Carib Scope

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  • Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    A neighborhood snack bar in St. John’s has announced an opening for a culinary professional to strengthen its kitchen brigade. The establishment is actively searching for a proficient and reliable cook who demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting premium local cuisine while adhering to stringent food safety protocols.

    The successful applicant will be expected to showcase expertise in traditional meal preparation and contribute to maintaining an efficient, hygienic, and collaborative kitchen atmosphere. This opportunity represents a chance to join a dedicated culinary team committed to delivering authentic dining experiences to the community.

    The hiring process will be selective, with communications restricted to candidates who progress beyond initial screening stages. The position emphasizes both technical cooking abilities and professional reliability, reflecting the eatery’s commitment to operational excellence and quality service delivery.

  • Suriname en UNIDO gaan vijfjarig partnerschap aan voor industriële ontwikkeling

    Suriname en UNIDO gaan vijfjarig partnerschap aan voor industriële ontwikkeling

    In a significant move toward economic transformation, Suriname has formally requested the development of a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) during the UNIDO conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The partnership, covering the period 2026–2031, was ceremonially confirmed through the signing of a Joint Declaration by UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and Suriname’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, Andrew Baasaron.

    The comprehensive partnership framework aims to drive substantial modernization of Suriname’s industrial sector while promoting economic diversification beyond mining. Key focus areas include strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), developing agricultural food chains, establishing sustainable economic zones, and fostering innovation and skills development. The program explicitly supports Suriname’s commitment to green growth initiatives and maintaining its High Forest Cover with Low Deforestation (HFLD) status.

    The Ministry of Economic Affairs will coordinate the multi-stakeholder implementation process involving various government departments, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. The collaboration will feature extensive knowledge exchange, joint participation in technical meetings, and systematic progress monitoring mechanisms.

    This strategic alignment between Suriname and UNIDO underscores their shared ambition to build a more resilient and sustainably modernized economy, positioning the South American nation for long-term industrial development and environmental stewardship.

  • Flow Celebrates Young Artists at Art Week

    Flow Celebrates Young Artists at Art Week

    In a significant boost for youth development and digital inclusion, telecommunications provider Flow Antigua and Barbuda has awarded a suite of cutting-edge technology prizes to the talented winners of the 3rd Annual Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (ABAW) Student Art Competition. The ceremony, which celebrated the nation’s emerging artistic talent, saw the top three winners in each competition category receive new laptops, smartphones, and other valuable technological tools.

    The sponsorship and prize presentation underscore a growing corporate commitment to nurturing creative education and bridging the digital divide for young people. By equipping students with modern devices, Flow aims to empower the next generation of artists, providing them with the necessary resources to further develop their digital skills and creative potential. The Antigua and Barbuda Art Week serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing local student artistry, and this corporate partnership significantly elevates the competition’s impact and prestige.

    This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the intersection between art and technology, ensuring that young creators are not only celebrated for their traditional artistic talents but are also provided with the digital instruments to thrive in a modern creative economy. The investment in these students is an investment in the cultural and technological future of the nation.

  • Antigua And Barbuda Art Week Opens With ‘Symphony Of Colours’

    Antigua And Barbuda Art Week Opens With ‘Symphony Of Colours’

    The historic Redcliffe Quay served as the vibrant backdrop for the grand opening of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week’s third edition on Wednesday evening. The inaugural event, themed ‘Symphony of Colours’, transformed the venue into a dynamic cultural hub featuring an eclectic program of live musical performances, traditional dance, spoken word poetry, and official addresses from prominent tourism and cultural figures.

    Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the event’s profound significance in his opening remarks. “Antigua and Barbuda Art Week represents a celebration of our national identity and collective spirit,” James stated. “It successfully converges locals, international visitors, visionaries, established creators, and even those who claim they cannot draw a straight line. This inclusive magic ensures there is genuinely something for every participant.”

    James further elaborated on the Tourism Authority’s strategic vision behind the event, noting its role in showcasing the extraordinary depth of artistic talent across the twin-island nation. “We are highlighting the beauty of our heritage and the transformative power of the arts to build bridges, ignite meaningful dialogue, and foster unity among our people,” he added.

    Echoing this sentiment, Khan Cordice, Director of Culture within the Department of Culture, articulated the deeper value of such initiatives. “These events transcend mere exhibition; they constitute a vital investment in imagination, innovation, and the strengthening of our national identity,” Cordice explained. “They provide a platform for creators of all generations to experiment, articulate their vision, and refine their craftsmanship. Through brushstrokes, movement, rhythm, and melody, our artists demonstrate that colour is not merely visual—it is deeply felt.”

    Cordice also acknowledged the collaborative partnership between the Department of Culture and the Tourism Authority, praising their shared belief in “the power of the arts to narrate our story to the global community.”

    The evening’s entertainment featured captivating performances by a roster of local talents, including O’dane Doyley, Lael Farrell, Maurisha Potter, Vaughn Parker, the RT Performers, the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Culture’s Cultural Performers, and the Point and Villa Iron Band.

    Stephen Murphy, visual artist and proprietor of Zemi Art Gallery—a key advocate and partner for Art Week—formally inaugurated the exhibitions at the Quay. These include the Quay Studio, displaying works from over thirty artists, and the newest addition, The Barracks Art Gallery. In a significant announcement, Murphy revealed that for Art Week 2025, The Barracks Art Gallery will host a retrospective exhibition honouring the legacy of former Antiguan artists. This initiative is designed to preserve and document the islands’ artistic heritage, showcasing pieces from late masters such as ET Henry, Frank Walter, and Rhonda Williams.

    Signature events scheduled for the remainder of Art Week include the Art and Culture Bus Tour on November 28th, the Rhythm and Vibes social gathering at Hodges Bay Resort and Spa on the same evening, and the Canvas and Cocktails event at Heritage Quay on November 29th, presented in collaboration with Long Bay Brewing and Antigua Cruise Port. Tickets are available through the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, independent event organizers, or digitally via the TickeTing mobile application.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Announces Winners of the 2025 Student Art Competition

    Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Announces Winners of the 2025 Student Art Competition

    The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has officially unveiled the triumphant winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Student Art Competition. This annual initiative, designed to foster creative talent among the nation’s youth, showcases artistic interpretations of the twin-island nation’s vibrant culture, pristine landscapes, and rich heritage.

    This year’s contest witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, with submissions from students across various age categories. The artworks, spanning mediums from painting and drawing to digital art and sculpture, were evaluated by a distinguished panel of local artists and cultural experts. Criteria for judgment included technical skill, originality, creativity, and the effective embodiment of themes related to Antigua and Barbuda’s identity and tourism appeal.

    The competition serves a dual purpose: it acts as a platform for young, emerging artists to gain recognition and encourages them to visualize their homeland through an artistic lens. The Tourism Authority emphasized that engaging the youth is crucial for sustainable tourism development, as their fresh perspectives are integral to shaping the future narrative of the islands’ brand.

    Winners received prestigious accolades, scholarships, and opportunities to have their work featured in official tourism promotional materials, both domestically and internationally. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to integrating arts and culture into its economic and tourism strategy, highlighting how national identity can be powerfully communicated through creative expression.

  • St Vincent’s Ralph Gonsalves suffers crushing defeat after 25 years in office

    St Vincent’s Ralph Gonsalves suffers crushing defeat after 25 years in office

    KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – In a seismic political shift that has reshaped the Caribbean’s political landscape, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed the dramatic fall of one of the region’s most enduring political dynasties. The New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved a near-total electoral landslide in Thursday’s general election, capturing 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats according to preliminary results.

    The decisive victory marks the stunning conclusion to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ quarter-century tenure, preventing his Unity Labour Party (ULP) from securing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term. The 79-year-old leader, the Caribbean’s longest-serving prime minister, suffered a humiliating defeat that also claimed the political careers of his son and Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, along with Agriculture Minister Saboto Scofield Caesar – both previously considered potential successors.

    Prime Minister-designate Dr. Godwin Friday, addressing the nation on state-owned NBC Radio, announced plans to declare a public holiday for national recuperation and celebration. The 66-year-old attorney, who comfortably retained his Northern Grenadines seat, emphasized national unity and immediate action. “The election is behind us now and I want to see this country come together,” Friday stated. “We put ourselves and our backs to the wheel and quickly work to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines for all of us.”

    Friday outlined his intention to be sworn in promptly, noting he would contact the Governor General “bright and early” to arrange the ceremony and avoid any governance vacuum. When asked about communication with his predecessor, Friday revealed Gonsalves had not yet conceded or made contact, though he expected the outgoing leader would eventually “wish me well.”

    The incoming prime minister characterized his new role as “an awesome responsibility” filled with public hope and expectation. He pledged to immediately implement the NDP’s campaign platform, including a detailed 60-day plan, while emphasizing servant leadership and collaborative governance. “I really look forward to serving the people of this country and try to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines better,” Friday affirmed.

    Regional analysts attributed the political upset to a consistent 5% swing away from the ULP over recent elections. Former NDP chairman Dr. Linton Lewis noted the powerful appeal of the “time for a change” message after 25 years of continuous governance, while acknowledging the party had skillfully avoided contentious issues including the proposed shift from Taiwanese to Chinese relations and a controversial Citizenship by Investment program.

    The transition has drawn international attention, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness extending “warm congratulations” to the Vincentian people for their peaceful democratic process. Similar commendations came from St. Lucia’s Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who praised the “resounding democratic mandate” despite earlier allegations of foreign campaign interference during the heated election period.

  • DGM and Haitian Embassy review protocols for migrant processing

    DGM and Haitian Embassy review protocols for migrant processing

    Santo Domingo witnessed a significant bilateral meeting between Dominican migration authorities and Haitian diplomatic representatives to reinforce operational protocols governing border security and migrant treatment. Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration (DGM), convened with a Haitian delegation led by Minister Counselor Ralph Giraldo Raphael to systematically review interdiction procedures and detention center management standards.

    The discussions centered on legal compliance with Migration Law 285-04, with Lee Ballester emphasizing the institution’s commitment to human rights protection during enforcement operations. The migration director articulated that all personnel—including supporting military and police units—operate under strict guidelines respecting the dignity of undocumented migrants while maintaining national security priorities.

    Operational continuity formed a key part of the dialogue, with confirmation that nationwide interdiction measures would persist as components of the Dominican Republic’s comprehensive border management strategy. The officials detailed coordinated repatriation processes through designated border crossings at Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales, conducted during established binational operating windows with multi-agency coordination between migration control, armed forces, and security personnel.

    The high-level meeting featured representation from both nations’ institutional frameworks. The Haitian delegation included immigration legal expert Dr. Hipólito Dolis, Consul General in Santiago Stephen Junior Cherefant, and consular officials Fito Zephieren and Marie Danielle Lundi. Dominican representation included General Pilot Juan Carlos Vicente Pérez and Colonel Manuel de Jesús Carrasco Guerrero, signaling the meeting’s strategic importance to both governments.

  • Russian woman dies after car crashes into light pole

    Russian woman dies after car crashes into light pole

    A fatal traffic incident in the popular tourist destination of Punta Cana has resulted in the death of a Russian visitor. The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Boulevard Turístico del Este, a major thoroughfare in the Bávaro region.

    According to official reports, the collision took place at approximately 4:15 p.m. near the intersection of the Verón-Punta Cana Fire Department. A blue Toyota Camry CE, traveling in the north-south direction, reportedly veered out of control and struck a recently installed light pole that had been positioned by infrastructure company RD Vial.

    The impact proved fatal for 39-year-old Mariia Tarasova, who was riding as a passenger in the vehicle. The driver, identified as 58-year-old Aleksey Ivanovich Troyan, also a Russian national, sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency response teams from the 9-1-1 system promptly transported Troyan to the Verón public hospital for medical treatment.

    Local authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary findings suggest loss of vehicle control as the primary cause, though investigators are examining all potential contributing factors. The newly installed roadway infrastructure, part of ongoing improvements to the tourist corridor, has become a focal point of the investigation.

    The tragic incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the rapidly developing tourist region, where infrastructure expansion and increasing traffic volumes present continual challenges for both residents and visitors alike.

  • Dominican authorities burn over 1.4 tons of cocaine

    Dominican authorities burn over 1.4 tons of cocaine

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant display of bilateral anti-narcotics cooperation, Dominican authorities have destroyed 1,450 kilograms of cocaine seized in three separate coastal interdictions this month. The operations were conducted as part of Operation Southern Spear, a U.S.-led multinational initiative designed to combat maritime drug trafficking routes throughout Latin America.

    The incineration ceremony, which also included other recently confiscated substances, was carried out at the Army’s First Infantry Brigade facility. The event held symbolic timing, coinciding with the regional visit of U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, underscoring the Trump administration’s intensified focus on intercepting South American speedboats suspected of transporting narcotics toward United States shores.

    Sonia Elizabeth Lebrón, Director of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), presided over the destruction process, emphasizing that the permanent elimination of seized drugs is critical to preventing their re-circulation into illicit markets. She praised the ‘phenomenal’ collaborative efforts between the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, noting that each seizure directly mitigates the devastating social harm inflicted by narcotics, particularly among youth populations.

    This latest incineration brings the total volume of narcotics destroyed by INACIF so far this year to 28,452 kilograms, with cocaine constituting the majority of eliminated substances. The operation highlights growing international coordination against transnational drug cartels exploiting Caribbean maritime corridors.

  • Early HIV diagnosis could reduce AIDS-related deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean: PAHO

    Early HIV diagnosis could reduce AIDS-related deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean: PAHO

    A critical public health alert has been issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), revealing that approximately one-third of individuals living with HIV across Latin America and the Caribbean receive their diagnosis at an advanced disease stage. This delayed detection severely compromises immune systems and substantially increases mortality risks from AIDS-related complications.

    In preparation for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2025, PAHO is intensifying its call for comprehensive healthcare system reforms. The organization emphasizes that strategic expansion of testing accessibility, immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy upon diagnosis, and robust prevention protocols represent the fundamental pillars for achieving the ambitious ‘Zero AIDS Deaths by 2030’ target.

    Current epidemiological data paints a complex regional picture. While the Caribbean demonstrates encouraging progress with a 21% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, Latin America confronts a troubling 13% surge during the same timeframe. Overall, AIDS-related fatalities have declined from 42,000 to 27,000 in Latin America and from 12,000 to 4,800 in the Caribbean, yet approximately 38,000 preventable deaths still occur annually throughout the Americas.

    Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, acknowledged the significant medical advancements while highlighting persistent challenges: “Our Region has made substantial strides in therapeutic innovation, including expanded access to long-acting medications and simplified treatment regimens. However, the battle continues. Every statistic represents a personal tragedy—a life interrupted, a family devastated.”

    The analysis identifies critical gaps in current healthcare responses. An estimated 14-15% of HIV-positive individuals remain unaware of their status across the region. Among those diagnosed, approximately one-third present with advanced immunodeficiency, dramatically increasing their vulnerability to opportunistic infections including tuberculosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis.

    Medical science offers powerful tools to reverse these trends. Modern antiretroviral therapies achieve viral suppression to undetectable levels, effectively eliminating sexual transmission risk. Prevention options have similarly evolved, with six-month injectable prophylaxis (lenacapavir) providing new alternatives to traditional daily medications.

    PAHO is implementing a multi-faceted strategy with support from Unitaid, focusing on enhanced diagnostic capabilities for opportunistic infections, equitable treatment access, and strengthened data collection systems. The upcoming December 5 launch of the Regional Alliance for Ending AIDS in the Americas will further coordinate governmental, community, and international efforts toward eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.