Carib Scope

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  • Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    The Grenada Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GCTVET) has announced a professional opportunity for qualified individuals to join the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) as a Quality Assurance Assistant. This position represents a critical component in maintaining the integrity of the country’s vocational education certification system.

    Operating under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Coordinator, the selected candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for overseeing candidate registration processes and monitoring Training Centre activities related to assessment administration and verification. The role demands a combination of technical expertise and administrative proficiency to ensure the seamless operation of Grenada’s vocational qualification framework.

    Primary responsibilities encompass four key operational domains:

    Quality Assurance and Compliance: The assistant will collaborate closely with training and assessment centers to enforce adherence to established quality assurance protocols while supporting the development and implementation of specialized training programs.

    Assessment and Certification Administration: This includes coordinating all activities related to CVQ/NVQ candidate registration, ensuring efficient administrative processes for timely certification, maintaining comprehensive assessment records, and updating the National Qualifications Register with candidate information.

    Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) Support: The position requires developing self-assessment instruments based on occupational standards, orienting applicants to the APL process, and providing expert guidance in portfolio development for candidates seeking recognition of prior learning.

    Reporting and Committee Support: The assistant will serve as recording secretary for the Certification Review Committee, preparing and submitting detailed reports to the Council while generating comprehensive documentation for all areas of responsibility.

    Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a CVQ/NVQ Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent certification from an accredited institution. Additional certification in Education Quality Assurance is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate minimum three years of experience in education or related sectors, with preference given to those with background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or tertiary education.

    Essential knowledge requirements include familiarity with assessment and verification regulations, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data extraction and analysis capabilities, and experience with Information Management Systems. The position demands exceptional organizational abilities, advanced communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

    Interested professionals should submit their applications with supporting documentation via email to recruitment@gctvet.gd, addressed to the Chairman of GCTVET. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time.

  • Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Belize has unveiled its preliminary ruling recommending an upward adjustment to electricity tariffs as part of modifications to the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Annual Review Proceeding for 2025. This development signals increased energy costs for consumers beginning next year.

    In an official communiqué, the regulatory body confirmed it has finalized draft amendments compliant with the Electricity (Tariffs, Fees and Charges) Byelaws. While BEL sought approval for a $0.0555 per kilowatt-hour augmentation to the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), the Commission has counter-proposed a moderated increase of $0.0337 per kilowatt-hour. This adjusted rate would establish a new MER benchmark of $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour if formally ratified.

    The PUC clarified that the proposed tariff revision aims to alleviate BEL’s financial constraints while enabling cost recovery for sustainable service provision. Regulatory authorities emphasized implementing consumer protection measures, particularly for socially vulnerable and residential customers beneath the GST threshold. The rate restructuring methodology will distribute increases strategically to mitigate household bill impacts.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the contentious issue during recent House of Representatives proceedings, justifying the necessity of utility rate elevations amid escalating operational expenditures and regional market dynamics. The Prime Minister highlighted that BEL has maintained rate stability since the current administration took office in 2020, despite confronting COVID-19 economic disruptions, inflationary pressures, and unprecedented heat waves that drove imported electricity costs to $1 per kilowatt-hour from Mexican suppliers during 2024’s supply crises.

    Briceño detailed BEL’s collaborative efforts with major commercial consumers, particularly tourism establishments in San Pedro, to activate private generators during grid instability episodes. This cooperative approach involved compensatory arrangements for higher self-generation costs when imported electricity prices surpassed retail rates.

    While acknowledging public apprehension regarding cost-of-living increases, the Prime Minister contextualized Belize’s electricity pricing as comparatively lower than regional Caribbean counterparts. He emphasized the unsustainability of BEL’s current practice of selling electricity beneath procurement costs, drawing analogies to commercial viability requirements in other sectors. The administration contends that after five years of rate suppression, this adjustment becomes inevitable to prevent eventual taxpayer-funded bailouts of the utility provider.

  • VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    A profound and heartbreaking situation is unfolding within a community where the search for justice and closure has taken divergent, equally painful paths for three families connected by tragedy.

    Two families are currently preparing funeral arrangements for their murdered relatives while simultaneously advocating for law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible for the homicides. Their grief is compounded by the urgent desire for criminal accountability, creating a dual burden of mourning and demanding justice.

    In a parallel but inverse tragedy, a third family finds itself enduring an agonizing wait with a different set of circumstances. Their loved one has been officially declared a murder victim, with charges already filed against a suspect in the case. However, their path to closure remains incomplete as the victim’s body has not been recovered, preventing both ceremonial burial and the emotional finality that comes with it.

    This complex scenario, reported by journalist Kenton Chance, highlights the multifaceted nature of criminal investigations and the varied forms of anguish that violent crime inflicts upon survivors. The cases demonstrate how legal proceedings and forensic discoveries unfold at different paces, often extending the trauma for those left behind. While some families seek answers about who committed the crime, others seek the physical remains of those taken from them, with both groups united in their pursuit of resolution amid unimaginable loss.

  • PMAC vestigt hoofdkantoor in Suriname

    PMAC vestigt hoofdkantoor in Suriname

    Paramaribo has officially been designated as the new headquarters location for the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), marking a significant strategic shift in regional maritime governance. The Suriname Port Management Company (SPMC) confirmed the establishment of the regional port organization’s secretariat in the Surinamese capital, elevating the nation’s status within Caribbean maritime affairs.

    PMAC represents 27 Caribbean ports and maintains an extensive international network of 42 associate members specializing in port-related services, technological innovation, and professional training programs. The formal transfer of administrative operations occurred in November during an official delegation visit to Paramaribo.

    SPMC, which has held PMAC membership since 2010, was selected for this prestigious role due to its demonstrated active engagement, commitment to enhancing transnational diversity within the organization, and ongoing developments within Suriname’s port and maritime sectors. The appointment of Mrs. Mary-Ann Abdoelkariem as Executive Secretary further influenced the decision-making process.

    This strategic placement provides Suriname with substantial influence over regional port policy formulation and direct access to expertise in port modernization, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and specialized training. The presence of PMAC’s headquarters significantly enhances capacity-building opportunities and strengthens Suriname’s international visibility as an emerging maritime hub.

    PMAC has already commenced operations from its new Surinamese base, recently organizing a ‘Risk and Incident Management in a Port Environment’ training program through the Suriname Port Training Institute, which attracted twelve port professionals from across the region.

    The secretariat is now operational at NV Havenbeheer Suriname on Havenlaan Zuid. PMAC encourages Surinamese maritime sector businesses and organizations to establish contact and leverage regional collaboration and training opportunities available through the association.

  • Valley boys win Under-10 crown to complete double

    Valley boys win Under-10 crown to complete double

    Mabouya Valley has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in Saint Lucian youth football by securing its second age-group championship within months. The team captured the Saint Lucia Football Association Under-10 Boys’ Championship title on December 13th, adding to their October triumph in the Under-12 division.

    The decisive final match unfolded at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery, where Mabouya Valley delivered a commanding 4-0 performance against Marchand. The victory was characterized by exceptional offensive execution and early dominance that set the tone for the contest.

    La Ressource Primary student Mikeige Fenelon initiated the scoring barrage within the opening three minutes, demonstrating remarkable precision. His teammate Zackim Francois, from Richfond Combined School, extended the lead just two minutes later. The offensive showcase continued as Leyantus John, another Richfond Combined scholar, netted the third goal in the ninth minute. Francois concluded the scoring spectacle with his second goal in the 54th minute, cementing the comprehensive victory.

    The championship followed a condensed knockout format with the top four teams competing in three matches over a single week. Despite the abbreviated schedule, Zackim Francois emerged as the tournament’s standout performer, amassing an impressive seven goals across matches—achieving one hat-trick and two braces.

    In the third-place playoff, Canaries initially established control against Desruisseaux with Ken Alexander scoring in the seventh minute and Kyron Beckford adding another in the 10th. However, Desruisseaux mounted a spirited comeback with Anil Jules reducing the deficit in the 15th minute before Thomas Charles secured victory with two goals in the 25th and 35th minutes, earning his team the consolation prize.

  • Archer Crowned Miss Teen St Kitts & Nevis

    Archer Crowned Miss Teen St Kitts & Nevis

    In a spectacular display of talent and grace, Tatiyana Archer from Immaculate Conception Catholic School emerged victorious at the Miss Republic Bank Teen St Kitts & Nevis pageant held on December 13th at Warner Park Cricket Stadium. The prestigious event culminated with Archer capturing the crown after amassing an impressive total of 406 points across all competition categories.

    Archer’s triumph was characterized by her exceptional versatility throughout the evening, particularly excelling in the Performing Talent segment where she achieved the night’s highest individual score of 96 points. Her commanding 23-point margin over the first runner-up underscored the consistency of her performance throughout all phases of the competition.

    Cader Rawlins of Washington Archibald High School claimed first runner-up honors with 383 points while distinguishing herself in specialty categories. Rawlins secured both the Best Cultural Costume award with 79 points and the Best Formal Teenage Evening Wear recognition with 67 points, demonstrating the diverse talents among the contestants.

    The competition’s speaking categories were dominated by SKI Academy’s Celina Alwani, who earned second runner-up position with 381.5 points. Alwani captured both the Best Ambassadorial Speech (70.5 points) and Best Interview (97 points) awards, showcasing exceptional communicative abilities despite finishing just 2.5 points behind Rawlins.

    Verchilds High School’s Camira Williams completed the top four as third runner-up with 377.5 points in the closely contested event. The pageant featured eight accomplished contestants representing educational institutions across the federation, including Charles E Mills Secondary, Cayon High, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary, and Basseterre High School.

    Organizers and audience members alike praised all participants for delivering a magnificent showcase that highlighted the remarkable talent, intelligence, and poise of St Kitts & Nevis’ young women, reinforcing the event’s significance in promoting youth development and cultural expression.

  • JetBlue Flight in the Caribbean Avoids Mid-air Collision with U.S. Military Plane

    JetBlue Flight in the Caribbean Avoids Mid-air Collision with U.S. Military Plane

    A potentially catastrophic mid-air collision was narrowly averted in Caribbean skies on Friday when a JetBlue Airways commercial flight from Curaçao executed an emergency maneuver to avoid a United States Air Force refuelling aircraft. The incident occurred amid heightened military activity in the region and escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

    According to recorded air traffic control communications, the JetBlue pilot reported the military tanker crossed directly into the commercial flight’s trajectory at identical altitude. The pilot expressed concern that the military aircraft’s transponder appeared deactivated, complicating detection and collision avoidance protocols. The commercial crew was compelled to abruptly terminate their ascent to maintain safe separation.

    Aviation authorities confirmed the Air Force tanker subsequently proceeded toward Venezuelan airspace, where the U.S. military has intensified counter-narcotics operations. This incident coincides with recent Federal Aviation Administration advisories cautioning American aircraft about increased military activity and deteriorating security conditions in Venezuelan airspace.

    The geopolitical context intensified when President Trump declared Venezuelan airspace ‘closed in its entirety’ via social media, a proclamation immediately rejected by Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry as both ‘hostile’ and violative of international law.

    JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski confirmed the airline has filed an official incident report with federal authorities and verified that flight crew actions complied with all established safety protocols. The Pentagon deferred commentary to the U.S. Air Force, which had not issued any formal statement at time of reporting.

  • Pringle Credits Late Speaker Sir Gerald Watt With Shaping His Early Years in Parliament

    Pringle Credits Late Speaker Sir Gerald Watt With Shaping His Early Years in Parliament

    In a heartfelt parliamentary tribute, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle revealed how the rigorous mentorship of former Speaker Sir Gerald Watt KC fundamentally shaped his political career. During Tuesday’s special session honoring the late jurist who passed away last week at 86, Pringle recounted his challenging entry into Parliament as the sole representative of the United Progressive Party, describing himself as a political “rookie” facing steep learning curves.

    Pringle emphasized how Sir Gerald’s uncompromising adherence to parliamentary protocols accelerated his development as a legislator. The former Speaker demanded exact citations from Standing Orders during points of order and required evidence-based substantiation for all claims made in the chamber. This disciplined approach, Pringle noted, left him no alternative but to rapidly master parliamentary procedures and refine his debate skills.

    Despite frequent heated exchanges across the political aisle, Pringle highlighted that Sir Gerald maintained impeccable professional boundaries, never allowing disagreements to become personal. The Speaker consistently separated his constitutional duties from interpersonal relationships, even during moments of intense political contention.

    Pringle shared a revealing private conversation following one particularly vigorous debate, where Sir Gerald acknowledged the opposition leader’s passion while counseling that accepting guidance would elevate him to exceptional statesmanship. This interaction exemplified the late Speaker’s commitment to nurturing political talent beyond partisan affiliations.

    The opposition leader characterized Sir Gerald as embodying legal precision through his insistence on disciplined, evidence-based discourse, reflecting his distinguished background in law and unwavering dedication to parliamentary integrity. Pringle ultimately portrayed the former Speaker as a true patriot who consistently prioritized national interests above political considerations.

    Concluding his tribute, Pringle extended formal condolences to Sir Gerald’s family on behalf of parliamentary colleagues, assuring them of the legislature’s collective support during their period of loss.

  • Pakistan tests long-range missile in Arabian Sea

    Pakistan tests long-range missile in Arabian Sea

    The Pakistan Navy has successfully conducted a live-fire missile test, demonstrating its advanced defensive capabilities against highly maneuverable aerial threats. According to official statements, the precision strike effectively neutralized sophisticated airborne targets, showcasing significant enhancements to the Navy’s operational readiness and combat potential.

    Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, emphasized the Navy’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s maritime borders and protecting vital national interests. “Our forces remain perpetually vigilant and fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s maritime sovereignty under any circumstances,” stated Munib, reinforcing the Navy’s strategic deterrence posture.

    The demonstration coincides with the return of PNS Saif, a frontline warship that recently completed a significant diplomatic and operational mission across South Asia. The vessel’s deployment included port calls in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, strengthening regional naval cooperation and bilateral ties.

    Notably, the warship’s visit to Chittagong, Bangladesh marked a historic milestone—the first deployment of a Pakistani naval vessel to the country in over twenty years. This diplomatic engagement signals warming relations between the neighboring nations and reflects Pakistan’s growing maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean region.

  • UNICEF concerned about mass displacement of children in DRC

    UNICEF concerned about mass displacement of children in DRC

    A severe humanitarian emergency is unfolding in Central Africa as escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province triggers a massive displacement crisis. According to UNICEF assessments, intense combat operations since December 1st have compelled approximately 500,000 individuals to abandon their homes, with more than 100,000 children among those forcibly displaced.

    The international organization reports that countless families are undertaking perilous journeys to seek sanctuary, with many crossing international borders into neighboring Burundi and Rwanda. Current projections indicate this exodus will intensify as armed conflict continues to spread across the region.

    UNICEF’s official statement highlights profound concerns regarding the safety and welfare of displaced minors, who confront multiple protection risks including family separation, physical violence, exploitation, and gender-based abuse. The psychological trauma experienced by children exposed to conflict situations represents another critical dimension of this crisis.

    Recent data reveals alarming trends, with over 50,000 Congolese nationals documented as arriving in Burundi between December 6-11 alone. Nearly half of these refugees are minors, and humanitarian agencies anticipate these numbers will surge in coming days.

    The visible consequences include injured civilians and significant numbers of unaccompanied children separated from familial protection networks. In response, UNICEF is coordinating with governmental authorities in both the DRC and Burundi to activate emergency humanitarian interventions.

    The agency has issued urgent appeals to all conflict participants, emphasizing obligations under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF officials stress that children must never bear the consequences of armed confrontation between warring parties.