Carib Scope

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  • VIDEO: Shoppers cash in on SVG’s first VAT-free day

    VIDEO: Shoppers cash in on SVG’s first VAT-free day

    On December 19, 2025, St. Vincent and the Grenadines witnessed an unprecedented economic event as thousands of citizens participated in the nation’s inaugural Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemption day. This marked the first suspension of the contentious consumption tax since its implementation eighteen years prior in 2007.

    The nationwide tax holiday triggered widespread commercial activity across retail sectors, with consumers capitalizing on significant savings to acquire both essential goods and discretionary items. Numerous shoppers reported saving hundreds of Eastern Caribbean dollars on single transactions, with many immediately reinvesting their unexpected windfall into additional purchases, effectively stimulating secondary market circulation.

    Despite the generally celebratory atmosphere surrounding the economic stimulus measure, the event drew nuanced responses from participants. While many embraced the financial relief, at least one female consumer expressed reservations, questioning whether the EC$500 she saved justified contending with massive crowds and the associated inconveniences of the shopping frenzy. Her sentiment highlights the complex balance between economic policy benefits and practical consumer experience during specially designated shopping events.

    The government’s temporary tax suspension represents a significant fiscal experiment within the Eastern Caribbean currency union, potentially setting precedents for neighboring nations considering similar consumer-focused economic interventions.

  • Antigua PM criticises CARICOM statement on US visa issue

    Antigua PM criticises CARICOM statement on US visa issue

    A significant diplomatic rift has emerged within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s public criticism of the regional body’s handling of a sensitive visa situation with the United States. The controversy stems from a recent proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump that would have suspended entry privileges for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica beginning January 1, 2026.

    The crisis was temporarily averted when both Caribbean nations secured a suspension of the measure following high-level diplomatic engagements with U.S. officials. According to statements from Prime Minister Browne and Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, American authorities agreed to maintain existing visa arrangements until December 31, 2025, with new protocols for biometric compatibility to be developed during the interim period.

    Despite this resolution, Prime Browne expressed sharp disappointment with CARICOM’s decision to issue a formal statement of concern late Friday, characterizing the move as unnecessary and poorly timed. The regional body, represented by the CARICOM Bureau comprising leaders from Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada, had expressed apprehension about the lack of prior consultation and potential adverse effects on travel and economic exchanges.

    The underlying tension appears connected to Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs operated by several Caribbean nations, which the U.S. administration claims present screening challenges due to their non-residency requirements. This diplomatic episode has further exposed divisions within CARICOM, with Browne specifically criticizing an unnamed fellow leader who allegedly accused affected nations of ‘cursing’ the U.S. administration.

    The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Caribbean-U.S. relations and internal cohesion within the regional integration movement, even as affected nations emphasize their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral partnerships with Washington.

  • UN and Palestinians warn West Bank demolitions could permanently displace hundreds

    UN and Palestinians warn West Bank demolitions could permanently displace hundreds

    Israeli military authorities have issued demolition orders for 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank, citing security concerns and “operational necessity.” The controversial decision has drawn sharp condemnation from Palestinian officials and international observers who warn it represents systematic forced displacement tactics.

    The Palestinian Refugee Affairs Department condemned the move as “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law” in an official statement, asserting that the demolitions would displace dozens of families. The department characterized the action as part of a broader strategy to empty Palestinian camps and establish long-term control over the territories, ultimately aiming to annex the West Bank including East Jerusalem.

    Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, described the development as “devastating news” in a social media post, noting that hundreds face imminent displacement. Friedrich observed that this pattern of home destruction has intensified throughout 2023, with Israeli security forces permanently altering the topography of northern West Bank camps to consolidate control.

    The demolition orders follow closely after the Israeli cabinet’s approval to legalize and establish 19 settler outposts across the occupied West Bank, including two previously evacuated under the 2005 disengagement plan. Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now criticized the government’s actions as deliberately foreclosing possibilities for future peace and a two-state solution.

    The Israeli military defended its decision, stating that northern West Bank areas “have become a significant center of terrorist activity” operating from civilian populations. Authorities indicated residents would receive opportunity to evacuate personal belongings before demolitions commence, potentially as early as December 18.

    This development occurs amidst sustained Israeli military operations in northern West Bank refugee camps, including Nur Shams, Tulkarm and Jenin. While Israel maintains these operations target militant networks and prevent attacks, Palestinian officials and human rights organizations argue they constitute collective punishment and forced displacement of the more than 32,000 Palestine refugees in the region.

  • Wanted: Anthony Julian Bishop

    Wanted: Anthony Julian Bishop

    Barbados law enforcement has issued a public appeal for assistance in locating Anthony Julian Bishop, a person of interest in a significant criminal investigation. The Barbados Police Service is actively seeking information regarding Bishop’s current whereabouts as part of their ongoing probe into serious criminal matters.

    According to official descriptions, Bishop stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slim build and brown complexion. Distinctive identifying features include a rectangular-shaped tattoo positioned beneath his left eye and the letters ‘MOB’ inked on his right wrist. His last documented residence was in Chapman Village, St Thomas.

    The authorities have formally advised Bishop to present himself voluntarily at the Criminal Investigations Department (Central) located on Pinfold Street in Bridgetown, St Michael. Officials have noted that he may be accompanied by legal counsel during this process.

    Law enforcement has established multiple channels for information submission, urging citizens with relevant knowledge to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 430-7189 or 430-7190. Alternative reporting options include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or any local police station.

    The police service has issued a stern reminder that harboring or assisting wanted individuals constitutes a serious criminal offense under Barbadian law. Those found providing such assistance may face criminal prosecution. This warning emphasizes the legal obligations of citizens during ongoing law enforcement operations.

  • Salvation Army halfway to kettle appeal goal as more turn up for festive meal

    Salvation Army halfway to kettle appeal goal as more turn up for festive meal

    The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas luncheon in Bridgetown witnessed unprecedented attendance on Friday, serving between 350-400 guests at its Reed Street headquarters as the organization faces significant challenges in meeting its seasonal fundraising target. With tables filled by midday and queues forming outside the gates, this year’s event transitioned to full table service provided by staff and volunteers, departing from previous self-service formats.

    Divisional Commander Major Robert Pyle emphasized the critical importance of the meal for many attendees, noting this might represent their sole Christmas celebration. The specially curated holiday menu featured traditional Barbadian delicacies including jug jug, macaroni pie, baked chicken, turkey, and ham—marking a substantial upgrade from the organization’s regular daily meal service.

    The event highlighted strengthened corporate partnerships, with companies including Cave Shepherd, Fortress, Bubba’s, The Boatyard, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens, and High Tech Limited providing both financial support and volunteer staffing. Seventeen Cave Shepherd employees joined six from another trust organization and a young scout in serving meals and desserts, demonstrating what Major Pyle described as growing corporate engagement beyond monetary donations.

    Despite the successful luncheon, the organization’s annual kettle appeal trails last year’s collections by approximately 6%, having raised $430,000 toward its $850,000 goal just days before Christmas. Major Pyle remained optimistic, noting that mail-in donations continue through January and emphasizing that contributions of any size directly support Barbados’s most vulnerable communities.

    The increased attendance at this year’s event potentially reflects both effective outreach and broader economic pressures, according to Pyle’s observations. The Salvation Army reaffirmed its commitment to addressing community needs throughout the year, serving as both practical support system and spiritual ministry for those facing hardship.

  • Nine Winners Share $1 Million BGLL Jackpot

    Nine Winners Share $1 Million BGLL Jackpot

    A remarkable windfall has blessed nine fortunate individuals in Belize following the latest national lottery drawing. The Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) confirmed that all nine participants successfully matched the winning combination 4485 in the special $1 million jackpot event held on December 20, 2025.

    The substantial prize pool will be distributed equally among the winners, granting each beneficiary an approximate sum of $111,111. This distribution pattern contrasts with the previous year’s outcome, which saw fourteen winners dividing the top prize, resulting in individual payouts of $71,000 per person.

    This exclusive gaming opportunity was introduced by BGLL as a limited-time promotion, allowing participants to select their preferred four-digit sequence for a $5 entry fee. Ticket sales commenced on November 3, 2025, generating widespread public engagement and mounting anticipation throughout the nation as the draw date approached.

    The state-operated lottery organization previously characterized this initiative as more than mere gambling—framing it instead as a communal celebration that acknowledges national progress while reinforcing BGLL’s dedication to social contribution through responsible gaming practices.

  • Oil wealth not spreading countrywide- Jagdeo, Campbell

    Oil wealth not spreading countrywide- Jagdeo, Campbell

    Six years into its oil production era, Guyana continues to struggle with distributing hydrocarbon revenues across its national territory, according to simultaneous acknowledgments from both government and opposition figures. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell concur that economic benefits remain disproportionately concentrated in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), where hospitality and service sectors have experienced explosive growth.

    The administration is implementing a strategic response through tax-free investment zones designed to stimulate non-oil sectors. President Irfaan Ali’s recently unveiled five-year development agenda emphasizes agro-food processing and industrial diversification as pathways to generate high-value employment opportunities. Jagdeo confirmed that while urban centers have witnessed remarkable service sector expansion, rural, riverain, and Amerindian communities have not experienced comparable economic integration.

    A cornerstone of the government’s approach involves substantial fiscal incentives, including zero corporation tax for export-oriented agricultural producers and import substitution enterprises. This policy framework accompanies ambitious development initiatives such as the planned 180,000-acre agro-industrial complex in Berbice, projected to yield billions in export revenues.

    Opposition representatives argue for more equitable resource allocation regardless of political affiliations. APNU parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess highlighted developmental disparities across Regions Five, Seven, Eight, and Ten, demanding balanced economic advancement nationwide. Dr. Campbell specifically referenced ongoing projects in PPPC-stronghold Region Six, including specialized training institutes and infrastructure developments, while urging immediate attention to agricultural sector modernization.

    The parliamentary leader further cautioned about petroleum market volatility, advocating for prudent fiscal management of oil revenues. He emphasized the necessity of strategic savings and wise investment to ensure long-term economic stability amid fluctuating global energy prices.

  • President of Dominica to get raise in salary among other amendments

    President of Dominica to get raise in salary among other amendments

    The Dominican government has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of compensation packages for the nation’s highest offices, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced during a press conference this week. The reforms will include a salary increase for the President effective in the coming year, alongside significant adjustments to benefits for both current and former heads of state.

    Skerrit revealed that his administration conducted an extensive evaluation of presidential terms and engagements, extending beyond mere financial compensation to examine how the nation treats its leaders during and after their service. “We have done a comprehensive review of the President’s emoluments and engagement,” stated Skerrit, confirming that proposed amendments would be presented to Parliament during the first quarter of next year.

    The Prime Minister outlined additional considerations being given to the legal status of the President’s spouse, noting that the position comes with significant restrictions on personal and professional activities. “Once you become the President’s spouse, you become limited in what you can do,” Skerrit emphasized. “We believe that serving the nation should not place undue burden on the President’s family, and we are examining appropriate facilitations.”

    The announcement follows recent cabinet decisions regarding former prime ministers, who now receive $7,000 monthly along with comprehensive support including drivers, domestic helpers, and vehicles. The government is also addressing compensation for other key positions, including the Director of Audit and Chief Elections Officer, whose retirement age was recently increased from 55 as part of broader electoral reforms.

    Skerrit indicated that statutory instruments governing these positions require updating to reflect contemporary standards and ensure appropriate compensation structures across the nation’s leadership framework.

  • Warner Bros Discovery rejects Paramount’s hostile takeover bid

    Warner Bros Discovery rejects Paramount’s hostile takeover bid

    Warner Bros Discovery’s board of directors has formally rejected a hostile $108.4 billion acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, alleging the bidding studio misrepresented critical financial details to shareholders. In a December 17 communique to investors, the board asserted that Paramount had consistently misled stakeholders by claiming its $30-per-share cash offer was fully guaranteed by the Ellison family, led by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison.

    The rejection comes amid an intense corporate battle for control of Warner Bros Discovery’s coveted assets, including its prestigious film and television studios, HBO Max streaming platform, and valuable intellectual properties like the Harry Potter franchise. Paramount launched its aggressive bid after Warner Bros had already accepted a competing offer from streaming titan Netflix.

    The board characterized Paramount’s proposal as posing ‘numerous, significant risks’ and declared it ‘inferior’ to Netflix’s binding $27.75-per-share agreement, which features robust debt commitments and requires no equity financing. Unlike Netflix’s solidified arrangement, Paramount’s offer could be terminated or modified arbitrarily prior to finalization, creating substantial uncertainty for shareholders.

    Warner Bros leadership has not yet scheduled a shareholder vote on the Netflix merger but anticipates holding the decision during spring or early summer, according to Chairman Samuel Di Piazza. The Ellison family has reportedly cited their connections to former President Donald Trump as potentially smoothing regulatory approval, though Netflix executives have already initiated discussions with both the U.S. Department of Justice and European Commission regarding their proposed acquisition.

    In a significant concession to address industry concerns, Netflix has assured Warner Bros it will continue theatrical releases for the studio’s films, alleviating fears that the merger would eliminate a major source of cinema content. The company’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos affirmed the board’s position that the Netflix agreement represents the superior path forward for stockholder interests.

  • Poponne-Skerrit to Jesma Paul-Victor: 2 million allocated to Salisbury for housing

    Poponne-Skerrit to Jesma Paul-Victor: 2 million allocated to Salisbury for housing

    A significant political dispute has emerged in Dominica regarding housing allocation priorities, pitting the parliamentary representative of the Salisbury Constituency against the Minister for Housing and Urban Development. The controversy centers on claims of neglect versus substantial financial support for hurricane-affected communities.

    Jesma Paul-Victor, Parliamentary Representative for Salisbury Constituency, recently asserted in parliament that her district had been completely excluded from the government’s housing initiatives despite substantial budgetary allocations to the Housing Ministry. She emphasized that eight years after Hurricane Maria, families in the Coulibistrie area specifically continue residing in deteriorating structures, partially repaired homes, and temporary arrangements originally intended as short-term solutions.

    Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit presented a contradictory account during her year-end press conference on Monday, revealing that approximately $2 million had been designated specifically for the Salisbury Constituency through local village councils. She firmly dismissed suggestions that the government had abandoned the opposition-held constituency, stating: ‘Housing is a right and it is for everyone across Dominica.’

    The Minister detailed comprehensive interventions including financial assistance for home construction and repairs, government land sales at reduced prices, and relocation support. She noted that fewer than five households remain requiring assistance, with plans to address their needs in 2026. Many constituents had alternatively opted to purchase government land at discounted rates to build independent homes, while others relocated or migrated with government support.

    The exchange highlights the politically charged nature of post-disaster reconstruction in Dominica, where housing allocations become intertwined with constituency politics and allegations of preferential treatment based on political affiliations.