Carib Scope

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  • BEL Launches Major Solar Power Project

    BEL Launches Major Solar Power Project

    Belize has embarked on a transformative renewable energy journey with the official launch of a major solar power initiative spearheaded by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). In collaboration with the Government of Belize and supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, the project aims to develop up to 80 megawatts of utility-scale solar capacity across multiple locations nationwide.

    The groundbreaking initiative commenced with a Request for Prequalification process, inviting experienced private-sector developers to participate in constructing large-scale solar photovoltaic facilities. BEL is leading this ambitious undertaking in partnership with the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics, marking a significant step in the country’s transition toward clean and sustainable energy infrastructure.

    Technical and advisory support is being provided by the IFC under the World Bank Group’s Scaling Solar program, which promotes transparent and competitive renewable energy development. This assistance is funded through contributions from the Government of Japan and the Global Infrastructure Facility, ensuring international expertise and financial backing for the project.

    The solar developments will operate under an Independent Power Producer framework, where private developers will assume responsibility for designing, financing, constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining the solar facilities over a 25-year period. These independent producers will supply generated electricity directly to Belize’s national grid, creating a sustainable public-private partnership model.

    This strategic move follows recommendations outlined in Belize’s Least Cost System Expansion Plan, which addresses the nation’s growing electricity demands while prioritizing increased utilization of local renewable resources. The solar initiative directly supports Belize’s ambitious national target of achieving 75 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030, reducing dependence on imported power, and enhancing overall energy security and grid reliability.

    The prequalification process represents the initial phase of a competitive selection procedure, with only companies meeting stringent technical and financial criteria advancing to submit comprehensive proposals in subsequent stages. Complete details regarding the prequalification requirements and process are available through BEL’s official channels, with both BEL and the Government of Belize actively encouraging qualified international and domestic developers to participate in this landmark energy transformation project.

  • Belize Coast Guard Has New Commandant

    Belize Coast Guard Has New Commandant

    BELIZE CITY – A significant leadership transition has occurred within Belize’s maritime defense forces as Gregory Soberanis officially assumed the role of Rear Admiral Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard during a formal ceremony on January 29, 2026. The appointment concludes the six-year tenure of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, who recently transitioned to become Chief Executive Officer within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    Prime Minister John Briceño presided over the swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining continuity within the nation’s security apparatus. “This ceremonial transition represents the stability of our security forces,” Briceño stated. “We have two exceptionally qualified officers who have progressed through the ranks with extensive service to Belize, both thoroughly prepared for their new responsibilities.”

    Soberanis, who previously served as vice-commandant since 2019, assumes command during a period of substantial expansion for the Coast Guard, which has been progressively enhancing its fleet capabilities, establishing new operational bases, and broadening its maritime jurisdiction responsibilities.

    The new Commandant expressed enthusiasm about his promotion, noting: “This moment represents a professional milestone I have anticipated for considerable time. Our career development framework systematically prepares personnel for leadership roles, providing comprehensive training essential for eventual command responsibilities.”

    Soberanis outlined his strategic priorities, emphasizing organizational partnerships, institutional culture, and operational readiness. “Our objective involves restructuring the organization to effectively counter evolving threats within Belize’s maritime domain,” he explained.

    The ceremony included emotional moments as Darlene Graham witnessed her son’s achievement. “I have observed my son’s dedicated service and complete commitment to the Coast Guard throughout his career,” Graham remarked. “This accomplishment feels like a shared achievement, reflecting his unwavering willingness to serve wherever needed.”

  • Eerste hoorzitting Latour levert input voor Ressortplan 2027

    Eerste hoorzitting Latour levert input voor Ressortplan 2027

    Paramaribo, Suriname – The Latour ressort within Paramaribo district has initiated its formal planning process for the 2027 development agenda through a groundbreaking community hearing session. Held on Wednesday at the Saamaka Community Association building, this participatory gathering marked the first in a series of consultations designed to incorporate citizen input into the forthcoming Ressortplan 2027.

    The proceedings commenced with a comprehensive review of previously implemented projects within the ressort, followed by detailed presentations from various ministry representatives outlining proposed initiatives and activities for the upcoming policy period.

    Community members actively identified several critical challenges requiring immediate attention in the new development plan. Primary concerns included the deteriorating road infrastructure, absence of systematic roadside maintenance, and persistent environmental pollution issues. Participants particularly emphasized the severe shortage of recreational facilities for youth, which community representatives directly linked to rising instances of negative leisure activities among young residents.

    In a significant procedural development, ressort councils have established a monthly meeting schedule—convening every first Monday—to regularly monitor implementation progress and continuously gather additional community feedback.

    All recommendations and proposals presented during the hearing will be systematically integrated into a draft Ressortplan 2027, scheduled for submission to the district council by late February as part of the comprehensive districtsplan. The finalized district development blueprint will be formally presented to the Minister of Regional Development by end of March.

    The landmark session saw participation from Ressortraad members, Health Minister André Misiekaba, National Assembly representatives Edgar Sampie and Tashana Lösche, District Commissioner Wennys Vijfhoven, and numerous community stakeholders.

  • BOSL launches Tap to Phone payment feature for merchants

    BOSL launches Tap to Phone payment feature for merchants

    The Bank of Saint Lucia Limited (BOSL) has formally introduced its groundbreaking Tap to Phone payment technology, extending an invitation to all qualified merchants across the nation to embrace this innovative financial solution. This cutting-edge system transforms standard Android smartphones into fully functional payment terminals, eliminating the conventional requirement for separate hardware devices.

    This revolutionary payment approach enables businesses of all scales – from established storefronts to temporary pop-up venues and mobile enterprises – to process secure contactless card transactions directly through their mobile devices. The technology represents a significant advancement in financial accessibility, particularly for smaller merchants who previously faced barriers to entering the digital payment ecosystem.

    Tarbula Aimable-Amedee, Card Services Manager at BOSL, emphasized the transformative potential of this development: “Our Tap to Phone solution eliminates hardware dependencies while maintaining stringent security protocols and delivering a sophisticated payment interface that fosters commercial expansion and customer satisfaction.”

    The bank has committed to providing comprehensive onboarding assistance to ensure seamless implementation for merchants adopting the technology. This support system is designed to facilitate rapid integration and minimize operational disruptions during the transition period.

    According to official statements from BOSL, the technology addresses evolving consumer preferences for cashless transactions while simultaneously breaking down traditional obstacles that have hindered digital payment adoption. The system promises to deliver a frictionless payment experience that aligns with contemporary consumer expectations for convenience and security.

    Merchants interested in implementing Tap to Phone technology are encouraged to contact Bank of Saint Lucia representatives directly for detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, technical requirements, and implementation procedures.

  • PM Considering Tax Cuts for Newer Vehicles

    PM Considering Tax Cuts for Newer Vehicles

    In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing road safety and consumer protection, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has announced his administration’s consideration of tax reductions for newer vehicles. The proposed fiscal measure seeks to address the dual challenges of vehicle affordability and the proliferation of salvage cars on national roadways.

    During a recent address, Prime Minister Briceño articulated concerns about the current vehicle taxation framework, highlighting systemic weaknesses in Customs valuation processes. This scrutiny follows formal complaints from automotive dealers regarding apparent discrepancies in tax assessments, including one notable case where a dealer allegedly paid substantially more than the amount documented on official Customs documentation.

    While acknowledging he wasn’t previously informed about specific allegations, Briceño emphasized that any claims of procedural irregularities must be substantiated with evidence and formally reported to appropriate authorities. The government has already implemented stricter import documentation requirements, now mandating verifiable proof of actual purchase prices for all imported vehicles.

    “Our objective is to implement tax reductions for newer vehicles that offer greater longevity and reliability for Belizean consumers,” stated Briceño, drawing parallels to regional neighbors who have successfully banned salvage imports. The initiative aims to protect consumers from concealed mechanical defects and exorbitant repair costs associated with rebuilt vehicles.

    The comprehensive reform package envisions creating a more transparent, equitable taxation system that minimizes subjective valuations while ensuring appropriate revenue collection. Prime Minister Briceño confirmed that the Cabinet will undertake a thorough review of existing vehicle tax structures to incentivize the adoption of safer, more durable transportation options across Belize.

  • Enhanced CARICOM integration pivotal for steering through fragmented global trade landscape, says CARICOM Assistant SG

    Enhanced CARICOM integration pivotal for steering through fragmented global trade landscape, says CARICOM Assistant SG

    A senior Caribbean Community (CARICOM) official has declared that strengthening regional integration represents a vital strategic countermeasure against an increasingly volatile and fragmented global trading system. Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General for the CARICOM Single Market and Trade, articulated this position during a panel discussion at the World Trade Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, on January 28.

    Addressing the theme “Prospects for International Trade in 2026,” Amb. McCook framed regional cohesion as essential for building resilience. He pointed to recent crises, including the devastating Hurricane Melissa, as emblematic of the dual challenges confronting member states: climate-related existential threats and profound economic vulnerabilities. These domestic pressures are compounded by dramatic shifts in international trade, which the ambassador attributed significantly to an intensified “America First” policy framework that has disrupted Caribbean exports and supply chains through unprecedented tariff measures.

    Characterizing 2025 as a period of exceptional turbulence, McCook cited alarming global trends: an 11% contraction in foreign direct investment in 2024 (marking a second consecutive annual decline) and global trade growth slowing to below 1% in 2025, according to UNCTAD data. Despite this adverse international environment, CARICOM has demonstrated remarkable economic resilience, with community exports surging by 32% between 2023 and 2024 to approximately US$34.7 billion, including an 86% increase in exports to the United States.

    The ambassador highlighted recent initiatives toward complete free movement of people by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as tangible progress toward integration. Looking forward, he proposed a comprehensive 2026 strategy centered on bolstering intra-regional commerce, maintaining international partnerships while diversifying beyond traditional allies, and deepening economic integration. Key to this approach is implementing the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy (CIPS) and the 25×25+5 food security initiative designed to reduce import dependency and promote regional agricultural self-sufficiency.

    “Fundamentally,” McCook concluded, “CARICOM integration should be seen as a strategic response to a shifting global order.”

  • Ryan Walters: Excessive taxation worsening living costs

    Ryan Walters: Excessive taxation worsening living costs

    In a vigorous address to constituents at St Stephen’s Hill, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ryan Walters launched a comprehensive critique against the ruling Barbados Labour Party administration’s fiscal policies. The St Michael North West contender asserted that since assuming power in 2018, the government has systematically diminished workers’ disposable income through multiple revenue-generating measures while failing to honor campaign commitments.

    Waters articulated a direct connection between taxation levels and citizen purchasing power, contrasting current policies with the BLP’s previous stance that nations cannot tax themselves out of economic recession. He particularly highlighted the Health Services Contribution Levy implemented shortly after the party took office, characterizing it as an immediate reduction in take-home pay for all National Insurance Scheme contributors.

    The opposition figure provided substantial financial estimates, claiming the health levy has extracted approximately $530 million from workers between 2018 and 2025. This substantial sum, Walters emphasized, represents missed opportunities for households to address essential needs including groceries, education expenses, and basic survival costs.

    Further criticism targeted the garbage and sewage contribution levy, described as an additional financial burden on both households and small businesses totaling an estimated 570 million Barbados dollars. Walters maintained these combined fiscal measures have significantly exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis while the administration attributes economic challenges solely to global factors.

    The address specifically condemned the government’s unfulfilled manifesto promise to reduce Value Added Tax, noting the rate has remained stagnant at 17.5 percent since May 2018. Walters characterized VAT reduction as the most effective immediate relief mechanism for consumer expenses, particularly regarding supermarket purchases and daily expenditures.

    Concluding with policy alternatives, the DLP candidate pledged his party would implement VAT reduction upon assuming office, positioning this commitment as a central component of their strategy to restore citizens’ spending power and alleviate financial pressures.

  • On the next Mas & Melody DNO exclusive interview with reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute

    On the next Mas & Melody DNO exclusive interview with reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute

    Reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute delivered an emotionally charged and deeply personal interview this week on Dominica News Online’s flagship carnival program ‘Mas & Melody.’ The celebrated artist offered unprecedented access into her world, discussing both her artistic evolution and profound personal challenges with remarkable candor.

    Stoute’s conversation touched on the recent passing of her father, revealing how this significant loss has shaped her creative process and personal perspective. The calypso queen disclosed her ongoing work on a therapeutic literary project—a healing book that serves as both personal catharsis and potential guidance for others navigating grief.

    Beyond her personal journey, Stoute elaborated on her musical development, detailing the artistic evolution that has cemented her status within Dominica’s vibrant carnival scene. Her insights provided a unique window into the creative mindset of a performer at the peak of her craft while facing life’s most difficult challenges.

    The interview stands as a testament to the resilience of cultural artists who balance public celebration with private hardship. Stoute’s willingness to share her complete journey—from triumph to tragedy and back again—represents a significant moment of humanization within the often-glamorized world of carnival performance.

    Viewers can anticipate the next installment of ‘Mas & Melody’ scheduled for broadcast tomorrow evening, exclusively on Dominica News Online platforms.

  • Grenada signs hospital financing agreement with OPEC Fund

    Grenada signs hospital financing agreement with OPEC Fund

    In a significant development for Caribbean healthcare infrastructure, Grenada has formalized a major financing arrangement with the OPEC Fund for International Development to accelerate its flagship medical modernization initiative. The $30 million agreement, signed during the Latin America and the Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026 in Panama City, represents the initial disbursement within a broader $60 million financial framework established in December 2025.

    The signing ceremony, attended by Grenada’s Minister for Finance Honourable Dennis Cornwall and Project Polaris Sponsor Ambassador Andrea St Bernard, marks a pivotal advancement for the Hope Vale Medical City development. This comprehensive healthcare transformation project aims to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility that will serve as the cornerstone of Grenada’s revamped health ecosystem.

    Ambassador St Bernard emphasized the agreement’s transformative potential, stating: ‘This partnership enables the transition from extensive planning phases to concrete implementation. We are building not just a modern hospital facility, but laying the groundwork for an integrated, patient-focused healthcare system that will benefit all citizens of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.’

    The Project Polaris initiative represents Grenada’s ambitious strategy to enhance medical service delivery, expand access to contemporary healthcare technologies, and establish a resilient health infrastructure capable of meeting the nation’s evolving needs. The government acknowledged the OPEC Fund’s ongoing collaboration in supporting national development priorities and improving health outcomes for the Grenadian population.

  • Temporary closure of the Grenville Fish Market

    Temporary closure of the Grenville Fish Market

    The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has announced a temporary operational pause at the Grenville Fish Market scheduled for February 2-3, 2026. This strategic closure will enable comprehensive training programs focused on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards and Protocols for market personnel.

    In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the initiative aims to elevate food safety protocols and ensure full compliance with both national and international regulatory requirements. The training curriculum is designed to enhance handling procedures, storage practices, and overall hygiene standards within Grenada’s fish market operations.

    Regular market activities will recommence on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following the completion of the educational sessions. Ministry officials have expressed appreciation for public understanding regarding this necessary interruption to standard services.

    The implementation of these enhanced safety measures demonstrates the government’s commitment to public health protection and quality assurance in seafood distribution. Such programs contribute significantly to maintaining Grenada’s reputation for food safety excellence and potentially strengthening export capabilities.