Carib Scope

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  • APNU accuses gov’t of politically motivated withholding of population count, finance minister to seek update from Stats Bureau

    APNU accuses gov’t of politically motivated withholding of population count, finance minister to seek update from Stats Bureau

    Guyana’s political landscape is embroiled in controversy as the opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has launched serious allegations against the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration. APNU claims the government is deliberately suppressing the results of the 2022 national population and housing census to secure political advantages in upcoming local elections.

    The opposition party, holding 12 parliamentary seats, asserts that the Irfaan Ali-led administration is engaging in ‘institutional corruption’ by withholding taxpayer-funded census data that cost approximately GY$2 billion. APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton emphasized that accurate population figures are essential for political planning, strategic decision-making, and maintaining a fair democratic process.

    According to unofficial estimates, Guyana’s population has grown significantly from 746,955 in 2012 to approximately 812,000 in 2022. This growth includes substantial immigration, with Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud noting nearly 100,000 persons of Venezuelan ancestry currently in Guyana, alongside increasing numbers of Cubans, Indians, Bangladeshis, and Trinidad and Tobago nationals.

    The absence of official census data has created planning challenges for businesses, NGOs, civil society organizations, and international institutions that rely on current demographic information. APNU warns this opacity undermines transparency, weakens institutional credibility, and erodes public trust in government institutions.

    Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who previously acknowledged the census’s importance for policy-making and public investment decisions, recently stated he would seek an update from the Bureau of Statistics. ‘This is very high on my agenda for discussion with the Chief Statistician because I, too, would like to see it… because we, as a government, would like it to be concluded and issued very soon,’ Dr. Singh commented earlier this month.

    APNU has demanded immediate publication of the 2022 census report, a transparent breakdown of census expenditures, stronger institutional safeguards for future censuses, and a detailed explanation for the delays with a clear timetable for completion. The enumeration process began on September 15, 2022, following Guyana’s standard ten-year national cycle, with field workers returning to various areas in August 2023 to ensure comprehensive household coverage.

  • Different activities held throughout Business Month in November 2025

    Different activities held throughout Business Month in November 2025

    Saint Lucia has launched an expansive Business Month celebration throughout November 2025, uniting the nation’s commercial ecosystem under the forward-looking theme ‘Securing Tomorrow, Powered by Sustainability, Built on Resilience.’ The initiative, now marking its tenth anniversary since its establishment by Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte, features 25 coordinated events designed to highlight the private sector’s critical role in national development.

    The official commencement on October 30 saw strong endorsements from business leaders including Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized that “businesses are the backbone of the economy” while specifically acknowledging the contributions of farmers, fishermen, and entertainers as essential business operators. Minister Hippolyte reaffirmed her ministry’s comprehensive engagement across all economic sectors.

    A significant development emerged on November 11 with the expansion of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Loan-Grant Facility, introducing specialized support for bakers and producer cooperatives. Sophia Alfay-Henry revealed that the program has already exceeded expectations, benefiting over 700 MSMEs despite initially planning for just 500 applications. The facility specifically promotes automation, standardization, and value addition while improving financial access for small enterprises.

    Educational institutions joined the celebration through innovative programs like the Agribusiness Pitch Competition hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Saint Lucia TVET Institute. Held on November 21 in Dennery, the event featured Form 4 and Form 5 students presenting value-added agricultural products addressing market needs, climate resilience, and food security. Sonia Bispack, Head of the TVET Department, observed the profound impact on participants who experienced the satisfaction of creating marketable products.

    The youth entrepreneurship movement gained further momentum through the Youth Investment Forum 2025 on November 25, organized by the Youth Economy Agency (YEA). Chairman Thomas Leonce articulated the transformative power of branding, telling young entrepreneurs that “a strong brand is more than a logo or a catchy slogan” but rather “the story of the business.” The agency continues to provide comprehensive support through business registration, financial literacy, product development, and market access initiatives.

    The month-long program included numerous collaborative events including the Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show (November 7-9), Accountants Week (November 8-15), and Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 17-23), demonstrating the government’s holistic approach to economic development through multi-sector partnerships.

  • Naparima crush ‘Pres’ 4-0 to lift Intercol south zone crown

    Naparima crush ‘Pres’ 4-0 to lift Intercol south zone crown

    Naparima College secured their second Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship of the 2025 season with an emphatic 4-0 triumph over Presentation College San Fernando in the Coca-Cola South Zone Intercol final. The decisive match unfolded at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium on December 1, showcasing Naparima’s formidable offensive capabilities against their city rivals.

    The match’s narrative transformed dramatically in the second half when striker Riquelme Phillips delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance. Substitute Xarion France compounded Presentation’s distress with a clinical fourth goal during extra time, sealing Naparima’s commanding victory. This triumph propels Naparima into the National Intercol quarter-finals, positioning them for a potential triple crown of SSFL titles this season.

    Presentation College initially demonstrated promising momentum during the opening minutes, earning a penalty opportunity in the fourth minute after Naparima defender Sebastian James fouled striker Isaiah Jacob in the box. However, Naparima goalkeeper Mikhail Clement anticipated perfectly, diving left to deny Jacob’s spot kick in what became a pivotal turning point.

    The Lions maintained territorial dominance throughout the first fifteen minutes but gradually yielded control as Naparima established midfield superiority. Despite several scoring chances from Jacob, Presentation consistently lacked the finishing precision required to convert opportunities into goals.

    The match evolved into a midfield stalemate during the latter first half, with Naparima’s Jabari Rodriguez, Jayden Caprietta, and Jacob O’Reilly applying sustained pressure on Presentation’s defensive lines. Both teams remained scoreless at halftime despite numerous attempts.

    Naparima emerged from the break with renewed offensive intensity. The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when defender Camron Bovell’s long aerial pass triggered defensive miscommunication between Presentation’s goalkeeper Marcelo Phillip and his defender. Phillips capitalized on the collision, expertly lofting a shot into the far post beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

    Thirteen minutes later, O’Reilly executed a strategic steal in Presentation’s territory, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Phillips who finished clinically against the outrushing goalkeeper. Phillips completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute through coordinated play with Caprietta, expertly shifting to his left foot before firing into the top right corner.

    The final blow came during added time when substitutes Arron Raymond and France combined effectively, with France delivering a powerful right-footed finish that eliminated any remaining hope for Presentation. The victory reinforces Naparima’s status as premier contenders while Presentation must regroup for subsequent seasons.

  • Five Rivers sink Holy Faith Convent 9-0, into nat’l Intercol semis

    Five Rivers sink Holy Faith Convent 9-0, into nat’l Intercol semis

    Five Rivers Secondary School delivered a breathtaking display of offensive dominance on December 1, securing their place in the National Coca-Cola Intercol girls’ semifinal with a devastating 9-0 victory over Holy Faith Convent Couva at Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva.

    The match transformed into a personal showcase for striker Hackeemar Goodridge, who netted an impressive four goals in what became a one-sided championship division encounter. Goodridge’s remarkable performance was complemented by Ahmeeda Bowman and Jayda Herbert, each contributing two goals, while Shaquilla Daniel sealed the commanding win with a solitary strike.

    Five Rivers established control from the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the first half. Goodridge initiated the scoring spree in the seventh minute after capitalizing on a defensive miscue from Holy Faith Convent. Bowman extended the lead to 2-0 in the 27th minute with a skillful individual effort, evading defender Azariah Huggins before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Jael Moore.

    The eastern zone champions demonstrated relentless pressure, with Goodridge securing her second goal just three minutes later after finding herself unmarked in the penalty area. Herbert joined the scoring parade moments afterward, taking advantage of another defensive error to push the advantage to 4-0 before halftime.

    Five Rivers maintained their aggressive approach after the interval, with Goodridge completing her hat-trick in the 47th minute assisted by Herbert. The prolific striker added her fourth goal just five minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

    Despite the overwhelming lead, Five Rivers continued their offensive onslaught. Daniel converted her opportunity in the second half, followed by Herbert’s second goal in the 68th minute from a rebound situation. Bowman concluded the spectacular performance with a magnificent individual effort in the 81st minute, weaving through Holy Faith’s defense before firing past Moore to complete the historic victory.

    Holy Faith Convent struggled throughout the match, managing few meaningful attacks and demonstrating defensive vulnerabilities that Five Rivers exploited mercilessly. The victory sends Five Rivers into the national semifinals with tremendous momentum and a statement-making performance.

  • WATCH: Sections of Westmoreland may not receive electricity until May 2026— Mayor Delancy

    WATCH: Sections of Westmoreland may not receive electricity until May 2026— Mayor Delancy

    Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, confronts a protracted electrical infrastructure recovery timeline, with municipal authorities indicating certain regions may remain without power until May 2026. Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy disclosed this critical update following consultations with Jamaica Public Service CEO Hugh Grant, highlighting the severe operational challenges stemming from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    While essential facilities including Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital and major sections of Negril have regained electrical service, the broader restoration effort faces multi-year delays. The extended outage period exacerbates existing economic vulnerabilities, with approximately 60% of local small enterprises remaining shuttered due to combined structural damage and energy deprivation.

    Mayor Delancy expressed particular concern regarding commercial viability, noting that daily generator expenses exceeding $10,000 Jamaican dollars present insurmountable operational costs for most businesses. Concurrent employment crises have emerged across the tourism sector, leaving numerous residents simultaneously unemployed and homeless.

    Despite intervention efforts from private organizations supplementing governmental response, constituents report inadequate access to reconstruction materials through official channels. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) continues distribution operations, though previously allocated emergency funds of $250,000 per municipal corporation have been exhausted amid overwhelming need.

  • St Elizabeth resident receives aid from Aubyn Foundation, requests additional support

    St Elizabeth resident receives aid from Aubyn Foundation, requests additional support

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path through Jamaica, a story of resilience and community support has emerged from St. Elizabeth. Shaneek Spooner, a 35-year-old single mother and farmer, faced catastrophic losses when the hurricane struck on October 28th. The storm completely tore the roof from her home and decimated her entire agricultural livelihood, including all crops and livestock.

    The Aubyn Foundation, led by Aubyn Henry, chairman of the Aubyn Group, has stepped in to provide crucial assistance. Aid has included immediate necessities such as water, food, and clothing. Furthermore, the foundation has initiated the process of repairing the damaged roof, offering a beacon of hope for the family’s recovery.

    Following the natural disaster, Spooner joined numerous Jamaicans in utilizing social media to showcase the extensive devastation inflicted upon her property. Her online outreach has highlighted the severe challenges faced by many families in the region. While profoundly grateful for the support received thus far, Spooner remains open to additional assistance from any willing samaritans capable of lending support.

    Reflecting on her situation with perspective, Spooner expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that many others were left entirely without shelter. “I am so grateful because a lot of people don’t have anywhere to stay… it must be uncomfortable not being in their own space,” she stated. Embracing a determined spirit, she added, “I just have to pick up myself, ask for some assistance, and try on my own, as well… Whatever necessity I get, I am grateful.”

    Those moved to offer further support to Shaneek Spooner and her three children can contact her directly at (876) 213-6534.

  • Jimmy and Bob

    Jimmy and Bob

    In a poignant tribute to reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who passed away on November 24 at age 81, new light emerges on his instrumental role in launching another legend’s career. The revelation comes as part of ‘Jimmy Cliff: Stories Of A Bongo Man,’ a seven-part retrospective series examining the singer-songwriter’s multifaceted legacy.

    The year was 1962 when a determined 17-year-old welder named Robert Nesta Marley entered Beverley’s Records in downtown Kingston. Much like Elvis Presley’s legendary visit to Sun Records nine years earlier, Marley arrived with dreams of recording his original compositions. Instead of encountering producer Leslie Kong directly, Marley was greeted by 18-year-old Jimmy Cliff—already an established star with his hit ‘Hurricane Hattie’ fueling Jamaica’s ska revolution.

    Cliff, in a December 2021 interview, vividly recalled the moment: ‘I hear a voice say, ‘dat sound good yuh nuh’. When I looked around, it was a little youth with his chest pushed out.’ Despite Kong’s dismissive assessment that Marley ‘cyaan sing, mon,’ Cliff recognized extraordinary talent in the young artist’s poetic sensibility and innate rhythm.

    Under Cliff’s advocacy, Kong eventually recorded three of Marley’s early ska compositions: ‘Judge Not,’ ‘One Cup of Coffee,’ and ‘Terror.’ Released in late 1962, ‘Judge Not’ became Marley’s debut single—a historic milestone made possible by Cliff’s intervention.

    The Marley family officially acknowledged this debt on their social media, posting: ‘Jimmy was an instrumental figure in Bob’s coming up, having brought him to producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to record his very first singles.’

    Though Marley’s tenure with Beverley’s Records was brief—he soon formed The Wailers with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston—the encounter marked a critical juncture in music history. Both Kong and Marley met premature ends: Kong dying of a heart attack at 37 in 1971, and Marley succumbing to cancer at 36 in 1981. Cliff’s recent passing at 81 closes a chapter, but his legacy as both a pioneering artist and crucial talent-spotter endures.

  • Trinidad and Tobago women drub Barbados 5-0 in Concacaf W Qualifiers

    Trinidad and Tobago women drub Barbados 5-0 in Concacaf W Qualifiers

    The Trinidad and Tobago women’s national football team delivered a commanding performance in their Concacaf W Qualifier debut, securing an impressive 5-0 victory against Barbados at Kensington Oval on December 1. The match marked a spectacular beginning to their campaign in Group F, which also includes El Salvador and Honduras.

    Despite initial challenges adapting to the cricket pitch’s unusual bounce, the visiting team established early dominance. Captain Kennya “YaYa” Cordner broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a clinical finish from close range after goalkeeper Lisa Harding parried a powerful header from defender Kedie Johnson.

    The first half saw several near-misses for Trinidad and Tobago, including Alexcia Ali’s disallowed goal for offside and Nikita Gosine’s free kick striking the crossbar. Barbados’ best opportunity came from Rianna Cyrus, whose weak shot failed to trouble TT goalkeeper Simone Eligon.

    Strategic positional adjustments at halftime proved instrumental in TT’s second-half explosion. Johnson, shifted to left back, unleashed a spectacular 30-yard left-footed strike in the 77th minute that dipped dramatically beyond Harding’s reach. This breakthrough ignited a scoring frenzy in the final stages.

    Substitute Ariana Borneo made an immediate impact after her 67th-minute introduction, adding a third goal with a exquisite left-footed curler from outside the box in the 82nd minute. The offensive barrage continued as Aaliyah Prince showcased exceptional dribbling skills before slotting home a precise finish just moments later.

    The comprehensive victory was capped in stoppage time when Lorall Romain drilled a fifth goal through a crowded penalty area following an indirect free kick awarded for a goalkeeper infringement.

    The win provides ideal momentum for Trinidad and Tobago, who now await their next qualifier against Honduras on March 3, followed by a home fixture against El Salvador on April 16. The tournament structure sees only group winners advancing to the 2025 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as the qualifying pathway to both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • Touchstone begins drilling in central block after 19 years

    Touchstone begins drilling in central block after 19 years

    Touchstone Exploration Inc. has officially recommenced development drilling operations in Trinidad’s Central Block, marking the first such activity in the region since 2006. The energy company, led by President and CEO Paul Baay, initiated drilling at the Carapal Ridge-3 development well near Princes Town in southern Trinidad.

    The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries confirmed the operational restart on December 1, highlighting that Touchstone assumed control of the 6,600-acre Central Block following a successful transfer from Shell Trinidad Central Block Ltd on May 16. Since acquiring the asset, the company has conducted comprehensive resource evaluations and formulated plans for four developmental wells across the block.

    Notably, the ministry facilitated an accelerated timeline that enabled drilling operations to begin three weeks ahead of the original schedule. Touchstone’s internal projections indicate that production from the Central Block could potentially exceed 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas.

    In an official statement, the Ministry expressed enthusiasm for the renewed drilling activity: “These investments in drilling by Touchstone are welcomed as they aid in bringing much needed natural gas to market. The MEEI welcomes this renewed activity in our onshore natural gas fields and looks forward to further collaboration with all operators in revitalising our energy sector to benefit the citizens of the Republic of TT.”

    The development represents a significant step in revitalizing Trinidad’s domestic energy sector and addressing the nation’s natural gas supply requirements through increased exploration activity.

  • VPA brings relief, medical care and emotional support to hard-hit Parottee community

    VPA brings relief, medical care and emotional support to hard-hit Parottee community

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, a coalition of organizations spearheaded by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) has delivered a comprehensive relief mission to the severely impacted residents of Parottee. This multi-faceted initiative provided not only essential supplies but also crucial medical and psychosocial support to a community grappling with immense loss.

    The outreach, a collaborative endeavor with Sakura Express Restaurant, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Luminary Health Medical Centre, and Kozy Korner Books, addressed the compound crises faced by survivors. Beyond distributing over 200 care packages and 450 warm meals, the effort tackled deeper, emerging health and emotional challenges.

    Medical professionals from Luminary Health Medical Centre conducted checks for 55 residents, uncovering a critical situation. Dr. Gena Llewellyn, Chief Medical Officer, reported that many elderly patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes were dangerously rationing their medications due to the destruction of local health infrastructure. The team provided essential pharmaceutical samples to bridge this dangerous gap.

    Psychosocial support formed a core pillar of the response. Thirteen women participated in one-on-one counselling sessions, openly sharing anxieties and grief stemming from the loss of homes and livelihoods. A dedicated children’s program, led by art and music therapists, utilized drumming, singing, and ‘messages of hope’ drawings to facilitate emotional expression and recovery.

    Recognizing the specific pressures on male breadwinners, the VPA’s ‘Big Man Ting’ program convened nearly 60 men from the fishing community—many of whom lost boats and gear—for sessions on positive masculinity and emotional resilience. Facilitators created a vital space for them to discuss fears and the daunting task of rebuilding.

    Resident testimonials underscored the timing and necessity of the aid. Lorna Bennett, whose house collapsed, and chicken farmer Conroy Williams, who escaped with his life but lost everything else, expressed profound gratitude. With plans for a follow-up visit already under consideration, the VPA and its partners have established a critical foundation for both immediate relief and long-term community healing.