encourages the public and diaspora to stay engaged through these updates as the festival weekend approaches.

  • DCOA announces two new wellness events for Month of the Elderly

    DCOA announces two new wellness events for Month of the Elderly

    In a heartwarming initiative to celebrate the Month of the Elderly, the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) has announced a diverse lineup of activities aimed at honoring and supporting senior citizens. The program, designed to promote health and wellbeing, features two major events: a Health Fair on September 20 and a Sports Day on September 28. These events are part of a broader effort to recognize the contributions of older adults and enhance their quality of life. The Health Fair will offer free health screenings, wellness workshops, and consultations with medical professionals, while the Sports Day will encourage physical activity through fun, age-appropriate games and competitions. The DCOA’s initiative underscores the importance of fostering a community that values and cares for its elderly population. With these events, Dominica continues to set an example in prioritizing the health and happiness of its senior citizens.