Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • An open letter to the Hon. Prime Minister

    An open letter to the Hon. Prime Minister

    In a significant development in Caribbean healthcare policy, Grenadian advocacy organizations have issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell regarding the stalled Age of Civil Legal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill. The open letter, co-signed by GPPA President Dr. Tonia Frame and ASPIRE consultant Dr. Fred Nunes, references the Prime Minister’s own compelling arguments from July 2025 advocating for the legislation’s passage.

    The proposed legislation addresses critical gaps in adolescent healthcare access, particularly regarding sexual health education and services. Proponents argue that the bill would empower medical professionals to provide necessary care to minors when parental consent is unattainable due to various circumstances, including unapproachable parents or abusive family situations.

    Notably, the letter highlights that five Caribbean nations—Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, and St. Lucia—have already implemented similar legislation over the past four decades, with two additional territories employing alternative legal frameworks for minor healthcare access.

    To break the current legislative impasse, the advocacy groups propose establishing a Joint Select Committee (JSC) as a formal mechanism for comprehensive consultation. This parliamentary tool would enable technical experts, political parties, NGOs, religious organizations, and citizens to provide structured input on the controversial legislation.

    The authors acknowledge the potential for procedural delay tactics but express confidence that with proper leadership and clear terms of reference, a JSC could facilitate genuine progress on addressing adolescent healthcare needs while maintaining parliamentary transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

  • ECCO announces second major royalty distribution of 2025, topping EC$1.3 million

    ECCO announces second major royalty distribution of 2025, topping EC$1.3 million

    The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) has announced its second major royalty distribution for 2025, allocating $1.3 million XCD (Eastern Caribbean dollars) to music creators for earnings generated during 2024. This substantial payout follows the organization’s June distribution of over $1 million XCD for 2023 royalties, with funds scheduled to reach rights holders’ accounts on December 4th, 2025.

    In a significant development for regional creators, 52% of the distributed royalties will remain with ECCO members across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), while 48% will be allocated to international rights holders through ECCO’s affiliated societies. This distribution ratio marks a notable achievement for local creators, attributed to enhanced strategic initiatives and improved data collection from live events throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    However, ECCO identifies a critical challenge limiting even greater payouts for regional artists: many musical works performed in the territory remain unregistered in its database. Without proper registration, the organization cannot identify rightful creators or distribute earned royalties. These unclaimed funds are held in trust for three years before being reallocated to registered members with documented usage in subsequent distribution cycles.

    Revenue generation stems from ECCO’s licensing agreements with various music users, including television and radio broadcasters, concert and festival organizers, and hospitality venues such as hotels, restaurants, and bars across its six operating territories: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

    ECCO CEO Martin A. James stated: ‘We are proud to conclude the year with this second major distribution following our June payment. The fact that over half of this payout remains with creators in our region demonstrates the strength of our local music industry. Maintaining this financial support remains central to our mission, despite regional challenges.’

    The distribution is particularly noteworthy given persistent industry obstacles including widespread non-compliance, legislative inconsistencies, insufficient respect for copyright protections, and limited enforcement resources. Despite these barriers, ECCO’s collections and distributions continue on an upward trajectory, highlighting both the untapped economic potential of the region’s creative sector and the organization’s commitment to its mandate.

    ECCO Board Chairman Mr. Bruno Leonce reflected on this achievement: ‘Our 2025 distributions demonstrate what can be accomplished when we support creators’ rights, even within a challenging environment of widespread non-compliance and disregard for intellectual property laws. This represents just the beginning—imagine the possibilities if every broadcaster, venue, and business honored copyright laws. Our creators deserve a comprehensive system where their work receives consistent and fair compensation.’

    Established in 2009, ECCO serves as a crucial bridge connecting Eastern Caribbean creators to the global music rights management network. The organization continues to advocate for proper valuation and compensation for regional music both domestically and internationally, while encouraging all music users to collaborate in ensuring creators receive fair payment for their artistic contributions.

  • Grenada to host Connected Caribbean Summit 2025

    Grenada to host Connected Caribbean Summit 2025

    Grenada will serve as the host nation for the pivotal Connected Caribbean Summit 2025 (CCS2025), scheduled from December 1-5 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in Grand Anse. This high-level gathering will bring together over 200 senior leaders from Caribbean nations and the international community under the unifying theme “Catalysing Caribbean Transformation.

    The summit represents a decisive shift from conventional conferences, positioning itself as an action-oriented working session dedicated to accelerating tangible regional progress. Core focus areas include economic resilience, digital innovation, justice system reform, governance strengthening, educational modernization, and financial inclusion—all identified as critical enablers for sustainable development and inclusive growth throughout the Caribbean region.

    CCS2025 will convene an unprecedented assembly of regional power brokers including heads of government, chief justices, utility regulators, corporate CEOs, international investors, development partners, and civil society representatives. The explicit objective is to transcend dialogue and initiate concrete implementation strategies across three priority areas: scaling financial investment and inclusion mechanisms, addressing escalating crime and security challenges, and enhancing digital and climate resilience capabilities.

    The summit architecture features several innovative components:

    The CCS Leadership Alliance will facilitate closed-door and plenary sessions among government leaders and regional institutions to coordinate action on shared development objectives.

    A dedicated Justice Forum will spotlight comprehensive approaches to modernizing judicial organizations, improving operational efficiency, and expanding citizen access to legal services.

    CCS MasterClasses will deliver high-level instruction on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation led by international and regional experts specifically tailored for senior executives.

    The NextGen Forum will create a unique platform for Caribbean youth to engage directly with regional leaders and gain exposure to emerging career opportunities.

    An Innovation Showcase will exhibit Grenadian and regional technological solutions addressing Caribbean-specific challenges.

    The program will culminate in a Cultural Gala hosted by the Grenadian government, highlighting national culture and investment potential while providing curated networking opportunities.

    Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell emphasized Grenada’s commitment to regional cooperation through hosting this event, stating: “We look forward to welcoming leaders, experts and investors to our shores to work with us on practical solutions that benefit our citizens and our region.”

    Bevil Wooding, CCS2025 convener and Executive Director of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, reinforced the action-focused nature of the summit: “We are convening the leaders and institutions that have both the responsibility and the authority to act—so that ideas discussed in Grenada swiftly translate into concrete programmes, partnerships and investments across the Caribbean.”

    The summit will feature global broadcasting capabilities and a dedicated media center to facilitate press briefings, interviews, and real-time coverage. Media organizations seeking accreditation or interview arrangements are directed to contact the CCS Secretariat, with additional information available at connectedcaribbean.org.

  • Extended RFP: External Audit of the Directorate of ECTEL

    Extended RFP: External Audit of the Directorate of ECTEL

    The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) has officially announced a significant extension to the submission deadline for its Request for Proposals (RFP) concerning external audit services for its Directorate. Originally set for November 24, 2025, the new deadline now stands at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025.

    This strategic decision follows substantial market feedback indicating strong interest from potential bidders who requested additional preparation time for their comprehensive proposals. The RFP, formally designated as 2025/RF/03, seeks qualified auditing firms to conduct thorough external examination of ECTEL’s operations based in Saint Lucia.

    All proposal submissions must be directed to the attention of the Managing Director at ECTEL’s headquarters located at Level 5, Baywalk, P O Box BW395, Gros Islet, LC01 601, Saint Lucia. Prospective bidders may also submit via email to procurement@ectel.int or contact the organization directly at +1 (758) 458-1701 for additional clarification.

    ECTEL, as the regulatory body overseeing telecommunications across Eastern Caribbean member states, emphasizes the importance of transparent financial oversight through this auditing process. The extension demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring broad participation and competitive bidding from qualified audit firms capable of meeting the rigorous standards required for this regional telecommunications authority.

  • Media Relations Specialist Jamilla Kirwan Appointed New Independent Senator

    Media Relations Specialist Jamilla Kirwan Appointed New Independent Senator

    Jamilla Kirwan, a seasoned media relations specialist, is poised to take on a new role as Antigua and Barbuda’s independent senator. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, will be held at Government House this morning. This appointment marks a significant moment as Kirwan steps into the Upper House, restoring the Senate to its full capacity of 17 members. Her selection follows the resignation of Kiz Johnson, who stepped down to pursue the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s nomination for the St Phillip’s South constituency. Kirwan’s extensive background in communications and public engagement is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to legislative proceedings. Government officials have emphasized that her appointment ensures stability and continuity as the Senate prepares for its upcoming parliamentary agenda.

  • Villa Polyclinic Dental Clinic Announces New Contact Number for Public Inquiries

    Villa Polyclinic Dental Clinic Announces New Contact Number for Public Inquiries

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced a significant update for the public regarding the Dental Clinic at the Villa Polyclinic. Effective immediately, the clinic has been assigned a new telephone number to streamline appointment scheduling and general inquiries. Patients and community members can now reach the clinic directly at 729-2292 for all dental service-related communications. This change aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in patient care. The Ministry urges all individuals to update their contact records with the new number to ensure seamless communication with the clinic. This update reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services and fostering better patient engagement.

  • Local govt ministry upgrade works outside Stabroek Market dislocate bus parks, truckers

    Local govt ministry upgrade works outside Stabroek Market dislocate bus parks, truckers

    The commencement of construction for a concrete recreational platform outside Stabroek Market has caused significant disruptions to local vendors and vehicular parking in the area. The project, initiated by the Local Government Ministry, involves the erection of a plywood wall enclosing a large section of the market’s frontage. This has forced phone card and beverage vendors, as well as bus operators on the Lodge, Guyhoc, and South Ruimveldt routes, to seek alternative arrangements. Delivery trucks, which typically supply vendors until 8 a.m., were redirected to the taxi parking area outside Demico, though police indicated this was only a temporary solution. Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand acknowledged the contractor’s failure to effectively communicate with those affected but assured that there are no immediate plans to relocate street vendors. The project, expected to last up to two weeks, aims to construct a raised stage with surrounding pavement to accommodate vendors. While only two vendors are temporarily displaced, the broader impact includes increased traffic congestion, prompting some truckers to suggest delaying the project until after the Christmas season. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade Georgetown, with Minister Manickchand emphasizing that change often comes with resistance.

  • Major boost for farming communities in Grenada

    Major boost for farming communities in Grenada

    In a significant move to bolster climate-resilient agriculture, the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) has delivered a substantial shipment of advanced farming equipment to Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Marine Resources. The consignment, valued at over US$114,000, arrived in a 40-foot container containing critical resources for sustainable farming practices.

    The comprehensive equipment package includes state-of-the-art drip irrigation systems, robust shade house structures measuring 9m x 32m (576 m²), and solar-powered pumping units complete with solar panels and suction piping. These technologies are specifically designed to mitigate heat stress, protect crops from extreme weather conditions, and enable irrigation through renewable, off-grid energy sources.

    Project Manager Trevor Thompson formally presented the equipment to Allison Haynes, National Focal Point and Chief Agronomist within the Ministry. This initiative forms part of the broader Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multicountry soil management program under the SOILCARE Project’s first phase, focusing on Integrated Landscape Restoration and Climate Resilient food systems.

    Financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with implementation support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), this investment specifically targets enhanced land and water management across key farming communities in Chambord, St Patrick, Belair, and Dumfries. The strategic distribution plan allocates irrigation equipment to Chambord, climate-resilient shade house structures to Dumfries, and additional support for the Belair Propagation Facility through the Carriacou Integrated Landscape Management Project.

    Thompson emphasized the urgency of this intervention, noting that “Chambord, along with Carriacou, was severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl last year. These areas continue to face severe land degradation. We are working hand-in-hand with national partners to ensure farmers have the tools, technologies, and support needed to adapt, thrive, secure their livelihoods, and achieve land degradation neutrality.”

    Haynes expressed the Ministry’s appreciation, stating that the support would significantly help farmers and government institutions become more productive while restoring landscapes affected by degradation. The equipment will also facilitate nursery development and restoration activities at the Government Estate Nursery.

    Headquartered in Grenada, PISLM reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting Caribbean farmers in sustainable land and soil management, enhancing climate-smart production, and reducing vulnerability to drought and extreme weather events across the region.

  • BARNUFO improving operational efficiency with UNDP support

    BARNUFO improving operational efficiency with UNDP support

    The Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) has significantly bolstered its operational capabilities following the handover of essential office furniture and equipment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on World Fisheries Day, November 21. This initiative is a key component of the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience (BCFR) Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division. The initial delivery included furniture, audiovisual equipment, and other office supplies, with more items expected in the coming weeks. The handover ceremony took place at BARNUFO’s headquarters in Pelican House, Bridgetown, attended by representatives from BARNUFO, the Japanese Embassy, the Barbados Fisheries Division, and UNDP. BARNUFO President Vernel Nicholls expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of these resources in creating a conducive work environment and enhancing training programs for fisherfolk. She highlighted the need for sustainable fishing practices and industry management, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. UNDP Resident Representative Limya Eltayeb underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive meaningful impact, while Tia Headley from the Japanese Embassy reiterated Japan’s dedication to supporting the Barbadian fishing community through resilience-building initiatives. Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, praised the BCFR project for its efforts to strengthen the sector’s climate resilience and capacity. BARNUFO, representing over 8,800 individuals in the fisheries value chain, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s sustainability and preparedness for future challenges.

  • The UWI serves up a local alternative to traditional Christmas ham

    The UWI serves up a local alternative to traditional Christmas ham

    Barbados is set to revolutionize its festive cuisine with a groundbreaking local product: chicken ham made from retired egg-laying hens. Traditionally, these hens, which complete their productive cycle annually, are sold for as little as one dollar per pound due to their tough meat, often ending up as low-value pet food. However, students from the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Minor in Food Science at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus have transformed this overlooked resource into a gourmet delicacy.