Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • PM Briceño Met with Raúl Rocha A year Before Drug Trafficking Charges Surfaced

    PM Briceño Met with Raúl Rocha A year Before Drug Trafficking Charges Surfaced

    A high-profile meeting between Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño and Raúl Rocha, president of the Miss Universe organization, has gained renewed significance following Rocha’s indictment on serious criminal charges. Mexican authorities have charged Rocha with leading an international trafficking network involving narcotics, weapons, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico.

    According to investigative reports, Rocha allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated smuggling operation moving contraband across the Usumacinta River via boat, with subsequent transportation via tanker trucks through Chiapas and Tabasco en route to Querétaro.

    The previously undisclosed meeting occurred in October 2024 at the corporate offices of Rocha’s company, Legacy Holding, during an official visit by Prime Minister Briceño to Mexico City. Two government ministers—Michel Chebat and Dr. Osmond Martinez—accompanied the Prime Minister during the engagement. Rocha subsequently documented the encounter on social media, characterizing the discussions as focusing on “economic development, trade, tourism, and technology opportunities between Mexico and Belize.”

    In response to developing reports, Prime Minister Briceño clarified that this constituted his only encounter with Rocha, emphasizing that his company had expressed interest in Belizean investment opportunities. The government has committed to issuing a formal statement addressing the matter.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has also met with Rocha, has formally requested the Attorney General’s office to confirm whether an active investigation or arrest warrant exists against the business executive, underscoring the importance of transparent judicial processes.

  • Proposal for Paid Parking in St. John’s Still Awaiting Cabinet Review, Officials Say

    Proposal for Paid Parking in St. John’s Still Awaiting Cabinet Review, Officials Say

    The highly debated initiative to implement paid parking in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda’s capital, remains in preliminary stages as the national Cabinet awaits formal documentation from the St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC). Government spokesperson Maurice Merchant confirmed during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that no proposal has reached ministerial levels despite previous public discussions.

    This potential policy shift represents a significant milestone in urban management for the capital city, marking what would be the first official governmental consideration of paid parking systems. The concept has generated polarized responses across various stakeholders, with business owners, daily commuters, and residents expressing conflicting perspectives regarding downtown congestion, limited parking availability, and potential economic consequences for commercial districts.

    The SJDC, designated as the lead agency for this initiative, has not disclosed anticipated timelines for proposal finalization nor shared specific details regarding proposed pricing structures, designated parking zones, or implementation schedules. The absence of concrete information has left both supporters and opponents of the plan in a state of uncertainty.

    With the approaching Christmas shopping season, characterized by increased vehicular traffic and parking demands, the issue is expected to regain public attention. The parking proposal forms part of broader governmental discussions concerning urban planning strategies, traffic optimization, and public space regulation reforms. The government’s cautious approach indicates careful consideration of the multifaceted implications before advancing the potentially transformative policy.

  • Do Tourism Students Actually End Up Working in the Industry?

    Do Tourism Students Actually End Up Working in the Industry?

    The University of Belize’s tourism management program faces a critical challenge: despite producing numerous graduates annually, the actual retention rate within the industry remains unknown. Evan Tillett, Director of the Belize Tourism Board, confirmed the absence of concrete data while acknowledging the significance of this emerging concern.

    Industry leaders identify the demanding nature of tourism careers as a primary deterrent. Nicole Usher-Solano, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that success in the sector requires exceptional dedication. “This isn’t a conventional nine-to-five occupation,” she stated. “It demands around-the-clock commitment throughout the year, including holidays and weekends. Only those with genuine passion and specialized work ethic persevere.”

    Addressing this workforce transition challenge, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has implemented a nationwide experiential learning initiative. President Efren Perez revealed their program engages approximately 100 students annually across multiple regions including Corozal, Dangriga, Toledo, and Cayo. “We provide immersive practical exposure that bridges theoretical knowledge with industry realities,” Perez explained.

    The intervention demonstrates promising outcomes. Perez noted significant retention among participants placed in hotel internships, with many securing permanent positions. “This indicates growing interest and drive among new generations toward tourism careers,” he observed. The association plans to expand the program’s scope in the coming year, creating additional pathways for students to obtain hands-on experience and guaranteed internships within the sector.

  • Sisserou Girls head to Jamaica with renewed confidence for CONCACAF qualifier

    Sisserou Girls head to Jamaica with renewed confidence for CONCACAF qualifier

    The Sisserou Girls, Dominica’s senior women’s football squad, have embarked on their journey to Kingston, Jamaica, for a pivotal CONCACAF qualification match this Saturday. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ronnie Gustave, the team approaches the challenge with measured optimism following intensive preparations.

    Gustave’s assessment reveals a team in transformation, addressing previously identified weaknesses from their UEFA tournament performance earlier this year. The coaching staff has implemented comprehensive improvements across technical execution, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude. “Our players demonstrated deficiencies in fundamental ball control, turning techniques, and overall pace during previous international competitions,” Gustave acknowledged. “However, recent training sessions have yielded noticeable advancements in ball movement and gameplay velocity.”

    The strategic enhancement program included specialized training to elevate passing precision and systemic play. “Our previous matches exposed inadequate speed on the pitch and imprecise passing,” Gustave explained. “We prioritized rectifying these elements before advancing our tactical approach.”

    Physical development received equal emphasis through a rigorous strength and conditioning regimen designed to combat previous vulnerabilities. “We addressed the concerning tendency of being easily dispossessed,” Gustave noted. “Our customized fitness program aims to build robust physicality, though we recognize team development remains an evolutionary process.”

    Beyond technical and physical preparation, the team engaged in psychological strengthening through motivational sessions with advocate Delia Coffee Weeks. Gustave emphasized the importance of role models, stating, “Our athletes benefit immensely from inspirational figures like Mrs. Weeks, whose experience and advocacy provide exemplary standards for emulation.”

    The upcoming confrontation presents a formidable challenge against Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, widely regarded as the Caribbean’s premier women’s football team following their impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they secured a historic draw against Brazil.

    Despite the evident disparity in ranking and experience, Gustave maintains a philosophy of collective resilience. “Football’s beauty lies in its unpredictability,” he asserted. “While Jamaica presents substantial challenges, our success hinges on unified teamwork, mutual commitment, and maximal collective effort. With complete physical and mental dedication, we are capable of delivering a respectable performance.”

  • Finance Minister McIntyre announces VAT exemptions on 26 items

    Finance Minister McIntyre announces VAT exemptions on 26 items

    In a significant move to alleviate economic pressure on citizens, the Dominican government has enacted sweeping tax reforms targeting essential consumer goods. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre presented the legislative amendment to Parliament, officially removing Value Added Tax (VAT) from 26 critical items in the national basket of goods.

    The comprehensive exemption list encompasses fundamental food staples and household products, including salted herrings, codfish, various legumes (split peas, red kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, pigeon peas), cereals (cream of wheat, cornmeal, oats, wheat bran), canned protein sources (luncheon meat, corned beef, herring, sardines, tuna, mackerel), along with orange juice, tomato ketchup, unsweetened biscuits, toothpaste, laundry detergents, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins. Minister McIntyre emphasized that these items already benefit from zero import duties, creating a compounded reduction in consumer prices.

    Dr. McIntyre articulated the government’s fiscal philosophy, stating, ‘To prevent undue hardship on our population, we are developing alternative revenue generation methods rather than relying solely on taxation, while providing necessary relief when circumstances demand.’ The policy implementation requires formal amendments to Schedule II of the Value Added Tax Act (Chapter 67-8 of the 2017 revised laws).

    Concurrently, Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, highlighted the regional economic dimension of this policy. He revealed that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had approved the Dominican Republic’s request to zero-rate these goods under the Common External Tariff framework. Minister Henderson urged domestic importers and supermarkets to prioritize sourcing from CARICOM producers, noting that over 75% of the exempted items are adequately produced within the trade bloc and already enter duty-free. ‘Only eight items on the list require sourcing outside CARICOM,’ Henderson clarified, emphasizing the dual benefit of consumer relief and regional economic protectionism.

    Both ministers explicitly called upon supply chain stakeholders—particularly retailers and distributors—to ensure the full benefit of these tax exemptions reaches consumers through corresponding price reductions, rather than being absorbed as additional profit margins.

  • Finance Minister McIntyre announces VAT exemptions on 26 items; Trade minister urges more importation from CARICOM

    Finance Minister McIntyre announces VAT exemptions on 26 items; Trade minister urges more importation from CARICOM

    In a significant move to alleviate economic pressure on citizens, Dominican Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre has declared the complete removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on 26 essential consumer products. The announcement was formally made during a parliamentary session this week, marking a substantial fiscal policy shift aimed at direct public relief.

    Minister McIntyre emphasized the government’s commitment to finding alternative revenue streams that do not disproportionately burden the population. “To avoid hardship on our people, we find ways other than through taxes to raise revenue and provide relief when required,” he stated. The extensive exemption list encompasses basic food staples and household necessities including salted herrings, codfish, various legumes (split peas, red kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, pigeon peas), core grains (cream of wheat, cornmeal, oats, wheat bran cereals), canned protein products (luncheon meat, corned beef, herring, sardines, tuna, mackerel), unsweetened biscuits, orange juice, tomato ketchup, toothpaste, laundry detergents, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins.

    Crucially, Dr. McIntyre highlighted that these items already benefit from zero import duties, creating a compounded reduction in consumer costs. He formally requested suppliers and retailers to fully transmit these fiscal benefits to end consumers, ensuring the policy achieves its intended effect.

    The implementation of these measures requires a legislative amendment to Schedule II of the Value Added Tax Act, Chapter 67-8 of the 2017 revised laws.

    In a related development, Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, reinforced the regional economic dimension of this policy. He strongly encouraged domestic importers to prioritize sourcing these goods from within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noting that member states possess the capacity to supply over 75% of these essential items. “Therefore, they should be protected,” Dr. Henderson asserted, confirming that CARICOM had granted the Dominican Republic’s request for a zero-rating period under the Common External Tariff (CET) framework. He revealed that only eight items on the exemption list are not sufficiently produced within the CARICOM region, presenting a substantial opportunity for regional trade expansion and economic cooperation.

  • Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno Leaves at Least 83 Dead

    Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno Leaves at Least 83 Dead

    Hong Kong is confronting its most catastrophic urban disaster in over half a century after a devastating fire consumed a public housing complex in the Tai Po district, resulting in at least 83 confirmed fatalities with hundreds more residents unaccounted for. The inferno ignited on Wednesday afternoon and continued raging through Thursday, defying firefighting efforts amid extreme heat and hazardous structural collapses.

    Television broadcasts captured the horrifying spectacle of multiple residential towers within the Wang Fuk Court estate fully engulfed in flames more than twenty-four hours after the initial outbreak. The massive housing development accommodates approximately 4,000 residents, with a significant proportion being elderly citizens. Emergency response teams reported that intensely elevated temperatures within the buildings created nearly impenetrable conditions, severely hampering rescue operations for those stranded on higher levels.

    By Thursday morning, authorities had successfully extinguished fires in three buildings while four additional structures continued burning in isolated sections. During a press briefing, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that the situation across all affected towers was ‘fundamentally stabilized,’ though the complete casualty count remains undetermined.

    The tragedy has triggered profound questions regarding how such a catastrophic event could occur in a global metropolis renowned for its stringent construction standards and comprehensive safety protocols. Law enforcement agencies have initiated a criminal investigation while the specific origin of the fire remains officially undetermined.

    Fire Services Director Joseph Chan confirmed that rescue teams had identified multiple locations where residents remained trapped but were physically unable to reach them due to the extreme thermal conditions within the buildings. Search and recovery operations are expected to continue throughout the night as the city prepares for the possibility of additional casualties.

  • GOAF launches support programme for child abuse victims

    GOAF launches support programme for child abuse victims

    In a significant advancement for child welfare services, the organization Girls of A Feather (GOAF) has inaugurated its Independent Child Protection Advisor (ICPA) Programme. The initiative, formally launched on November 20 to coincide with World Children’s Day, establishes a pioneering community-based mechanism to support child abuse victims throughout legal proceedings. Funded by the European Union, the program will deploy specially trained advisors to provide trauma-informed emotional support to minors navigating the criminal justice system.

    The launch ceremony featured Fiona Ramsey, Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the OECS, who emphasized the program’s role as a critical intermediary between vulnerable children and public services. Ramsey noted that the network complements existing legislative reforms, including Saint Lucia’s Domestic Violence Act and the establishment of the Family Court.

    This initiative follows an intensive nine-month development period, culminating in two months of multidisciplinary training for eight selected participants. Six advisors and two supervisors were chosen from diverse professional backgrounds including law enforcement, psychology, social work, nursing, and youth volunteering. Recruitment was conducted through a rigorous application and interview process.

    Training was delivered through a collaboration between UK-based consultancy Lime Culture, which provided the operational model, and local professionals from child protection, healthcare, and judicial sectors. The program has received strong national endorsement from Janey Joseph, Director of the Department of Gender Affairs.

    Trainee Stacy Lamontagne expressed empowerment through the program, stating her readiness to translate complex legal systems into manageable actions for children and guardians. She emphasized her commitment to bridging the gap between initial abuse disclosure and secure recovery pathways.

    The comprehensive project includes a two-part research study co-led by GOAF Executive Director Chelsea Foster and Dr. Bephyer Parey from The University of the West Indies. This research will evaluate training effectiveness, victim outcomes, and inter-agency coordination. Foster highlighted the program’s urgency, noting that nearly half of Saint Lucia’s annual sexual abuse cases involve children, demanding youth-friendly services to prevent further trauma.

    Looking ahead, GOAF plans to host a national conference in 2027 to share program insights, outcomes, and research findings with stakeholders, marking the final stage of this groundbreaking child protection initiative.

  • Firefighters search for hundreds missing in Hong Kong tower blocks fire

    Firefighters search for hundreds missing in Hong Kong tower blocks fire

    Hong Kong authorities continue search operations for hundreds of missing residents following a catastrophic fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings at Wang Fuk Court complex on Thursday. The inferno, now classified as the city’s most devastating fire incident in over seven decades, has claimed at least 75 lives while leaving countless families desperately seeking information about their loved ones.

    The tragedy has prompted immediate law enforcement response with three construction company executives arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee has pledged a comprehensive investigation into the disaster that struck the residential complex housing thousands of residents.

    Preliminary investigations reveal the fire exhibited unusually rapid propagation characteristics, with security officials confirming that non-fireproof construction materials significantly contributed to the blaze’s intensity. Police evidence indicates mesh netting, plastic sheeting, and styrofoam installed during ongoing renovations created ideal conditions for fire spread throughout the building exteriors.

    The fire service deployed unprecedented emergency resources including 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, and 57 ambulances to combat the level five alarm blaze – the highest severity classification in Hong Kong’s emergency response system. The intensity of heat prevented initial rescue operations, with firefighters reporting structural challenges in reaching upper levels.

    Among the confirmed fatalities is 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, a nine-year veteran of the Sha Tin Fire Station, who collapsed during rescue operations and was pronounced dead shortly after hospitalization. Fire Service Director Andy Yeung expressed profound grief over the loss of the dedicated responder.

    Emergency shelters have accommodated approximately 900 evacuated residents, with temporary facilities established at multiple locations including Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre. The government has activated emergency monitoring systems and established casualty hotlines while six Tai Po schools remain closed indefinitely.

    Construction safety experts have highlighted critical factors that exacerbated the tragedy, noting that the buildings’ renovation status with bamboo scaffolding and non-fire-retardant netting created perfect fire propagation conditions. Additional hazards included typical construction site materials such as cardboard debris and paint thinners that accelerated the blaze.

    The incident has reignited concerns about construction safety standards in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding and non-compliant materials in high-density residential areas. The development bureau had previously initiated measures to phase out bamboo scaffolding following multiple safety incidents, though these regulations apparently failed to prevent this week’s tragedy.

  • Stabroek Market vendors criticise govt over removal from construction site, Manickchand says Mentore was provided details

    Stabroek Market vendors criticise govt over removal from construction site, Manickchand says Mentore was provided details

    Tensions flared in Georgetown’s Stabroek Market on Thursday as vendors confronted government workers erecting temporary barriers for a construction project, exposing significant communication failures in the city’s beautification initiative. The Ministry of Local Government began cordoning off sections of the market car park to construct a concrete stage, catching multiple vendors by complete surprise and triggering concerns about livelihood disruption during the critical Christmas sales period.

    Several vendors reported receiving no prior notification about the temporary displacement, despite Minister Priya Manickchand having met with market stakeholders two weeks earlier. ‘I insist I am not moving from here. We were not informed by any government minister, the constable. Nobody told us anything,’ stated one vendor who had invested heavily in seasonal inventory. The situation required police presence with shotguns and handguns as a precautionary measure against potential escalation.

    Minister Manickchand acknowledged the communication breakdown, stating the contractor should have engaged vendors directly and displayed advance notices before commencing work. ‘Lessons learned,’ she conceded, while simultaneously clarifying that the current administration has no intentions of permanently relocating vendors, particularly single mothers who depend on the market for income.

    The Ministry’s official statement emphasized safety protocols necessitating the temporary enclosure, noting that only two vendors would be directly affected—a claim contradicted by on-site observations identifying at least six businesses facing displacement, including beverage and phone card sellers. The construction also incorporated sections of the Lodge and Guyhoc minibus parks.

    Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore expressed support for the vendors and questioned the transparency of the planning process, asserting that while municipal officials were briefed about Christmas decorations, no mention was made of stage construction. The Ministry countered this narrative, maintaining that Mentore and council members had received comprehensive visual presentations and responded enthusiastically to the proposed developments.

    Opposition representative Ganesh Mahipaul criticized the implementation, urging a ‘people-first’ approach that prioritizes transparent consultation and support mechanisms for affected stakeholders. The Ministry subsequently appealed against political opportunism, projecting that the completed Stabroek Square would ultimately benefit vendors, shoppers, and commuters alike through enhanced commercial opportunities and improved public space infrastructure.