Carib Scope

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  • Skerrit points to lesson in people-centered politics after St. Vincent election upset

    Skerrit points to lesson in people-centered politics after St. Vincent election upset

    In the wake of a seismic political transformation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regional leaders are contemplating the fundamental nature of democratic accountability. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica delivered a profound commentary on state-owned DBS Radio, emphasizing that “politics is about people” while extending congratulations to Dr. Godwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) for their landslide electoral triumph.

    The political landscape experienced a dramatic reversal as Dr. Friday’s NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, conclusively ending the two-decade governance of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party (ULP). This decisive outcome represents not merely a change in administration but a significant recalibration of the nation’s political direction.

    Prime Minister Skerrit articulated the delicate relationship between leadership and constituency, noting, “The power rests with people. People lend us the power… If you try to believe that it’s not being used properly, to their benefit, then they withdraw it.” His remarks served as both commentary on the election results and a cautionary note to sitting politicians throughout the Caribbean region regarding the perils of becoming disconnected from their electorate.

    The Dominican leader further warned against the tendency of officials to become inaccessible once assuming office, stating, “You always have to make time for the people. The people put you there, therefore you have to live in custody. If that is not done, then the people will relieve you of the burden.”

    Simultaneously, Skerrit extended diplomatic courtesy to the outgoing administration, acknowledging Dr. Gonsalves’ “impressive impact on the region and the world” during his lengthy tenure. The prime minister expressed anticipation for continued positive bilateral relations between Dominica and St. Vincent under the new government.

    Prime Minister-designate Friday struck a conciliatory tone in his initial address, declaring an immediate public holiday and calling for national unity. “The election is behind us now and I want to see that this country comes together,” he told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to implementing the NDP’s 60-day action plan without delay.

    This political transition marks a historic moment for the Eastern Caribbean nation, with regional observers noting the demonstration of democratic maturity through peaceful power transfer. The comprehensive nature of the electoral outcome suggests a clear public mandate for the incoming administration’s policy platform and governance approach.

  • Man stabbed along Fairchild Street

    Man stabbed along Fairchild Street

    A violent afternoon assault on Fairchild Street in St. Michael has left one man hospitalized with multiple stab wounds, according to local law enforcement authorities. The attack transpired at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Thursday when an unidentified assailant, brandishing a knife, approached the victim as he was walking along the roadway.

    The perpetrator launched a sudden and brutal attack, stabbing the victim multiple times about his body before fleeing the scene. Bystanders provided immediate assistance, transporting the injured man via private vehicle to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he currently remains under medical supervision.

    Barbados Police Service has confirmed that criminal investigations are actively underway to apprehend the suspect responsible for this daylight violence. Detectives are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry and examining potential motives behind the apparently targeted attack.

    Law enforcement officials have issued a public appeal for information regarding this disturbing incident. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information, including potential witnesses or individuals with digital footage from the vicinity, to come forward immediately. Confidential tips can be provided through multiple channels: the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency number at 211, or directly through the Central Police Station at 430-7676 or 430-7630.

    This incident marks another concerning episode of public violence in Barbados, raising questions about community safety and law enforcement responses to such criminal activities. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the circumstances leading to this brutal assault.

  • President-designate urges revival of Cadet Corps strength at Combermere ceremony

    President-designate urges revival of Cadet Corps strength at Combermere ceremony

    In a stirring address at Combermere School’s Independence Parade, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic—the President-designate of Barbados—issued a powerful call to revitalize the institution’s distinguished tradition in uniformed groups. The future head of state, who is poised to assume office as the nation’s second president on Independence Day, served as reviewing officer for Thursday’s ceremonial proceedings.

    The parade featured precise demonstrations from the No 3 Cadet Corps Company’s armed and unarmed detachments alongside the Combermere School Girl Guides. The meticulously orchestrated event commenced with the conducting sergeant major assuming command before units marched onto the parade square for formal inspection. Distinguished attendees included Principal Robin Douglas, Board Chairman Captain the Reverend Al Walcott, and military officials.

    Reflecting on his formative years at Combermere, Bostic emotionally recounted his deep connections to the institution. “I don’t have to tell you that it’s a pleasure for me to be here. It really is,” he told assembled students and faculty. The President-designate challenged current pupils to reclaim the school’s historical dominance in cadet activities, noting that Combermere once filled the entire parade square with uniformed contingents.

    With resolute determination, Bostic declared: “We shall not retreat from rebuilding. Neither will we surrender Cadet supremacy or Scouting supremacy or Guide supremacy to any other school.” He specifically urged students to actively participate rather than observe from sidelines during future ceremonies.

    The statesman also encouraged deeper engagement with Barbados’ pre-Independence history, emphasizing national progress since 1966 while acknowledging ongoing development challenges. He called for heightened patriotism, respect, and active participation in school life among the youth demographic.

    The ceremony included significant promotions within the Cadet Corps following recommendations from commanding officers and approval from the Barbados Cadet Corps Promotions Committee. Cadets Adams, Alleyne, Bourne, Watts, and Reid H. advanced to lance corporal, while Corporal Holder ascended to sergeant and Sergeant Williams achieved staff sergeant rank—each promotion met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.

    Deputy Principal Timothy Barrett concluded proceedings with formal gratitude, particularly acknowledging the reviewing officer: “We extend our sincerest and deepest gratitude to you, sir, for honouring us with your presence… a Combermere boy who has risen and will soon assume the position of the head of state of the Republic of Barbados.” Barrett additionally commended the cadets’ discipline, staff support, and parental involvement in the significant national event.

  • PM Mitchell congratulates PM-elect Dr Godwin Friday

    PM Mitchell congratulates PM-elect Dr Godwin Friday

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Government of Grenada has formally extended its congratulations to Dr. Godwin Friday following his electoral victory as Prime Minister-elect of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The landmark triumph by Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) has been characterized as a pivotal moment for the nation’s democratic trajectory.

    Grenadian Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell personally commended both Dr. Friday and the NDP for their demonstrated commitment to democratic principles throughout the electoral process. Mitchell expressed strong confidence in the incoming administration’s capacity to guide St. Vincent and the Grenadines toward a future marked by substantial progress and sustainable development.

    The congratulatory message emphasized Grenada’s anticipation of collaborative engagement with the incoming Vincentian leadership. Both nations are expected to prioritize the strengthening of bilateral relations and the advancement of regional integration initiatives within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This cooperative framework aims to generate tangible benefits for citizens across the region through enhanced economic and political coordination.

    The transition of power signifies a new chapter in Vincentian politics and presents opportunities for refreshed diplomatic dynamics within the Eastern Caribbean. The Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada issued the statement, underscoring the importance of stable democratic transitions in maintaining regional harmony and progressive governance.

  • Girard lays his case for Anse La Raye/Canaries

    Girard lays his case for Anse La Raye/Canaries

    The Anse La Raye/Canaries constituency in Saint Lucia stands at a pivotal historical juncture as voters prepare for the December 1 General Election. Incumbent representative Wayne Girard of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) seeks to achieve what no politician has accomplished since Cyprian Lansiquot’s consecutive victories in 1997 and 2001—secure a second term in this traditionally volatile west coast district.

    The political significance of this election extends beyond individual candidates, potentially marking the first time since Lansiquot that any political party retains this seat for consecutive terms. The constituency has remained with governing parties since 1987, adding substantial weight to Girard’s reelection campaign against United Workers Party challenger Dominic Fedee, who previously held the seat from 2016 to 2021.

    At a crucial pre-election gathering on November 27, Girard presented his governance record to constituents at the Anse La Raye waterfront, emphasizing recently completed infrastructure projects including the West Coast First Station and the National Skills Development Centre Chalét youth facility. These developments, opened just days before the election, formed the cornerstone of his appeal for continued representation.

    The Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Youth Economy received notable political reinforcement during the event. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre and former MP Cyprian Lansiquot appeared alongside him, while erstwhile independent candidate Elwin St Rose unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy to deliver passionate endorsements of Girard’s leadership.

    Girard outlined an ambitious future agenda contingent on reelection, promising delivery of a new police station and completion of a sophisticated two-lane reinforced-concrete girder bridge featuring pedestrian walkways, utility ducts, and enhanced resilience against extreme weather events. He further highlighted recent athletic achievements by the Anse La Raye football team, which won promotion to Tier 1 alongside a $30,000 prize, positioning sports investment as a key community development priority.

    The sitting MP contrasted his collaborative governance approach with what he characterized as Fedee’s differing methodology, emphasizing community consultation in development planning. Girard referenced commissioned flood mitigation studies and actively solicited constituent input regarding community priorities, framing the election as a referendum on participatory development versus alternative political methodologies.

  • NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    In a seismic political realignment, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed a dramatic transfer of power as the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved an overwhelming electoral triumph. Preliminary results from Thursday’s general election reveal the NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, effectively ending the Unity Labour Party’s 24-year governance era.

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, among the world’s longest-serving democratically elected leaders who has governed since 2001, suffered a devastating defeat with his ULP retaining just a single seat. This electoral outcome represents the most significant political transformation in the nation’s recent history and conclusively terminates Gonsalves’ pursuit of an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

    The international community has begun responding to this democratic transition. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness formally congratulated the nation through social media platform X, commending St. Vincent and the Grenadines for conducting a ‘peaceful and democratic process.’

    Diplomatic attention has particularly focused on the election’s implications for Taiwan-China relations, as St. Vincent remains one of Taipei’s few enduring diplomatic partners. Taiwan’s ambassador extended congratulations to the victorious NDP, despite the party’s previous indications about potentially reevaluating foreign allegiances. The NDP’s campaign manifesto, while suggesting consideration of strengthened relations with China, stopped short of advocating complete termination of ties with Taiwan.

    This 14-1 electoral outcome marks the ULP’s poorest performance since initially assuming power more than two decades ago, signaling a profound shift in the Vincentian electorate’s political preferences and potentially heralding a new chapter in the nation’s international relationships.

  • COMMENTARY: After the Silence: Rethinking Power, Renewal, and the Future of Opposition

    COMMENTARY: After the Silence: Rethinking Power, Renewal, and the Future of Opposition

    The recent electoral outcome in St. Vincent and the Grenadines represents far more than a simple political transition—it signifies a profound national awakening. After twenty-four consecutive years in power, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) secured merely one parliamentary seat, reflecting a decisive public mandate for change that had been developing through years of unaddressed societal evolution.

    This political transformation emerged from a growing disconnect between the governing party’s internal culture and the country’s rapidly changing needs. The electorate’s quiet dissatisfaction manifested not through dramatic protests but through subtle indicators: diminishing supporter enthusiasm, visible public fatigue, and pervasive questioning of what continued leadership under the same establishment could genuinely offer. The result constitutes a fundamental rejection of leadership rooted in historical legacy rather than contemporary awareness.

    The ULP’s decline followed a predictable pattern common to long-governing parties: diminished self-reflection, insufficient新人 cultivation, and treating governance as an extension of personal legacy rather than dynamic public partnership. This approach created an irreparable breach between leadership and citizens that no amount of political rhetoric could bridge.

    Nevertheless, this political reset contains significant potential for national renewal. The reconstruction process must begin with genuine, defensiveness-free listening—conversations in homes, markets, and community spaces focused not on recapturing power but comprehending the nation’s contemporary reality. Meaningful opposition rebuilding requires structured mentorship programs, courageous embrace of emerging voices, and evidence-based policy development addressing current lived experiences rather than historical assumptions.

    A reformed opposition must establish broad national advisory committees capable of generating substantive solutions: economic relief frameworks, community safety initiatives, youth employment pathways, and modern governance standards. Investment in organizer training, communicative clarity, and research capabilities becomes essential. Most critically, demonstrating through consistent action a commitment to transparency, intellectual honesty, and shared leadership will determine whether the opposition evolves into an institution worthy of public trust based on future vision rather than past accomplishments.

  • A’ila Resorts gifts Saint Lucia Beach Park Facility

    A’ila Resorts gifts Saint Lucia Beach Park Facility

    In a significant enhancement to Rodney Bay’s coastal amenities, developers behind the multimillion-dollar A’ila Resorts and Residences and The LifeCo Holistic Wellness Hotel are constructing Saint Lucia’s first comprehensive beach park at Mount Pimard. This community-focused initiative, though not originally planned within the project scope, emerged as essential after recognizing the beach’s dual role as both recreational space and economic hub for local citizens.

    The pioneering A’ila Beach Park will establish new standards for public infrastructure with facilities including modern public washrooms, dedicated vendor booths, beverage bars, and a specialized children’s play area. This development strategically balances recreational enhancement with the creation of substantive economic opportunities for Saint Lucian entrepreneurs and service providers.

    Sean Bonet, Administrative Consultant for A’ila, characterized the project as embodying a genuine partnership with the community. “While developing a world-class tourism product remains our primary objective, we fundamentally want the people to participate in what we’re building—not merely through employment but through tangible community benefits,” Bonet stated. He specifically identified the beach park as the inaugural manifestation of this commitment.

    Addressing potential public concerns, Bonet provided explicit reassurance regarding perpetual beach access: “The project owners have no intention of impeding access to the beachfront. This facility at the base of our development concretely reflects our dedication to preserving and enhancing public enjoyment.”

    Industry professionals have welcomed the initiative, with sub-contractor Brent Nicholas describing the development as “commendable and valuable” for its dual focus on maintaining public accessibility while substantially upgrading amenities.

    The broader A’ila development, which commenced with a sod-turning ceremony in May 2024, will eventually comprise private villas, resort accommodations, and residential units. The Beach Park and the first phase—The LifeCo Holistic Wellness Hotel—are currently nearing completion, with official operations anticipated to commence in early 2026.

  • Cave Hill adds another major moot court win with Beijing victory

    Cave Hill adds another major moot court win with Beijing victory

    The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Faculty of Law has secured another landmark victory on the global stage, capturing the championship title at the 2025 International Space Law Moot Court Competition hosted by China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) in Beijing.

    During the November 21-23 biennial event, which specialized in complex matters of international space law, the Barbadian delegation demonstrated exceptional legal prowess under the guidance of Interim Dean Dr. Antonius R. Hippolyte. The competition structure featured dual teams from both institutions, with UWI Cave Hill’s second team comprising Brianna Hardy and Charlie Adhar advancing through multiple rigorous rounds to reach the championship match.

    The final arbitration panel was presided over by Professor Guoyu Wang, Dean of the Academy of Air, Space Policy and Law at Beijing Institute of Technology and author of the competition’s factual scenario. Hardy and Adhar emerged as overall winners, with Hardy additionally receiving the Best Oralist award. Their colleagues Carina Blache and Ayodele Jones from Team 1 secured the prize for Best Written Arguments for the Applicant.

    Professor Wang commended the Caribbean delegates for their high-caliber advocacy skills and encouraged continued participation in international moot competitions. This achievement marks the second major international moot victory for Cave Hill in 2025, following their triumph as Best Academic Institution at the XV Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Law Moot in Trinidad and Tobago last March.

    Campus Principal Professor Clive Landis celebrated the unprecedented success, describing the achievement as “out of this world” and emphasizing the institution’s growing global influence in legal education. The back-to-back victories demonstrate the exceptional quality of Cave Hill’s LLB program and its ability to prepare students for excellence in international legal advocacy.

    The faculty’s global engagement extends beyond competitive successes through strategic partnerships with institutions including Leuphana University and the University of Dayton School of Law, offering advanced postgraduate programs and cross-border learning opportunities that position Cave Hill as a hub for international legal thought leadership.

  • Hope farm institute set for early 2026 handover

    Hope farm institute set for early 2026 handover

    The Hope Agriculture Training Institute (HATI), a multimillion-dollar educational facility in St Lucy, Barbados, is approaching its final construction phase with 98% completion achieved. Chinese contractors confirm the China-funded project remains on schedule for handover to Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation by early 2026, despite recent weather-related setbacks affecting final paving and fencing works.\n\nDuring a site inspection at Hope estate, project officials from Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and supervision firm SIPPR Engineering Group provided detailed progress updates. Wu Weizhong, SCG project manager, acknowledged that heavy rainfall had temporarily delayed asphalt paving and fencing operations, but emphasized the contractor’s proactive engagement with local suppliers to maintain timelines.\n\nFollowing construction completion, the facility will undergo comprehensive technical commissioning once water and electricity connections are established. \”We need to run the entire project to ensure all equipment and facilities operate smoothly,\” Wu explained, highlighting the rigorous testing phase ahead.\n\nThe project represents a significant bilateral cooperation effort between China and Barbados, with managers crediting the Ministry of Educational Transformation and Chinese embassy support for effective problem-solving. \”We believe solutions always outnumber problems,\” Wu stated, reflecting the collaborative approach.\n\nDesigned as an educational revolution in agricultural training, HATI will consolidate tertiary agricultural programs currently dispersed across multiple Barbadian institutions. The 57,000-square-foot complex will serve 300 students and 60 faculty members through three specialized zones: livestock facilities, academic/administrative buildings, and residential accommodations.\n\nNotable features include seven livestock sheds, three greenhouses, demonstration classrooms, repair workshops, and climate-resilient design elements. The facility incorporates ISO 9001 quality management standards and specifically addresses Caribbean environmental challenges through salt-spray corrosion resistance, hurricane resilience, and rainwater collection systems.\n\nDesign modifications implemented during construction include expanded elevator dimensions, 13 underground water storage tanks, and conversion to natural gas generators. The institute will feature full accessibility compliance with disability-friendly infrastructure throughout all facilities.\n\nBarbadian Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands has previously characterized the project as \”a tremendous investment\” and \”a gift to the people of Barbados by the Chinese,\\” recognizing its potential impact on agricultural education and food security initiatives.