Carib Scope

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  • Discover Dominica Authority launches service excellence training for 2026

    Discover Dominica Authority launches service excellence training for 2026

    In a strategic move to elevate its tourism sector, the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has partnered with Dominica State College (DSC) to launch the 2026 National Standards of Excellence (NISE) certification program. This comprehensive training series is designed to professionally equip key tourism service providers in anticipation of a significant surge in visitor arrivals, driven by upcoming infrastructure developments including a new Cable Car system and an International Airport.

    The initiative targets three critical segments of the tourism workforce: tour guides, taxi service providers, and craft and souvenir vendors. According to DDA representatives, the program’s core objectives are to enhance overall service quality, enforce regulatory compliance, and instill a culture of professionalism across the industry. The training is a cornerstone of the DDA’s broader strategy for workforce development, quality assurance, and capacity building, ensuring that every visitor receives a consistently high-caliber experience that meets established national standards.

    A detailed schedule has been released for the certification workshops. Taxi operators will undergo training during evening sessions (5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) on February 23-March 2, May 11-18, and July 13-20, 2026. Craft and souvenir vendors will have day-long sessions (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) from March 9-11. Tour guides are scheduled for day-long training on April 13-20 and September 14-21. All sessions will be conducted at the Dominica State College campus in Stock Farm, Roseau.

    Marva Williams, CEO and Director of Tourism, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, ‘As Dominica prepares for increased visitor arrivals, it is essential that our tourism service providers are properly trained, certified, and aligned with national standards. These programs place service excellence, safety, and professionalism at the center of the visitor experience.’

    Registration is now open with a fee of EC$500 for tour guides and taxi providers, and EC$300 for craft and souvenir vendors. The fee encompasses all training materials, instruction, evaluation, and the certification itself. Interested participants can obtain registration forms from the Discover Dominica Authority Office on Great Marlborough Street in Roseau. For additional information, the authority can be contacted at 255 8221 or via email at [email protected].

  • Family files wrongful death claim over prisoner’s death in custody

    Family files wrongful death claim over prisoner’s death in custody

    The family of Chinlee Robinson, a 23-year-old who died while incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison in January 2025, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the government. The legal claim, submitted to the Attorney General’s Office, accuses both prison authorities and police officials of gross negligence leading to Robinson’s tragic demise.

    Robinson was discovered deceased on January 24, 2025, merely hours after receiving bail for an alleged mobile phone theft offense. Recent testimony during a Coroner’s Inquest revealed contradictory narratives about the events preceding his death. A juvenile inmate testified about hearing a sudden scream on the night of January 23 followed by unusual silence throughout the correctional facility. The witness further described inadequate overnight supervision protocols, noting inmates remained confined to their cells from mid-afternoon without proper monitoring.

    Forensic medical analysis presented to the inquest determined the cause of death as asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deprivation, neck trauma, and subsequent cardiac failure. Family members emphasized Robinson’s excellent physical condition as an active footballer with no pre-existing health complications.

    Notably, Robinson had endured approximately five weeks in detention and was reportedly experiencing significant distress due to unexpected delays in his release caused by administrative passport complications.

    Legal representative Wendel Alexander, acting for the grieving family, has formally demanded a comprehensive homicide investigation. Law enforcement authorities have dismissed this request, with Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Cabral asserting no indications of criminal wrongdoing. Conversely, Superintendent of Prisons Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged strangulation as the probable cause of death, creating contradictory official statements.

    The civil suit seeks substantial compensation including general and punitive damages, alongside legal expenses and accrued interest, highlighting the family’s pursuit of accountability and justice.

  • Directorate of Gender Affairs Opens Nominations for International Women’s Day 2026 Spotlight Series

    Directorate of Gender Affairs Opens Nominations for International Women’s Day 2026 Spotlight Series

    The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) in Antigua and Barbuda has officially commenced its nomination process for the International Women’s Day 2026 Spotlight Series, initiating a nationwide search for exceptional female philanthropists whose transformative contributions have significantly impacted local communities.

    Aligned with the 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain,’ this initiative seeks to identify and celebrate women who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to community upliftment through selfless service and resource allocation. The program specifically targets individuals whose generosity has created tangible social improvements across the nation.

    DoGA has extended an open invitation to public members, community organizations, and institutional bodies to submit nominations for women exemplifying leadership through actionable compassion. Ideal candidates are those who consistently dedicate time, assets, and emotional support to enhance societal welfare without seeking recognition.

    The selection criteria emphasize transformative contributions in multiple domains including exceptional community service, advocacy for vulnerable populations, youth empowerment initiatives, compassionate leadership, and sustainable change creation. This recognition program forms an integral component of DoGA’s annual International Women’s Day observances, designed to illuminate the frequently overlooked contributions of women driving national development through quiet, consistent action.

    The nomination window will remain open until February 18, 2026, with submission guidelines available through DoGA’s offices at Lower Nevis Street or via telephone consultation at 1 (268) 560-5207. The Directorate emphasizes the importance of public participation in identifying deserving candidates whose altruistic efforts embody the spirit of transformative giving worthy of national acknowledgment.

  • AMPYOU Mental Health Tour to return in February

    AMPYOU Mental Health Tour to return in February

    A groundbreaking mental health initiative harnessing the therapeutic power of artistic expression is revolutionizing emotional wellness education across Saint Lucian schools. Jamaican-American choreographer and life coach Khaja J, in partnership with dancer Jamaal ‘MOX’ Bruce, has pioneered Tallawah Caribe – an organization dedicated to fostering emotional resilience through movement and creative arts.

    Founded in early 2025, the organization has launched its flagship A More Positive You (AMPYOU) Mental Health School Tour, bringing innovative psychological tools to Caribbean youth. The program represents a significant departure from conventional mental health approaches, instead employing dance, creative expression, and group activities as primary modalities for emotional development.

    Between November 14 and December 4, 2025, the initiative reached eight educational institutions including Castries Comprehensive Secondary, Corinth Secondary, and St. Mary’s College. The program’s overwhelming success has prompted an expanded second phase commencing February 2026, now incorporating teacher participation and enhanced creative components.

    “Our methodology provides practical tools for mental health management while creating safe spaces for vulnerability without judgment,” Khaja explained to St. Lucia Times. The program’s unique approach stems from her personal journey using dance to overcome life challenges, demonstrating how artistic expression can communicate experiences beyond verbal capabilities.

    Bruce emphasized the program’s broader educational value: “We’re introducing students to emotional intelligence concepts and authentic relationship-building within their communities and daily lives.”

    The initiative has gained official endorsement through collaboration with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation. The structured curriculum incorporates group discussions, trivia games, interactive Q&A sessions, creative activities, and physical exercise.

    Looking beyond Saint Lucia, Tallawah Caribe envisions regional expansion throughout the Caribbean. Khaja confirms ambitious plans to “visit countries throughout the Caribbean to implement similar programs, ensuring consistent impact across the region” where alignment with local educational objectives exists.

  • Auto body technician arrested for attempted murder in West Demerara

    Auto body technician arrested for attempted murder in West Demerara

    A 39-year-old auto body technician from La Grange, West Bank Demerara, is now in police custody following a violent attack on a 34-year-old woman that authorities are investigating as attempted murder. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at approximately 7 PM in the same village where both individuals reside.

    According to police reports, the victim was seated on her front veranda with family members when an assailant described as an unidentified masked male dressed in dark clothing forced his way into the property. The individual, reportedly armed with a handgun, launched a direct physical assault on the woman.

    The attack escalated as the victim attempted to flee to safety. Police indicate she was pursued into a neighboring yard where she was struck from behind, causing her to fall and sustain significant injuries to her head and body. During the altercation, the assailant allegedly discharged two rounds from his firearm in her direction before successfully escaping the scene.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed the discovery of a suspected 9mm spent shell at the location. Additionally, investigators have identified relevant CCTV footage in the vicinity that is currently being processed as part of the ongoing evidence collection. The victim, identified as a self-employed resident of Dr. Doctor, was transported to a private medical facility where she remains admitted for treatment of her injuries.

    The suspect was subsequently apprehended by authorities and is currently being held in connection with the attempted murder investigation. The case continues to develop as police work to establish motive and complete their evidentiary review.

  • Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Authorities in Guyana have made significant progress in a disturbing case of public violence that was captured on social media. The Guyana Police Force confirmed Wednesday that three male suspects have been taken into custody following an attempted robbery and assault incident at First Lady Park in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

    The investigation began after viral footage showed three individuals violently attacking a man at the popular recreational area. According to police statements, the victim—a 21-year-old resident of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo—came forward on Monday to identify himself as the person seen being assaulted in the circulating video.

    Police investigators established that the incident occurred when the complainant was approached while seated at the park. The trio allegedly assaulted him and attempted to steal his cellular phone. Fortunately, the victim managed to retain possession of his property despite the physical altercation.

    The breakthrough in the case came on Sunday when law enforcement officials traced the getaway vehicle, bearing license plate PGG 6502, to its registered owner in Zeelugt. This led them to a 17-year-old male suspect who subsequently cooperated with authorities in locating two additional suspects: an 18-year-old from Zeelugt and a 16-year-old from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

    Disturbing details emerged from preliminary investigations, with video evidence showing one of the assailants pulling what appeared to be a knife from his waistband during the assault. The footage also captured concerned bystanders shouting at the perpetrators to cease their attack on the victim.

    All three suspects remain in custody at Leonora Police Station along with the impounded vehicle as investigations continue. The case highlights growing concerns about youth involvement in violent crimes and the role of social media in both documenting criminal acts and assisting law enforcement efforts.

  • Enforcement of road traffic laws a priority, says Blackman

    Enforcement of road traffic laws a priority, says Blackman

    Following a morning collision in St. Thomas involving schoolchildren, former Education Minister Chad Blackman has issued a strong call for enhanced enforcement of road traffic regulations and increased accountability for student transportation providers. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, prompted emergency response from Barbados Fire Service crews to a two-vehicle collision with multiple occupants, including students en route to school.

    Authorities confirmed that while injuries were sustained, none were life-threatening, with several individuals receiving assessment and treatment directly at the scene. Investigations into the precise circumstances of the crash remain ongoing by police.

    Blackman emphasized that entities responsible for transporting students bear not merely moral but legal obligations to ensure safety standards. ‘Public service vehicles and all organizations transporting our students have a duty by law to operate in a manner that does not compromise the safety of our children or any road user,’ he stated.

    Fire officials disclosed that one vehicle was operated by a 16-year-old driver with a 13-year-old passenger. Police reports indicated that two students from a public service vehicle and two from the other vehicle were among those injured.

    The former minister identified enforcement as the pivotal element in preventing recurrences, asserting that existing legislation already provides adequate measures against road deviance and poor driving practices. ‘The law books are clear regarding how we address misconduct on the roads. What must happen now is enforcement,’ Blackman reiterated.

    He further revealed that the Ministry of Education would strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Barbados Police Service to ensure strict adherence to student transportation regulations. Blackman added that demonstrating consequences for those who disregard the law is essential, stating that ‘rule of law and order must be paramount in all of this.’

    In response to the accident, the Ministry of Educational Transformation deployed secondary school officers to support affected students. The ministry maintains communication with police and will continue monitoring the injured students’ conditions while providing necessary assistance. Police investigations continue to determine the full details surrounding the collision.

  • Families of 2 Trinidadian nationals killed in strikes sue Trump administration

    Families of 2 Trinidadian nationals killed in strikes sue Trump administration

    The United States government faces a significant legal challenge as relatives of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a military operation have initiated a lawsuit in federal court. The case concerns a U.S. strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel off the Venezuelan coast on October 14, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo.

    Legal representatives for the families filed the claim in Boston’s federal court, vehemently contesting the official narrative. One attorney characterized the incident as ‘lawless killings in cold blood; killings for sport and killings for theatre,’ suggesting a severe overreach of military authority.

    This event occurs within the context of an intensified U.S. counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Since September, American forces have struck at least 36 vessels, resulting in over 120 fatalities. The Trump administration has publicly defended these actions as necessary measures against ‘narco-terrorists’ allegedly transporting drugs that contribute to American deaths.

    However, the legal complaint challenges the very foundation of these operations. The U.S. government has positioned its campaign as a non-international armed conflict against traffickers. Prominent legal experts, cited in the filing, argue this classification may itself violate international laws governing such conflicts, particularly concerning the use of lethal force against non-combatants.

    The lawsuit was filed under the Death on the High Seas Act, a statute permitting foreign citizens to seek redress in U.S. courts for wrongful deaths occurring in international waters. The plaintiffs—Joseph’s mother and Samaroo’s sister—maintain that the two men were engaged in legitimate fishing and farm work in Venezuela and were merely returning to their home in Trinidad and Tobago when their boat was destroyed.

    Sallycar Korasingh, Joseph’s mother, articulated a powerful critique of the operation’s morality and legality, stating that if her son was suspected of wrongdoing, the appropriate response should have been arrest and due process, not execution. The core legal argument posits that the killings constitute wrongful death because the men were not participating in military hostilities against the U.S.

    The Pentagon has thus far declined to comment on the pending litigation. This case follows a similar pattern of international legal action, including a separate petition by the family of a Colombian man killed in another U.S. strike, which was recently brought before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

  • SA open three match T20 series with clinical nine-wicket victory over WI

    SA open three match T20 series with clinical nine-wicket victory over WI

    In a dominant display of cricketing prowess, South Africa delivered a crushing nine-wicket defeat to the West Indies in the opening T20I at Paarl on Tuesday. This match served as a crucial preparatory fixture for both teams ahead of the imminent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month.

    The visiting West Indies, led by stand-in captain Roston Chase in the absence of the injured Shai Hope, opted to bat first after losing the toss. Their innings never found a stable rhythm, plagued by consistent wicket losses at critical junctures. Openers Johnson Charles (13) and Brandon King (27 off 16 balls) provided a brisk start but fell in quick succession to the spin of Keshav Maharaj, leaving the score at a precarious 50/3 within the powerplay. A middle-order collapse ensued, with only a resilient 74-run sixth-wicket partnership between Shimron Hetmyer (48 off 32 balls) and Rovman Powell (29 not out) providing any significant resistance. The Caribbean side eventually posted a modest total of 173/7 from their 20 overs, a figure widely considered below par on the batting-friendly surface. South Africa’s bowling attack was spearheaded by George Linde, who returned impressive figures of 3/25.

    In response, the Proteas’ chase was nothing short of clinical. The opening duo of Lhuan-dre Pretorius (44 off 28 balls) and captain Aiden Markram launched a blistering assault, amassing 68 runs without loss in the first six overs. This explosive start effectively neutralized the game as a contest from the outset. Markram continued his magnificent form, anchoring the innings with a career-best T20I knock of 86 runs from just 47 deliveries, an innings decorated with nine fours and three sixes. He found able support from Ryan Rickelton (40 off 33 balls) as the hosts cantered to victory, reaching 176/1 with more than two overs to spare.

    Post-match, Captain Roston Chase conceded that his team’s performance was subpar, citing a significant deficit in their batting total and a lackluster bowling effort during the powerplay as the primary reasons for the heavy defeat. He remained optimistic, however, stating there was “no reason to panic” and emphasized the need for strategic improvements ahead of the second fixture. He also provided a positive update on regular skipper Shai Hope’s knee injury, indicating it was a precautionary measure and expecting his return for the next game.

  • Education Minister addresses AI use in CXC SBA’s

    Education Minister addresses AI use in CXC SBA’s

    Caribbean education systems are confronting new challenges to academic integrity as they implement digital transformation initiatives. Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education and Digital Transformation, has recognized escalating concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) utilization in Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) School-Based Assessments (SBAs). This development follows CXC’s announcement integrating both written and digital components into examinations, a modernization effort designed to equip students for a technology-centric future.

    The ministerial address highlighted the urgent necessity for policy frameworks and legislative measures to govern AI’s responsible application within educational environments. Minister Casimir emphasized that while AI presents remarkable opportunities for enhancing learning and development, its potential for misuse demands immediate protective measures. He specifically warned against permitting scenarios where students complete SBAs entirely through AI tools without facing appropriate accountability.

    Casimir characterized AI as an unavoidable transformative power that must be incorporated into human development strategies. He advocated for its responsible deployment to contribute to societal advancement while simultaneously cautioning that comprehensive legislation is essential to prevent unethical practices. Although policy discussions remain ongoing, the minister confirmed the issue would ultimately require deliberation at the Cabinet level. Rejecting fear-based decision-making, Casimir affirmed AI’s existential reality and its capacity to revolutionize education when properly harnessed, provided clear consequences for misuse are established and communicated throughout academic institutions.