Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Professor Ivelaw Griffith to deliver 21st Sir Archibald Nedd Memorial Lecture

    Professor Ivelaw Griffith to deliver 21st Sir Archibald Nedd Memorial Lecture

    The geopolitical tensions surrounding Caribbean sovereignty will take center stage at the 21st Sir Archibald Nedd Memorial Lecture scheduled for December 9, 2025, at Radisson Convention Centre in Grand Anse. Esteemed scholar Professor Ivelaw Griffith, an internationally recognized authority on regional security, will deliver this year’s address titled “The Radar Request: Sovereignty and Vulnerability in the Caribbean.

    Professor Griffith brings exceptional credentials to this timely discussion. As a former Senior Associate of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and Fellow of the Caribbean Policy Consortium, he has authored eleven books on security matters. His expertise earned him the prestigious 2015 Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defence Education, making him the first Caribbean recipient of this honor named after former US Defence Secretary Dr. William Perry.

    The Guyanese academic, who previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, also holds the Cacique Crown of Honour—Guyana’s third highest national award—for his transformational educational leadership and international scholarship.

    This year’s lecture topic addresses mounting regional concerns about increased US military presence in the Caribbean. The discussion will specifically examine the controversial US request to establish radar facilities at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, juxtaposed against widespread calls for maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. These developments have sparked intense debate across local, regional, and international platforms.

    Established in 1996 by the Grenada Bar Association, the SANML represents the Commonwealth’s longest-running public lecture series hosted by any bar association across the 56-nation coalition. The event honors former Grenadian Chief Justice Sir Archibald Nedd (1979-1986) while fulfilling the legal association’s mission to provide continuing public education on matters of civic importance. The December lecture is open to all members of the public seeking to engage with these critical geopolitical developments.

  • Maduro remembers pepple’s victory in 2023 Consultative Referendum

    Maduro remembers pepple’s victory in 2023 Consultative Referendum

    President Nicolás Maduro has commemorated the two-year milestone of Venezuela’s landmark consultative referendum on the disputed Essequibo territory, hailing the 2021 vote as an unprecedented democratic exercise in the nation’s 150-year territorial struggle. Through his Telegram account, Maduro characterized the electoral process as a transformative campaign that revitalized national consciousness through inclusive public engagement and civic education.

    The Venezuelan leader emphasized the government’s political courage in submitting such complex geopolitical matters to popular consultation, noting that citizens demonstrated remarkable awareness and preparedness in their response. Maduro declared the Venezuelan people—without partisan distinction—the ultimate victors in the ongoing territorial claim, framing the referendum as a constitutional mechanism that enabled citizens to reclaim the legacy of their liberators.

    Concurrently, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil utilized social media platforms to reinforce the administration’s position, describing the referendum’s second anniversary as marking a “resounding victory” that strengthened Venezuela’s historical claims to the oil-rich Essequibo region. Both officials portrayed the popular consultation as providing critical momentum for Venezuela’s renewed constitutional efforts to assert sovereignty over the 160,000-square-kilometer territory currently administered by Guyana.

    The commemorations occur amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Venezuela and Guyana regarding the border dispute, with Caracas continuing to leverage the 2021 referendum results as democratic justification for its territorial claims in international forums.

  • Fishermen Voice Concerns Over “Resilient Bold Belize”

    Fishermen Voice Concerns Over “Resilient Bold Belize”

    Fishermen in the coastal community of Placencia, Belize, are raising significant objections to the government’s ambitious “Resilient Bold Belize” conservation initiative. The program, which seeks to dramatically expand fully protected marine zones from the current 4% to 20% of Belizean waters by 2026, faces mounting criticism from those who depend on the sea for their economic survival.

    Eworth Garbutt, President of the Belize Flat Fisheries Association, has emerged as a leading voice of opposition, characterizing the government’s consultation process as profoundly inadequate. “Less than 1% of this nation knows about the Resilient Bold Belize initiative,” Garbutt stated, highlighting what he describes as a critical lack of transparency and inclusion in the planning stages.

    While acknowledging the importance of marine conservation, Garbutt warned that the creation of expanded “no-take zones” would effectively restrict access for both commercial fishermen and tourism operators who rely on these marine territories. He emphasized that proper consultation with coastal communities must precede any implementation of the conservation plan.

    The fisheries leader also questioned the scientific rationale behind the initiative, noting its singular focus on coral protection while ignoring broader environmental threats. “The threat to the coral is not the fishers,” Garbutt argued. “The threat is multifactored, but one that stands out for sure is sewer [pollution].” He suggested that conservation efforts should instead target problems like overdevelopment and inadequate wastewater management.

    Garbutt further identified enforcement deficiencies and cross-border poaching as unresolved issues that undermine current conservation efforts. He noted that Belize loses millions in revenue annually due to illegal fishing activities that continue despite existing protected areas. “Protected area without efficient management goes nowhere,” he concluded, calling for more practical approaches to marine sustainability.

  • PDV Caribe Donates $6,000 to Support Care Project

    PDV Caribe Donates $6,000 to Support Care Project

    In a significant corporate social responsibility initiative, PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd. has contributed $6,000 to The Care Project, a government-operated facility dedicated to supporting individuals with severe disabilities. The ceremonial handover occurred on Tuesday at the site of the former Paediatric Ward within Holberton Hospital.

    The donation was formally presented by the company’s General Manager, Jellette Ralph, and accepted by Matron Aldine Robins and Operations Manager Sandy Daniel. This financial injection is earmarked for the procurement of essential supplies crucial for the facility’s daily operations and the well-being of its residents.

    The Care Project serves as a vital long-term residential sanctuary for citizens grappling with profound physical or mental disabilities. A notable aspect of its mission is providing for individuals who have been abandoned and are entirely dependent on state support. Initially established as a pediatric facility, its scope has expanded over time to accommodate a diverse age range, with current residents spanning from 10 to 48 years old.

    General Manager Ralph articulated that the contribution is a manifestation of the company’s foundational commitment to ‘acknowledge our shared humanity and provide service to others with dignity.’ She further issued a call to action, encouraging other members of the business community to follow suit and lend their support to such critical social causes.

    PDV Caribe, which oversees the operational aspects of the PetroCaribe Energy Agreement, maintains a established history of philanthropic engagement. Its support extends to various social programs, notably the People’s Benefit Programme. The company recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 20th anniversary in September, underscoring its longstanding presence and commitment to the region.

  • One Man Jailed, Another Cleared in Valley Church Beach Theft

    One Man Jailed, Another Cleared in Valley Church Beach Theft

    A recent theft incident at the popular Valley Church Beach in Antigua has reached a judicial conclusion, resulting in divergent outcomes for two individuals charged. Damien Henry, a 24-year-old resident of Bathlodge, has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after entering a guilty plea for larceny. The ruling was delivered by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, finalizing the case against him.

    In a contrasting development, Terry Williams, a 20-year-old from Nut Grove who was jointly accused, was absolved of all charges. The court formally withdrew the allegations against Williams, declaring him not guilty of any involvement in the criminal act.

    The incident unfolded on a Tuesday afternoon when two tourists reported the theft of their personal bag while they were engaged in swimming activities. According to official reports, a witness promptly alerted security personnel after observing an individual seize the bag and rapidly depart the scene in an orange Honda Fit vehicle.

    Law enforcement agencies from both Bolans and Johnson’s Point police stations initiated a coordinated response to the theft report. Their efforts culminated in the successful interception of the suspect vehicle in the Johnson’s Point area shortly after the crime was committed. Police apprehended both men present in the vehicle and successfully recovered the stolen bag with all its contents intact, returning the property to the rightful owners.

    The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding tourist security at popular Caribbean destinations while demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-station police cooperation in responding to criminal activities. The judicial outcome illustrates the system’s capacity to both punish confirmed offenders while protecting the rights of those wrongly accused.

  • Final count confirms Prospere as Dennery South MP

    Final count confirms Prospere as Dennery South MP

    The electoral contest in Saint Lucia’s Dennery South constituency has concluded with a definitive victory for incumbent candidate Alfred Prospere following an official recount. The final tally, conducted in accordance with Section 65 of the Elections Act (1979), revealed Prospere secured 1,566 votes against United Workers Party candidate Benson Emile’s 1,507 votes, establishing a winning margin of 59 votes.

    This outcome represents the slimmest electoral margin in an election otherwise dominated by the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) overwhelming parliamentary majority. The constituency demonstrated exceptional voter engagement, recording a 56% turnout rate—the second highest nationally, surpassed only by Soufrière’s 61% participation.

    The recount process commenced at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, with the returning officer supervising the review of ballot boxes in the presence of candidate agents. This procedural verification included re-examination of previously rejected ballots before final confirmation of results.

    Prospere, who currently serves as Minister for Agriculture pending new cabinet appointments, previously unseated UWP incumbent Edmund Estephane in the 2021 elections with a more substantial margin of 1,548 to 1,364 votes. His re-election marks at least the third consecutive instance of a two-term parliamentary representative for the Dennery South constituency.

    The electoral writ of declaration must be formally delivered to the Chief Electoral Officer by Friday, December 5, barring any formal objections to the confirmed results.

  • Blue Horizon College sets ambitious path for healthcare education

    Blue Horizon College sets ambitious path for healthcare education

    In response to critical healthcare workforce shortages plaguing the Caribbean region, Blue Horizon College has emerged as a transformative educational institution dedicated to rebuilding clinical capacity. Founded by registered nurse and public health practitioner Ambika Joseph, the college addresses a severe regional deficit where only 44.3 nurses serve every 10,000 residents—far below the Pan American Health Organization’s recommended threshold of 70.6 per 10,000 for universal healthcare access by 2030.

    The institution originated in 2024 as the Care-Transition Clinic School of Nursing before rebranding in 2025 to expand its mission. Now located at Woodlands Commercial Complex in St. George, Grenada, the college has developed targeted programs including a BSc in Nursing, Certificate in Phlebotomy, Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, and specialized degrees in Sonography and Radiology. These offerings were created specifically to meet escalating demands across Grenada’s healthcare facilities.

    Joseph’s vision stems from firsthand experience with systemic gaps in clinical training and academic preparation. “I witnessed the gaps in clinical training, academic preparation, and the ongoing workforce shortages that strain our health system,” she explained. The crisis is exacerbated by nurse migration that has left 40% of nursing positions vacant throughout the Caribbean.

    The college’s BSc in Nursing program employs a hybrid learning model with specialization tracks in Public Health Nursing or Nursing Administration. The curriculum incorporates simulation labs, virtual modules, and problem-based learning to develop clinical judgment and critical thinking. Students gain practical experience through structured clinical rotations and interdisciplinary collaboration with partner hospitals and clinics.

    Admission criteria emphasize compassion, resilience, and community commitment alongside academic capability. The college provides mentorship, workshops, and partial scholarships to support Grenadians pursuing healthcare careers. Looking forward, Joseph plans to integrate digital simulations, virtual clinical experiences, and electronic learning platforms to prepare graduates for evolving healthcare technologies.

    Despite challenges including regulatory compliance and faculty recruitment—requiring international instructor sourcing—Joseph remains confident in the institution’s mission. Her five-year vision involves expanding into a university offering advanced degrees in healthcare administration while establishing Grenada as a regional leader in healthcare education.

  • Tourism Top Producers from around the globe gather in Antigua and Barbuda for Black Pineapple Awards

    Tourism Top Producers from around the globe gather in Antigua and Barbuda for Black Pineapple Awards

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is set to celebrate its most productive travel industry partners during the prestigious 2025 Black Pineapple Awards ceremony. Organized collaboratively by the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), this gala event acknowledges the exceptional contributions of travel professionals from key source markets who have significantly driven tourism growth to the twin-island destination.

    Approximately seventy elite travel advisors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America will converge at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa on December 5, 2025, for the honors ceremony. These distinguished agents have demonstrated remarkable success in promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a premier travel destination.

    The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating: ‘The Black Pineapple Awards represent our profound gratitude for the excellence and experiences delivered by our travel advisors. Each recommendation they make directly contributes to our destination’s prosperity, and such dedication deserves proper recognition.’

    Colin C. James, CEO of ABTA, highlighted the successful collaboration: ‘Our travel agent partners have developed a genuine affinity for Antigua and Barbuda, which has translated into outstanding sales performance across all markets. Their investment in promoting our destination matches our own commitment, and we take pride in celebrating their achievements.’

    Accompanying the honorees will be the Directors of Tourism for each region—Dean Fenton (USA), Cherrie Osborne (UK and Europe), Charmaine Spencer (Caribbean and Latin America), and Tameka Wharton (Canada)—alongside Business Development Managers from respective markets.

    The awards ceremony will feature several distinguished categories, including the Director’s Award for exceptional room night sales, the CEO’s Award for market-specific booking performance, the Minister’s Award for consistent destination promotion, and the Prime Minister’s Global Award—the highest honor presented to the top-performing advisor across all markets for extraordinary annual revenue generation. The global award winner will receive a unique artisan-crafted wooden sculpture depicting the twin islands featuring the iconic Antigua Black pineapple.

    Beyond the awards gala, recipients will experience an exclusive curated itinerary showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s premier attractions. The program includes accommodations at luxury resorts such as Blue Waters Resort, Galley Bay Resort and Spa, and Royalton Chic, complemented by activities ranging from welcome receptions at Tamarind Hills to comprehensive land and sea tours. Cultural highlights include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Shirley Heights, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and the picturesque Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda.

  • PM Mitchell recommends enactment of laws to fight downside of social media

    PM Mitchell recommends enactment of laws to fight downside of social media

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada has issued a compelling call for legislative action across Caribbean nations to address the pervasive negative impacts of social media platforms. Speaking as a guest on the Government Information Service’s Spice Morning show on December 3, 2025, Mitchell characterized social media environments as breeding grounds for bullying, abuse, and systematic character defamation.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that even technologically advanced nations are recognizing the dangers of unregulated digital spaces, which he warned could fundamentally undermine social cohesion. ‘We here in the Caribbean have to be concerned about having unfiltered access for all kinds of negativity that floats around in social media and what it does to our mental health and mental wellness,’ Mitchell stated during the broadcast.

    Mitchell highlighted the current regulatory vacuum in the region, noting the absence of comprehensive policies to address misinformation, disinformation, and false information circulating online. He articulated the need for protective measures for vulnerable individuals who may lack the emotional resilience to withstand online harassment.

    Beyond immediate harms, the Prime Minister identified a broader cultural concern, describing much of social media content as ‘mindless, numbless, pointless decadence’ that distracts from constructive societal development. He contrasted the current environment of trolling and abuse with the potential for platforms to highlight positive community-building efforts.

    Mitchell called for a collaborative approach involving multiple sectors of society, urging churches, civil society organizations, and trade unions to join the conversation about digital responsibility. He warned that today’s targets might be politicians, but tomorrow’s victims could include religious leaders, civil society representatives, or union officials, making this a universal societal concern requiring comprehensive regulatory solutions.

  • President Simons en koning Willem-Alexander benadrukken gelijkwaardige toekomstrelatie

    President Simons en koning Willem-Alexander benadrukken gelijkwaardige toekomstrelatie

    In a significant diplomatic engagement held in Fredriksdorp, Commewijne, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Surinamese President Jennifer Simons outlined a transformative vision for bilateral relations between their nations. The high-level discussion, which occurred during the King’s state visit, addressed critical issues including visa liberalization, educational cooperation, and historical reconciliation.

    The pressing matter of visa acquisition difficulties for Surinamese citizens seeking to visit Netherlands received prominent attention. King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the persistent challenges, revealing that Suriname could formally request visa liberalization from the European Commission—a process where Netherlands has committed to providing support in Brussels. Meanwhile, the monarch emphasized the need for more humane processing of visa applications, recognizing the suboptimal conditions and extended waiting periods currently experienced by applicants.

    Educational and cultural exchange emerged as another cornerstone of the renewed partnership. The King highlighted existing cooperation at university and higher vocational levels while announcing new exchange programs for vocational education. “I’ve truly witnessed the profound connection between our nations,” the monarch stated, indicating this perspective would inform future Dutch policy approaches.

    Regarding the complex historical legacy between the former colony and colonizer, President Simons characterized the reconciliation process as a mutual learning journey. While acknowledging that reparations discussions could occur within established CARICOM frameworks, she firmly asserted Suriname’s independent development path: “We will not wait for reparations to develop our country.”

    Both leaders struck a forward-looking tone in their closing remarks. King Willem-Alexander thanked Suriname for the warm reception and open dialogue, envisioning a future relationship built on friendship and shared history. President Simons described the visit as positively transformative, having “unpacked a package” of opportunities for collaboration on equal footing, signaling a definitive shift from post-colonial dynamics to genuine partnership.