Carib Scope

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through its Department of Environment, has officially launched the application phase for its innovative Solar Street-Light Program. This sustainability project, supported through cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, represents a significant step in the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure development.

    Eligibility for the program extends to various organized community entities including registered community groups, faith-based organizations, agricultural associations representing local farmers, and private educational institutions. Successful applicants will be awarded comprehensive solar lighting kits featuring high-intensity 8,000-lumen solar street lights mounted on eight-meter poles with arms. Each complete system includes photovoltaic panels, storage batteries housed in weatherproof enclosures, and all necessary mounting hardware and assembly components.

    While the government provides the equipment through this initiative, recipients assume responsibility for installation expenses. Limited logistical support for transportation may be available upon specific request and approval, according to program guidelines.

    Prospective participants must complete official application documentation accessible through the Department of Environment’s digital portals. The administration has established a substantial application window, with all submissions due by February 20, 2026.

    This program constitutes a core component of Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic national framework aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption and fostering sustainable community infrastructure development across the dual-island nation.

  • Tourism Industry Experts Warn ‘Traditional Marketing is Dead’ as DMOs Face Radical Shift to Story-Driven Media

    Tourism Industry Experts Warn ‘Traditional Marketing is Dead’ as DMOs Face Radical Shift to Story-Driven Media

    A seismic transformation is underway in the global tourism sector as destination marketing organizations (DMOs) confront the outright obsolescence of conventional promotional strategies. Leading tourism experts are delivering a stark verdict: traditional marketing methodologies have reached their expiration date, necessitating an urgent pivot toward narrative-rich, immersive media experiences.

    The paradigm shift stems from fundamental changes in traveler behavior and content consumption patterns. Modern tourists, particularly digitally-native generations, increasingly reject interruptive advertisements and generic destination brochures. Instead, they seek authentic, emotionally resonant stories that forge genuine connections with potential travel experiences before departure.

    This revolution demands that DMOs completely reimagine their strategic approach. The new mandate requires developing sophisticated story-driven content across multiple digital platforms—from compelling short-form videos on social media to immersive virtual reality previews and influencer collaborations that showcase unique local narratives. Success now hinges on creating shareable moments rather than simply listing amenities or attractions.

    Industry analysts note that destinations embracing this storytelling ethos are achieving unprecedented engagement metrics and significantly higher conversion rates. The most forward-thinking organizations are leveraging user-generated content, interactive digital experiences, and personalized narrative journeys that allow potential visitors to envision themselves within the destination’s unique storyscape.

    This transition presents substantial challenges for established DMOs, requiring new skill sets, budgetary reallocations, and organizational restructuring. However, those who successfully navigate this radical shift stand to gain substantial competitive advantage in the increasingly crowded global tourism marketplace, where authentic stories now trump traditional advertising.

  • FLASH : Taiwan launches two scholarship programs, registrations open

    FLASH : Taiwan launches two scholarship programs, registrations open

    The Taiwanese diplomatic mission in Port-au-Prince has unveiled two comprehensive scholarship programs for Haitian students seeking international education opportunities during the 2026 academic year. This initiative represents a significant expansion of educational cooperation between Taiwan and Haiti.

    Prospective applicants can choose between the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship Program, available in both General Subjects and Public Health specializations, and the ICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Program. These initiatives cater to students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies, creating multiple pathways for academic advancement.

    The General Subjects scholarship under the MOFA program offers Mandarin language instruction during the first year of study, accommodating students’ linguistic preferences. Conversely, the Public Health specialization and ICDF program deliver curriculum exclusively in English, eliminating language barriers for Haitian scholars.

    A critical requirement mandates that candidates select only one scholarship program, with applications violating this policy facing automatic disqualification. The application window remains open until February 27, 2026, requiring physical submission at the Taiwanese Embassy in Haiti.

    Comprehensive eligibility criteria and detailed application procedures have been published on the embassy’s official portal (https://www.roc-taiwan.org/ht_fr/cat/20.html), with dedicated documentation available for each program. This transparency ensures applicants can make informed decisions regarding their academic future.

    This educational partnership reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to fostering international academic exchange and supporting human capital development in Haiti through accessible higher education opportunities.

  • BTL’s Protest: “A Decent Flex”

    BTL’s Protest: “A Decent Flex”

    In a striking display of political dissent, Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa has characterized Tuesday’s demonstration at Belize Telemedia Limited’s headquarters as indicative of a “healthy democracy,” even amidst scenes of disorder on the corporate compound. The protest, which involved opposition members and labor unions, escalated when participants forcibly entered BTL’s premises, prompting law enforcement to deploy pepper spray in response to what the telecommunications company denounced as “illegal trespassing.”

    Musa, reflecting on the event, described the opposition’s mobilization as a “decent flex”—a testament to vibrant political engagement within the nation. While acknowledging the protest was not entirely peaceful, he emphasized its significance in demonstrating a robust opposition presence, though he questioned whether it would achieve the multi-phase objectives touted by organizers.

    The demonstration unfolds against the backdrop of mounting tensions surrounding BTL’s prospective acquisition of Speednet/SMART. Musa clarified that the ultimate decision rests with BTL’s board, not politicians, underscoring the need for continued public scrutiny of the deal given substantial pushback. He confirmed that the Cabinet would disclose its stance only after comprehensive consultations are concluded, highlighting the government’s cautious approach to the contentious telecommunications merger.

  • Caracol : The country’s largest photovoltaic solar power plant

    Caracol : The country’s largest photovoltaic solar power plant

    In a transformative development for Haiti’s energy sector, the nation has activated its largest-ever photovoltaic solar facility at the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC). This groundbreaking $57 million project, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, represents a strategic shift from fossil fuel dependency toward sustainable energy solutions.

    The 13.4-megawatt installation employs an innovative hybrid architecture combining solar generation with battery energy storage (BESS) and backup thermal units. This sophisticated design ensures uninterrupted 24/7 power supply to both industrial and residential consumers while enhancing grid stability and reducing kilowatt-hour costs.

    Constructed by Ssangyong Engineering & Construction under National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANARSE) oversight, the facility has undergone rigorous quality assessments against international technical standards. The phased commissioning process ensures seamless integration with existing infrastructure without disrupting current power delivery.

    The project delivers multifaceted benefits: significantly cutting petroleum fuel imports, safeguarding thousands of local jobs through reliable industrial energy access, and substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions to support Haiti’s climate commitments. As a national benchmark for grid-connected renewable energy, the Caracol solar plant establishes a replicable model for future large-scale energy infrastructure nationwide.

  • Vliegtuigongeluk in Colombia eist 15 levens, onder wie politicus

    Vliegtuigongeluk in Colombia eist 15 levens, onder wie politicus

    A domestic flight operated by Colombia’s state airline Satena ended in tragedy Wednesday when a Beechcraft 1900 turboprop aircraft crashed in the mountainous northeastern region near the Venezuelan border, claiming all fifteen lives aboard. The ill-fated aircraft had departed from Cucuta Airport around midday en route to Ocana when air traffic controllers lost contact just twelve minutes after takeoff.

    Among the victims was regional parliament member Diogenes Quintero, who was traveling with members of his political team. The passenger manifesto also confirmed Carlos Salcedo, a congressional candidate preparing for March elections, was aboard the flight. Aviation authorities noted the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter failed to activate, complicating initial rescue efforts.

    The crash site, located in the El Tarra municipality within the Catatumbo River basin, represents one of Colombia’s most challenging regions—a zone dominated by rugged terrain, extensive coca cultivation, and active presence of armed guerrilla factions including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

    Satena Airlines has launched a full investigation into the accident but has not yet determined the probable cause. Aviation experts suggest the combination of difficult mountainous topography and potentially adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster. Local media footage showed the severely damaged fuselage surrounded by emergency response teams working in the hazardous environment.

    This incident marks one of Colombia’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent years and has raised serious questions about flight safety in remote conflict zones where illegal armed groups maintain strong operational presence.

  • How Kareem Musa Spends $180K of His Constituency Development Funds

    How Kareem Musa Spends $180K of His Constituency Development Funds

    Belize’s Minister of Immigration and Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa has provided detailed insights into the allocation of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF), totaling $180,000 annually. The disclosure comes amid growing public scrutiny regarding governmental spending transparency.

    Minister Musa clarified that CDF expenditures serve dual purposes: direct support for individual constituents and broader community enhancement initiatives. On the personal assistance front, funds have been channeled toward critical needs including housing materials, emergency medical expenses, and funeral support for bereaved families. For collective community benefit, the financing has facilitated comprehensive park rehabilitations and infrastructure upgrades across the constituency.

    “Every one of the five or six parks within our electoral district has undergone complete refurbishment,” Minister Musa stated, emphasizing the tangible community impact.

    Addressing transparency concerns raised by activist Jerry Enriquez through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Musa confirmed that comprehensive expenditure documentation has been systematically forwarded to central government institutions. “All financial receipts have been duly submitted to both the Cabinet Secretary’s office and the Ministry of Finance,” Musa explained, adding that these records remain accessible through proper official channels.

    The CDF system provides monthly allocations to area representatives across political parties, with funding levels calibrated according to constituency dimensions. Official data from the Elections and Boundaries Department indicates the Caribbean Shores constituency contained 4,475 registered voters as of December 2025.

  • REOI: Consulting Services — Firms selection

    REOI: Consulting Services — Firms selection

    The Grenadian government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and backed by Global Environment Facility funding, has initiated a significant environmental conservation project. This initiative focuses on comprehensively revising the nation’s Protected Areas System Plan, originally established in 2009, while simultaneously finalizing draft management plans developed during the 2017-2019 R2R Project.

    The consulting assignment, scheduled from March 16 to June 12, 2026, requires specialized expertise in environmental management, natural resources conservation, and spatial planning. Interested firms must demonstrate substantial experience working with governmental agencies on environmental policies, donor-funded public sector projects, and stakeholder engagement processes, particularly within Caribbean or Small-Island Developing States contexts.

    Evaluation criteria emphasize technical competence in environmental science, natural resources management, and heritage preservation. Applicants must provide evidence of previous successful assignments, including case studies and client references validating their qualifications and performance quality.

    The selection process will follow the Consultant Qualification Selection method outlined in Procurement Regulations. Consulting firms may form associations or joint ventures to strengthen their applications, with clear indication of partnership structures and liability arrangements.

    Submission requirements include digital PDF documents not exceeding 25 pages, presented on company letterhead with comprehensive profiles, recent project experiences, and valid business documentation. All expressions of interest must be submitted electronically through the Central Procurement Unit’s e-procurement platform and specified email addresses before February 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Caribbean Time.

  • Powering the future: Solar energy at Woburn Methodist School

    Powering the future: Solar energy at Woburn Methodist School

    In a significant stride toward educational sustainability, the Sandals Foundation has unveiled a state-of-the-art solar energy system at Woburn Methodist School in Grenada. The EC$33,350 renewable infrastructure project marks a transformative investment in Caribbean educational resilience, formally commissioned during a ceremonial handover event attended by school officials, community partners, and education stakeholders.

    Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the critical nexus between energy security and educational development: “Education stands as a paramount catalyst for national progress. Consistent energy access amplifies digital instruction, enhances teacher readiness, and fortifies institutional sustainability. This solar transition embodies both practical utility and visionary planning—bolstering present-day learning while future-proofing educational institutions.”

    The newly installed solar array directly supports technology-integrated pedagogy, ensuring uninterrupted computer-based learning, stable internet connectivity, and multimedia teaching capabilities. Principal Richard Japal noted the growing importance of reliable electricity in modern education systems: “As regional schools evolve into digital access points, energy resilience becomes fundamental to preparing students for a dynamically changing global economy.”

    Beyond academic applications, the project amplifies community-wide benefits. Woburn Methodist School functions as a hurricane shelter and community hub for meetings, training programs, and development initiatives. This infrastructure enhancement strengthens local disaster resilience while advancing national energy security objectives.

    District Education Officer Curleen Aban-Marshall highlighted the multidimensional impact: “This initiative transcends mere technical installation—it represents a transfer of hope, sustainability, and empowerment. Students now gain firsthand exposure to renewable energy systems, aligning perfectly with Grenada’s national mission for environmental stewardship and climate resilience.”

    The Woburn installation joins an expanding network of solar-powered institutions established by the Sandals Foundation across the Caribbean, collectively advancing sustainable infrastructure for schools, community centers, and medical clinics throughout the region.

  • GTA Chairman among public life officials who failed to declare assets

    GTA Chairman among public life officials who failed to declare assets

    Grenada’s Integrity Commission has publicly identified several prominent public officials for their failure to submit mandatory asset declarations as required by national law. The list includes Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, two medical practitioners, and multiple police officers of varying ranks.

    The Commission’s notice, published in the January 23, 2026 Government Gazette and signed by Chairman Gillian Bristol, reveals these officials have neglected their legal obligation to declare assets, liabilities, income, and interests since the government transition in 2022. This disclosure marks a significant enforcement action under Grenada’s Public Life Act.

    Notably, Dolland continues to serve as GTA chairman despite his original three-year appointment technically expiring in 2025. The National Democratic Congress Administration initially appointed Dolland to this position, with his board tenure formally commencing on August 8, 2022. While no official reappointment notice has been gazetted, verification with the GTA confirms his continued service in the role.

    The published notice explicitly outlines the legal consequences for non-compliance, including potential fines up to EC$200,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. The Commission maintains authority to seek court orders compelling compliance through ex parte applications.

    Grenada’s Public Life Act designates numerous government-affiliated positions as ‘public life’ roles subject to these transparency requirements, including senators, parliament members, commission appointees, and statutory board chairpersons. The legislation aims to maintain accountability and prevent corruption among officials holding public trust.