Carib Scope

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  • Hefty fines as police share traffic changes for Independence Parade on Sunday

    Hefty fines as police share traffic changes for Independence Parade on Sunday

    Barbadian authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of Sunday’s dual ceremonies celebrating national independence and presidential installation at Kensington Oval. The Barbados Police Service will implement extensive road closures and parking restrictions from 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with severe penalties for violations including $500 fines or potential three-month imprisonment sentences for non-compliance.

    Strategic road closures will affect critical transportation arteries including Fontabelle Road from Lakes Folly/Redman Drive to President Kennedy Drive/Holborn Circle, and President Kennedy Drive from Westbury Road to Holborn Circle. Public Service Vehicles maintain special access privileges along the President Kennedy Drive corridor despite the general vehicular ban.

    Significant traffic congestion is anticipated along multiple parade routes spanning key urban thoroughfares: Fontabelle Road, Cheapside, Chapel Street, Prince Alfred Street, Broad Street, Trafalgar Street, Bridge Street, Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge, Probyn Street, Bay Street, Lower Fairchild Street, Marhill Street, James Street, Magazine Lane, Coleridge Street, and Independence Square.

    Enhanced parking regulations prohibit vehicle placement on Westbury Road, President Kennedy Drive, Cheapside Road, Redman Drive, Prescod Boulevard, the access road to Hanschell Inniss, Pickwick Gap, University Row, Mighty Grynner Highway, and Kensington New Road.

    Designated parking facilities with shuttle services have been established for official participants: Kensington Oval for VVIPs, Parliament and Rickett Street for Parliamentarians, Cube Blue Barbados Port Inc for award recipients, Government Headquarters for honourees, Supreme Court and Helipad for participants including parents and children, State House for Presidential guests attending the Toast to the Nation ceremony, Government Procurement for diplomats, judiciary members and emergency services personnel, UWI Car Park for general invitees, and Kensington Mall for staff of designated persons.

    Law enforcement personnel will maintain heightened visibility along the parade route to facilitate traffic flow and ensure public safety during the ceremonial proceedings.

  • STATEMENT: ERC congratulatory message to New Democratic Party and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    STATEMENT: ERC congratulatory message to New Democratic Party and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    In a landmark development for Caribbean politics, the Electoral Reform Coalition based in Dominica has formally applauded the New Democratic Party’s decisive victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general elections. This electoral outcome marks a profound political transformation, terminating a quarter-century of opposition status for the NDP while ushering in a new governance era under Prime Minister-elect Dr. Godwin Friday.

    The coalition’s statement emphasized the exemplary democratic exercise demonstrated by Vincentian citizens, whose peaceful electoral participation resulted in the NDP securing eleven parliamentary seats—a commanding majority enabling government formation. This political transition represents not merely a domestic power shift but signals broader implications for democratic standards throughout the Caribbean region.

    Dr. Friday, now poised to become the nation’s seventh post-independence prime minister, receives commendations for his leadership during this historic transition. The ERC’s message specifically highlighted expectations for the incoming administration to prioritize transparency, strengthen electoral integrity mechanisms, and advance socio-economic policies benefiting all citizens.

    Notably, the coalition’s commentary extended beyond congratulatory remarks to draw parallels with Dominica’s political landscape, where a similarly prolonged administration has governed for 25 years. This comparative framing suggests the Vincentian election serves as both inspiration and potential catalyst for renewed civic engagement across neighboring nations.

    The ERC concluded with expressions of optimism regarding national reconciliation efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic processes throughout the Caribbean community.

  • Belize Bartenders Make Debut at World Cocktail Championship in Colombia

    Belize Bartenders Make Debut at World Cocktail Championship in Colombia

    In a landmark moment for the nation’s hospitality industry, Belize marked its inaugural participation in the prestigious World Cocktail Championship held from November 23-27 in Cartagena, Colombia. The Belize Bartenders Association (BBA) represented the Central American nation among 65 competing countries at the 72nd edition of this globally recognized mixology event.

    The Belizean team competed specifically in the long drink category, with BBA President Ricael Moran serving in the dual capacity of certified tasting and technical judge. Vice President Elvis Patt provided support to competitor Joseph Pate from San Pedro throughout the intensive five-day competition that featured trade exhibitions, educational talks, product tastings, and multiple competitive challenges.

    Although the team did not advance beyond the initial rounds, Belize achieved a respectable seventh-place finish in their category. The competition structure required top contenders to progress through semifinals involving market challenges, sensory tests, and a rigorous written examination comprising 100 questions to be completed within 30 minutes.

    President Moran emphasized the historic significance of their participation, noting that the exposure to international standards provides Belizean bartenders with globally recognized certifications through the International Bartenders Association (IBA). This accreditation opens professional opportunities across 65 member countries worldwide.

    The association has demonstrated growing competitive prowess, recently achieving top placements in other international events including a female bartending competition in Cuba and tenth position at the Pan American Cocktail Championships in Chile. Looking ahead, the BBA aims to secure funding for upcoming competitions including the Taiwan Golden Cup in December and is preparing for next year’s World Championship in Macau. Additionally, the association is exploring partnerships with local resorts to potentially host the 2026 Pan American Cocktail Championships.

  • Dr Friday Puts An End to Gonsalves’ 24-Year Rule

    Dr Friday Puts An End to Gonsalves’ 24-Year Rule

    In a historic political shift, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has elected its first new government in nearly a quarter-century. The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Dr. Godwin Friday, secured a decisive victory in the 2025 general elections, capturing 11 of the 15 parliamentary seats and unseating the long-ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).

    This electoral outcome concludes the remarkable 24-year tenure of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who ranks among the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) most enduring leaders. First assuming office in 2001, the 79-year-old incumbent had been pursuing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in power.

    The victory positions Dr. Friday to become the nation’s seventh prime minister since gaining independence from Britain in 1979. His incoming administration has outlined an ambitious reform agenda prioritizing economic revitalization through job creation, wage increases, and measures to reduce the high cost of living. Additional key priorities include addressing public security concerns through enhanced crime prevention strategies and upgrading critical national infrastructure.

    The NDP’s return to governance marks their first electoral triumph in 25 years, signaling a significant realignment in the nation’s political landscape and reflecting voters’ appetite for change after nearly a generation under ULP leadership.

  • 2025 Hurricane Season Nears End: Fewer Storms, But Record-Breaking Strength

    2025 Hurricane Season Nears End: Fewer Storms, But Record-Breaking Strength

    As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season concludes, meteorological experts report a paradoxical trend across the Caribbean region. While the total number of tropical systems fell marginally below historical averages, the storms that developed exhibited extraordinary power and destructive capability, setting new records for intensity.

    The season’s most devastating event emerged with Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which carved a path of destruction through Jamaica during the closing weeks of the cycle. Preliminary damage assessments exceed US$8 billion, establishing Melissa among the most economically catastrophic weather events in the island’s recorded history.

    Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist at the National Meteorological Service, provided detailed analysis of the unusual patterns. “The 2025 season produced thirteen named storms against a normal baseline of fourteen,” Gordon stated. “Hurricane frequency similarly decreased with five occurrences compared to the seven-storm average. However, the critical distinction emerged in storm intensity—four of these five hurricanes reached major status, with three achieving Category Five classification.”

    The meteorological phenomenon aligns precisely with long-term climate modeling predictions. Scientific projections have consistently indicated that warming ocean temperatures would generate fewer but significantly more powerful tropical systems. “Climate models demonstrate that even with reduced overall frequency, developing storms will achieve remarkable intensity through explosive intensification processes,” Gordon explained. “This year’s observations provide compelling validation of these theoretical frameworks.”

    Despite the official season conclusion, meteorological authorities caution against complacency. Belize remains susceptible to intense December and January precipitation events capable of triggering localized flooding. Subsequent dry conditions pose additional threats including drought emergence, extreme heat events, and elevated wildfire risks.

    Gordon emphasized the continuing necessity for preparedness: “In collaboration with our partners at NEMA, we maintain that constant vigilance and comprehensive preparedness represent essential components of regional climate resilience strategies.”

  • Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    In a vibrant celebration of global cooperation and community engagement, Antigua and Barbuda unveiled a significant public artwork on Friday, November 28th, 2025. The UN80 SDG Art Mural, revealed at 9:30 a.m. along Independence Avenue near the Antigua Recreation Grounds, marks both the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and the nation’s dedication to inclusive sustainable development.

    The creation of this monumental artwork represents an extraordinary collaborative effort orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office. The project brought together diverse segments of society including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, youth representatives, persons with disabilities, and numerous civil society organizations.

    Under the inspiring theme ‘Building Our Future Together – Everyone Counts,’ the mural visually interprets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through vibrant imagery and symbolic representations. This community-driven artistic endeavor embodies the principles of inclusivity, unity, and shared responsibility that underpin the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The unveiling ceremony attracted distinguished guests from government, United Nations representatives, community stakeholders, and enthusiastic members of the public. The gathering served not only as an artistic celebration but also as a platform for reflecting on national achievements and recommitting to ongoing efforts toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

    Government officials expressed profound appreciation for all contributors, emphasizing that the mural will endure as a permanent testament to the nation’s belief that every citizen plays a vital role in the journey toward progress and development. The artwork stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful reminder that marginalised groups, particularly youth and persons with disabilities, must have their voices included in national development conversations.

  • Regional leaders congratulate Dr. Godwin Friday on historic election victory

    Regional leaders congratulate Dr. Godwin Friday on historic election victory

    The Caribbean political landscape has witnessed a seismic shift as Dr. Godwin Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) secured a landmark victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general elections, ending a quarter-century of opposition status. The NDP captured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, marking one of the most decisive electoral triumphs in the nation’s history since gaining independence in 1979.

    Regional leaders have unanimously extended congratulations to Dr. Friday, who is poised to become the country’s seventh prime minister. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking through official state channels, commended the democratic process and expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties. “Dominica looks forward to working with Dr. Friday to reinforce the bonds of friendship and regional solidarity between our nations,” Skerrit stated.

    The sentiment was echoed by Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of Dominica’s United Workers Party, who characterized the outcome as “a new beginning” for Vincentians. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness similarly praised the peaceful democratic exercise, emphasizing Jamaica’s commitment to collaborative regional development. “May this new chapter bring hope, unity, and progress for all Vincentians,” Holness remarked, underscoring the collective aspiration for enhanced Caribbean resilience and prosperity.

    This electoral upset concludes the lengthy tenure of former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and introduces a transformative era of governance under Dr. Friday’s leadership. The overwhelming mandate reflects public appetite for change and sets the stage for potential policy reorientation in both domestic affairs and regional diplomacy.

  • ‘Tourism on track’

    ‘Tourism on track’

    NEGRIL, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience with a powerful recovery trajectory following Hurricane Melissa, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. Hotel operations have been substantially restored across major resort areas, with both current occupancy rates and future reservations showing significant upward momentum.

    During an inspection tour of Negril’s hotels and attractions this Friday, Minister Bartlett confirmed the nation remains firmly on schedule for its official tourism sector reopening on December 15th. The minister reported exceptionally encouraging occupancy figures for November, barely a month after the hurricane’s passage, with properties like Iberostar achieving 40% occupancy and Grand Palladium nearing 30% capacity.

    “The market response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bartlett stated. “Most significantly, our forward bookings indicate strong performance through December and January, with expectations to return to normal operational capacity thereafter.”

    Minister Bartlett projected full sector recovery within the next 18 months, emphasizing that Jamaica would be “cooking with gas” once all properties resume operations by mid-2026. Recent assessments have confirmed Ocho Rios’ readiness, while Negril demonstrates confident progress toward complete operational resumption, including both accommodation facilities and experiential attractions.

    The minister particularly highlighted nature’s rapid recovery and the extraordinary dedication of tourism workers who maintained professional standards despite personal hurricane impacts. Bartlett praised Grand Palladium Resort’s rapid return to operation, specifically commending General Manager Alberto Grau and staff for restoring one of the Caribbean’s largest properties to impeccable condition.

    Guest feedback further validates destination confidence, with Bartlett noting a 26-member family group from Cameroon currently celebrating Thanksgiving in Jamaica. “The clear message is that Jamaica is back,” Bartlett concluded. “Our guests recognize that visiting our beautiful island represents the ultimate show of support during our recovery journey.”

  • Takeover talks

    Takeover talks

    In a significant policy shift, the Jamaican Government has revealed its willingness to assume complete management of early childhood education institutions to address systemic infrastructure and resource challenges. The announcement was made by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, during the two-day Dudley Grant Early Childhood Education Resource Centre colloquium at The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters.

    Minister Morris Dixon explained that while many early childhood institutions operate as private non-governmental entities, the administration has begun offering to take over their operations entirely. ‘Some have agreed and some said ‘No, we prefer to remain independent’,’ she noted during her presentation, adding that the government remains committed to providing necessary support even to institutions choosing to maintain their independence.

    The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, brought urgent attention to building standards and climate resilience in the education sector. Minister Morris Dixon emphasized that outdated construction standards are inadequate against increasingly severe weather patterns, stating, ‘All new projects have to be executed against stronger standards.’

    In response to hurricane recovery needs, the government has arranged a meeting with the Jamaica Independent Schools Association and the Development Bank of Jamaica to explore how independent schools can access the $1-billion recovery fund available through approved financial institutions.

    Professor Zoyah Kinkead-Clarke, early childhood education expert and deputy dean of graduate studies at UWI’s Faculty of Humanities and Education, highlighted the sector’s vulnerability, noting that many institutions struggle financially. ‘Many of these early childhood institutions are struggling to pay the rent. Where are they going to get the funds to build back?’ she questioned, calling for increased support for the sector that serves approximately 120,000 children through 2,400 institutions with 11,000 practitioners.

    Professor Kinkead-Clarke emphasized the foundational importance of early childhood education, connecting it directly to Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development plan. The colloquium, hosted by Jamaica National Foundation in collaboration with The UWI School of Education, focused on developing actionable strategies to address deficiencies in Jamaica’s early childhood education system through policy, practice, and partnership.

  • I Love Jamaica Support

    I Love Jamaica Support

    Jamaica’s entertainment community demonstrated remarkable solidarity during the ‘I Love Jamaica’ Telethon and virtual concert, generating approximately $66 million Jamaican dollars in donations for victims of Hurricane Melissa. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Entertainment and Culture, extended into late hours with continuous performances and donation collection efforts.

    A diverse array of Jamaica’s musical talents graced the virtual stage, including gospel artist Kevin Downswell, reggae sensation Christopher Martin, and acclaimed vocalist Tessanne Chin, who delivered a powerful rendition of ‘We Shall Rise Again.’ The lineup further featured memorable performances by Tanya Stephens, Nadine Sutherland, George Nooks, Alaine, and G-Whizz.

    The telethon saw significant participation from government officials who temporarily abandoned their ministerial duties to support the cause. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. engaged in an on-air conversation with host Miss Kitty, while Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon and Agriculture Minister Floyd Green participated in interviews and manned donation phones alongside former Parliament member Robert Miller.

    Co-hosts Yendi Phillipps and Ian ‘Ity’ Ellis maintained energetic momentum throughout the event, encouraging viewers to contribute through multiple channels including pledge commitments, direct deposits, and text messaging services. The organizers emphasized that donation avenues remain open for continued public support despite the conclusion of the live broadcast.