Carib Scope

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  • Flow Spreads Christmas Cheer with Community Luncheon at Heroes Park

    Flow Spreads Christmas Cheer with Community Luncheon at Heroes Park

    Telecommunications provider Flow demonstrated community spirit by organizing a charitable Christmas Luncheon at VC Bird Monument/Heroes Park on Thursday. The event was designed to support disadvantaged community members during the holiday season.

    The initiative provided comprehensive meal services to those facing food insecurity, featuring freshly prepared hot meals alongside a selection of beverages and festive desserts. The company’s employees and volunteers created an atmosphere of seasonal celebration, incorporating traditional Christmas music to enhance the communal experience.

    This corporate social responsibility effort represents Flow’s commitment to addressing practical needs while fostering social connection during the winter holidays. The luncheon served as both nutritional support and emotional encouragement for attendees, emphasizing human dignity and collective celebration despite economic challenges.

    The event highlights how private sector organizations can implement meaningful grassroots interventions that directly benefit local communities. Such initiatives become particularly significant during holiday periods when socioeconomic disparities often become more pronounced.

  • Dominica Hospital Authority pushes upgraded compensation package for doctors

    Dominica Hospital Authority pushes upgraded compensation package for doctors

    The Dominican government is advancing a significant overhaul of its healthcare compensation system, spearheaded by Health Minister Cassanni Laville. In a recent appearance on the ‘Focus on Government and Development Program’ on DBS Radio, Minister Laville detailed the administration’s proactive steps to develop a new, improved remuneration package for the nation’s medical doctors, emphasizing fairness and extensive consultation with medical professionals.

    Minister Laville confirmed that a draft proposal for the upgraded package has been prepared and deliberated upon by the Cabinet. This initiative has been a focal point of review over recent weeks and months. The process has been bolstered by the expertise of Dr. Kenneth Darroux, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Hospital Authority, who has been tasked with conferring directly with various specialists to refine the offerings and ensure widespread satisfaction. ‘This is the type of engagement that we have so that the Dominican doctors can have that dream right here in Dominica,’ Laville stated, highlighting the goal of retaining top medical talent within the country.

    This move is part of a broader suite of measures first announced by Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre during the July 2025 presentation of the 2025/2026 National Budget. Key announcements included the creation of eleven new medical specialist positions effective August 1, 2025, and a deadline of August 6, 2025, for the approval of the enhanced remuneration package for specialists and other medical roles. Furthermore, the government pledged to present a Medical Professional Bill and a Nursing Midwives Bill to Parliament by September 2025. These legislative actions are direct responses to public concerns regarding the quality of care at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH).

    To strengthen hospital governance, a full-time Executive Chairperson will be appointed to enforce greater accountability, transparency, and the delivery of high-quality patient care. The new organizational structure also introduces a Clinical Director, a role endowed with the same rank as the CEO, who will report directly to the Executive Chairperson and be responsible for overseeing all clinical and medical services, ensuring proactive management of patient concerns.

    Complementing these structural changes, the government is launching a financial reward program to motivate nursing and medical staff. This performance-based initiative, set to commence at the DCFH, will grant ten quarterly awards to the most outstanding doctors and nurses as evaluated by both patients and supervisors. The program aims to incentivize excellence in healthcare delivery, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a revitalized and robust public health system.

  • Sandals Foundation and Rotary Club of Grenada spread holiday cheer

    Sandals Foundation and Rotary Club of Grenada spread holiday cheer

    In a heartwarming collaboration demonstrating profound community spirit, two of Grenada’s most respected organizations have joined forces to spread holiday cheer among underprivileged youth. The Rotary Club of Grenada and the Sandals Foundation have launched an initiative to distribute 1,000 Christmas presents to children in need during the acclaimed 26-night Christmas at the Point festival at Quarantine Point Recreational Park.

    This partnership represents a powerful alignment of two institutions with deep commitments to Caribbean community development. The Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals Resorts International, brings its extensive experience in youth advocacy and regional support. Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Grenada contributes its longstanding philosophy of ‘service above self’ and decades of grassroots engagement.

    The carefully curated gifts, generously funded by the Sandals Foundation, will be distributed through surprise giveaways at various intervals throughout the festival season. While specific distribution times will remain unannounced to preserve the magic of spontaneous moments, families attending the festivities may experience these joyful surprises during their visits.

    Julia Lawrence, President of the Rotary Club of Grenada, emphasized the partnership’s significance: ‘This collaboration is fundamentally rooted in service to our community. Following last year’s hurricane relief efforts that redirected our resources to support children in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, we’re honored to return our focus to bringing joy directly to Grenadian children through this generous initiative.’

    DeLeon Forrester, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Grenada and Foundation spokesperson, added: ‘Every child deserves to feel celebrated and loved, particularly during the holiday season. Our partnership with Rotary enables us to connect meaningfully with families in an atmosphere of respect and shared joy. We take pride in contributing to this cherished tradition.’

    The Christmas at the Point festival continues through January 4, 2026, offering nightly entertainment including festive light displays, family movies, local cuisine, artisan markets, and children’s activities—all supporting Rotary’s broader community service mission.

    This year’s initiative also highlights the strengthened regional connection between Grenada and Jamaica, where Sandals maintains its headquarters. The Rotary Club of Grenada has further demonstrated this bond by planning a telethon to support Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts, creating a reciprocal relationship of Caribbean solidarity.

    Families seeking updates on festival programming and surprise gift distributions are encouraged to follow @rotarygrenada on social media platforms.

  • Chancery Park plea for action as unpaved road dust chokes homes

    Chancery Park plea for action as unpaved road dust chokes homes

    Residents of Chancery Park in Christ Church, Barbados, face an escalating environmental crisis as relentless dust pollution from nearby construction activities infiltrates their homes and damages property. For five consecutive years, this community has endured deteriorating living conditions with minimal response from developers or authorities despite repeated complaints.

    Beverly Arthur-Barrow, a retiree who recently returned to Barbados, exemplifies the struggle. Her property requires repainting every four months despite using industrial-grade paint, and she has replaced her hot tub three times due to motor damage from dust infiltration. The constant cleaning—costing between £700-900 quarterly—has become financially burdensome and physically exhausting. More alarmingly, she reports developing sinus problems and other health issues directly attributed to the dust exposure.

    The situation worsened recently when construction crews attempted temporary remediation by laying gravel and compacting it with machinery, which residents claim amplified the dust problem rather than mitigating it. Structural damage has also emerged, with property fences leaning due to construction vehicle vibrations.

    Neighbor Wendy Critchlow-Harris reports similar issues, describing how fine grit dust permeates curtains and indoor surfaces, creating unavoidable inhalation risks. She emphasizes the community’s frustration with the complete lack of communication from developers or local officials regarding timelines or mitigation plans.

    Christ Church East MP Wilfred Abrahams acknowledges the problem, explaining that road scraping was performed by the Ministry of Transport and Works to address pothole complaints, but this interim measure created additional challenges. He confirms the road is currently in the design phase for proper paving through the Ministry of Public Works, with construction to commence upon design approval. Abrahams has committed to revisiting the community to address these escalating concerns personally.

  • Govt broke cash grant “contract”- WIN Leader

    Govt broke cash grant “contract”- WIN Leader

    In a significant political development, Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, has launched a forceful critique against President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for allegedly reneging on a key election commitment. The controversy centers on the promised distribution of cash grants to Guyanese citizens during the Christmas season.

    During Wednesday night’s address, Mohamed characterized the government’s pre-election assurances of immediate cash payments as a “broken moral contract” rather than merely unfulfilled policy promises. He emphasized that while both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo had explicitly signaled the payout would occur, the administration subsequently announced the GY$100,000 grants would only be distributed after the 2026 national budget approval early next year.

    Mohamed, whose party secured 16 seats in the September 1 general and regional elections to become Guyana’s main opposition force, dismissed the planned amount as “meagre” despite the country’s substantial oil revenues. He asserted the cash grant promise functioned primarily as a “campaign tool, not a guaranteed obligation,” directly referencing the President’s August campaign statement in Eccles suggesting payments would be contingent on proper behavior.

    The political confrontation extends beyond the cash grant controversy. Mohamed also criticized President Ali for commencing his address 35 minutes late and for delivering his five-year policy agenda exclusively to diplomats and government officials rather than addressing Parliament and opposition lawmakers.

    Complicating matters further, Mohamed’s potential ascension to Opposition Leader remains pending as National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir has yet to convene opposition parliamentarians for the necessary election. Attorney General Anil Nandlall has publicly opposed Mohamed assuming the role, citing ongoing extradition proceedings initiated by the United States regarding alleged financial crimes connected to Mohamed’s gold trading business and luxury car importation activities.

    The Alliance for National Unity (APNU), holding 12 parliamentary seats, has concurrently demanded a larger GY$150,000 cash grant, citing the Finance Ministry’s mid-year economic report as evidence of sufficient available funds. APNU argues this enhanced amount would better cushion citizens against rising living costs and stimulate business activity during the holiday season.

  • Sir Steadroy voices concern over US travel restrictions on Antiguans

    Sir Steadroy voices concern over US travel restrictions on Antiguans

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated urgent diplomatic maneuvers following Washington’s unexpected imposition of travel constraints targeting its citizens. These restrictions, scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2026, have triggered significant governmental apprehension and public distress throughout the dual-island state.

    Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin characterized the development as both alarming and disruptive, noting the substantial segment of the population that regularly visits the United States for critical healthcare services, educational pursuits, commercial activities, and tourism. The absence of prior consultation reportedly amplified the surprise element for both governmental representatives and citizens residing domestically and internationally.

    In response, Sir Steadroy confirmed plans for high-level diplomatic engagement with American counterparts, emphasizing the necessity of preserving the historically cordial bilateral relationship while seeking expedited resolution. The Attorney General simultaneously addressed potential connections to the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), asserting full compliance with all US-recommended security enhancements. He highlighted recent legislative amendments, specifically parliamentary approval extending mandatory residency requirements to a 30-day minimum, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to program integrity.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has personally committed to leading diplomatic initiatives aimed at safeguarding national interests and protecting the travel rights of Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders. The administration’s strategy combines diplomatic overtures with continued emphasis on regulatory reforms within their economic citizenship framework.

  • WEATHER (6:00AM, Dec 18, 2025): Increased cloudiness, scattered showers during the morning

    WEATHER (6:00AM, Dec 18, 2025): Increased cloudiness, scattered showers during the morning

    Meteorological conditions across the region are set to deliver a day of contrasting weather patterns, prompting official advisories for residents and mariners. The morning hours are forecast to experience low to mid-level atmospheric instability, generating increased cloud cover and scattered showers. Authorities have specifically cautioned communities in flood-prone zones, as well as areas susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution during this period.

    A significant shift is anticipated by the afternoon as a dominant high-pressure system reasserts its influence, creating a drier atmospheric regime. Breezy conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, contributing to the dispersal of a slight haze that may intermittently affect air quality in certain locales. Health officials recommend that individuals with respiratory conditions or heightened sensitivities take appropriate protective measures.

    Maritime forecasts indicate moderate seas over the next 24-hour period, though significant variations exist between coastlines. Wave heights along the western shores are projected to peak near 5 feet with 9-second swells, while eastern coastal waters face more substantial surges nearing 8 feet. In response, a Small Craft Advisory has been officially activated primarily for the eastern coastline. Concurrently, a High Surf Advisory remains in effect for western and northern shores due to a potential increase in powerful ground swells. All small-craft operators and recreational sea bathers are strongly urged to exercise heightened caution and adhere to all safety protocols.

  • APUA says Buckleys power outage to continue after truck hits utility pole

    APUA says Buckleys power outage to continue after truck hits utility pole

    Residents in sections of Buckleys, Antigua, faced a prolonged disruption to essential services on Wednesday following a significant infrastructure incident. A concrete mixer truck collided with a critical utility pole shortly before noon, triggering a cascade of electrical failures throughout the neighborhood.

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) confirmed the accident occurred at approximately 11:33 a.m. along Buckleys Line, impacting the corridor from the Buckleys Line Roundabout to the southern precincts of Island Academy. The force of the impact caused the Belmont No. 2 feeder to automatically trip as a safety precaution, instantly cutting power to the surrounding area.

    While APUA’s Electricity Business Unit managed to re-energize the main feeder by 12:43 p.m., a specific segment of Buckleys remained deliberately isolated and without electricity. Authorities cited ongoing safety concerns as the primary reason for the selective outage, noting that the damaged pole remains unstable with the heavy vehicle still entangled.

    Full restoration efforts are currently in a holding pattern, contingent upon the safe extraction of the concrete truck. APUA engineers have outlined a two-phase operation: first, the careful removal of the vehicle to prevent further structural damage, followed by the complete replacement of the compromised utility pole. The authority has publicly apologized for the inconvenience and acknowledged the patience of affected residents, assuring the community that work will commence immediately once the site is deemed safe for crews to proceed.

  • Dorne to lead 15-man West Indies squad at Under-19 World Cup

    Dorne to lead 15-man West Indies squad at Under-19 World Cup

    Cricket West Indies has officially appointed 19-year-old Joshua Dorne to lead the West Indies Under-19 squad in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled for Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026. The announcement comes following Dorne’s successful leadership during recent series victories against Sri Lanka (4-3) and England (5-2) earlier this year.

    The 15-member squad features a blend of emerging talent and experienced youth players, including vice-captain Jonathan van Lange and Jewel Andrew, who holds the distinction of being the youngest player to represent the senior West Indies team in both T20Is and ODIs. The selection committee has also included promising newcomers Micah McKenzie and 16-year-old Shamar Apple, recognizing their potential following impressive performances in regional competitions.

    Dwain Gill, CWI’s High Performance Manager, emphasized the strategic approach behind squad selection: “This group represents the culmination of a deliberate and well-structured preparation process. We’ve closely monitored regional Under-17 and Under-19 competitions, prioritizing players with specialized skills and the adaptability required for international cricket. Our development philosophy aligns with the playing style we expect at the senior level, ensuring exposure to high-quality match opportunities while emphasizing leadership development and tactical awareness.”

    The West Indies team has been placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, with all group stage matches scheduled at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. Prior to the tournament, the squad will participate in warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan to fine-tune their preparations.

    The tournament structure will see the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase, followed by semi-finals on February 3-4, and the championship final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

    The complete squad includes: Joshua Dorne (captain), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, and Jonathan Van Lange (vice-captain). Supporting reserves and an experienced management unit led by head coach Rohan Nurse will accompany the team throughout the competition.

  • Grabba charged after allegedly rubbing under-aged girls’ thighs

    Grabba charged after allegedly rubbing under-aged girls’ thighs

    Prominent soca performer Keith Charles, professionally known as Grabba Finesse, is scheduled to stand trial on January 13, 2025, following serious allegations of indecent assault involving two adolescent girls. The 35-year-old musician from Barrouallie made his initial appearance at Kingstown Magistrate’s Court this Wednesday to address the criminal charges filed against him.

    According to prosecution documents, Charles stands accused of inappropriate physical contact with a 13-year-old minor by allegedly rubbing her right thigh without consent. A separate but similar charge involves a 15-year-old girl who reportedly experienced identical misconduct. Court records indicate both victims reside in a central leeward community, while the alleged incidents occurred in a South Leeward village between August 29 and November 19, 2025.

    The defendant entered a formal plea of not guilty to both counts and was released after posting composite bail set at EC$5,000 with one surety. The presiding magistrate imposed stringent pre-trial conditions, including the surrender of Charles’ travel documents and a requirement for judicial approval before any international travel. Additional measures include the placement of stop notices at all entry and exit ports, coupled with a mandate for the accused to report twice weekly to Layou police authorities.

    The case has been formally adjourned and transferred to the Family Court system, where proceedings will be conducted in-camera to protect the identities and privacy of the alleged victims.