Carib Scope

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  • Igor Rodríguez reaffirms commitment at opening of Dominican Civil Aviation Week

    Igor Rodríguez reaffirms commitment at opening of Dominican Civil Aviation Week

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has reinforced its institutional pledge to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, integrity, and passion within the nation’s aviation sector. The declaration came from Director General Igor Rodríguez Durán during a special thanksgiving mass and floral tribute ceremony at the Altar of the Fatherland, marking the commencement of Dominican Civil Aviation Week.

    Addressing IDAC personnel, Rodríguez Durán expressed profound appreciation for their unwavering dedication, identifying their collective efforts as the fundamental driver behind the agency’s operational successes. He emphasized that since assuming leadership, his administration has implemented an inclusive strategic agenda that actively engages all employees in the institution’s developmental trajectory.

    The aviation chief detailed substantial organizational investments directed toward advanced professional training programs and cutting-edge technological equipment. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance the operational capabilities and safety protocols of civil aviation activities throughout the Dominican Republic. Rodríguez Durán issued a compelling call to action, urging continued collaborative efforts with unity and determined conviction to forge a safer future for the nation’s aviation landscape.

    This annual observance forms part of the preparatory events leading to International Civil Aviation Day on December 7, which globally commemorates the historic signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation established in 1944. The week-long series of events serves to highlight aviation safety advancements and recognize industry professionals.

  • CARICOM honours women and youth in sustainable energy

    CARICOM honours women and youth in sustainable energy

    In a landmark ceremony concluding CARICOM Energy Month 2025, the Caribbean Community celebrated exceptional women and youth leaders revolutionizing sustainable energy development across the region. The prestigious WISE (Women in Sustainable Energy) and SEY (Sustainable Energy Youth) Awards recognized ten visionaries for their transformative contributions to policy innovation, community advocacy, and clean energy entrepreneurship.

    The November 28th gala at Georgetown’s Pegasus Hotel honored eight female pioneers and two youth innovators spanning 2024 and 2025 award cycles. Guyana’s Shevon Wood received recognition for policy leadership while Jamaica’s Carol Lue triumphed in business entrepreneurship. Social impact accolades went to advocates Jayda Overton (Guyana) and Gabrielle Gay (Barbados), with utility sector honors awarded to Cheryl Lewis (Jamaica) and Nikita Mullings (Bahamas).

    Youth champions Amir Dillawar (Guyana) and Damani Thomas (Jamaica) secured SEY honors for their groundbreaking solar energy initiatives and carbon neutrality efforts. Ambassador David Prendergast, CARICOM’s Director of Sectoral Programmes, emphasized that regional energy transition “must reflect and embrace the vital contributions of women and youth” across all sectors from policymaking to consumer engagement.

    The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which partnered with CARICOM on the awards, reinforced through representative Dr. Neibert Blair that “the CARICOM energy transition cannot be achieved without women and youth.” Blair highlighted awardees’ roles in climate adaptation, workforce modernization, and policy development that collectively shape the region’s sustainable future.

    This celebration capped a month-long series of energy transition activities including electric vehicle expositions, academic engagements, and community initiatives like the Regional Energy Kilo Walk. The awards ceremony underscored CARICOM’s commitment to gender-inclusive and intergenerational leadership in achieving its clean energy objectives across 15 member states and 6 associate members.

  • Dominican Republic hits 10.2 million in tourist arrivals

    Dominican Republic hits 10.2 million in tourist arrivals

    The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector has achieved unprecedented growth, demonstrating remarkable resilience and economic vitality. According to Tourism Minister David Collado, the nation welcomed a staggering 10,284,251 visitors by November 30, 2025, representing a monumental 52% increase compared to the 6.7 million tourists received in 2019.

    This explosive growth becomes even more significant considering the loss of approximately 600,000 annual visitors from Russia and Ukraine due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The sector has shown consistent upward trajectory with a 13% improvement over 2023 figures and a 3.1% increase compared to 2024 performance. The eastern region and numerous destinations nationwide are experiencing exceptional demand, with hotels reporting complete occupancy from December through April.

    Air arrivals between January and November reached 7,884,421, marking a 3% increase over 2024 and a substantial 35% surge compared to 2019. Cruise tourism similarly flourished with 2,399,833 arrivals, also reflecting a 3% growth pattern. The visitor composition included 6,585,380 foreign tourists (+2%) and 1,299,041 Dominican nationals traveling with international passports (+8%).

    Projections indicate the sector will conclude 2025 with approximately 11.7 million visitors and generate over US$12 billion in foreign exchange earnings. The tourism boom has created employment opportunities for more than 800,000 individuals across tourism, agriculture, and commerce sectors. The industry contributed US$16.781 billion to GDP and provided RD$73.6 billion in government revenue, funding essential services including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

  • Maduro hekelt uitspraak Trump: ‘Kolonialistisch dreigement’ tegen Venezuela

    Maduro hekelt uitspraak Trump: ‘Kolonialistisch dreigement’ tegen Venezuela

    Venezuela has issued a forceful response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that the airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered entirely \”closed.\” The government of Nicolás Maduro characterizes this move as an unlawful infringement on national sovereignty—a \”colonial threat\” that violates international law.\n\nIn an official statement, the Venezuelan government condemned Trump’s message as not only \”excessive and unilateral\” but also an \”unprecedented aggression\” against the Venezuelan people. \”We reject this colonialist threat that seeks to undermine the sovereignty of our airspace,\” the statement read.\n\nCaracas emphasized that no foreign head of state holds the authority to close another nation’s airspace, labeling the U.S. position a breach of international legal standards and therefore unacceptable.\n\nThe declaration comes amid escalating tensions and increased U.S. pressure on the Maduro administration. Washington recently conducted several military operations against alleged drug smugglers in Caribbean waters, which Venezuela interprets as part of a broader strategy to legitimize foreign intervention.\n\nIn response to Trump’s statement, multiple international airlines that had suspended flights to Venezuela have now lost their flight rights. Additionally, Venezuela has announced the suspension of repatriation and migration flights, urging the international community to respect its sovereign airspace.\n\nWith the U.S. hinting at potential future military actions \”on land\” in Venezuela, concerns are mounting regarding regional stability, aviation safety, migration, and the integrity of international law. Caracas warns that any foreign interference will be met with national defense measures.

  • St. Lucians vote for a new government

    St. Lucians vote for a new government

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia – Citizens of this Eastern Caribbean nation are preparing to cast their votes in a pivotal general election on Monday, marking a democratic contest between incumbent Prime Minister Phillip Pierre’s St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and Allen Chastanet’s opposition United Workers Party (UWP).

    The electoral process, monitored by international observers from CARICOM and the Organization of American States, features 52 nominated candidates including eight independents, though political analysts anticipate a direct confrontation between the two dominant parties.

    Prime Minister Pierre, 71, called the election nearly one year ahead of the constitutional deadline, expressing confidence that his party would maintain or exceed its current 13-seat majority achieved in the July 2021 polls. In his final pre-election message on social media, Pierre emphasized divine guidance and collective progress, invoking Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

    Opposition leader Chastanet, 65, similarly sought spiritual intervention, praying for “peace, wisdom and protection” during the voting process. Addressing supporters at his final rally in Choiseul, Chastanet referenced recent electoral victories by “yellow” parties across the Caribbean, including in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, suggesting a regional political shift.

    Political analyst Rhyesa Joseph identified multiple factors influencing voter behavior, including “national leadership and governance, parliamentary representation, quality of the opposition candidate and trust and confidence in political affiliation.”

    The Electoral Department reports approximately 180,000 registered voters, with Chief Elections Officer Herman St. Helen noting a significant late surge in registrations, particularly among youth. St. Helen emphatically guaranteed a free and fair electoral process despite allegations of corruption.

    Voter turnout remains a concern, with historical data showing a dramatic decline from 80% in 1979 to just over 50% in 2021. Local publication The Voice urged citizens to fulfill their “civic duty” despite this trend.

    Key battlegrounds include constituencies where former UWP members Richard Frederick and Stephenson King, now running as independents after previously aligning with the SLP, face heightened competition. The election’s outcome will determine the direction of national development policies and St. Lucia’s positioning within the Caribbean community.

  • Dominican Republic wins silver and bronze at World Robot Olympiad 2025

    Dominican Republic wins silver and bronze at World Robot Olympiad 2025

    SINGAPORE – The Dominican Republic has dramatically elevated its status in the global technology arena by capturing two prestigious medals at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 finals. Competing in a fiercely contested field representing over 96 nations, the Caribbean nation’s young talents demonstrated exceptional skill and innovation on the world stage.

    In a landmark achievement for the country’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education sector, the ‘Fire Busters’ team was awarded the silver medal in the highly competitive Future Innovators – Senior category. The judging panel specifically highlighted their project’s groundbreaking innovation, significant social impact potential, and outstanding technical execution. This accomplishment has propelled the Dominican Republic to an impressive 18th place in the global rankings for this division.

    Simultaneously, the ‘Cyberbot’ squad secured the bronze medal in the RoboMission – Junior category, where they excelled in robot design sophistication, strategic implementation, and advanced programming techniques against international counterparts.

    The path to Singapore was paved through an extensive national selection process orchestrated by WRO Dominican Republic. This rigorous competition, which unfolded across Santiago and Santo Domingo, attracted hundreds of participants from both public and private educational institutions, showcasing the growing depth of robotic talent throughout the country.

  • Region 1 policeman arrested after video surfaces of man brandishing, shooting rifle, threatening to kill

    Region 1 policeman arrested after video surfaces of man brandishing, shooting rifle, threatening to kill

    A law enforcement officer from Guyana’s Region 1 (Barima-Waini) has been taken into custody following the emergence of a disturbing video depicting an armed individual threatening lethal violence in Port Kaituma. The Guyana Police Force confirmed Sunday that the officer was placed under close arrest to facilitate an internal investigation into the alarming incident.

    The controversial footage, which surfaced on social media platforms, shows a man dressed in civilian clothing brandishing an assault rifle on a public roadway. During the altercation, the individual discharged multiple rounds—including one shot fired while a peacemaker attempted to disarm him, and two additional shots while walking with the weapon. Two women were visible in the video attempting to de-escalate the situation.

    Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has ordered the Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The law enforcement agency emphasized that the video evidence would form a crucial component of the probe, which will determine appropriate disciplinary and criminal measures.

    The police force issued an official statement affirming its commitment to ‘maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.’ The statement came approximately one hour after Team Mohamed’s Facebook page published the viral video, though police did not explicitly acknowledge the social media post as their source.

    The incident has drawn political attention, with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party calling for authorities to investigate what they describe as inadequate supervision of police personnel in Region One. The party’s social media caption accompanying the video demanded thorough investigation into these alleged police infractions.

  • Column: De ketens van onderdanigheid

    Column: De ketens van onderdanigheid

    The state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Suriname has evolved beyond ceremonial formalities into a profound examination of the complex historical relationship between the Netherlands and its former colony. While theoretically representing an opportunity to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, the visit has instead highlighted enduring tensions through its stringent protocol requirements.

    Surinamese media outlets have received official instructions mandating specific royal address protocols, including the use of ‘Her Excellency’ and ‘Their Majesties King and Queen,’ while being discouraged from publishing speculative or unverified reporting. All publications and broadcasts must reflect the dignity of the state visit—requirements notably more rigid than those enforced in the Netherlands itself.

    These protocol directives have sparked intense national introspection about Suriname’s cultural identity and historical consciousness. Many question why the nation remains bound to ceremonial practices that echo colonial subservience and slavery-era power dynamics. The symbolic weight of bowing to these royal protocols, critics argue, demonstrates that Suriname has not fully transcended its colonial past, with the Orange family—once rulers over ancestors—still maintaining invisible chains around the nation’s neck.

    The visit has consequently become a catalyst for deeper reflection about national dignity and historical reconciliation. True progress, commentators suggest, will emerge not through adherence to protocols that perpetuate historical power imbalances, but through breaking the chains that bind Suriname to a past that must be confronted and overcome. Only through such liberation can Suriname truly advance as a proud, free, and equal nation in its relationship with the Netherlands.

  • Expat rugby pioneer Lucas dead at 85

    Expat rugby pioneer Lucas dead at 85

    The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of British-born rugby pioneer John Eric Lucas, who passed away on November 1 at age 85. His funeral service on November 28 at Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima in La Clery brought together family, athletes, and business leaders to honor his transformative impact on the island’s sporting culture.

    Lucas arrived in Saint Lucia in the 1970s through his accounting work with the Commonwealth Development Corporation, serving as secretary accountant of LUCELEC. Though offered opportunities to return to Africa after his contract, he chose to remain on the island, captivated by its people and culture. He subsequently joined Minvelle & Chastenet Limited, where he rose to finance director and formed a pivotal partnership with managing director Fred Devaux.

    His sporting legacy began through collaboration with Canadian educators including Millar Young from Castries Comprehensive Secondary School. Lucas leveraged his administrative skills and community connections to establish rugby’s foundation on the island. As former national player Michael Pierre recalled: ‘He was in the rugby administration when I played, and he was also a top rugby official.’

    The Saint Lucia Rugby Club flourished under his guidance, hosting international teams and traveling to neighboring territories including Barbados, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Although the sport experienced a decline in the late 1980s, Lucas lived to see its resurgence over the past two decades.

    Beyond sports, Lucas was celebrated for his charitable work and community dedication. Saint Lucia Olympic Committee President Alfred Emmanuel noted: ‘Surely he was one of the pioneers of the sport in Saint Lucia… He used his connections to get locals involved in the sport, and the rest is history.’

    His family described him as ‘a very outgoing and charismatic man’ whose passion for sports led to numerous socially beneficial initiatives, including his role as vice president of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce. His son Christopher Eric Lucas remembered him as ‘a kind and compassionate man, hardly ever without a smile on his face.’

    The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union, represented by president Roger Butcher and former player Lyndell Norville, paid formal tribute at his memorial service, acknowledging Lucas’s enduring legacy in establishing rugby as part of the island’s sporting identity.

  • An uprising that gave continuity to the Revolution

    An uprising that gave continuity to the Revolution

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA – The city commemorated the 69th anniversary of the November 30, 1956 uprising with a solemn ceremony that echoed the revolutionary spirit of the past while reaffirming contemporary political commitments. The event marked the historic action led by Frank País that supported the landing of the Granma yacht, a pivotal moment in Cuba’s revolutionary struggle.

    At Loma del Intendente, floral tributes were ceremoniously placed before the memorial plaque honoring the uprising. The offerings included wreaths from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, revolutionary leader and former president; First Secretary of the Communist Party and President of the Republic Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernández; and one representing the Cuban people.

    The ceremony, presided over by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, First Secretary of the Party in Santiago de Cuba province, served multiple purposes beyond historical remembrance. New members of the Young Communist League received their membership cards during the event, while various organizations and entities presented their commitments in celebration of the upcoming 67th anniversary of the Revolution’s triumph.

    The original 1956 uprising, as described by Frank País himself, demonstrated overwhelming popular support for the revolutionary cause. Citizens provided critical assistance to revolutionaries by caring for the wounded, concealing combatants, safeguarding weapons and uniforms, offering their homes as refuge, and monitoring army movements. This collective courage during the struggle’s most challenging moments created what País characterized as “a beautiful sight” of unified resistance.

    The contemporary ceremony effectively bridged historical memory with current political symbolism, emphasizing continuity between the revolutionary past and present governance structures through the participation of both veteran leaders and new party members.