Carib Scope

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  • Gunmen kill three in St James attack

    Gunmen kill three in St James attack

    A quiet weekend gathering at a popular coastal drinking spot in Barbados descended into violence on Sunday night, when a targeted shooting left three men dead and another fighting for life. According to official police statements, emergency dispatchers received the first reports of gunfire at the Thunder Bay Beach Bar, located in Lower Carlton, St James, at approximately 8:42 p.m., as crowds of beachgoers were gathered at the waterfront venue.

    Preliminary investigative findings have outlined a clear sequence of events: three unidentified male suspects exited a silver-colored vehicle before opening fire into the group of people assembled at the bar. The hail of bullets hit four men, leaving all four with critical injuries. Emergency medical responders confirmed that one of the wounded victims was pronounced dead at the scene immediately after a physician conducted an on-site assessment.

    The three remaining injured survivors were rushed to a nearby medical treatment facility not by official emergency ambulances, but by private vehicles brought to the scene by other people at the bar. In the days following the shooting, two of the three hospitalized victims have since succumbed to their wounds, pushing the total death toll from the attack up to three, according to police updates. The condition of the fourth surviving victim has not been released publicly as of the latest update.

    Local law enforcement has not announced any suspect identifications or arrests to date, and active investigations into the motive and perpetrators of the attack are still ongoing. In a public appeal for community cooperation, police have urged any members of the public who were present at the scene, or who have any information related to the shooting, the suspects, or the silver vehicle used in the attack, to come forward with details. Tipsters can submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477, reach the 24-hour police emergency line at 211, or contact the Holetown Police Station directly at 419-1700.

  • SVG sink Saint Lucia in women’s football

    SVG sink Saint Lucia in women’s football

    The 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Championship Qualifiers have delivered another disappointing result for the Saint Lucia national women’s football team, who slipped to the bottom of their group after falling to a fourth straight defeat on Saturday, April 18. Hosted at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the tight contest ended in a 1-0 win for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), leaving Saint Lucia still scrambling for solutions to reverse their poor run of form.

    The only goal of the match came early, in the 14th minute, after a foul was called against Saint Lucia’s Krysan St. Louis just outside the attacking half. That set piece opportunity fell to 25-year-old SVG midfielder Karesha Iton, a Chatham United central player who stepped up to take the 35-yard attempt. Iton unleashed a powerful, soaring strike that caught Saint Lucia’s goalkeeper completely off guard; the ball bounced just in front of the net before rolling across the goal line. What made the moment even more special for Iton is that it marked her first ever international goal, coming in only her second senior cap for SVG’s national side, the Lady Heat.

    Despite the lopsided final result on the scoreboard, possession statistics told a very different story. Saint Lucia dominated the ball for 58.2% of the match, and outshot SVG 11 attempts to six. However, the hosts struggled with final precision: only five of their 11 shots were on target, and just four came from inside the 18-yard box. St. Louis, Kayla Polius and Kyla Lionel all notched two shots apiece to lead Saint Lucia’s attacking efforts, but none could find the back of the net to equalize.

    For SVG, the three points capped off an impressive late turnaround in their qualifying campaign, closing out their group stage participation with two consecutive wins. They finished third in Group A with a 2-0-2 record, despite conceding 24 goals across their four matches. For Saint Lucia, the defeat extended a miserable run: the side has conceded 18 goals across five qualifying matches, while managing to score only one goal of their own, remaining rooted to the bottom of the group table. Mexico closed out Group A play with a flawless 4-0 record to secure their place at the top of the standings.

  • UPP’s plan to expand basket of goods will apply to luxury foods for the rich and won’t benefit the poor, PM says

    UPP’s plan to expand basket of goods will apply to luxury foods for the rich and won’t benefit the poor, PM says

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A sharp political clash has erupted over tax policy in Antigua and Barbuda, as sitting Prime Minister and head of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Gaston Browne has leveled serious accusations against the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP). Browne claims the UPP is pushing a disguised tax overhaul that would hand unintended benefits to wealthy industry groups and international tourists by eliminating sales taxes on premium goods, all while framing the plan as broadened cost-of-living relief for everyday residents.

    Speaking during a recent segment of the *Browne and Browne Show* on local radio outlet Pointe FM, Browne outlined the steps his administration has already taken to ease financial strain on ordinary citizens. His government has fully removed the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from all core essential food items, including fresh produce, to bring down household grocery costs. “We already eliminated all of the taxes… for all essential foods, including foods and vegetables,” Browne confirmed during the interview.

    The prime minister argued that the UPP’s plan to expand the list of tax-exempt zero-rated goods stretches far beyond basic necessities, and is intentionally structured to eliminate tax obligations for high-end luxury food products. “They’re trying to use some backdoor mechanism to untax the high-end foods,” Browne stated, pointing to iconic premium items like imported Wagyu beef and caviar as clear examples of the products that would benefit from the policy change.

    According to Browne, this proposed tax elimination would not deliver meaningful relief to the general public. Instead, the biggest winners would be high-end hospitality businesses, upscale restaurants and wealthy consumers, many of whom are international visitors visiting the island nation. “When the tourists come here… they want Wagyu and they want caviar, they must pay the taxes,” he emphasized.

    Beyond the unequal distribution of benefits, Browne warned that extending tax exemptions to luxury goods would create a significant gap in government revenue that funds critical national development projects across the country. “That would be to the detriment of our revenues to develop the country,” he said.

    The prime minister also tied the opposition’s policy position to behind-the-scenes lobbying from powerful private sector groups, including luxury car dealers, prominent hoteliers and upscale restaurant operators. “I know where that’s coming from… the same people approach them,” Browne said, noting that he turned down identical lobbying requests during his time in office.

    Browne ultimately dismissed the UPP’s proposal as deeply misguided, leaving the judgment of the plan up to Antigua and Barbuda’s voters ahead of any upcoming electoral contest. “If the people want to buy into that type of foolishness… they can so decide,” he said. As of press time, the United Progressive Party has not issued any public statement responding to Browne’s accusations made during the radio broadcast.

  • Japan versoepelt tsunami-waarschuwing na aardbeving met kracht van 7,7

    Japan versoepelt tsunami-waarschuwing na aardbeving met kracht van 7,7

    On April 20, 2026, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the northeast coast of Japan, prompting immediate emergency measures across the affected region. The seismic event struck at 16:53 local time, with its epicenter located 20 kilometers beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean, registering an intensity of “above 5” on Japan’s domestic seismic scale — strong enough to complicate walking and cause unreinforced concrete walls to collapse.

    Immediately after the quake, Japanese meteorological authorities issued a full tsunami warning, projecting that waves as high as 3 meters could crash into low-lying coastal communities. Two hours after the initial tremor, however, the largest tsunami wave recorded reached just 80 centimeters, leading officials to downgrade the alert to an advisory level. Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara confirmed in an early press briefing that as of the initial assessment, no reports of casualties or major infrastructure damage had been received.

    Evacuation orders were swiftly issued to thousands of residents in multiple port cities, including Otsuchi and Kamaishi — two communities that were devastated by the catastrophic 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. In the wake of the main quake, temporary disruptions to transportation rolled out across the region: all bullet train services were suspended, and several major highways were closed to prevent accidents from aftershocks. No operating nuclear power plants are located in the affected area, and operators Hokkaido Electric Power and Tohoku Electric Power reported no anomalies at their idled facilities in the region, easing fears of a repeat of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

    Despite the initial lack of severe harm, Japanese officials have warned the public to remain on high alert in the coming week. The Japan Meteorological Agency notes that the probability of a follow-up major earthquake measuring magnitude 8 or higher has risen from the typical 0.1% to approximately 1% in the seven days after the 7.7-magnitude event. A senior government official emphasized the critical need for ongoing preparation, urging residents: “Protect your own life and take preventive measures.”

    Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active region marked by frequent volcanic and seismic activity, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth. On average, the country experiences a seismic event every five minutes, and it accounts for roughly 20% of all magnitude 6.0 or higher earthquakes recorded globally. This long history of seismic risk has shaped the country’s strict emergency preparedness protocols, which were activated within minutes of Monday’s tremor.

  • Prime Minister Pierre to present Budget statement Tuesday

    Prime Minister Pierre to present Budget statement Tuesday

    The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is preparing to table its largest ever national budget in the House of Assembly next week, marking a landmark step in the current administration’s push for inclusive national development. On April 21, 2026, the full day of formal budget proceedings will kick off at 10:00 a.m., with a Throne Speech delivered by Felix Finisterre, Deputy to the Governor General. The headline policy address will be delivered that same afternoon at 5:00 p.m. by Philip J. Pierre, who serves as both Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.

    Officials confirmed the total allocation for the 2026/27 fiscal year reaches EC$2.18 billion — a figure that surpasses all previous national budgets in the country’s modern history. In an official statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the administration framed the historic budget size as a deliberate advancement of its core agenda to expand economic opportunity, strengthen local communities across the island, and accelerate sustainable national progress.

    The policy framework is anchored in a clear governing principle, the statement notes: that all Saint Lucians deserve to tangibly experience the benefits of national economic growth. Rejecting any characterization of the budget as a purely symbolic policy document, the OPM emphasized that the spending plan is designed to deliver tangible support to ordinary residents, uplift vulnerable populations, empower motivated individuals and businesses to pursue growth, and ensure that no community or group is left behind as the country advances.

    The 2026/27 budget will build on progress achieved by the Pierre Administration over previous terms, with investments spanning grassroots community development initiatives to large-scale national infrastructure projects. Its core strategic objectives include unlocking new growth opportunities, attracting increased foreign and domestic investment, and generating new employment opportunities across all key economic sectors of the island.

    For members of the public unable to attend the parliamentary sitting, the Prime Minister’s budget address will be carried live on multiple broadcast platforms starting at 5:00 p.m. local time, including the National Television Network (NTN), Saint Lucia FM 97.3, and a range of other participating television and radio stations across the country. Following the official presentation, parliamentary debate on the Appropriations Bill — the legislation required to enact the budget into law — is scheduled to get underway at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

  • Ottos Comprehensive School Dominates National Theatre Arts Awards

    Ottos Comprehensive School Dominates National Theatre Arts Awards

    Ottos Comprehensive School has cemented its status as a leading training ground for young theatrical talent after a historic, category-topping performance at the 2024 National Theatre Arts Awards, where the institution walked away with top honors across every major segment of the competition.

    What began as another year of participation turned into a record-breaking showing for the school’s student body and faculty creative team. In performance categories, Ottos took home three of the most coveted individual awards: Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. This clean sweep of top performance honors left no question about the depth and skill of the school’s acting program, with student performers delivering standout work that impressed judges and audiences alike.

    The school’s success extended far beyond the stage, however. Its in-house creative team earned critical acclaim for their behind-the-scenes work, capturing awards for Most Outstanding Directing, Most Outstanding Original Script, and the specialized honor of Most Outstanding Teenage Script. The trio of writing and directing awards underscored the institution’s commitment to nurturing original creative voices, not just refining performance technique.

    Even technical production, a segment often overlooked in general coverage, became another area of dominance for Ottos. The school’s technical crew took home two top prizes: Most Outstanding Sound Effects and Most Outstanding Set Design, showcasing the full range of theatrical skill cultivated across the student body, from front-of-stage actors to back-of-house production teams.

    The crowning achievement of Ottos’ historic night came in the festival’s special recognition awards, where the school claimed the entire trio of Spirit of the Festival honors: the Spirit of the Festival – Drama School Award, the Spirit of the Festival – Overall Contingent Award, and the overarching, overall Spirit of the Festival Award. These awards, which honor collective contribution, community spirit, and overall impact on the festival event, highlighted how the school’s entire contingent lifted the entire competition through their work and collaboration.

    Festival organizers emphasized that this year’s event drew record participation and unprecedented levels of creativity from schools across the country, making Ottos’ sweep all the more notable. In a statement following the awards ceremony, organizers praised all participating institutions and young performers for pushing creative boundaries and delivering a week of unforgettable theatrical work. They noted that the high bar of competition seen this year bodes well for the future of youth theatre across the nation, with Ottos’ performance setting a new benchmark for what young theatrical artists can achieve.

    For Ottos Comprehensive School, the sweep of awards reinforces a long-held reputation as a national hub for young artistic development. The school’s program, which prioritizes hands-on experience across every aspect of theatrical production, has consistently produced talented artists, but this year’s showing marks one of the most dominant performances in the award’s recent history.

  • Record number of medical scholarships among $39.6 million in awards

    Record number of medical scholarships among $39.6 million in awards

    On April 10, the Government of Grenada handed out a historic round of national scholarships at an official ceremony hosted at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex in Morne Rouge, St. George, marking a major expansion of the country’s investment in future skilled workers across critical public sectors. This year’s awards included 36 scholarships earmarked specifically for medical students — a jump from the 22 medical scholarships granted in 2025, representing a deliberate policy push to strengthen the Caribbean nation’s healthcare system long-term.

    Across all disciplines, more than 39.6 million Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$) was distributed to 68 students enrolled at St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada’s leading higher education institution for medical and professional training. The funding breaks down across programs: 31.1 million EC$ for the 36 medical students, 5.1 million EC$ for 16 arts and sciences students, 2.4 million EC$ for 11 nursing students, 405,000 EC$ for four pre-medicine students, and 553,000 EC$ for one veterinary medicine student. Additional support was provided by the Grenada Houston Association (GHA), a diaspora organization that awarded 500 US dollars to five selected students, totaling 2,500 US dollars in extra aid.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who personally presented the medical scholarships, framed the expanded program as an unprecedented, intentional investment in Grenada’s future. “You have a choice of whether you stay and build Grenada or whether you go someplace else and build another country,” Mitchell told recipients. “The taxpayers would expect of us that those who benefit from the nation’s investment must, in turn, contribute to the nation’s progress.”

    Mitchell emphasized that boosting healthcare workforce capacity is a core complement to infrastructure investments aimed at improving public health outcomes across the country. “We recognise that simply building infrastructure will be insufficient, although necessary, to ensure that we pivot to making Grenada a healthier and more resilient country,” he added. While the government is preparing to introduce more flexible terms for scholarship recipients to accommodate individual circumstances, the prime minister stressed that accountability to Grenadian taxpayers and national development priorities remains non-negotiable. “We will be flexible, but we are no longer prepared to do so at the expense of taxpayers and at the expense of the development of the country,” he stated.

    Education Minister Senator David Andrew echoed this message, congratulating recipients and framing them as key partners in solving the country’s most pressing public challenges. “You are part of the solution,” Andrew said, urging students to contribute through research, community advocacy, and public service to strengthen primary healthcare and promote healthier lifestyles across Grenada.

    Andrew also acknowledged ongoing policy work to update the country’s scholarship and post-graduation bonding arrangements, noting that a key gap in current strategy has been low retention of SGU-trained medical professionals in Grenada. “The reason why we don’t have enough of the SGU-trained medical practitioners practicing in Grenada is because not enough of us — not enough of you, scholarship awardees — come back to serve. So, we are tasked with revisiting our scholarship strategy,” he explained. “We’ve discussed with you some of the things we are thinking about to make it more flexible and adaptable.”

    Elvis Morain, Permanent Secretary for Human Resources and Educational Development, commended students for earning the awards through their own hard work. “You stand here today not by accident, but by merit, discipline and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Morain told the group. “You are not simply recipients of an award; you are stewards of our nation’s hope.”

    Colin Dowe, Associate Vice President of Alumni Affairs at SGU, represented the university at the ceremony and highlighted SGU’s longstanding ties to Grenada’s development. Dowe noted that SGU has been the largest single provider of new physicians to the United States healthcare system for more than a decade, and has already trained more than 300 Grenadian physicians throughout its history.

    On behalf of all scholarship recipients, student Aime Chase expressed deep gratitude for the government and partners’ investment. “This function has highlighted the importance and magnitude of the investment that has been made, not only in the personal and professional development of each awardee, but also in the future of healthcare, science and education in Grenada,” Chase said.

    The 2026 scholarship round underscores the Grenadian government’s ongoing commitment to building domestic human capital, while working to align public education investments with long-term national development needs. Officials confirmed that policy updates to scholarship frameworks will continue moving forward to balance student support with improved retention of skilled professionals in the country.

  • Grateful Grenada launches month-long campaign to support Cuba

    Grateful Grenada launches month-long campaign to support Cuba

    A new nationwide solidarity campaign has kicked off in Grenada, inviting people from every corner of the island nation to give back to Cuba in a show of gratitude for decades of support, as the Caribbean country navigates persistent economic headwinds. Tied to the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the month-long initiative, formally named “Grateful Grenada Gives Back to Cuba,” is set to run from April 14 to May 14, 2026, and is spearheaded by a local civic coalition called Coordinators of Citizens for Cuba, led by Dr. Malachy Dottin, King’s Counsel Ruggles Ferguson, and Dr. Sonia Nixon.

    At the official launch event held at Pier 57 on April 14, lead organizer Ferguson emphasized that the campaign is far more than a simple charity drive: it is a long-overdue moral obligation rooted in 47 years of unwavering partnership between the two states. “For nearly half a century, Cuba has extended selfless support to Grenada, leaving no Grenadian untouched by that solidarity, directly or indirectly,” Ferguson noted, pointing to landmark contributions that have shaped modern Grenada. These include the construction of the country’s key infrastructure hub, Maurice Bishop International Airport, and hundreds of educational scholarships that have opened doors for generations of Grenadian students.

    Organizers designed the campaign to be accessible to all members of society, with a diverse calendar of fundraising activities spanning every parish, including the smaller island territories of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Churches have already stepped into a central coordinating role, launching targeted donation collections the weekend of April 18–19, with ongoing collection drives planned at congregations across the country every weekend for the duration of the campaign. Beyond faith groups, the trade union movement has also committed to participation, planning special donation drives during May Day celebrations in Carriacou on May 1, while unions and other civil society organizations have been encouraged to host community fundraisers ranging from breakfasts to charity luncheons.

    Two major flagship events are already on the official calendar: a fundraising dinner at the Grenada Trade Centre scheduled for May 6, followed by a solidarity concert at the same venue three days later on May 9. Additional community-led activities are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks as more local groups sign on to participate.

    Ferguson said the goal of the citizen-led initiative is not only to collect much-needed financial and material aid for Cuba, but also to build a regional movement of solidarity. “We want every Grenadian to have the chance to contribute, and to inspire civil society organizations across the OECS and the wider Caribbean to launch similar efforts,” he explained. Calling on all Grenadians to turn out for the campaign, Ferguson stressed that collective action matters far more than large individual donations. Even though Grenada is not a wealthy nation with vast resources, the people of the country owe Cuba a debt of gratitude that can be repaid through collective solidarity. The campaign’s theme encapsulates this sentiment, framing the effort as a collective expression of gratitude for Cuba’s decades of support.

    Launched as a grassroots, citizen-led undertaking, the initiative aims to mobilize contributions from every sector of Grenadian society, bridging public, private, and civic groups to stand in solidarity with Cuba amid its ongoing economic challenges.

  • Hubbard’s launches year 7 of its “Live Free for 1 Year” Promotion

    Hubbard’s launches year 7 of its “Live Free for 1 Year” Promotion

    On Friday, April 10, 2026, iconic regional retailer Hubbard’s officially kicked off its much-awaited annual consumer campaign, the “Live Free for 1 Year” promotion, during a public launch event held at the Esplanade Mall courtyard in St. George’s, Grenada.

    The energetic launch gathering attracted a bustling crowd of curious onlookers, everyday shoppers, brand collaborators, and loyal customers, all gathering to witness the debut of one of the Caribbean island’s most anticipated annual retail promotions. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the contest structure, prize offerings, and entry procedures during the public event, building widespread excitement ahead of the eight-month campaign.

    Unlike standard retail giveaways, the “Live Free for 1 Year” promotion offers participants a life-changing chance to secure 12 months of financial flexibility by covering a full suite of everyday essential goods and services. This year’s prize package covers every corner of modern daily life, from weekly groceries and vehicle fuel to home electricity bills, insurance coverage, automotive accessories, and leisure and entertainment experiences. Monthly draws will award smaller prize bundles throughout the campaign, while the year-end grand prize combines all offerings into one comprehensive, high-value package for a single lucky winner.

    The ambitious campaign is backed by a robust coalition of leading corporate partners spanning key Grenadian industry sectors. Major supporting partners include telecommunications provider Flow, energy supplier Sol Petroleum, Grenadian General Insurance Company Ltd., Grenada Bottling Company Ltd., Carib Brewery (Grenada) Ltd., Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., dairy brand Dutch Lady, and a range of other local and regional businesses including Dany, Promos, Supreme, Kreative Chef, utility provider Grenlec, Farroad Tyres, Ansa Coatings Grenada, Isuzu, Majic, Sunshine Promotions, Hubbard’s own Motor Department and Food Fair division, Torque Tyres, and resort brand Sandals Grenada.

    To enter the promotion, eligible participants first need to download the PromoConnect mobile application on either iOS or Android devices and complete registration with their personal contact information. Next, entrants must make a minimum purchase of $50 at any Hubbard’s department store or participating partner outlet, then submit their entry using a unique purchase code, QR code scan, or linked phone number. Monthly draws will be held throughout the entire campaign window, giving participants multiple opportunities to win leading up to the grand finale draw in December.

    The promotion is open to all consumers across Grenada and Carriacou, with the campaign running from its April 10 launch through December 24, 2026. Retail organizers encourage all eligible shoppers to enter for a chance to claim the ultimate prize: a full year of financial freedom with all core lifestyle expenses covered. For real-time updates on monthly draw results, additional trivia giveaways, and partner announcements, consumers can follow the campaign’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at the handle @Hubbard’s Live Free.

  • ABS accused of bias as UPP candidates cancel appearances on ‘Know Your Candidates’

    ABS accused of bias as UPP candidates cancel appearances on ‘Know Your Candidates’

    In a sharp rebuke of a public broadcaster’s election outreach initiative, Antigua and Barbuda’s main opposition bloc, the United Progressive Party (UPP), has moved to withdraw all its remaining candidates from ABS TV’s widely publicized “Know Your Candidates” program. The decision, finalized over the weekend, comes on the heels of widespread complaints from party participants and audience members, who have flagged perceived partisan bias and aggressive, confrontational conduct from the program’s host, as well as consistently negative framing in post-interview news coverage of UPP candidates’ appearances.

    Party leadership formally notified ABS TV of its withdrawal on Sunday evening, just hours before two of its remaining scheduled participants — Johnathan Joseph and Malaka Parker — were set to appear for their segments on Monday morning. Just one week prior, the UPP had agreed to the program’s terms and committed to fielding its slate of candidates for the voter education initiative. Last Friday, two UPP hopefuls, Ashworth Azille and Kelvin Simon, already completed their scheduled on-air interviews as part of the program.

    ABS TV has pushed back forcefully against the opposition’s allegations, flatly rejecting any claims of biased or tendentious reporting tied to the election program. According to the broadcaster, “Know Your Candidates” was designed as a nonpartisan voter education tool: incumbent office-holders seeking re-election are given space to defend their legislative records, while first-time challengers can outline their policy platforms to create a public benchmark for voters to reference throughout the campaign season.