Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • No Tsunami Threat to Antigua After 6.9 Magnitude Mid-Atlantic Earthquake

    No Tsunami Threat to Antigua After 6.9 Magnitude Mid-Atlantic Earthquake

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service released an official Tsunami Information Statement at 8:45 am AST on Saturday, March 21, 2026, addressing recent seismic activity in the Atlantic region. According to the bulletin, a significant earthquake measuring 6.9 magnitude struck the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge at approximately 8:17 am local time. The seismic event originated at a depth of 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), with epicentral coordinates placed at 23.8° North and 45.8° West—approximately 1,818 kilometers (1,130 miles) northeast of Antigua.

    Following comprehensive analysis of available seismic data, the Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed no substantial tsunami threat exists for Antigua and Barbuda. However, meteorological authorities acknowledged minimal possibility of minor tsunami waves affecting Atlantic coastal areas nearest to the earthquake’s epicenter.

    The national meteorological service emphasized that no immediate action is required for residents or visitors. Officials simultaneously recommended maintaining awareness through official communication channels and using the opportunity to review emergency preparedness protocols. Coastal residents were particularly advised to reaffirm their knowledge of evacuation routes and designated safety zones despite the absence of immediate danger.

    The service indicated this would constitute the sole advisory regarding this seismic event unless subsequent data necessitates further updates. The meteorological department encourages continued monitoring of their official broadcasts for any developments.

  • Good morning Dominica!: Early morning view of cruise ship berthed in Roseau

    Good morning Dominica!: Early morning view of cruise ship berthed in Roseau

    The tranquil dawn hours in Dominica were graced by the majestic presence of a cruise ship docked at Roseau Harbor this past Saturday. The spectacular sight was captured from the vantage point of Castle Comfort, offering residents and early risers a breathtaking view of the maritime vessel against the backdrop of the waking Caribbean sky.

    This arrival signifies more than just a picturesque moment; it represents a vital economic and cultural exchange for the island nation. Cruise tourism serves as a critical artery for Dominica’s economy, bringing international visitors to explore its renowned natural wonders, including lush rainforests, volcanic hot springs, and pristine diving spots. The careful docking of such ships in the capital’s port is a well-coordinated operation, highlighting the island’s growing infrastructure and its strategic importance in the Eastern Caribbean cruise circuit.

    The timing of the arrival, during the early morning, allows passengers maximum opportunity to experience the island’s unique attractions, from the Trafalgar Falls to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. For local businesses, from tour operators to artisans and restaurant owners, each docking is a anticipated event, promising a surge of commerce and cultural interaction. This continuous flow of visitors plays an indispensable role in sustaining livelihoods and promoting cross-cultural understanding, reinforcing Dominica’s position as a premier ecotourism destination.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Claims Third Place at OECS Robotics Challenge

    Antigua and Barbuda Claims Third Place at OECS Robotics Challenge

    In a landmark achievement for technological education, Antigua and Barbuda has secured a podium finish at the premier OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge 2026. The historic event, hosted in St. Kitts, united young innovators from across the Caribbean basin under the ambitious theme of “Innovating for a Sustainable Caribbean Future.

    The national delegation, comprising students Micah Matthew and Michael Harvey under the guidance of coach Tijah Myers, marked the country’s inaugural participation in this regional showcase of technological prowess. The competition was orchestrated by the Eastern Caribbean Robotics and Innovation Association in collaboration with the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association.

    Throughout the intensive five-day championship, eight participating territories engaged in complex robotic challenges centered on environmental sustainability. Competitors programmed autonomous robots to execute critical tasks including sargassum seaweed collection, coastal debris removal, recycling operations, and precision navigation through challenging simulated environments.

    Antigua and Barbuda demonstrated remarkable technical capability during the preliminary rounds, advancing decisively to the semi-final stage. Though subsequently defeated by the eventual champions from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the team showcased impressive resilience by bouncing back to secure third place overall with a conclusive victory over St. Lucia.

    The championship finals culminated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines claiming the inaugural title following their triumph against St. Maarten.

    During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Ricard O’Neill, a prominent regional robotics advocate, addressed the participants, emphasizing that the event represents merely the genesis of an expanding technological movement. Official confirmations indicate planning is already actively underway for the second edition of the competition scheduled for 2027.

  • Heaven reiterates call for Sammy to go

    Heaven reiterates call for Sammy to go

    A significant leadership crisis is emerging within West Indies cricket as former CWI Director Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven intensifies his campaign to remove Daren Sammy from his head coach position. This development follows the team’s elimination during the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this month, despite a promising start that saw them top Group C with a perfect record, including a victory against eventual semi-finalists England.

    The Caribbean squad’s campaign ended with losses to tournament co-hosts India, who would ultimately claim the championship by defeating New Zealand in the final, and a strong South African side. Sammy, who previously captained the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in both 2012 and 2016, assumed coaching responsibilities for the white-ball teams in 2023 before becoming head coach across all formats in 2025.

    Heaven, who previously served as Jamaica Cricket Association president, presented a scathing assessment of Sammy’s qualifications in a written statement to the Jamaica Observer. “My position is clear: Sammy is not qualified to be the head coach of the WI team in any of the formats,” Heaven asserted, calling for immediate termination of his appointment.

    The former cricket administrator identified critical shortcomings in team composition and tactical execution under pressure as primary factors in the World Cup disappointment. Heaven emphasized that the squad possessed sufficient talent and experience, with many players having competed in the Indian Premier League and thus familiar with subcontinental conditions.

    Despite these calls for immediate change, CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow indicated that organizational changes remain unlikely before Sammy’s contract expires following the 2027 ODI World Cup. Dr. Shallow confirmed that Cricket West Indies will conduct a comprehensive performance assessment, stating, “We are still continuing to have conversations. We plan to have a conversation, as is normal after these major tournaments, where we’ll have an assessment done and see what went wrong.”

    Heaven dismissed positive reviews of the team’s overall performance, noting that while the West Indies remain among the most decorated teams in T20 history, they should reasonably expect to compete for semi-final positions rather than celebrating advancement past preliminary stages. “When the tournament reached its most competitive phase,” Heaven observed, “the team was unable to sustain the level required to challenge the leading sides.”

    The critic pointed to evident gaps in tactical execution, bowling penetration, and batting composure during crucial matches, noting that occasional flashes of dominance were overshadowed by decisive defeats against stronger opponents. Heaven concluded that the true benchmark for West Indies cricket should remain “consistent competitiveness deep into the latter stages of global tournaments.”

  • ABLP Sets April 12 Convention

    ABLP Sets April 12 Convention

    The political landscape in Antigua and Barbuda is poised for significant activity as the ruling Labour Party announces its national convention scheduled for April 12th. This gathering represents a crucial strategic maneuver that will formally confirm parliamentary candidates across constituencies, including Dr. Philmore Benjamin for St. Mary’s North and Kendra Beazer representing Barbuda.

    Political analysts interpret this convention as more than mere procedural formality, with multiple sources indicating it may serve as the launching platform for an imminent general election. The timing suggests potential early polling that could follow shortly after the party’s consolidation of its candidate roster.

    The governing party enters this political phase bolstered by its recent decisive by-election triumph in St. Philip North, a victory that has substantially reinforced perceptions of the party’s organizational capabilities and grassroots support. This electoral success has provided considerable momentum as the party transitions into campaign preparedness mode.

    The upcoming convention is expected to serve dual purposes: finalizing the electoral lineup while simultaneously energizing the party’s base through strategic messaging and rallying efforts. This coordinated approach demonstrates the Labour Party’s methodical preparation for potential political contests ahead, suggesting sophisticated election readiness despite the absence of an officially declared election timeline.

  • Fond farewell to street icon “Ninja Man”

    Fond farewell to street icon “Ninja Man”

    The Steel Shed at Queen’s Park transformed into a sanctuary of collective mourning Friday as Barbados paid final respects to Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch, the legendary street personality celebrated island-wide as ‘Ninja Man’. Hundreds gathered in a powerful demonstration of how the unofficial ambassador of Bridgetown had permeated the nation’s identity.

    For decades, Lynch’s presence near Parliament Buildings and the Treasury formed part of the capital’s essential character, captivating residents and visitors alike with his sharp wit and unyielding independence. Kemar Saffrey, President of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness, who knew Lynch through social outreach, distinguished between the public persona and the private individual. ‘In our settings, it was Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch,’ Saffrey reflected, emphasizing the man behind the street character.

    Saffrey recounted Lynch’s philosophical approach to his unconventional lifestyle: ‘He always said, ‘Look Marky, this is a decision I made… I don’t like to be confined. This is where I feel better and safer.” This narrative of deliberate choice echoed through the diverse assembly that included public officials, caregivers, and ordinary citizens whose lives he touched.

    Sharon Bellamy Thompson, a cook at Bridgetown Fish Market whom Lynch affectionately called ‘Mommy,’ grappled with the suddenness of his passing. Her final interaction with him involved breakfast and a request for five dollars—a mundane moment now imbued with profound significance. ‘He had lots of sense and was a very good person,’ she noted. ‘He didn’t have to be on the streets, but that’s the life he chose.’

    Beyond the humorous eccentricities that defined his public image, family members spoke of deeper struggles. His sister, Morell Thomas, acknowledged the complex emotions surrounding his death: ‘Today is very sad… but in essence, it is also knowing that he’s gone on to a better place. He’s not suffering the mental illness that plagued him every day.’

    The substantial public turnout demonstrated Lynch’s extraordinary impact on Barbadian society. Saffrey observed that Lynch had, in his unique way, ‘brought the tourists to Barbados,’ serving as an authentic representation of the island’s spirit. The family expressed profound appreciation for the National Cultural Foundation’s support in facilitating the public viewing, providing closure to a community grieving an irreplaceable character.

    As Barbados prepares for his final resting, Anthony Fitzpatrick Lynch will be remembered not merely as a homeless individual but as a man of agency who defined his own existence. ‘He is a gentleman that will be well missed,’ Saffrey concluded—a sentiment reverberating throughout the crowd honoring a true Bajan original.

  • Suriname en Nederland maken werkafspraken na eerste overleg Bouva en Berendsen

    Suriname en Nederland maken werkafspraken na eerste overleg Bouva en Berendsen

    In a significant digital diplomatic engagement, Suriname and the Netherlands have solidified their bilateral relations through comprehensive discussions between Foreign Ministers Melvin Bouva and Tom Berendsen. This landmark virtual meeting, building upon previous high-level contacts between President Jennifer Simons and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, has yielded concrete working agreements and initiated enhanced cooperation frameworks.

    The ministerial dialogue extensively covered topics previously discussed at governmental levels, with Minister Bouva confirming active development of a formal bilateral agreement between the two nations. Both parties have committed to arranging an in-person meeting later this year to further strengthen diplomatic ties, according to official statements from the Bureau for International Relations (BIS).

    International developments constituted a crucial component of the discussions, with both ministers expressing deep concern about the global situation and its potential societal impacts. Minister Bouva detailed Suriname’s proactive measures to mitigate these effects, including the establishment of a presidential crisis team and implementation of a ‘price cap’ mechanism to maintain fuel price stability.

    The Netherlands announced the completion of visa exemption procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a significant step toward facilitating smoother travel between the two countries. Both nations agreed to continue developing additional arrangements to further ease bilateral movement.

    Regional dynamics featured prominently in the talks, with Minister Bouva highlighting Suriname’s role within CARICOM and its engagement with developments in Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. The discussions also encompassed cooperative initiatives including the Makandra program and the slavery past memorial fund.

    Both ministers have committed to maintaining continuous dialogue and convening again before formal political consultations, aiming to deepen cooperation across political, socio-economic, and regional dimensions.

  • ‘Like a bomb’: Residents recount horror after Mitsuda explosion

    ‘Like a bomb’: Residents recount horror after Mitsuda explosion

    ENTERPRISE, TRINIDAD — While firefighters continue investigating the origin of Thursday’s catastrophic blaze that destroyed the Mitsuda Superstore on Longdenville Old Road, shell-shocked residents are counting their blessings that no fatalities occurred even as they face substantial property damage.

    As cleanup operations persisted through Friday, affected homeowners issued urgent calls for the business owners to convene compensation discussions for their losses. The explosion accompanying the fire inflicted severe structural damage to at least eight neighboring residences, with shattered windows and torn roofing sheets littering properties throughout the community.

    Resident Ishwar Lalsaroop, whose home sits directly behind the commercial compound, described the terrifying moment of detonation: “I was behind my truck when suddenly there was a loud boom like something from the movies. Then all the windows shattered simultaneously. If I didn’t know better, I would have said it was a bomb.” The carpenter reported significant damage to his professional equipment and property.

    The human impact extended beyond physical damage. Wendell Grimshaw, another resident, revealed his two children—aged 21 and 15—were traumatized while home during the incident. “They had to duck to the ground as glass exploded inward,” Grimshaw recounted. “They were scared and panicked, not knowing what was happening.”

    Despite the chaos, the community faced additional challenges as looters attempted to plunder the devastated compound before dawn on Friday. According to watchmen stationed nearby, two separate groups—including one using a child as lookout—attempted to scavenge merchandise from the still-smoldering ruins before being intercepted by authorities.

    Fire officials confirmed the blaze initially erupted around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, requiring fourteen continuous hours to contain. While the exact cause remains undetermined, preliminary assessment suggests the fire originated in the western sector housing meats and household items. Reigniting embers necessitated return visits from fire crews throughout Friday.

    The business addressed the catastrophe via social media, posting on Facebook: “We are incredibly grateful to confirm that no one was hurt, and the safety of our staff and customers remains our top priority. Mitsuda is more than just a store—it’s a community. With your continued support, we will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”

    Multiple residents and employees received treatment for smoke inhalation after thick plumes engulfed the neighborhood, prompting evacuations of vulnerable residents including children, elderly citizens, and one individual with special needs. Several vehicles sustained damage, and one adjacent residence suffered roof fires.

  • No cause as yet for fire, says Labour Minister

    No cause as yet for fire, says Labour Minister

    Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are maintaining their investigative efforts regarding the destructive fire and subsequent explosion that completely devastated the Mitsuda Superstore located in Enterprise. Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste has provided an official update, confirming that while investigations are actively progressing, it remains premature to assign a definitive cause to the incident.

    In a recent communication with the Express, Minister Baptiste detailed the collaborative approach being undertaken by two key agencies: the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service. He clarified that while the Fire Service currently holds the primary jurisdictional authority over the investigation, both entities are working in a coordinated manner to ascertain the facts.

    The Minister relayed a statement from the executive director of the OSH Agency, which confirmed that safety inspectors are presently on-site conducting thorough enquiries as an integral component of the standard investigative procedure. This process is designed to methodically gather evidence and information.

    Concurrently, the OSH Agency has seized the opportunity to reiterate to all employers their statutory obligations under the OSH Act. This mandate includes the critical necessity of maintaining operational fire extinguishers, possessing valid fire certification, and ensuring the completely secure storage of any hazardous materials or chemicals on business premises.

    Minister Baptiste further elaborated on the Agency’s broader mission, noting, “OSHA confirms that inspections of warehouses and other facilities are conducted to foster safety. These inspections are executed both proactively and reactively to identify potential risk factors. Our inspectors routinely require industrial establishments to present a valid fire certificate during any investigation process.”

    Emphasizing the preliminary stage of the investigation, Baptiste stated that the outcome of these detailed enquiries is expected to yield necessary clarity and information in the coming days.

    The tragic event unfolded shortly after midday last Thursday on Longdenville Old Road. The initial fire was followed by a significant explosion, which led to the total destruction of the superstore. The repercussions were severe, resulting in the displacement of dozens of employees and causing damage to several nearby residences, which necessitated the evacuation of multiple residents.

    In the aftermath, Mitsuda has announced that its branch in St. Augustine remains operational and continues to serve its customer base.

  • ‘Each of you can become victors’

    ‘Each of you can become victors’

    In a powerful address to graduating students of Morvant Laventille Secondary School, Justice Frank Seepersad delivered a compelling message about personal agency and character development. Speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony held in Morvant on Thursday, the judge emphasized that geographical origins should never limit one’s potential, declaring that individual choices rather than environmental circumstances ultimately determine life trajectories.

    Justice Seepersad articulated that sustained success emerges from daily practices of honesty, punctuality, and respect—qualities that form the bedrock of personal integrity. While acknowledging the value of ambitious dreaming, he cautioned that aspirations must be coupled with disciplined effort and conscientious work ethic to yield tangible results.

    The judicial figure highlighted the transformative power of personal example, noting that graduates now serve as role models within their communities. He referenced Laventille’s remarkable cultural legacy, including the invention of the steelpan from discarded oil drums by pioneers like Winston “Spree” Simon, as evidence of extraordinary innovation emerging from challenging circumstances.

    Celebrating the academic perseverance demonstrated by graduates who balanced domestic responsibilities and navigated difficult environments, Justice Seepersad nevertheless clarified that graduation signifies a commencement rather than conclusion. He warned that forthcoming decisions regarding education, employment, and social associations would carry profound lifelong implications.

    The address concluded with an empowering charge: graduates were encouraged to perceive themselves not as products of their environment but as architects of their destiny, capable of transforming personal circumstances into meaningful achievements just as earlier generations transformed scrap metal into internationally celebrated musical instruments.