Carib Scope

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Customs Officer Featured in WCO Programme as Small Island Scholarship Concludes

    Antigua and Barbuda Customs Officer Featured in WCO Programme as Small Island Scholarship Concludes

    The World Customs Organization (WCO) has formally recognized Senior Customs Officer Salim Browne of Antigua and Barbuda as it celebrated the successful completion of its ambitious Small Island Economies (SIEs) Scholarship Programme. Officer Browne distinguished himself as one of only thirty officials chosen from nineteen vulnerable island nations to partake in this intensive capacity-building initiative, which unfolded across three separate editions from 2023 to 2025.

    Funded by the WCO-Customs Cooperation Fund-Korea, the program’s curriculum was meticulously designed to confront the distinct challenges faced by small island customs administrations. It delivered rigorous academic and practical training in critical domains such as advanced risk management protocols, contemporary border security techniques, trade facilitation measures, and enhancing international cooperation. Each three-month session combined theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on, field-based learning experiences.

    The WCO established the program specifically to empower small island states, which often operate with limited resources and possess economies highly dependent on imports. The initiative aims to bolster their resilience against the mounting pressures of global trade fluctuations, evolving security threats, and the relentless pace of technological transformation in customs operations.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division has publicly commended Officer Browne’s involvement, emphasizing that the expertise he acquired is instrumental to the nation’s ongoing campaign to modernize its customs infrastructure. This modernization seeks to align national procedures with global standards, thereby improving service delivery, strengthening border protection, and streamlining trade processes for economic benefit.

    The final cohort of the scholarship brought together a diverse group of officials from geographically dispersed regions, including the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific, with participants from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Papua New Guinea, the Maldives, and Seychelles. The WCO heralds the program’s conclusion as a major milestone in its global capacity-building agenda and anticipates that the professional network forged among the graduates will foster sustained collaboration and cooperation among small island customs administrations worldwide.

  • Chester Williams Raises Conspiracy Questions in Dropped Case Against Mother

    Chester Williams Raises Conspiracy Questions in Dropped Case Against Mother

    Former Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams has raised allegations of potential collusion following the unexpected dismissal of a cyberbullying case he initiated against Nichole Gilda McDonald. The case was formally struck out on December 2, 2025, due to lack of prosecution.

    Williams revealed he received no prior communication from legal authorities regarding the dismissal. “I still haven’t been called. I still don’t know nothing,” Williams stated, expressing his frustration and suggesting possible conspiracy between McDonald and police personnel.

    The case originated in March when McDonald faced accusations of disseminating false statements through computer systems to damage Williams’ reputation. The allegations stemmed from a comment McDonald posted on Shyne Barrow’s Facebook page during discussions concerning Barrow’s “narco state” allegations.

    According to McDonald, the legal proceedings never advanced because Williams failed to appear at any of the 17 scheduled court hearings. She described the ordeal as life-devastating, claiming she endured five nights in detention, job termination, and depletion of her savings. McDonald further alleged being denied essential medication, food, and water during her custody period, calling the five-day detention “an injustice.

    Williams maintains his confusion over the case’s dismissal, stating, “I am wondering if there is a conspiracy between her and the police. I don’t know.” The situation highlights ongoing tensions within Belize’s judicial system and raises questions about procedural fairness in cyber-related legal matters.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition Launches ‘Everyday Mental Wellness’ Pocket Cards

    Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition Launches ‘Everyday Mental Wellness’ Pocket Cards

    In a significant move to bolster community mental health resources, the Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition (ABHC) has unveiled innovative ‘Everyday Mental Wellness’ pocket cards. This initiative, spearheaded by the organization’s Founder and President Cerene Prince, seeks to integrate practical mental health support into daily life across various sectors including educational institutions, workplaces, and broader community environments.

    The newly introduced cards are designed with user-friendly, actionable guidance that empowers individuals to seamlessly incorporate minor yet effective mental wellness practices into their everyday routines. This launch represents a strategic component of the Coalition’s comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing early intervention mechanisms and fostering robust coping strategies among youth and families.

    Concurrent with this rollout, ABHC has detailed ambitious expansions for its Youth Mental Health Care and Education Scholarship Fund. This program is structured to alleviate financial barriers by subsidizing critical services such as professional counseling, medication management, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. Further augmenting this effort, the Coalition will deploy a series of subsidized workshops for parents, specialized mental health first-aid training for youth advocates, and targeted professional development programs for educators.

    President Prince emphasized that these pocket cards are a cornerstone in the organization’s mission to democratize access to mental health tools. She reiterated that sustained community engagement and collaborative involvement are indispensable for achieving tangible improvements in the mental wellbeing of younger generations.

  • Hopeful Hearts Foundation Ends the Year with Six Major Community Projects Across November and December

    Hopeful Hearts Foundation Ends the Year with Six Major Community Projects Across November and December

    The Hopeful Hearts Foundation (HHF) is culminating its annual operations with an extensive array of community-oriented programs designed to uplift disadvantaged families and foster youth development. These initiatives underscore the organization’s sustained commitment to creating meaningful social impact through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach.

    In a landmark collaboration on November 7th, HHF joined forces with Logos Hope, the globally recognized floating book fair, to provide fifteen children with an immersive educational excursion. The participants received comprehensive tours of the vessel and were gifted personally selected books along with ice cream treats, blending intellectual enrichment with recreational enjoyment.

    Marking World Children’s Day, the foundation allied with Something Nice Books to distribute fifty customized activity publications. These materials featured specially crafted crossword puzzles and interactive content aimed at stimulating young minds through engaging literary experiences.

    The foundation’s outreach continued at Adele School, where HHF representatives delivered crucial sanitary supplies while volunteers facilitated heartfelt interactions with students, generating an atmosphere of genuine connection and mutual appreciation.

    Future initiatives include a December 4th technological contribution to Piggots Primary School comprising computer monitors and PCs to enhance digital literacy capabilities. Subsequently, on December 5th, HHF Founder Kristine Louisa will leverage her new capacity as National Youth Ambassador to address Pares Secondary School students regarding youth violence prevention, positive behavioral development, and responsible citizenship. Her presentation will incorporate empowering cognitive exercises featuring affirmations such as ‘I am capable of doing anything’ and ‘My mind is powerful.’

    Concluding its annual cycle, HHF is preparing its Christmas Project initiative targeting 300-500 economically vulnerable families throughout Antigua. The program will distribute toys, clothing, food provisions, and essential supplies to alleviate holiday season hardships and spread celebratory cheer.

  • “Only the Poor Will Suffer”: Public Pushback as GOB Cracks Down on Raffles

    “Only the Poor Will Suffer”: Public Pushback as GOB Cracks Down on Raffles

    The Belizean government has intensified its enforcement against unauthorized gaming operations, issuing dual public advisories this week targeting unlicensed raffles and gambling activities. The Ministry of Investment and Lotteries Committee jointly emphasized that operating slot machines, casino games, poker tables, or raffles without proper authorization constitutes a criminal offense under the Gambling Prevention Act and Lotteries Control Act.

    The timing of this crackdown coincides with the peak Christmas season when numerous businesses and community organizations traditionally conduct fundraising raffles. Regulations mandate that any raffle with prizes totaling $500 or more requires formal written authorization, with approved operations receiving official reference numbers that must appear on all tickets.

    Public response has revealed significant discontent, particularly regarding the perceived disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Social media commentary highlights concerns that the regulations primarily affect grassroots fundraising efforts for medical expenses, educational support, and emergency assistance. One critic noted: ‘Only the poor will suffer from this. Single mothers frequently organize raffles to support their children, while others use them to cover urgent medical bills.’

    Simultaneously, the government continues to advance the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill 2025, which proposes to consolidate four existing gambling statutes into a unified regulatory framework. However, following November Senate deliberations, legislators determined the bill requires additional refinement before final approval.

    In a related development, authorities reiterated their June warning about online gaming platforms falsely claiming Belizean licensing. The nation maintains a complete moratorium on issuing online gaming licenses, meaning no company is legally authorized to operate digital gambling services from Belize.

  • Voice of Life hosts annual ‘Share-a-thon’ this week

    Voice of Life hosts annual ‘Share-a-thon’ this week

    The Voice of Life Radio has officially announced its upcoming annual Share-a-thon, scheduled to take place from December 3-6, 2025. This four-day event promises to be a vibrant celebration blending faith, community spirit, and inspirational music, according to the station’s recent press release.

    Operating under the thematic banner ‘Your station for faith and fellowship; partnering to lift hearts and change lives,’ the Share-a-thon represents a crucial fundraising initiative. The station is calling upon its dedicated listeners, philanthropic donors, and the broader public to provide financial contributions that will sustain its ongoing broadcasting operations and community services.

    Since its establishment in 1976, The Voice of Life Radio has maintained continuous 24-hour broadcasting as a listener-supported gospel station. While originally serving Dominica and the surrounding Caribbean region, the station has expanded its reach globally through digital streaming via the internet, creating an international faith-based community.

    The station has provided multiple channels for those interested in supporting their mission. Potential donors and community partners can visit the official website at voiceofliferadio.dm or initiate contact by calling 317-5598 for additional information regarding contribution methods and participation opportunities.

  • BWS Shows Media Major Treatment Facilities

    BWS Shows Media Major Treatment Facilities

    In a transparent response to mounting public apprehension, Belize Water Services (BWS) granted media representatives unprecedented access to two critical water treatment facilities on December 2, 2025. This initiative follows concerning data from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s MICS7 survey, which identified significant water safety and sanitation challenges across multiple districts.

    Journalists received comprehensive tours of both the Double Run Water Treatment Plant in Sandhill—the primary source of potable water for Belize City and Ladyville—and the Belmopan Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has recently faced numerous complaints regarding persistent foul odors in surrounding neighborhoods.

    BWS Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Kashwani emphasized the organization’s commitment to operational transparency, stating: “We intentionally opened our doors to demonstrate our water treatment methodologies, production processes, and quality assurance protocols. Our paramount objective remains delivering safe drinking water through rigorous standards.”

    At the Double Run facility, Belize District Manager Reina Gonzalez detailed the extensive treatment cycle: “We systematically treat raw river water to ensure distributed water meets potable standards.” She highlighted the facility’s hourly testing regimen, which continuously monitors turbidity, pH levels, chlorine concentrations, and other critical indicators before water reaches consumers.

    The Belmopan plant tour addressed widespread odor concerns that had alarmed residents for several weeks. Wastewater Manager Roberto Toriz identified the cause as a damaged sewer line within the aging infrastructure. “Constructed in the 1970s, the system has reached its lifespan capacity and began collapsing,” Toriz explained, noting the complexity of repairs requiring temporary station shutdowns to prevent effluent interference.

    Toriz acknowledged the system’s limitations, confirming that eventual full replacement will be necessary. Recent improvements include replacing 500 feet of piping, with preventative strategies being developed to mitigate future incidents. BWS has announced plans for additional network upgrades throughout the coming year.

  • Antigua’s Dr Derek Marshall Becomes First Regional Examiner for Trinidad Dental Board

    Antigua’s Dr Derek Marshall Becomes First Regional Examiner for Trinidad Dental Board

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean dental professionals, Dr. Derek Marshall from Antigua and Barbuda has made history as the inaugural regional examiner invited to participate in the prestigious National Trinidad Dental Board Examinations. The rigorous two-day assessment, conducted on November 27-28, 2025, represents a significant step toward regional integration in dental certification standards.

    The examination process, designed to ensure global standards of dental care, comprises both theoretical and clinical components that candidates must successfully complete. Dr. Marshall joined an elite panel of Trinidadian dental experts with international training backgrounds spanning the United Kingdom, United States, and the University of the West Indies system.

    The clinical evaluations followed a structured format: Day 1 focused on endodontics (root canal procedures) and fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), while Day 2 assessed candidates’ skills in restorative dentistry (fillings) and periodontics (deep scaling and root planing). This comprehensive testing approach ensures that successful candidates meet the stringent requirements for registration and licensure in multiple jurisdictions.

    Candidates from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados participated in the examination session, with final results to be formally announced by the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago following thorough evaluation.

    Dr. Marshall brings exceptional qualifications to this role. A Temple University (USA) graduate, he currently practices as a senior practitioner at Dental Care Clinic in St. John’s, Antigua. His distinguished career includes 24 years of service as District Dental Officer within the Ministry of Health (1993-2017), and he currently holds the position of Senior Dental Consultant within the same ministry.

    Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Marshall holds leadership roles as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Medical Registration Board and serves as Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association, having previously served as its President.

    In response to this honor, Dr. Marshall expressed gratitude to the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago for his selection, while also acknowledging the support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Environment & Civil Service for enabling his participation. He further credited his colleagues in both private and public practice for their unwavering support in advancing professional standards across the region.

  • Removal of derelict vehicles resumes in Goodwill and Fond Cole areas

    Removal of derelict vehicles resumes in Goodwill and Fond Cole areas

    Authorities in Dominica have launched a renewed offensive against derelict vehicles, targeting neighborhoods in Goodwill and Fond Cole as part of a comprehensive public safety initiative. The joint operation, spearheaded by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) and the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), aims to address multiple urban hazards associated with abandoned automobiles.

    Official communications from the CDPF emphasize that this campaign extends beyond mere aesthetic improvement, targeting critical public health and security concerns. These neglected vehicles have been identified as potential havens for criminal activities, breeding grounds for disease-carrying rodents, and unnecessary obstructions in public areas. The initiative represents a proactive measure to mitigate these risks and uphold community standards.

    Law enforcement officials have issued a firm directive to vehicle owners, urging immediate removal of any unlicensed or abandoned automobiles. The appeal underscores the importance of civic responsibility in maintaining communal spaces. “Let us continue working together to keep our communities clean, safe, and orderly,” stated the official release, highlighting that citizen cooperation remains fundamental to the program’s success.

    The current operation builds upon previous cleanup efforts, demonstrating the government’s sustained commitment to urban renewal and crime prevention through environmental design. This systematic approach to removing derelict vehicles reflects broader strategies being implemented across Caribbean nations to enhance quality of life in residential areas.

  • Voormalig Assembleelid Mohamedsafiek Gowrie (45) overleden

    Voormalig Assembleelid Mohamedsafiek Gowrie (45) overleden

    Suriname’s political community mourns the loss of former National Assembly member Mohamedsafiek Gowrie, who passed away at age 45 on December 2nd. The confirmation came from Asis Gajadien, parliamentary leader of Gowrie’s VHP party, in an official statement to local media outlet Starnieuws.

    Gowrie served as an elected representative in Suriname’s parliament from 2020 through 2025, during which period he developed serious health complications. Despite undergoing extensive medical treatments, he maintained his commitment to legislative duties, continuing to contribute to parliamentary proceedings throughout his illness.

    “He demonstrated remarkable courage throughout his health challenges,” stated Gajadien, highlighting Gowrie’s dedication to public service. “Gowrie was a disciplined individual who approached his responsibilities with unwavering commitment, persevering even under the most difficult circumstances. Ultimately, he was forced to surrender his brave fight.”

    The VHP party leadership extended heartfelt condolences to Gowrie’s family members and loved ones. Gajadien expressed the party’s collective sympathy while offering strength and support to the grieving family during this profoundly difficult time. The passing of the young parliamentarian has created a void in Suriname’s political landscape, with colleagues remembering him as a dedicated public servant who remained active in governance until his final days.