Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Felle brand legt woning aan Wanestraat volledig in de as

    Felle brand legt woning aan Wanestraat volledig in de as

    A devastating residential fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning around 4:30 a.m., completely destroying a high-rise apartment located on Wanestraat in the Nickerie district, according to local law enforcement and emergency response sources.

    At the time the blaze ignited, five people were inside the multi-story residential unit. Fortunately, all occupants were able to detect the fire quickly and evacuate the building before the flames spread out of control. Emergency responders confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been reported following the incident, a rare positive outcome amid the extensive property damage.

    While the building itself suffered total loss, with the entire structure reduced to ashes, investigations into the fire’s origins are still in their early stages. Authorities have launched a formal inquiry to pinpoint the exact cause of the ignition.

    An additional detail that compounds the impact of the incident for the displaced residents is confirmation that the destroyed property was not covered by fire insurance, leaving the affected family without financial compensation for their total loss of housing and belongings.

  • Grenada welcomes returning nationals

    Grenada welcomes returning nationals

    Grenada has officially kicked off its highly anticipated 2026 Diaspora Homecoming initiative, opening the multi-week event with an intimate ceremonial Welcome Reception hosted at the iconic Belmont Estate. The gathering was led by Hon. Joseph Andall, the island nation’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, who greeted hundreds of returning Grenadian nationals and invited international guests.

    The Welcome Reception marks the official start of Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026, a landmark national government-led program crafted to rebuild and strengthen bonds between Grenadians living across the globe and their home country. Structured around five core pillars—cultural exchange, community engagement, investment discussion, professional collaboration, and inclusive national development—the initiative aims to turn diaspora connections into tangible long-term value for the island.

    Set against the backdrop of Belmont Estate, a site steeped in Grenada’s history and cultural heritage, the opening evening brought together a diverse cross-section of attendees: diaspora members from North America, Europe, and beyond, senior government officials, local business and community partners, civil society representatives, and key national stakeholders. The entire event centered on three shared guiding themes: reconnection, collective belonging, and unified national purpose.

    In his opening address to attendees, Minister Andall emphasized the outsize role that Grenada’s global diaspora plays in driving the country’s ongoing growth and progress. He noted that even thousands of miles from the island, Grenadians living abroad remain deeply tied to the nation’s cultural identity, developmental trajectory, and future vision. “Grenada’s diaspora has always been an integral chapter of our national story,” Andall stated. “This Homecoming initiative gives us a formal opportunity to welcome our nationals back not just with celebration, but with clear intention. It allows us to deepen the relationship between Grenadians at home and abroad, reinforce the shared ties of identity and belonging, and explore how this connection can continue to advance Grenada’s development in meaningful, lasting ways.”

    Terrance Forrester, Grenada’s Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs, expanded on the broader mission behind the Homecoming program, noting that it extends far beyond a traditional homecoming celebration. “Grenada Diaspora Homecoming is about more than return. It is about reconnection with purpose,” Forrester explained. “Our diaspora represents an extraordinary global network of untapped talent, influence, professional expertise, and untold possibility. When we create intentional spaces for Grenadians at home and abroad to gather, exchange ideas, and experience the new Grenada together, we open the door for meaningful collaboration, catalytic investment, global advocacy, and long-term national value that benefits all of our people.”

    Beyond official speeches and networking, the opening reception gave visiting guests an early chance to experience the legendary hospitality, vibrant local culture, and close-knit community warmth that forms the foundation of the entire Homecoming program. The event also set a collaborative tone for the full slate of activities scheduled across the 15-day program, which includes immersive cultural experiences, community development projects, guided island excursions, the annual Diaspora Forum and Marketplace, National Spice Replanting Day, and additional events spread across Grenada’s main island, as well as the sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

    Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 will run from June 21 through July 5, 2026, with two full weeks of programming anchored by the core values of reconnection, national celebration, cross-sector collaboration, business development, and national pride. The initiative is coordinated by the Grenada Office of Diaspora Affairs.

  • Minister Cornwall at OPEC Fund Development Forum

    Minister Cornwall at OPEC Fund Development Forum

    Grenada’s top finance official has embarked on an international diplomatic mission to one of Europe’s leading development policy gatherings, bringing the urgent priorities of climate-vulnerable small island nations to a global stage. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Minister of Finance Dennis Cornwall left the country, accompanied by Tonia Adams Samuel, head of the Ministry of Finance’s Macroeconomic Policy Unit, to represent Grenada at the 2026 OPEC Fund Development Forum hosted in Vienna, Austria.

    Scheduled to take place June 23 at Vienna’s iconic Hofburg Palace, this year’s forum convenes a diverse cross-section of global stakeholders: heads of state, cabinet ministers, senior policymakers, leaders from multilateral development finance institutions and top private sector executives. The gathering is framed as a collaborative space to design actionable, real-world solutions to the most intractable development challenges confronting low-income and climate-vulnerable nations worldwide.

    Organized under the overarching theme “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow”, the forum’s core working agenda centers on three foundational goals: fortifying cross-border collaborative partnerships, unlocking large-scale capital flows for high-priority development projects, and advancing progress toward sustainable, inclusive growth that builds resilience against climate shocks. At the top of the discussion list is the widening development financing gap that disproportionately impacts countries most exposed to climate change, with critical sectors including water access, public education, and healthcare bearing the brunt of insufficient funding. For many of these nations, persistent structural barriers including exorbitant borrowing costs, constrained fiscal policy space, unsustainable sovereign debt loads, and inflexible financing frameworks that fail to account for climate vulnerability continue to stall progress.

    Another key agenda item is moving forward negotiations on the Vulnerability to Viability Compact, a landmark joint initiative led by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Government of Barbados in its capacity as chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (V20), V20 finance ministers, and a cohort of participating development finance institutions. The compact is specifically designed to improve access to affordable, predictable and effective development financing for all 74 nations that make up the CVF-V20 bloc. Its work is structured around four central pillars: expanding access to concessional, low-interest financing; catalyzing new investment from private sector and philanthropic sources; strengthening national ownership of domestic development priorities; and scaling up debt and financing tools that can respond rapidly to climate and economic shocks.

    Forum participants will also delve into a suite of innovative financing mechanisms designed to buffer vulnerable nations against crisis, including blended finance models, risk guarantees, local currency lending solutions, political risk mitigation tools, debt suspension clauses for disaster events, and emergency liquidity facilities. These tools are intended to help countries maintain access to core public services in the aftermath of natural disasters and sudden economic disruptions.

    For Grenada, participation in the forum represents a critical opportunity to elevate the unique perspective of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), a group that faces disproportionately high risk of catastrophic climate disasters while operating with extremely limited fiscal flexibility and constrained borrowing capacity. The delegation’s engagement aligns with the Grenadian government’s ongoing priorities: securing affordable, long-term sustainable financing for national development projects, strengthening domestic fiscal and climate resilience, and building global partnerships to support investment in core public services and productive economic sectors.

    Going into the forum, the Grenadian Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to advocating for reform of the international financial architecture, pushing for a system that acknowledges the unique structural vulnerabilities of small island states and delivers more equitable access to long-term development financing.

  • Elite Island Resorts and Antigua’s Reggae Ambassador Causion Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month With New Music Video

    Elite Island Resorts and Antigua’s Reggae Ambassador Causion Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month With New Music Video

    A unique collaboration between a leading Caribbean hospitality brand and one of the region’s most iconic reggae artists is putting a spotlight on Caribbean culture this summer, as the pair come together to release an all-new music video in celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month.

    Elite Island Resorts, a company that has built its reputation on showcasing the natural beauty, vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Caribbean island destinations to travelers from across the globe, has joined forces with Antigua and Barbuda’s officially designated Reggae Ambassador, Causion, for the special project. The partnership is rooted in a shared mission to amplify Caribbean storytelling, celebrate the region’s rich ancestral and cultural roots, and introduce global audiences to the authentic artistic talent that grows out of island communities.

    Caribbean Heritage Month, observed annually in June, honors the centuries-long history, diverse cultural contributions, and enduring influence of Caribbean people across art, music, food, and politics worldwide. For this year’s celebration, the collaboration between the resort group and the beloved reggae artist brings cultural celebration to life through visual storytelling, blending sweeping shots of Antigua’s postcard-perfect turquoise coastlines, white-sand beaches and lush tropical landscapes with the rhythmic, soulful sound of Causion’s reggae, a genre that has long served as a voice for Caribbean identity and community.

    Industry observers note that the project does more than just celebrate heritage: it also highlights the growing synergy between the Caribbean’s tourism sector and its creative industries. By tying together world-class hospitality with local artistic talent, the partnership creates a win-win model that supports local creatives while giving travelers a deeper, more immersive experience of Caribbean culture beyond the typical resort stay. For Causion, the project represents another milestone in his decades-long work representing Antigua and Barbuda’s music scene on the global stage, carrying forward the reggae tradition of spreading messages of unity, cultural pride, and joy.

  • Retirement Age For Judges in the OECS Increased

    Retirement Age For Judges in the OECS Increased

    Leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have formally approved a landmark policy change that will raise the mandatory retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) from 65 to 70 years old. The decision was reached during a two-day annual OECS summit that concluded in Antigua on Monday, following in-depth consultations with the court’s top leadership.

    Gaston Browne, chairman of the OECS and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, confirmed that the proposal originated directly from discussions with ECSC Chief Justice Madam Justice Margaret Price-Findlay. According to Browne, the push for an extended retirement age comes amid a persistent, challenging gap in judicial recruitment that has strained the regional court system for years.

    “When our most experienced judges retire at 65, we struggle to quickly find qualified replacements with the same level of expertise and institutional knowledge,” Browne explained, referencing the ongoing recruitment challenges the court has faced.

    The heads of government across all OECS member states unanimously backed the Chief Justice’s recommendation, Browne confirmed, adding that legal and administrative amendments to implement the change are expected to be finalized and rolled out over the coming weeks and months.

    As the highest superior court of record for the Eastern Caribbean bloc, the ECSC holds jurisdiction over all civil and criminal legal matters across nine Caribbean territories: six independent sovereign nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts and Nevis) and three British Overseas Territories (Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands). Headquartered in Castries, St. Lucia, the court operates through two core divisions: the High Court of Justice, which serves as the court of first instance for trials and initial hearings across each member territory, and the itinerant Court of Appeal, which travels between islands to hear appeals from both the High Court and local magistrate courts.

    The policy shift is designed to preserve institutional expertise, reduce caseload backlogs that stem from prolonged judicial vacancies, and provide greater stability for the regional judicial system that serves more than 600,000 people across the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Antigua and Barbuda, France Explore Bilateral Crime-Fighting Agreement

    Antigua and Barbuda, France Explore Bilateral Crime-Fighting Agreement

    High-level diplomatic and technical discussions held in St. John’s on Thursday have opened a new chapter of potential security collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda and France, with both sides moving forward to explore a targeted bilateral agreement aimed at countering growing transnational security threats. The talks were hosted during an official working visit by Emmanuelle Doffe, France’s Liaison Judge to the Caribbean region, who held in-depth negotiations with E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs.

    Greene opened the discussion by reaffirming the Antigua and Barbuda government’s firm commitment to deepening ties with France across justice, public security and rule of law initiatives. He emphasized that the island nation has a clear strategic interest in finalizing a formal bilateral deal that would boost collective efforts to dismantle transnational organized criminal networks, with a specific focus on curbing illicit drug trafficking and the downstream criminal activities that accompany this trade.

    Minister Greene also highlighted that cybercrime has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most destabilizing threats to Antigua and Barbuda’s national security and economic stability. As criminal groups continuously adapt their tactics and operate across international borders, he stressed that stronger coordinated international partnerships are not optional but a necessity to effectively counter these evolving threats.

    Among the concrete collaborative proposals laid out during the talks was a plan to establish joint investigative teams for relevant cross-border cases. This framework would streamline cross-border probe processes and remove bureaucratic barriers to more robust, real-time intelligence sharing between the two countries’ law enforcement and judicial bodies.

    Judge Doffe outlined France’s existing regional engagement strategy, noting that the European nation is already finalizing bilateral extradition and criminal cooperation pacts with multiple Caribbean nations. She pointed to existing similar arrangements that France has already concluded with Saint Lucia and Dominica, highlighting that these deals have already delivered tangible improvements to judicial coordination across the region.

    She further confirmed that France stands ready to support Antigua and Barbuda’s law enforcement capacity through formal memoranda of understanding and specialized targeted training programs. These training initiatives would cover a range of critical disciplines, from criminal investigation procedure and judicial cooperation to countering financial crime, combating cybercrime, and other core law enforcement skills.

    Following the conclusion of the productive talks, Judge Doffe confirmed that she will formally submit all discussed proposals to relevant decision-making bodies within the French Ministry of Justice for review and consideration. She emphasized that her current visit to Antigua and Barbuda is framed as a primarily technical mission, focused on building practical on-the-ground cooperation between France and Caribbean judicial jurisdictions on criminal justice issues, rather than routine symbolic diplomatic engagement. The core goal of this mission is to improve direct coordination between judicial authorities, prosecuting bodies, law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions through enhanced operational collaboration, to more effectively tackle the shared challenge of transnational crime.

  • Dr. Didacus Jules Reappointed for a Fourth Term as Director General

    Dr. Didacus Jules Reappointed for a Fourth Term as Director General

    The highest governing body of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the OECS Authority, has formally greenlit the reappointment of Dr. Didacus Jules to serve his fourth consecutive term as the organisation’s Director General. This move serves as a clear reaffirmation of the Authority’s unwavering confidence in Jules’ leadership capabilities and its shared commitment to pushing forward the bloc’s long-held regional integration agenda.

    The historic decision was reached during the 78th official gathering of the OECS Authority, where regional Heads of Government gathered to deliberate on the appointment and collectively praised Jules’ outstanding track record of service over his previous three terms. Leaders highlighted the transformative impact of his work, which has advanced cross-border cooperation, driven tangible regional development, and bolstered the institutional capacity of the OECS bloc as a whole.

    Speaking on behalf of the Authority following the vote, former OECS Authority Chairman and Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, highlighted the unique strengths Jules brings to the role. Friday commended Jules for his far-sighted strategic vision, lifelong dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to nurturing deeper regional integration and inclusive sustainable development across all Eastern Caribbean member states.

    “The decision to reappoint you is a direct reflection of the Authority’s collective confidence in your leadership, and a formal recognition of the immeasurable contributions you have made to advancing the OECS integration agenda and strengthening our organisation from within,” Friday stated in his official address. “On behalf of the entire OECS Authority, I extend my warmest and sincere congratulations on your reappointment. We eagerly anticipate your continued service and dedication to the people and governments of all OECS Member States.”

    As the Eastern Caribbean bloc continues to chart a path through an increasingly complex and volatile global geopolitical landscape, OECS Authority leaders have emphasized that experienced, steady leadership is critical to advancing the organisation’s core vision: building a more closely integrated, economically resilient, and prosperous region for all citizens. In a separate statement following the announcement, the OECS Commission added its own congratulations to Dr. Jules, confirming it looks forward to continuing its collaborative work with his office to deliver tangible, meaningful improvements to the daily lives of people across OECS member nations.

  • Asabina pleit voor leerstoel Surinaamse muziek en volksmuziekscholen in buurten en districten

    Asabina pleit voor leerstoel Surinaamse muziek en volksmuziekscholen in buurten en districten

    PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – June 26 – Ronny Asabina, leader of the BEP political faction in Suriname’s National Assembly, has launched a urgent call for the development of a formal national music policy, aiming to professionalize the country’s vibrant music sector and unlock its untapped social and economic potential.

    Asabina laid out his multi-point plan during parliamentary budget debates, outlining concrete initiatives to expand access to music education, preserve Suriname’s unique cultural heritage, and support working artists across the country. His proposals have already earned broad cross-party support in the legislature.

    One of Asabina’s core priorities is expanding the reach of the national People’s Music School, which currently operates only from a single central location. He argues that this outdated structure excludes talented young people in working-class neighborhoods, interior communities, and outlying districts. To address this gap, he is pushing for the establishment of new branch campuses in underserved areas including Combé, Domburg, and Brownsweg, ensuring that children and young people from all regions can access formal music training close to home. “We must bring opportunity for talent development directly to the people,” Asabina told the assembly.

    A second key proposal calls for the creation of a dedicated chair in Surinamese music at Anton de Kom University of Suriname. Asabina emphasized that the long and diverse history of Surinamese music deserves systematic academic research, digital documentation, and long-term preservation for future generations. This institutional investment would not only protect Suriname’s cultural legacy but also strengthen the overall quality of music education across the country, he added.

    To directly support working artists, Asabina has also proposed the establishment of a national music fund. The fund would provide financial support for critical career needs including studio recording, music video production, marketing, professional management, and international promotion. Complementing this fund, he called for the launch of a centralized national music platform that would bring artists, producers, venue operators, and media outlets together to collaborate on growing the domestic music industry.

    Beyond supporting local creators, Asabina argued that Surinamese music should be leveraged more strategically as a tool for cultural tourism and cultural diplomacy. He called for greater promotion of Surinamese music through the country’s global embassies and at major international cultural events, raising the nation’s profile on the world stage.

    Asabina stressed that music is far more than just leisure entertainment for Suriname. He framed the country’s rich musical tradition as a core pillar of national identity that unites diverse communities, supports public social well-being, and creates significant untapped economic opportunities for the nation. “Suriname has an incredibly rich musical tradition and a dynamic living cultural heritage, but the sector still does not receive the structural support it needs to thrive,” he said.

    The BEP leader noted that the Surinamese music industry has survived and grown to date not because of government support, but despite a lack of government investment. He called on the national administration to develop a concrete action plan with clear timelines to implement the proposed reforms and strengthen the sector on a long-term, structural basis.

    Asabina’s proposals have already garnered broad backing across the National Assembly. Speaking on behalf of the opposition NDP party, legislator Tashana Lösche confirmed her party’s support for the call to increase investment in talent development, expand music education access, and strengthen legal protections for the rights of Surinamese artists.

  • DSB behaalt internationale certificering voor informatiebeveiliging

    DSB behaalt internationale certificering voor informatiebeveiliging

    Suriname’s leading financial institution DSB Bank has achieved the globally recognized ISO 27001 certification for information security, marking a major milestone in the bank’s commitment to international data protection standards. The official certificate was formally awarded Thursday by global certification body DNV (Det Norske Veritas) during the annual Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit (SEOGS), with representatives from both organizations presenting the credential at the event.

    This independent certification confirms that DSB Bank has structured its entire information security framework in full alignment with the strict international requirements laid out in the ISO 27001 standard. DNV, the certifying body, is a leading global classification and risk management firm that operates more than 300 offices across over 100 countries, with service lines covering maritime, energy, transportation, aviation, food production and healthcare. The firm has maintained a presence in Suriname since the 1990s, and 2026 marks its second consecutive participation in the SEOGS event.

    DSB Bank first publicly announced its goal to obtain ISO 27001 certification in 2025. According to Ashna Kamta, Chief Risk Officer at DSB Bank, the institution had already aligned its internal practices with international information security standards for many years, but formal third-party certification delivers critical independent validation of these efforts.

    Kamta noted that the certification process was no simple feat, requiring substantial financial and operational investment to meet all stringent requirements. The official certification track launched just one year ago, and completing the full process within 12 months stands as strong proof of DSB’s compliance with global benchmarks, she added. She also emphasized that comprehensive information security extends far beyond just digital cybersecurity protections.

    “It also covers physical security of bank facilities, tightly controlled access protocols for different restricted areas, and clear authorization hierarchies for data access,” Kamta explained. “Beyond that, we require all our staff to handle customer data with extreme care, store documentation securely, and only disclose information to properly authorized individuals.”

    As Suriname’s largest bank, DSB currently serves more than 200,000 customers across the country. The bank’s 2025 annual report shows that total assets under management grew 19% year-over-year from 2024, alongside consistent expansion in the adoption of digital banking services and point-of-sale digital payments among customers.

    Kamta expects the new ISO 27001 certification will further strengthen trust among international investors and global business partners. DSB is positioning itself to play a central role in Suriname’s fast-growing emerging oil and gas sector, an industry that places extremely high demands on information security and risk management practices.

    The certification also reflects a growing trend across Suriname’s business community, DNV representatives Ronald Von Bannisseht and Ruurdt Jukema pointed out. Demand for international third-party certifications has risen noticeably in recent years, driven largely by the expansion of the country’s offshore oil and gas industry. Local companies are increasingly recognizing that formal certification does more than improve internal risk management – it also strengthens their competitive standing in the global marketplace, the DNV representatives noted. To date, DNV has issued certifications to multiple Surinamese enterprises, including a number of companies active directly and indirectly in the oil and gas sector.

  • PCA IT manager gunned down in Charlieville

    PCA IT manager gunned down in Charlieville

    A shocking act of violence has claimed the life of a senior Information Technology manager with Trinidad and Tobago’s Police Complaints Authority, after a gunman ambushed him in a public parking lot Wednesday evening.

    The victim has been formally identified as 38-year-old Sa-id Khan, a resident of St Augustine and father of two who had separated from his wife. The fatal attack unfolded shortly after 8 p.m., as Khan sat inside his Honda Vezel SUV parked outside a local insurance company along Caroni Savannah Road in Charlieville.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed that the attacker opened fire directly on the vehicle, shattering the front windscreen and side windows before fleeing the scene. Khan was struck multiple times by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the location by first responders. By Thursday morning, officers had cordoned off the entire crime scene to process forensic evidence, but a thorough search of the surrounding area had not yielded any suspects, and the underlying motive for the killing remains unconfirmed.

    In an interview with local outlet *Express* on Thursday, Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West shared an emotional tribute to Khan, who had only joined the independent oversight body six months prior to the attack. West described Khan as a warm, skilled professional who integrated seamlessly into the authority’s team, noting that “everybody loved him. He was a genuine guy, who enjoyed his work; very professional. He was a joy to be around.”

    Before joining the PCA, an independent civilian oversight body established by Parliament to monitor police conduct, Khan held a position at National Flour Mills. When asked whether the murder could be connected to his role at the authority, West clarified that Khan’s work focused exclusively on managing the organization’s IT systems, and he had no direct involvement with any ongoing oversight cases. “I can’t comment on that, but he’s the IT manager so he doesn’t have any direct dealings with any case,” West said.

    West added that the PCA had not been informed of any active leads in the investigation as of Thursday, and extended the organization’s full condolences to Khan’s bereaved family. “On behalf of the Police Complaints Authority, we’re very sorry to lose an employee in that manner, in that fashion. We wish his family all the best to cope and recover,” he said.

    West also used the incident to highlight the persistent challenge of violent crime in the country, adding, “just to know that crime is very high in Trinidad and Tobago, and I wish everybody just to be careful and safe out there.”

    As of this week, the national murder toll in Trinidad and Tobago stands at 184, a slight decrease from the 187 recorded over the same period last year.